Get ready to brag about these 24 almost suspiciously easy dinners

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Easy dinners are about to become your new bragging rights. We’ve got 24 recipes that are so straightforward, you might just surprise yourself with how good they turn out. These dishes are the kind you’ll want to share with everyone, and they’re almost suspiciously simple to make. Each one is crafted to make sure that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get ready for Reuben Bowls, the kind of easy that might make you think you missed a step, but nope, it’s just that simple. We’re talking 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll brown some corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, stir in some sauerkraut, melt Swiss cheese on top, and drizzle with your choice of Thousand Island dressing. Great for a last-minute dinner, these bowls are all about big flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is great for dinners that are almost too easy to be true. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a breeze to make. You just need elbow macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. These ingredients are probably already in your pantry. You can switch things up by trying different mustards or swapping mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream. It’s always a hit for quick gatherings, and you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for an easy and delicious dinner. In under an hour, you’ll have a dish with layers of tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn topped with melted cheese and baked until bubbling. The cheese melts perfectly, and the tater tots get crispy. This recipe is great for quick dinners and can be made ahead and frozen for meal planners. Its convenience and taste make it a weeknight favorite, and you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your go-to for a simple and hearty dinner in just 25 minutes. Coat the pork chops in mayonnaise and a breading and spice mix of paprika, onion powder, and thyme, then bake until golden. This method makes sure the meat is flavorful, moist, and crispy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish feels gourmet while being straightforward. You’ll love how easy it is and wonder how it’s not too good to be true. While the chops bake, you can start relaxing already.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for a quick 30-minute meal. Toss sausages, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli on a sheet pan and bake until caramelized for that sweet and robust flavor combo. This one-pan wonder is easy to prepare and clean up, great for nights when you need a nutritious meal fast. The roasted vegetables and sausages create a full-flavored dinner with minimal effort. You’ll be surprised by how effortless it is and wonder how it’s not too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is great for nights when you want something easy yet filling. In just 25 minutes, you can mix pre-cooked chicken with romaine, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing to whip up a quick and filling meal. The fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing make it a favorite for busy evenings when you need a fast but delicious dish. It’s an awesome choice for anyone looking for a hearty salad that’s super simple to make. You’ll wonder how such a great meal is so easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole makes dinner stress-free and filling. It combines canned tuna, egg noodles, peas, and milk topped with breadcrumbs and cheese, then baked to perfection. Ready in under an hour, this dish is great for those wanting a comforting meal with minimal prep. It’s a smart choice for cutting down kitchen time while enjoying a family-friendly dinner. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make yet serves an impressive dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Baked Ravioli

A baked cheese dish with a spoon, garnished with herbs in a white ceramic dish.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is perfect for anyone wanting a hearty meal with little effort. Use frozen cheese ravioli, cover with marinara sauce, add more cheese, and bake until bubbly. Reminiscent of lasagna, the layers of marinara sauce and a mix of melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a hearty, flavorful meal that’s ready in just one hour. Great for novice cooks or those short on prep time, just assemble and bake for a comforting dinner. You’ll be stunned by its simplicity and think it’s too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings simplicity and flavor to dinner. This dish captures the essence of traditional stuffed bell peppers but simplifies the process by turning it into a casserole. It layers rice, ground beef, bell peppers, and cheese, seasoned with cumin and paprika for extra taste. Just assemble and bake, making it a lifesaver on busy nights. It delivers a filling meal with less cleanup, giving you more downtime. You’ll find it surprisingly easy to make and wonder how this recipe is real.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a top pick for those who want a quick, delicious dinner without much hassle. Mix chicken, spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese, then bake for 30 minutes to get a creamy, cheesy dish ready in no time. The flavors come together perfectly, making it a hit for any weeknight meal. This bake is great for those who need a delicious meal fast without spending too much time in the kitchen. You’ll love how easy and flavorful this dish is, making it feel special without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a great go-to for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal effort. Toss split peas, carrots, and ham into the slow cooker in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have a rich, hearty soup ready to eat. This soup is perfect for cold nights when you want something comforting and filling without a lot of prep. It’s an easy way to enjoy a homemade meal, with the slow cooker doing all the work. You’ll be amazed at how such an amazing meal can be so simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for those nights when you need a quick, hearty meal. Steam broccoli and cauliflower, mix with bacon and a creamy cheese sauce and bake for 30 minutes to get a delicious, veggie-packed dish. This casserole brings together vegetables with the rich taste of bacon and cheese, making it a hit even on the busiest nights. It’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours cooking. You’ll find it hard to believe how quick and simple this dish is.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is the perfect choice for nights when you need a quick, no-stress dinner. In just 25 minutes, sauté cabbage with cooked sausage for a meal that’s hearty and straightforward. The combination of flavorful sausage and tender cabbage makes this dish a go-to for busy evenings when you want something simple but filling. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, making it great for those looking for a fast dinner solution. You’ll be surprised at how effortless it is to whip up this delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is perfect for nights when you want a comforting, easy-to-make dinner. Steam broccoli, mix it with cream of mushroom soup, eggs, and sour cream, top with cheese and crackers, and bake until golden and bubbly. This dish is a simple way to add more vegetables to your dinner without spending a lot of time cooking. It’s great for those evenings when you want something comforting and easy to prepare. You’ll wonder how such a simple dish can taste so good and be so easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is perfect for a no-stress dinner that still packs a punch with spicy jalapeños and a creamy dressing. It combines tender chicken breast with crispy bacon, charred jalapeños, and a creamy mix of mayonnaise and hot sauce. This new version of the traditional chicken salad makes for a flavorful meal option that’s great for keeping dinner easy yet interesting. With minimal prep and bold flavors, it’s hard to believe dinner can be this simple and mouthwatering.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is great for making dinner quick and delicious. It combines ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, creating a dish that’s low on carbs and keto-friendly. The creamy texture comes from the addition of cream cheese and heavy cream, plus tomato paste, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet meal simplifies dinner and keeps cleanup fast. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a filling meal fast but don’t want to deal with a messy kitchen afterward.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are perfect for a quick, budget-friendly dinner. Made with canned chicken, Parmesan cheese, sunflower seed meal, and spices, these patties are pan-fried in avocado oil to a golden finish. They come together in about 20 minutes, making them a great choice for busy nights. Enjoy them on their own or serve them with veggies or a salad for a light, no-stress meal that’s easy to whip up and hard to beat for simplicity and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is perfect for an easy, comforting meal. In just 40 minutes, cooked chicken, chicken broth, cheese tortellini, and fresh carrots, celery and onions come together to create a hearty soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. With just one pot to clean, it’s great for cold evenings, or anytime you want a simple meal that adds warmth to the table without much prep work. This soup is so easy and flavorful that you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is perfect for an easy, filling dinner. Seasoned ground beef is mixed with cauliflower rice and spinach and topped with melted cheese. It’s baked until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a complete meal that’s simple to make and great for busy nights when you need something quick but filling. It’s so straightforward and delicious that you’ll find it hard to believe dinner can be this easy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is great for those who want a flavorful meal without stress. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce that’s rich and tangy. The whole meal is ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The recipe serves a balance of flavors with the tanginess of Dijon mustard and the richness of cream and cheese. Pair it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce for a meal that feels gourmet with minimal effort. This dish is so easy and delicious, you’ll wonder if it’s too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a great pick for nights when you want something special but super easy. You can whip this up in just 25 minutes for a quick dinner with a touch of Italy. It features shrimp in a garlic sauce with fresh grape tomatoes and spinach. Flavored with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, it’s a colorful dish that’s simple yet impressive. This one-pan meal saves you time and cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a great meal without the hassle. It’s so easy you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is perfect for nights when you need a quick and easy dinner that still feels fancy. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a rich garlic sauce. The chicken turns out tender and full of flavor, making it a hearty meal. Pair it with veggies or a salad for a complete meal that’s quick and easy. This is a stress-free way to enjoy a dinner that seems like it took a lot of effort. You’ll love how simple it is while delivering a great taste that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is a top choice when you want to add some flair to your weeknight meals without much effort. Ready in just 30 minutes, this curry combines sausages, sweet potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful Indian-inspired sauce. With curry powder, ginger, tomatoes, and coconut aminos, it’s a hearty curry that’s full of big flavors. Serve it with naan or rice for a meal that’s easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s a stress-free dinner option that feels like a special treat. You’ll find it so easy you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is great for nights when you want a quick meal that feels like a treat. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s seasoned chicken baked with sweet peppers and mozzarella cheese. This dish is awesome in tortillas or with your choice of side. It’s perfect for nights when you need a quick meal that’s both easy and filling. The simple prep and cooking process means you get more time to relax, making it a great way to end a busy day. It’s so straightforward you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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