Mondays are hard—these 25 dinners make them a little less painful

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Mondays are hard enough without the added stress of figuring out dinner. Whether you’re exhausted, over it, or just want something that doesn’t require much brainpower, these recipes have got you covered. We’re talking one-pan wonders, quick skillet meals, and easy dinners that won’t leave you with a pile of dishes. From hearty meatloaf to quick stir fries, these meals make Mondays a little more bearable.

Smoked gouda roast beef grilled cheese cut in half and stacked.
Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and sweet potatoes come together in this one-pan meal with Southwestern flavors. Great for when you need something hearty but don’t want to deal with a ton of dishes on a Monday.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf is juicy, tender, and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze. Great for when Monday’s been rough and you need something hearty without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These quesadillas bring together smashed white beans, kale, cheddar, and a creamy BBQ sauce. Great for a meatless Monday with zero regrets.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables

Chicken sausage and vegetables on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sausage and veggies on a single sheet pan—simple, quick, and perfect for when Monday has left you with zero energy but you still need dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baked pretzel-crusted pork chops with a maple Dijon sauce. This crunchy, flavorful meal is easy to throw together when Monday’s been a bit too much.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Smoked gouda roast beef grilled cheese cut in half and stacked.
Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roast beef and smoked gouda grilled cheese—just throw it together and pair with soup for a quick but satisfying lunch or dinner. Perfect for Monday.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Light and fresh, this lemon spinach pasta comes together in minutes. It’s a great pick when you want something quick but don’t feel like takeout.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Maple mustard chicken breasts baked with Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries. All on one sheet pan, perfect for a low-effort, high-flavor Monday night dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Chicken Lime Soup

Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.
Chicken Lime Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spicy chicken lime soup hits the spot when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to mess with noodles. Perfect way to survive a cold Monday.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans—all in one pan. A great no-brainer Monday meal when you don’t want to clean up after.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Chickpea pesto sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white plate.
Chickpea Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chickpeas and pesto make a great sandwich filling for a quick and easy vegetarian meal. Perfect for when you want something light but still filling on a Monday.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen salmon straight into the air fryer—no defrosting needed. The maple mustard sauce adds just the right touch, and it’s perfect for a no-effort Monday night.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick seasonings and a pan-sear turn this cod into the perfect Monday dinner. It’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require a lot of effort—exactly what you need.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic shrimp and bucatini tossed with cherry tomatoes in under 30 minutes. This one’s great for when you want something that feels a little fancy but easy enough for a Monday.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Mexican Vegetable Soup

Mexican vegetable soup with quinoa in a bowl.
Mexican Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Mexican veggie soup is quick, hearty, and nutritious, packed with quinoa and whatever veggies you have around. Great for a light but filling Monday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Vegetable Soup

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops, red cabbage, and apples on one pan. Minimal prep and clean-up make it perfect for hectic Mondays when you just want dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and pasta in one skillet that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for surviving a long Monday.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Honey orange chicken with sesame seeds and green beans in a white bowl.
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet, sticky honey orange sesame chicken that’s easy to throw together in minutes. Perfect for when you’re craving takeout but don’t want to leave the house.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms stir-fried together for a simple, quick dinner. Great for when you want something satisfying that doesn’t require a lot of effort after a long Monday.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, and red peppers—all cooked in one skillet. Done in 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and easy Monday night dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco-seasoned ground beef cooked up with peppers and onions in one pan. This 30-minute meal is perfect for when you need something fast and flavorful on a Monday.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables

Sheet pan tofu and vegetables with BBQ sauce on a plate.
Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Throw some BBQ tofu, broccoli, peppers, and sweet potatoes on a sheet pan and call it dinner. Perfect for when you want something easy but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick stir fry with ground beef, fresh veggies, and a garlic-ginger sauce. A great Monday night dinner that’s faster than waiting for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honey garlic chicken cooked in the slow cooker with a sticky, sweet sauce. Perfect for when you’ve got no time and want dinner ready by the time you get home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kung Pao flavors with a plant-based twist. This chickpea version gives you the same bold sauce, making Monday dinner more interesting without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

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