If you dread cooking, get ready for a game-changer. These 20 dinners are all about making your time in the kitchen a breeze while still getting a great meal on the table. We’re talking about simple steps, common ingredients, and clear instructions that make these meals perfect for anyone looking to avoid the usual stress of cooking. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a crowd, these recipes are designed to make you rethink your relationship with cooking.
Cabbage and Sausage
This cabbage and sausage skillet is a lifesaver when you need dinner fast. Just chop, sauté, and in 25 minutes, dinner is served. It’s the straightforward choice for those times cooking feels like the last thing you want to do. And cleanup is a snap with just one skillet needed. Want to mix it up? Try different kinds of sausage. This dish is your shortcut to less kitchen time and more downtime. For a complete meal, consider serving this skillet with a simple side salad or over a bed of fluffy rice.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in 20 minutes flat with just a skillet. You only need chicken, butter, and garlic. Have them with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a full meal. It’s a solid pick on those nights when cooking is just too much. And you can change up the seasonings anytime. This recipe is perfect for enjoying a homemade meal without spending all night in the kitchen. Try serving these bites with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like honey mustard for a fun, casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
If cooking feels like a chore, this sheet pan dinner will change your mind. Throw sausages and your favorite veggies, think bell peppers and zucchini, onto a pan. Season them, and then let the oven take over for 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you’re not up for much but still want a great meal. And the best part? Only one pan to clean. Throw in some Brussels sprouts for an extra dose of nutrients. Serve it straight from the pan for an even simpler cleanup, and maybe add a side of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
When you’re aiming for simple, this casserole is a winner. Combine bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and cheese, bake it, and in 45 minutes, you’ve got yourself a hearty meal without standing by the stove. Why not add a creamy cucumber salad on the side for a complete dish? This meal is fantastic for an easy evening with less to clean up. It’s all about getting you a great dinner with minimal effort. A dollop of sour cream on top before serving adds a creamy texture that complements the dish beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Chicken Tortellini Soup
If you dread cooking, this Chicken Tortellini Soup is your new best friend. It’s all done in one pot and ready in 40 minutes flat. It’s the perfect pick for a quick, hearty dinner after a long day. Serve it with some slices of bread or croutons on top.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
White Bean Soup
For anyone who’s not into cooking, this White Bean Soup is a total win. It’s a one-pot deal, done in 40 minutes, and it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies and fiber without doing too much extra work.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Get this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole in the oven in no time using just a few pantry items like egg noodles, canned tuna, and cheddar cheese. Mix, bake, and it’s ready to eat. It’s the stress-free option that leaves you with leftovers for another day. No tuna? Canned chicken works great too. This meal is about making your life easier, giving you more time to relax after a packed day. To round off the meal, serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables for some added freshness and color.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Don’t like cooking? No problem. This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is as easy as it gets. Just throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. Whether you’re out and about or just chilling at home, you’ll come back to a pot full of this great soup. Plus, it yields quite a bit of soup, so you’ll have leftovers all set for tomorrow, too.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This 30-minute, one-pan Creamy Garlic Chicken feels like a luxury without the effort. You just need chicken breasts, garlic, cream, and Parmesan for a rich and creamy dish. Looks like you’ve spent all day cooking when it’s really been a breeze. Great for a fancy yet easy dinner. It’s the perfect pick-me-up meal without the hassle of bringing the comfort of a restaurant right to your home. Serve this creamy chicken over pasta or rice for a complete, filling meal. For something different, add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Press the easy button for dinner with the Spinach Chicken Bake. Marinate the chicken, mix it with spinach and cheese, then bake. In 30 minutes, you have a dish that’s great in protein and low in carbs. It’s a great choice for anyone keeping an eye on carbs. This creamy, cheesy bake will likely become your favorite, especially since it’s a clever way to include greens without extra work. A side of garlic bread goes well with this bake, making it even more irresistible. Try swapping spinach for kale or adding artichokes for more variety.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Make dinner easy with the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and includes bacon, ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for adding comfort to your dinner while keeping it healthy. This casserole is a great pick for a hearty meal with minimal effort, giving you more time to relax. A crisp green salad on the side complements the creamy texture of the casserole beautifully. Feel free to mix in different veggies or top with a crunchy breadcrumb layer for a change.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Let the Crock Pot Taco Soup be your savior on days you can’t decide what to cook. With just 20 minutes of prep and simple ingredients like ground beef and cream cheese, it keeps things low-carb and gluten-free. It’s the essence of laid-back cooking, toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Perfect for a chill meal that’s easy to adjust to your liking. Top with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for an extra delicious touch. For those not watching their carbs, you can add black beans or corn.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
The 30-minute Fajita Baked Chicken dish is all about flavor with little work. Seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers come together under melted mozzarella. It’s a stress-free meal for busy nights but still packs a punch. Swap in any veggies you have to keep it fresh. This dish turns dinner into a flavorful escape, and adding a side of rice or tortillas makes it a feast. You can easily substitute the chicken for beef strips or shrimp for a different taste.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Broccoli Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole is your shortcut to a veggie-packed meal, ready in just 50 minutes. It combines broccoli, cheese, and pantry staples for a simple yet delicious dish. It’s versatile, allowing you to add rice or chicken for a more substantial meal. This casserole is the definition of stress-free cooking, perfect for a nutritious dinner. Serve it alongside a light soup for a meal that’s both comforting and filling. For those looking to mix it up, quinoa or diced ham is great for adding protein and changing the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fry up some cabbage and bacon for a quick and savory meal that’s ready in about 25 minutes. This one-pan wonder is not only filling and packed with flavor but also good for those hectic evenings. You can enjoy it on its own for a hearty dish or pair it with mashed potatoes for an extra layer of comfort. To enhance the taste, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of sugar, balancing the savory notes beautifully. It’s a fantastic way to make dinner without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken Corn Soup
Get a pot of Chicken Corn Soup simmering in under an hour for a comforting and creamy meal. This recipe requires minimal ingredients like chicken, corn, and veggies, making it straightforward with an easy cleanup. Serving this soup with crusty bread on the side turns it into a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. If you’re in the mood for something even more filling, add some potatoes or try out different veggies depending on the season. This soup is a cozy, comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup is ready in 30 minutes, combining Italian sausage with cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream for a comforting bowl. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for chilly evenings. Serve with a slice of garlic bread for dipping and cleaning up every last bit. To mix it up, add some spinach or kale for extra greens or use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick, flavorful dish ready in 30 minutes. With cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, it’s easy and perfect for leftovers. Lighten it with lean beef and low-fat cheese if you’re watching calories. It’s a weeknight hero, best enjoyed with a simple side salad. For a different spin, try adding different spices or a splash of red wine for some added depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Get the Cheesy Beef Casserole on the table in 30 minutes. It’s a filling with beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese that’s easy to make. This one-skillet meal is comforting and customizable, making it a solid choice for a no-stress dinner. Veggie swaps are easy, so use what you like. Perfect for anyone looking to whip up a balanced meal without having to wash a pile of dishes afterward.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a creamy, comforting blend that’s ready in about an hour. It’s a one-pot recipe, making cleanup super easy. Great for cold nights when you want something warming but quick to make. It’s pretty flexible, so adjust the spices as you like. On days when you need comfort without the complication, this soup hits the spot. Adding coconut milk instead of cream can give it an exotic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup