When you’re dragging yourself through the door after a marathon of a day, the last thing you want is to face a complicated recipe. Easy dinners? Now, that’s more like it! These 17 lifesavers are exactly what you need when your tank is on E and your stomach is growling. So, ditch the stress and keep your evening chill with meals that are perfect for those times you can barely muster the energy to eat, let alone cook.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a great choice when you’re too tired to cook but still want a nice meal. They feature bite-sized pieces of juicy, tender chicken cooked and then smothered in a buttery garlic sauce. They’re perfect as a main dish and can be prepared on the stovetop in just 20 minutes. Garnishing with fresh lemon juice and parsley before serving makes them even better. Plus, they stay good in the fridge for up to three days. This means more downtime for you and less time worrying about meals during a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect for when you want a good meal without a lot of work. They take just 25 minutes to make. The pork chops are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mix after being lightly covered in mayonnaise, which helps to keep them moist and ensures the crumbs stick effectively. The chops are then baked in the oven until they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Pair them with a salad or rice for a full, comforting meal. This recipe lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time to unwind. Less cleanup and simple steps ensure you can relax sooner rather than later.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is your go-to for a stress-free evening. It’s easy to make and fills everyone up. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with protein while being low in carbs. The main components include ground beef, cauliflower rice, fresh spinach, and a generous topping of cheddar cheese, which melts into a golden, bubbly layer during baking. It’s a great way to add veggies to your meal without a lot of work. This dish is a timesaver, cutting down on both prep and cooking time, which is priceless on a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Shawarma Kebabs
Shawarma Kebabs are easy to make and perfect for when you don’t have the energy to cook but still crave something good. These kebabs are made with chicken breast cubes marinated in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and other spices, to yield a bold, savory flavor with a hint of citrus. The chicken is then skewered and baked, serving a lighter alternative to the traditional method of grilling or frying. A bit of tzatziki or feta cheese can make them even more special. Quick to make, these kebabs are a great way to change up your dinner routine and make your evening more about relaxation than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs
Chicken Tortellini Soup
On days when cooking feels like too much, Chicken Tortellini Soup is there for you. It’s easy to make and hearty enough to fill you up. This one-pot recipe combines shredded chicken with cheese tortellini, all simmered in a rich broth seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a little warmth. Carrots, celery, and garlic add depth and nutrition to the soup, making it both filling and flavorful. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, and a piece of crusty bread goes great with it. This soup brings comfort and convenience, soothing you on chilly evenings and reducing kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
When you’re just too tired to cook, Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great go-to. Just mix ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings in a pan, add slices of bell peppers and cheese, and bake. It’s an easy recipe that’s good for a chill night in. Feel free to swap the rice for quinoa or toss in some black beans for flavor and texture. This casserole will last for days in the fridge and goes well with a simple side salad. Plus, assembling it ahead of time means you can relax more on those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for nights when you’re exhausted but still need a filling meal. It’s all about tossing frozen broccoli and cauliflower in a cheesy cream sauce with crispy bacon and green onions. It’s simple to whip up and a smart choice for getting more veggies in your diet. Freeze any leftovers for a ready meal the next day. Serve alongside your choice of protein. This dish is a lifesaver on evenings when you’re too drained to cook from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
For an easy and quick dinner, try the Spinach Chicken Bake. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it a practical choice for family dinners. This casserole combines chicken thighs with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, creating a rich and creamy texture. The chicken is first marinated in spices and avocado oil to enhance its flavor before being layered with cream cheese and spinach and then topped with mozzarella. It’s a great way to pack in the nutrients without the stress, helping you keep dinner healthy and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fajita Baked Chicken
For a dinner that’s both quick and great when you’re totally beat, try Fajita Baked Chicken. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish consists of chicken breasts that are first soaked in salt water to keep them juicy and then seasoned with chili powder, paprika, cumin, and other spices for a rich flavor. They’re baked with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella, all seasoned with fajita spices. It’s perfect for relaxing nights with minimal cleanup. The simple prep means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time unwinding.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Baked Ravioli
If you’re wiped out but craving something good, Baked Ravioli is the answer. It’s as easy as layering frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese, then letting the oven handle the rest. In about an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal that didn’t take much effort, perfect for those low-energy evenings. This dish allows you to enjoy a comforting meal without the exhaustion of extensive cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is your quick fix for a complete meal in just 30 minutes. This dish is straightforward, using ground beef and cauliflower rice, topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs for extra flavor. It’s quick to cook and even quicker to clean up, making your night smoother and giving you more time to relax. It’s the perfect option for ending a hectic day with a filling meal without all the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is quick, easy, and fills you up right. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this one-pan dish is a solid choice when you’re too tired to do much but still want a savory meal. It’s a simple mix of cabbage and smoked sausage that cooks into something really flavorful. Serve it as is or over rice or mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly, making your evening a little easier.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
In just 30 minutes, whip up this hearty soup that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the richness of cream cheese and heavy whipping cream, complemented by the acidity of canned tomatoes. The dish is also seasoned with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, enhancing its robust taste. It’s great for a quick dinner to fill you up and simple to reheat for another meal that cuts down your time in the kitchen, giving you more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This quick 30-minute meal features boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then cooked to perfection and topped with a rich mushroom sauce. The sauce includes ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful addition to the succulent chicken. It’s great for those nights when you’re too tired but still want something good. It goes well with pasta or mashed potatoes and stays fresh for leftovers. It’s also a straightforward recipe that reduces cleanup, making your evening routine smoother.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This creamy soup, ready in about an hour, uses leftover veggies like sweet potatoes and red peppers. It combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the mild, slightly tangy flavor of red bell peppers, enhanced by spices such as cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Just roast the veggies, blend them with broth, and you have a hearty soup. It’s a stress-free meal for when you’re wiped out. This one-pot dish means fewer dishes to wash, helping you wind down faster after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This dish is simple and quick, and combines shrimp with tomatoes and fresh spinach, all cooked in a rich, dairy-free garlic sauce. Smoked paprika and a bit of red pepper flakes give the dish a slightly spicy touch, which complements the garlic and Italian seasoning used on the shrimp and veggies. It’s ready in no time and perfect with steamed pasta, cauliflower rice, or other steamed veggies. It’s the right choice for those nights when you want something good without too much work. It’s also light yet filling, leaving you satisfied without feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Canned Chicken Patties
These chicken patties are super easy to make and can be enjoyed by themselves, with steamed broccoli, or as a sandwich with mayo. The patties are made from canned chicken and mixed with eggs, grated Parmesan, ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour, and various spices. They’re cooked until they’re golden and crispy. Great for those evenings when cooking is the last thing you want to do. They also freeze well for future no-effort meals. Having these patties on hand means a quick protein option is always ready, reducing mealtime stress.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties