Bookmark these dinner recipes for when life feels too hectic, but you’re not willing to compromise on a good dinner. This collection is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to put a great meal on the table. Forget the long prep times and the endless washing up; these 23 dishes are about cutting corners in the best possible way.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a no-brainer for a quick and easy dinner that seems almost too simple. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a great pick for those nights when you want a meal without the hassle. You’ll need some elbow macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard — all likely sitting in your pantry already. It’s also perfect for switching things up; try different mustards or swap mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream. It’s always a hit when you need something quick to bring along to a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is all about convenience and taste. Prepare it in less than an hour with layers of tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, all topped with melted cheese. When baked, the cheese melts over the top, and the tater tots become crispy. It’s a great way to whip up a dinner quickly. This recipe also allows for making ahead and freezing, perfect for meal planners looking to streamline their week. Its convenience and flavor make it a weeknight favorite.
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Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Wave goodbye to complicated recipes with Shake and Bake Pork Chops that come together in just 25 minutes. Simply coat the pork chops in mayonnaise, and a breading mix of spices like paprika, onion powder, and thyme, then bake until golden. This method not only infuses the meat with robust flavors but also guarantees a moist and crispy finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a straightforward way to serve up a hearty meal that feels both gourmet and utterly simple.
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Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole makes your evening meal stress-free and filling. It combines canned tuna, egg noodles, peas, and milk under a crispy top of breadcrumbs and cheese, all baked to perfection. Ready in less than an hour, this dish is perfect for those seeking a comforting meal without the long prep times. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to cut down on kitchen time but still wants to enjoy a homemade dinner that pleases the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings simplicity and flavor to your dinner table. It transforms the classic stuffed bell pepper into a simple one-pot casserole. This easy-to-make dish layers rice, ground beef, bell peppers, and cheese, all seasoned with cumin and paprika for a bit of spice. Just assemble and bake — no need to juggle multiple pots and pans. This casserole is a lifesaver on hectic evenings, delivering a filling meal that cuts down on cleanup and maximizes your downtime.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to make a hearty meal with minimal effort. Start with frozen cheese ravioli, cover it in marinara sauce, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake until bubbly. The dish is reminiscent of classic lasagna and is ready in about an hour. It’s particularly good for novice cooks or those who don’t want to spend too much time preparing ingredients. Just assemble and bake, and you’ve got a comforting dinner ready to go.
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Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is your go-to for a quick meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Toss sausages, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli on a sheet pan and bake. This one-pan wonder is not just easy to prepare but also easy to clean up. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need to feed your family a nutritious meal but are short on time and energy. The combination of roasted vegetables and sausages delivers a full-flavored dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Whip up this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in just 25 minutes. It uses pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing to make your evening routine as simple as possible. With ingredients like romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and a creamy Caesar dressing, the salad is a mix of nutty and flavorful tastes. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you’re short on time but need a filling meal that will please everyone. This salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar dressing with filling pasta and chicken, making it a complete meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This recipe is a breeze to make because it combines simple ingredients like chicken, spinach, mozzarella and cream cheese into a creamy bake that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The ingredients cook together, with the savory marinade, creamy texture and melted cheese complementing the spinach. It’s great for anyone looking to cut down on kitchen time but still wants a filling meal. You can also make more and store it, so you have a ready-to-go dinner for busy days. This meal is a lifesaver when you need something quick without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
The Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a meal that’s ready to eat. Just set up your slow cooker in the morning with ingredients like split peas, carrots, and ham, and let it do the work. Slowly simmering all day, the soup develops rich and flavor-packed tastes. It’s perfect for chilly nights and makes a hearty meal that brings warmth to the table. The dish is also a great way to enjoy a nutritious dinner without extra effort or dishes to wash.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a quick, delicious solution for busy nights. Combine steamed broccoli and cauliflower with cooked bacon and a creamy cheese mix, then bake for a quick 30 minutes. This dish not only packs great flavor but also brings a hefty dose of vegetables in a creamy, irresistible topping. It’s a great way to keep dinner light on work but big on taste, helping you stick to healthy eating goals even on your busiest days.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is a straightforward dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes. It combines the flavors of cooked sausage with sautéed cabbage, making a hearty and simple meal. Due to the speed of prep and cooking, this recipe is especially useful on those nights when you’re pressed for time but still want a home-cooked dinner. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, so you can relax after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is all about making dinner easy. Just steam some broccoli, mix it with cream of mushroom soup, eggs, and sour cream, top with cheese and crackers, and bake. The oven takes care of the rest, freeing you up to do more with your evening. This casserole is a great option for adding vegetables to your diet in a way that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that doesn’t require much effort but still tastes like you spent hours making it.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is quick to prepare and packs a flavorful punch with spicy jalapeños and creamy dressing. The salad incorporates flavors inspired by jalapeño poppers, including chicken breast, crispy bacon, and charred jalapeño peppers. It is mixed with ingredients like green onion, mayonnaise or sour cream, and hot sauce to create a flavorful and versatile meal option. This salad is a great choice for a no-stress dinner that still keeps things delicious and interesting.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
If you’re looking to simplify your dinner routine, this Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a great choice. It combines the rich flavor of ground beef with the lightness of cauliflower rice, all cooked in a creamy mushroom cheese sauce that brings everything together. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish not only makes your mealtime easier but also keeps your kitchen cleaner with just one skillet to wash afterward. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Canned Chicken Patties
These Canned Chicken Patties are perfect for a quick and affordable dinner. Made with canned chicken, Parmesan cheese, sunflower seed meal, and a variety of spices, they’re pan-fried in avocado oil until perfectly golden. Each patty packs a flavorful punch and comes together in about 20 minutes. Serving these with steamed veggies or a crisp salad makes for a light, stress-free meal. It’s great for busy weeknights when you need something straightforward but still nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a great option if you’re after a meal that’s both easy to make and comforting. In just 40 minutes, cooked chicken, chicken broth, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh vegetables simmer together to create a filling soup that tastes like it is cooked all day. Just one pot to clean means less time in the kitchen and more time for you. This soup is great for cold evenings or when you just need a simple, warming meal with minimal prep work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach recipe is all about making dinner easy and filling. The ground beef is seasoned and mixed with cauliflower rice and fresh spinach, then topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s a complete meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for when you’re too busy to prepare a complicated dinner. Plus, the simple steps and quick cooking time mean you can enjoy your evening with less stress and more comfort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken is a perfect dish for those who want flavor without stress. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy sauce made with Dijon mustard, adding a rich, tangy flavor that complements the meat perfectly. The entire meal is ready in 30 minutes, which is perfect for a busy evening. Add a side of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and you’ve got a meal that feels gourmet with minimal effort. This dish lets you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Whip this up in just 25 minutes for a quick dinner that brings a bit of Italy to your table. Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach features perfectly cooked shrimp packed with Tuscan flavors in a dairy-free garlic sauce paired with fresh grape tomatoes and spinach. In under 30 minutes, home cooks can enjoy a colorful dish with the flavors of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. This dish is great for those nights when you want something special but easy. No need to worry about multiple pots and pans; this one-pan wonder saves you time and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Get a hearty meal ready in 30 minutes. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star ingredient and are coated in a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce. Set to simmer and soak up the luscious sauce, resulting in succulent chicken pieces immersed in the creamy garlic flavors. Pair it with veggies or a salad, and you’ve got a full meal that didn’t take all evening to make. This quick dish means less time in the kitchen and more time for yourself. It’s a stress-free way to serve a great meal that feels like you spent hours making it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Sausage Curry
This Sausage Curry is ready in half an hour and is a perfect way to add some flair to your weeknight meals. It combines staple ingredients like sausages, sweet potatoes, carrots, and dairy in a flavorful Indian-inspired sauce. Adding curry powder, ginger, tomatoes, and coconut aminos to chicken stock results in a hearty, protein-rich curry. This recipe is easy to make and goes great with naan or rice. It’s all about big flavor with little work – a stress-free option for a last-minute dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
In just 30 minutes, Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is ready to serve. It combines seasoned chicken, sweet peppers, and mozzarella cheese for a rich, flavorful dinner. It’s awesome in tortillas or with a side of beans. Choose this recipe for nights when you need something quick that still feels like a treat. The straightforward prep and cooking process means you can enjoy more downtime. It’s the perfect way to end a hectic day with a meal that feels like a mini celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken