17 really easy dinners for nights you’re absolutely exhausted

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When you’re completely wiped out, and cooking feels like a chore, these 17 really easy dinners are a lifesaver. Think about those evenings when even the thought of standing at the stove is too much. That’s when you need recipes that are straightforward, quick to throw together, and still manage to hit the spot.

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a great pick for nights when you’re absolutely exhausted but still need to get something on the table. It’s perfect for when you want something a little different without spending too much time in the kitchen. Throw it together with some rice or veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal that breaks the usual routine. Toss in some parmesan and herbs before serving to make it even better. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy them for lunch the next day. This quick and easy meal will become a go-to favorite, saving you time and energy on those nights when cooking feels like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 a great choice for nights when you’re absolutely exhausted but still want crispy, flavorful pork chops without the hassle of frying. This family favorite is extra easy to make and comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and some steamed veggies for a classic, comforting dinner that everyone will love. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, giving you more time to relax and unwind after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake has your back on those nights when you’re too tired to stress over dinner. It only takes 30 minutes to get it on the table with simple ingredients like chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. It’s a great way to change up your dinner routine without any extra work. Quick, easy, and you end up with something a bit different. Try adding mushrooms for a new flavor. Serve with a side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. With this recipe, you can have a nutritious and delicious dinner on the table in no time, even on your most exhausting days.
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.

A hearty casserole that combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese for a quick and easy dinner that’s comforting and nutritious. Serve with garlic bread for a filling meal that will fill up everyone at the table. Add roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Perfect for exhausted evenings, as it’s stress-free to make and delivers a comforting meal for the whole family. This casserole is also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing, making it a win-win for both taste and health.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These easy and delicious kebabs are great for nights when you’re too worn out to cook but still want something flavorful and filling. Serve with fluffy couscous or a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing meal. Add a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce or a sprinkle of tangy feta cheese. These shawarma kebabs are a great way to break out of your dinner rut and try something new without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is here for those days when even thinking about dinner feels like too much. It’s hearty, easy, and perfect for filling you up on those exhausting nights. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze. Feel free to swap the tortellini for ravioli or add some spinach for an extra veggie punch. This soup stores well, lasting up to 4 days in the fridge or a couple of months in the freezer. A crusty piece of bread makes the perfect side for this comforting soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

When you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to put in the effort, Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is the way to go. It’s like getting all the good parts of stuffed peppers, but easier. Just mix together ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings in a pan, top with sliced bell peppers and cheese, then cook. It’s great for a relaxed dinner at home without the extra work. For a different take, try using quinoa instead of rice, or mix in some black beans for added protein. This casserole keeps well in the fridge, tasting just as good for up to 4 days. Serve with a simple side salad for a complete meal that satisfies your comfort food cravings without the hard work.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking pan.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a filling meal ASAP, Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole has your back. Frozen broccoli and cauliflower, a cheesy cream sauce, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions come together in a smart way to help you eat more veggies when you’re wiped out. Freeze the leftovers for another time or pack them for an easy lunch. This casserole is awesome with a crisp salad or your favorite grilled meat for a full meal. On nights when you can barely function, this dish is a hassle-free way to get your greens in. It’s a comforting casserole that will make you feel better after a long, tiring day, and you’ll appreciate how effortless it is to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is your go-to when you’re dead tired but still want a delicious dinner. With chicken, cream cheese, colorful sweet peppers, and mozzarella all baked together, you get an awesome meal in just 30 minutes. It’s great for nights when you want to chill out and not deal with a lot of cleanup. Leftovers are good in the fridge for 3 days, so you can enjoy them later. Stuff it in tortillas or put it over fluffy rice for an easy, filling meal. When you’re exhausted and just want to collapse on the couch, this fajita baked chicken is a lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

When you’re wiped out but still want a good meal, Baked Ravioli hits the spot. It’s got that lasagna vibe without the hassle. Grab some frozen cheese ravioli, throw it in a dish with marinara sauce and cheese, and let the oven do the work. In about an hour, you’ve got yourself a great dinner that doesn’t require much energy. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for when you’re too tired to do much but still want something good to eat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is your solution for a complete, easy meal in just 30 minutes. Try it with a spoonful of cool sour cream and chopped fresh herbs on top. When you’re super tired, this skillet meal comes through with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. You’ll love how this dish simplifies your evening routine and helps you unwind after a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of food.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a one-pan recipe that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and makes a delicious, filling meal. Lots of folks have eaten this comforting dish since childhood, and for good reason. It uses cabbage, an affordable veggie that doesn’t get enough love but is super versatile and soaks up the rich, savory flavors of the sausage like a champ. Throw in some smoked sausage and a few simple seasonings, and you’ve got an easy meal that really delivers when you’re exhausted. Serve it as is or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. This dish is a great way to use up that head of cabbage in your fridge and turn it into something truly crave-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a hearty, cozy dinner that’s ready in a flash, go for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. In just 30 minutes, you get a mix of Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream. It’s perfect for warming up on chilly nights and reheats like a dream for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Serve it with crusty bread to dunk in the creamy, flavorful broth. Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a green boost and extra nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute meal features tender chicken thighs smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s perfect for nights when you’re exhausted but still want something special. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a filling dinner. This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner. With minimal prep and cooking time, this comforting meal will become your go-to when you need a quick dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This comforting soup is ready in about an hour and perfect for using up leftover veggies like sweet potatoes, red peppers, onions, and garlic. Simply roast the veggies, then blend them with your favorite broth for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combo. Roasting the veggies before adding them to the soup enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. This soup is a great way to nourish your body and soul on nights when you’re too tired to handle a complicated meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Shrimp, fresh spinach, and garlic are the main ingredients in this light yet hearty meal. Serve with pasta or rice for a complete dinner. Add a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick that will wake up your senses. This dish is perfect for exhausted nights when cooking feels like a chore, as it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With its quick cooking time, this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

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

These handy patties come together quickly with minimal effort. They go well with any side, like a quick coleslaw or steamed veggies, for a balanced meal that doesn’t require much thought. Change up the flavor by trying different herbs and spices, such as paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning. A go-to meal for nights when even turning on the stove feels like too much, these canned chicken patties are a lifesaver when you need a quick and easy protein source. Plus, they’re a great way to stock up your freezer with ready-to-cook meals for those days when you don’t have the energy to start from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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