This post is your shortcut to shaking up your dinner routine with the 28 easiest dinners you’ve never made, until now. These recipes are the perfect answer for those evenings when you’re short on time and patience, but still want a great meal on the table. They’re straightforward, no-nonsense, and just plain good — no need to dress them up with fancy jargon or complicated techniques.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a fast solution for a flavorful dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, these chicken bites are cooked perfectly and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. With only a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, they’re perfect for busy evenings when you want something great without the hassle. The chicken is tender, and the garlic butter sauce adds a rich flavor everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for making a quick home-cooked meal that feels special even on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Reuben Bowls
These Reuben Bowls are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s ready in only 30 minutes. They’re a great choice for a quick dinner or a make-ahead lunch option. The key components of the recipe will be to brown some deli corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, mix in sauerkraut, melt on some Swiss cheese, then drizzle homemade Thousand Island dressing on top of each bowl (or you can skip this and use store-bought dressing instead).
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Broccoli Casserole
For an easy dinner that needs minimal effort, the Broccoli Casserole is great. Ready in 50 minutes, it mixes tender broccoli with a creamy base of cream of mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, spices, and sharp cheddar cheese. This casserole is perfect for beginner cooks or those wanting to minimize kitchen time. The combination of broccoli and cheese is a classic that everyone loves. This dish shows that homemade dinners are worth the small effort and can easily become a family favorite. Don’t miss out on trying this simple and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a great choice when you want an easy meal — just roast broccoli, zucchini, sweet mini peppers, and sausages on a sheet pan. This dish is easy to prepare and packed with hearty flavors. Cleanup is simple, too, making it perfect for a no-mess dinner. The roasted veggies and sausage create a delicious and balanced meal that’s ready in no time. It’s great for enjoying a good meal without complex recipes or a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
The Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad takes only 25 minutes to make, perfect for a quick and easy meal. It uses pre-cooked chicken and ready-made dressing, so you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. The flavors of the creamy, tangy Caesar dressing coated over the mix of cool pasta, protein-rich chicken, crisp lettuce and bursts of tomato create a fresh and balanced meal. It’s one of those easy dinners you won’t want to miss. It’s a great option when you’re looking for something light but filling that’s also quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Ready in under an hour, it’s great for saving money and can be made ahead of time. The casserole combines shredded chicken, tater tots, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions. Loved by everyone and freezes well, it’s the kind of easy dinner you’ll want regularly. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike and makes for a comforting and hearty meal. Don’t miss out on adding this to your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a great choice for an easy yet filling dinner. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach under melted cheese. This casserole is nutritious and filling, easy to assemble, and needs minimal cooking time. The rich beef and cheese flavors paired with spinach make it a balanced meal. It’s a relaxed evening meal that shows cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s perfect for those who want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Spinach Chicken Bake
The Spinach Chicken Bake is straightforward and perfect for those who dislike complicated recipes. Layer marinated chicken, spinach, and cheese, then bake until melted and bubbly. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is quick, delicious, and filling. Great for a weeknight dinner when you want a great meal without spending much time or energy. The combination of chicken and spinach is nutritious and hearty. This recipe is designed to make dinner stress-free, perfect for busy nights when you need a reliable meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cabbage and Sausage
The Cabbage and Sausage recipe is an easy and delicious one-pan dish. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal, it can be made in under 30 minutes. Low in carbs and high in protein, it features cabbage paired with sausage for a full-bodied richness. The cabbage absorbs the flavors of the sausage, making every bite flavorful. An easy dinner you won’t hate making. Don’t miss out on this simple yet delicious recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect for a quick and easy dinner. In 25 minutes, pork chops are first coated in a thin layer of mayonnaise, which moistens the meat and allows the other ingredients to adhere nicely. The chops are then tossed to coat in a mix of panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, and Italian seasoning for robust herbed seasoning. Bake them until temptingly crisp. The pork chops come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You’ll appreciate the straightforward recipe, making sure you’re not missing out on the easiest dinners you’ve never made before.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is great for a comforting meal on busy weeknights. It’s simpler than lasagna, using ready-to-go cheese ravioli that cuts down on prep time. Just layer with marinara and cheese and bake for an hour. The result is a cheesy, hearty dish that the whole family will love. This dish is a must-try for easy dinners, making sure you don’t miss out on the simplest meals you’ve yet to enjoy. Even if you’ve never made it before, you’ll find it straightforward and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Crock Pot Taco Soup
When you’d rather be doing something other than cooking, let the Crock Pot Taco Soup do the work. Brown some beef and let the slow cooker handle the rest with diced tomatoes, green chilies, heavy cream, onions, and taco spices. With just 20 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it. This soup is perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal without much effort. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a rich and hearty soup perfect for any night of the week. This recipe is great for those who love easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad is as straightforward as it gets, ready in 40 minutes. It’s a great meal that’s easy on your budget and time. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting something simple and good for any meal of the week. The salad combines tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a creamy dressing with a hint of tanginess. This easy dinner will make you wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side, perfect for meal prep or taking to a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
When you dread cooking, Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole turns it around. With ingredients like egg noodles, canned tuna, milk, and peas, this casserole is mixed in one dish, topped with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs, and baked until golden. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes before it’s oven-ready. This meal makes dinner stress-free and gives you delicious leftovers, perfect for busy folks wanting a hearty meal with minimal effort. The creamy, cheesy casserole is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great go-to dinner for any night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Enjoy a hearty meal without too much work with Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Combining ground beef, rice, chopped bell peppers, tomato sauce, and cheese, this dish is easy to prepare. Just mix the ingredients and bake. This recipe simplifies cooking and is perfect for those who want a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a practical choice, freeing you to relax or handle other tasks while dinner cooks. The casserole is flavorful and comforting, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need something easy but still crave a good meal. This dish combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, bacon, and spices baked together in just 30 minutes. The flavors are hearty and rich, and the cheesy goodness will make everyone happy. The minimal effort and cleanup make it great for those who want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Even if you’ve never made a casserole, this one is straightforward and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. This one-pot dish combines chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh carrots, and celery in a rich broth, all ready in 40 minutes. It’s a complete meal that’s quick to make and great for unwinding after a busy day. The creamy tortellini and tender chicken make it a family favorite. This soup shows that making dinner can be easy and filling. This recipe will boost your confidence even if you’re new to cooking soups.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken makes dinner simple without losing any flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, it features juicy chicken seasoned with fajita spices, then layered with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melty mozzarella baked until golden. This stress-free meal pairs well with rice or tortillas for a quick and flavorful dinner. The bold spices and creamy textures are great for a filling dinner that doesn’t require much effort. If you’ve never tried making baked chicken dishes, this one is an easy start.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is your go-to for a quick and easy dinner. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a dish full of flavors from green cabbage, bacon, and onions cooked together. The bacon and sweet onions create a filling meal that’s simple and delicious. Perfect for evenings when you want something good without spending much time cooking. The combination of crispy bacon and tender cabbage makes it a comforting dish. Even if you’re unfamiliar with cooking cabbage, this recipe is easy and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a quick fix for dinner, ready in just 20 minutes. Made by mixing canned chicken with sunflower seed meal, Parmesan, and seasonings, then frying until golden, these patties are versatile enough to be enjoyed alone, as a side, or in a sandwich. This easy recipe is great for those new to cooking, showing that quick meals can be perfect. The crispy exterior and flavorful interior make these patties a hit. If you’ve never tried making chicken patties, this simple recipe will impress you.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is great for nights when you want something quick and flavorful. It combines spicy jalapeños, cream cheese, baked chicken, bacon, and spices into a fresh and slightly spicy meal ready in minutes. This salad is perfect for a burst of flavor with minimal effort on busy evenings. The mix of spicy jalapeños and creamy textures makes it exciting. If you’ve never made a chicken salad with such bold flavors, this one will surprise you with its convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup makes dinner less of a chore. This one-pot meal is ready in 30 minutes and packed with Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream for a rich and creamy texture. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need comfort food without spending too much time in the kitchen. This practical choice is great for last-minute dinners. The hearty sausage and creamy broth make it very comforting. If you’ve never tried making sausage soup, this recipe will make it simple and fun.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is perfect for when you need a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes using one skillet simplifies cooking and cleanup. The ground beef is flavorful and pairs well with the mild cauliflower rice, while the cheese and mushrooms add depth to the creamy sauce. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to make an easy and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a great option for those who dread cooking but still want something flavorful. Made with ground chicken, bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a mix of herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder; these poppers are packed with taste. Serve them with a homemade ranch seasoning made from mayonnaise and sour cream. They are ready in about an hour and are freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prep. The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese makes these poppers a hit for kids and adults, making it a recipe you don’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Big Mac Salad
Big Mac Salad is perfect for those who love the taste of a Big Mac but hate making complicated meals. It includes burger elements like bacon, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and pickles, all tossed with chopped romaine lettuce. The salad is dressed with a homemade “Big Mac Sauce” with mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, mustard, and a hint of sweetener to replicate the iconic burger sauce. This recipe brings all the flavors of a Big Mac into a simple and lighter dish that you can prepare quickly.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is great for anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine. You toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and come back when it’s ready to serve. With primary flavors from split peas, ham, carrots, celery and onion simmered all day, it has a slightly sweet flavor profile from the peas and carrots with the undertones of ham. The split peas break down into a thick and hearty soup that is filling and comforting. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this easy dinner, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is perfect for simple cooking. Chop sweet potatoes and red peppers, add them to a pot with broth and your favorite seasonings, and let everything simmer until tender. Ready in about an hour, this soup is a comforting option for cold nights when you need something to cheer you up but want to avoid complicated recipes. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the red peppers, creating a balanced and nourishing flavor. It’s a great recipe for those who find cooking daunting but still want to enjoy a homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken makes dinner feel special without much effort. It’s a one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes that features chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic sauce. The garlic sauce is rich and flavorful, making the chicken taste great and the dish feel gourmet. This straightforward recipe promises big flavors with little stress, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a weeknight. It’s an easy yet impressive meal, making it a great choice for anyone looking to make a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken