27 meals that are easier to make than finding your remote

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Meals that are easier to make than finding your remote? Yes, please. We’ve all been there — tearing apart couch cushions, flipping over furniture, and questioning life choices just to switch the channel. Instead of embarking on that epic quest, why not whip up something that takes less effort and delivers great results?

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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.

Throw zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, and sausages in a pan, bake for about 30 minutes, and dinner is ready. This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner makes cooking as simple as pressing a button on your remote. It’s a convenient and flavorsome meal perfect for busy weeknights. The dish is all done in one pan, which means less washing up and more relaxing. The fresh veggies and juicy sausages make a flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Cooking at home just got easier than programming your DVR.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

Quick and easy, Reuben Bowls come together in just 30 minutes, the perfect quick dinner or an easy lunch prep option. Start with corned beef, add coleslaw or shredded cabbage, mix in sauerkraut, and top with Swiss cheese. It’s simpler than figuring out a new gadget and tastes great too. Each bite gives you a great balance of meaty, creamy, and tangy flavors, making it a perfect pick-me-up after a long day. This meal is a smart choice for anyone looking to spend more time eating and less time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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 shortcut to a great dinner. The recipe is a quick and convenient way to prepare pork chops with a crispy, flavorful crust. Just coat them, pop them in the oven, and in 25 minutes, you’re eating. There’s no need for frying or extensive prep. It’s easier than updating your gadgets and more rewarding. The crispy outside and juicy inside make each chop a hit at any table. Perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that feels home-cooked without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Baked Ravioli

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.

Baked Ravioli is perfect for those evenings when you want a good meal without much effort. Just layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and extra cheese and bake for about an hour. The result is a dish with rich flavors of cheese and tomato, making for a comforting and filling meal. It requires minimal preparation and cleanup, saving time and reducing kitchen stress. This dish is perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends, serving a delicious meal that makes home cooking simple and rewarding. No need to worry about cooking skills or timing—it’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is what you make when you want dinner without the effort. Just mix some elbow macaroni, canned tuna, mustard, and mayo — that’s it. It’s great for those nights when even ordering takeout seems too much. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is a practical option for a delicious meal that keeps preparation and cleanup simple. It’s also designed to be prepared in advance, making it a useful option for busy schedules. Serve chilled for a refreshing meal or side dish. Perfect for last-minute dinners or when you need a break from the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 20 minutes, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready to go. They’re the perfect quick meal option that packs a lot of flavor into small, juicy chicken pieces. Cut chicken, cook it, mix it with garlic butter, and that’s your dinner sorted. The chicken is succulent, and the garlic butter adds a rich, flavorful coating that’s hard to resist. It is quick to make, great to eat, and easier than untangling your earphones. This recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something quick yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole gets you a comforting meal without the work. Mix wide egg noodles, canned tuna, and peas in a creamy sauce made from scratch with butter, flour, and milk, top with breadcrumbs, bake, and relax. This dish combines the flavors of creamy cheese, tender noodles, and hearty tuna for a comfort food experience that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those times when you’d rather chill than cook. This casserole is a reliable way to feed your family with minimal effort and is great for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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 a simple mix of broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon that bakes into a hearty meal in about 30 minutes. This casserole is a great solution for those busy nights when you need something quick yet delicious. The melted cheese and crispy bacon add a richness that complements the fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal on a busy evening. This dish shows you can have a filling meal without much prep or cleanup, helping you have more nighttime downtime.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

With Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, layer everything in a dish and bake. It’s as easy as skipping ads on your DVR. The combination of crispy tater tots, creamy chicken mixture, and melty cheese is perfect for a casual family dinner. Ready in less than an hour, it’s great for a laid-back evening. The dish is designed for simplicity and convenience, using mostly pantry staples and frozen ingredients to minimize prep time and cleanup. Minimal effort, great flavors, and a meal that comes together almost alone make this a go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot 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 a straightforward dish that combines the hearty flavors of sausage with the soft texture of cooked cabbage. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is seasoned with basic spices to keep things simple yet flavorful. It’s great for those who want to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying their meal. Cleanup is minimal, so it’s perfect for a no-stress evening. This recipe can help turn a hectic night into a relaxing dinner experience, especially when you want to minimize kitchen duties.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is a go-to for an effortless and hearty dinner. It combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, and spinach, all baked in 30 minutes. The chicken is juicy and well-flavored with herbs and garlic, while the spinach adds a fresh touch. This casserole is easy to assemble, making it a great choice for busy or tiring days. It’s a practical solution showing that homemade meals can be straightforward and still bring comfort and taste. This dish is a filling meal that keeps kitchen time short and stress low.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and a good amount of cheese for a delicious bake. This dish is simple to prepare, relieving the stress of dinner time. The combination of beef and cheese gives a hearty base, while the cauliflower rice and spinach deliciously introduce some greens. Baking this casserole is straightforward, resulting in a comforting dish that feels like a treat without much effort. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a full meal that’s easy to make and clean up.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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 you all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but makes the preparation much easier. Ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese are mixed and baked together, creating a hearty and filling dish ready in just 45 minutes. This casserole saves time and effort, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy a robust meal with minimal preparation, making managing time easier and still serving a great dinner at home. This dish is great for those seeking comfort food without the long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup is a quick, hearty meal perfect for those who need something good but easy. In just 30 minutes, this soup combines the rich flavors of browned sausage with tomatoes, onions, and cream. It’s a comforting soup perfect for cold nights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients can create a flavorful and rewarding dinner, making it perfect for busy evenings. It’s a straightforward dish that brings great taste and comfort with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combining sweet and spicy flavors, this one is great for a quick dinner or a weekend cookout. Ready in 40 minutes, you make a hot honey sauce, marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes, then grill it, brushing with extra sauce in the last few minutes. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week, or you can marinate the chicken in advance. The chicken stays juicy and is perfect for leftovers or packed lunches.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is a great choice for a busy day. Just load the slow cooker with beef, tomatoes, cheese, cream, and taco seasoning, and let it do the work. After about 20 minutes of prep, you can leave it to simmer, blending the flavors into a comforting and hearty soup. This dish reduces active cooking time, allowing you to focus on other tasks or relax. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone looking to cut down on kitchen work but still enjoy a flavorful and delicious meal at the end of the day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup combines white beans, carrots, celery, spinach, and croutons in a single pot for a meal in just 40 minutes. It’s a perfect choice for a quick, hearty dinner that’s easier than figuring out your remote control. This soup has a comforting taste with fresh veggies and creamy beans, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in a rush but still want something nourishing. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This soup will make your busy life a bit easier, letting you relax more in the evenings.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

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.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is an effortless dish combining pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing in only 25 minutes. It’s perfect for those days when you’re pressed for time but still want a great and delicious meal. The creamy dressing, tender chicken, and hearty pasta combine for a good experience that doesn’t require much effort. It’s a great choice for a no-stress lunch or dinner, especially when you’re too tired to cook but still want to eat well. This salad is about making your life simpler and your dinners stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is the go-to meal for adding a bit of spice to your dinner routine. Ready in just a few minutes, this dish mixes cream cheese, chicken, bacon, and jalapeños for a cool, spicy salad. It’s great for those evenings when cooking feels like too much work, but you still want a meal with a kick. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for relaxing after a long day. The jalapeños and creamy texture make it a good choice that’s simple and quick, perfect for nights when even ordering takeout seems too complicated.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Ground meat dish topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick 30-minute meal that combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. It’s a hearty dish that makes dinner easy and relaxing. The cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option that doesn’t compromise taste. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re looking for a comforting meal that won’t take all night to make. This skillet dish is a straightforward way to feed your family a delicious dinner that keeps preparation and cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a straightforward dish that lets you enjoy a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce with sautéed chicken breasts. It’s ready in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something filling and great. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a meal that seems like you’ve spent much more time on it. This dish is great when you have guests over or want a quiet night without the hassle of complex cooking. It simplifies your evening while still giving you a meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Big Mac Salad transforms your meal into a fun and quick dining experience, combining all the classic Big Mac flavors — ground beef, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, and a special sauce. It’s ready in minutes and is perfect for those nights when you need something fast and filling without the extra steps. This salad lets you enjoy the taste of fast food with a healthier side without leaving your home. It’s a great way to make dinner exciting and easy. You’re guaranteed to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

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 no-stress meal that cooks while you handle your day. Just load up the slow cooker with split peas, carrots, celery, and ham, set it in the morning, and return home to a rich, flavorful soup. Perfect for cold days or busy weeknights, this soup requires minimal prep and gives a comforting meal at the end of the day. It’s a great choice for those needing a hands-off dinner approach. It makes your life easier by cooking itself, saving you the hassle and giving you more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a quick, hearty meal perfect for busy families. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pot wonder combines shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and a mix of vegetables in a rich broth. It’s great for a straightforward, filling dinner that requires little cleanup, leaving you more time to spend with your family or on yourself. This soup is easy to make and gives a comforting meal that’s ready almost as quickly as you can set the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken combines chicken seasoned with fajita spices, cream cheese, and mozzarella, all baked together for an easy, flavorful meal. Prep time is minimal—just 10 minutes to assemble and 30 minutes in the oven. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you’re tired of your work and need a good dinner without the hassle. It’s also great for impressing guests with minimal effort. This baked chicken gives a flavorful escape from routine dinners and is as easy as popping something in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is a simple, hearty dish that combines tender broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a crunchy layer of crushed crackers. It cooks in about 50 minutes and is perfect for those who want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This casserole is particularly good for family dinners where you want to impress without too much effort. It’s easy to prepare and gives a filling, flavorful dinner that breezes weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties are a fast and practical dinner option, ready in just 20 minutes. These patties are made from canned chicken mixed with eggs, Parmesan, almond flour, and a hint of garlic and paprika, creating a convenient and good meal. They’re perfect for last-minute dinners and reduce the stress of meal planning. These chicken patties are a great way to enjoy a homemade meal that’s both quick to prepare and makes your evenings less hectic.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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