Easy recipes can be a game-changer if you dread making dinner. Seriously, after a long day, who wants to be a kitchen warrior? But here’s the kicker: these recipes are so simple and quick, you’ll wonder why you ever thought cooking was a hassle. Say goodbye to the nightly dinner dread and hello to meals that are great for busy weeknights and impressive enough to make your friends think you’ve secretly hired a chef.
![A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Baked-Ravioli-1024x723.jpg)
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
![Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sausage-And-Veggies-Sheet-Pan-Dinner-rotated.jpg)
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a game-changer for those who find cooking a hassle. Just chop and toss zucchini, broccoli florets, bell peppers, and sausages on a pan, and bake until golden. It’s an easy meal with minimal cleanup. You get a full, flavorful dinner that’s quick and stress-free. The mix of veggies and sausages baked together creates a great taste that makes dinner simple and delicious. This recipe will help you see that cooking can be easy and rewarding.
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Reuben-Bowls-rotated.jpg)
If you dread cooking dinner, these Reuben Bowls are about to change your mind. In just 30 minutes, you’ll brown some corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, add sauerkraut, and top with Swiss cheese. Drizzle with homemade Thousand Island dressing, and you have a quick, easy meal that’s anything but boring. This dish is perfect for nights when you want something good without spending much time in the kitchen. The combination of flavors is a great way to liven up your evening without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
![Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shake-and-Bake-Pork-Chops-1.jpg)
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect for a fast, stress-free meal. Coat the pork chops in mayo and seasoned breading, then bake them to perfection in 25 minutes. No frying is needed. These crispy, flavorful chops are a hit at any family dinner, making them great for evenings when you want a meal that tastes like you put in more effort than you did. The simple preparation and quick cooking time make this recipe a lifesaver for those who find cooking a chore.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Tuna Macaroni Salad
![Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tuna-Macaroni-Salad.jpg)
If cooking isn’t your thing, this Tuna Macaroni Salad will change your mind. In 40 minutes, you can have a meal ready to serve. Elbow macaroni, canned tuna, and other staples make for a simple and flexible dish. Mix in your favorite mustard and some mayo. It’s a great way to make dinner work for you without much effort. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward, making this a perfect dish for busy evenings or when you don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
![A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Easy-Tuna-Noodle-Casserole-1.jpg)
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is perfect if you dislike long cooking sessions. This dish comes together quickly with egg noodles, canned tuna, milk, shredded cheese, and peas. Mix, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden. You’ll spend only 15 minutes preparing, leaving more time to relax as the casserole bakes in the oven. It’s great comfort food without the hassle and perfect for next-day lunch leftovers. This casserole is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
![A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Garlic-Butter-Chicken-Bites.jpg)
If cooking feels like a chore, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for you. In 20 minutes, chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces and coated in cornstarch and salt. The chicken is pan-fried until cooked, while butter is melted in the microwave and various spices create a garlic butter sauce. Once the chicken is fully cooked, the pieces are tossed in the garlic butter sauce until evenly coated. Quick and easy, it’s great for busy weeknights. The chicken bites are tender and full of garlicky flavor. This recipe will change your mind about cooking dinner because it’s simple, fast and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
![A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chicken-Tater-Tot-Casserole-1.jpg)
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great comfort food that requires minimal effort. Layer tater tots over a creamy mix of shredded chicken, corn, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, then bake. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for meal prep and freezes well. The crispy tater tots and gooey cheese make it a hit with the whole family. This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Baked Ravioli
![A baked cheese dish with a spoon, garnished with herbs in a white ceramic dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Baked-Ravioli-1-1024x723.jpg)
Baked Ravioli is a perfect dish for when cooking feels like a chore. Layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and more cheese, then bake. You’ll have a great meal in about an hour without any hassle. This easy recipe might make you love home cooking. The melted cheese and rich sauce create a comforting meal that feels special. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. The bubbling cheese on top gives it a delicious texture that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Cabbage and Sausage
![A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cabbage-and-Sausage-rotated.jpg)
Cabbage and Sausage is a simple and quick meal, ready in 30 minutes in one pan. Tender cabbage and flavorful sausage cook together fast, making it perfect for those not fond of cooking. The dish is seasoned with basic spices and cooked until the cabbage is tender and the sausage is juicy. Clean-up is a breeze, leaving you more time to relax after dinner. This recipe will change your mind about how easy it can be to make a great dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Spinach Chicken Bake
![A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Spinach-Chicken-Bake.jpg)
If you dread kitchen time, Spinach Chicken Bake will change your mind. The casserole balances creamy and fresh flavors, combining chicken thighs marinated in olive oil, garlic, herbs and spices with a creamy layer of softened cream cheese and fresh spinach wilted in oil. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s easy and filling. The chicken stays moist while the cheese melts into the spinach, creating a creamy and flavorful dish. This dish makes cooking a homemade meal easy and effortless, perfect for when you want a good meal with minimal effort. You’ll appreciate how simple and rewarding it can be to make dinner.
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cheesy-Beef-Casserole-With-Cauliflower-Rice-And-Spinach-7.jpg)
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is great when you dread cooking dinner. Mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese before baking. It’s easy, stress-free, and serves a full meal with hidden veggies. This dish shows that cooking can be simple and rewarding. The cheesy goodness combined with nutritious spinach and cauliflower rice makes it a balanced meal. Baking this casserole is straightforward, resulting in a comforting dish that feels like a treat without the hard work. You’ll be surprised at how something so simple can be so delicious.
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stuffed-Bell-Pepper-Casserole.jpg)
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings all the hearty flavors of stuffed peppers without effort. Mix ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, cook, and then broil in the oven for a great meal. This casserole is ready in 45 minutes and saves you time in the kitchen while delivering a delicious dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that might make you appreciate the simplicity of casseroles. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want a delicious meal 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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Creamy-Italian-Sausage-Soup.jpg)
Italian Sausage Soup is great when you want something hearty but quick. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s full of flavor with minimal effort. Brown some sausage, add broth, tomatoes, onions, and heavy cream, then let it simmer. The result is a rich, creamy soup perfect for warming up on a cold night. This soup is perfect for evenings when you need comfort food fast without much cooking. It’s a simple recipe that shows how easy and delicious dinner can be.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup
![A crock pot of taco soup.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Crock-Pot-Taco-Soup-1-1024x723.jpg)
Crock Pot Taco Soup is a lifesaver on hectic days. Start with some beef, then let the slow cooker handle diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, heavy cream, and taco seasoning. With minimal prep, about 20 minutes, you can leave it to cook. The slow cooker combines all the flavors into a rich and comforting soup. Perfect for unwinding after a long day, this soup is great for anyone looking to cut down on active cooking time. It’s a recipe that practically cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
White Bean Soup
![A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/White-Bean-Soup-rotated.jpg)
White Bean Soup is perfect for those who want a quick and nutritious dinner. In about 40 minutes, combine white beans, carrots, celery, fresh spinach, and croutons in one pot. Its simplicity and comforting flavors make it a go-to dish for busy evenings. Even if you don’t love cooking, this soup might change your mind. The fresh veggies and beans create a hearty, wholesome flavor that warms you up from the inside out. Making this soup is almost as easy as opening a can but much healthier and more hearty. It’s perfect for a weeknight when you need something quick yet wholesome.
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chicken-Caesar-Pasta-Salad-1-rotated.jpg)
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is great for quick lunches or dinners. In just 25 minutes, you can mix pre-cooked chicken and ready-made Caesar dressing with pasta. It’s a simple and practical recipe for a great meal without lengthy prep. This salad shows how fun and easy cooking can be. The creamy Caesar dressing combined with tender chicken and pasta makes it a filling meal. This dish is perfect when you want something nutritious but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy a classic flavor combo without stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
![Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Loaded-Broccoli-Cauliflower-Casserole.jpg)
For a quick and hearty dinner, Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect. Toss broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a dish and bake. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a great meal ready. It’s a perfect solution for minimizing kitchen time while serving something great. Combining melted cheese and crispy bacon with fresh broccoli and cauliflower makes it a comforting dish. This casserole is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a win for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
![A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Jalapeno-Popper-Chicken-Salad.jpg)
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is perfect for nights when you don’t want to cook. Mix cream cheese, chicken, bacon, green onions, and spices for a cool and spicy flavor. This dish is quick and easy. The jalapeños add a nice kick while the cream cheese makes it creamy and filling. This salad is great for those who want a bold meal without the hassle of cooking. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. It shows how easy it can be to create a great meal without turning on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
![Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Ground-Beef-And-Cauliflower-Rice-Skillet-1024x683.jpg)
Cooking dinner doesn’t have to be a chore with this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. In 30 minutes, this dish combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. It’s hearty and perfect for unwinding after a long day. The cauliflower rice makes the dish healthy, making it a great option if you’re looking to cut down on carbs. This recipe shows that cooking can be a fun part of your day instead of a stressful task.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Garlic Chicken
![A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Creamy-Garlic-Chicken-rotated.jpg)
Make dinner easy with this Creamy Garlic Chicken. You sauté chicken breasts and then let them simmer in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce. This dish feels fancy enough for guests but is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and filling. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll have a great meal without much effort. This recipe might make you look forward to cooking after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Big Mac Salad
![A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bacon-Cheeseburger-Salad-rotated.jpg)
Turn dinner into something fun with this Big Mac Salad. It brings all the flavors of a Big Mac into a quick and healthy salad with ground beef, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, and a homemade version of the iconic Big Mac sauce. This salad is perfect for when you need a fast, filling meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s a great way to enjoy the taste of fast food without worries, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings. This recipe makes cooking feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
![Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Slow-Cooker-Split-Pea-Soup-2.jpg)
Enjoy an easy dinner with this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Just put split peas, carrots, celery ribs, and ham into a slow cooker, set it, and let it cook. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a hearty meal without much effort. The slow-cooker method brings out great flavors, making this soup rich and comforting. It’s a great option for those who want a delicious meal ready when they get home. This recipe might inspire you to try more slow-cooker meals and make dinner prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
![A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Chicken-Tortellini-Soup-rotated.jpg)
Dinner is stress-free with this Chicken Tortellini Soup. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pot meal is hearty and full of great flavors with shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and a mix of vegetables and herbs. It’s perfect for a filling weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and tastes great even the next day. The combination of tender chicken and cheesy tortellini makes this soup a comforting choice for any night. With minimal cleanup, this recipe makes dinner feel like a treat and takes the dread out of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
![Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cheesy-Fajita-Baked-Chicken-With-Cream-Cheese.jpg)
Fajita Baked Chicken is a great choice when you want an easy meal that tastes amazing. You layer everything in a pan and bake for 30 minutes. The rich taste of fajita spices mixed with cream cheese and mozzarella gives you the flavors of Mexican cuisine without any hassle. This dish is perfect for anyone who wants to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner. It’s a simple, flavorful solution that makes dinner feel special without much work. With this recipe, you’ll find that cooking dinner doesn’t have to be a dreaded task.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
![A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Fried-Cabbage-with-Bacon-1-rotated.jpg)
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is perfect for those nights when you want something quick and easy. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines crispy bacon with fresh cabbage for a hearty, healthy, affordable meal. This dish shows how simple cooking can be while still being delicious and filling. You’ll love how the flavors come together with minimal effort. It’s a great way to change your mind about how hard cooking dinner can be. With Fried Cabbage with Bacon, you get a quick and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Broccoli Casserole
![A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Broccoli-Casserole.jpg)
Broccoli Casserole is a no-stress dish that cooks up in 50 minutes. Combining broccoli, a creamy sauce, and cheese makes a hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Top with cheese and crushed crackers mixed with butter, and bake until golden for a crunchy finish. This easy recipe will change your mind about cooking dinner. It’s a comforting dish that feels special without requiring much effort. With Broccoli Casserole, you can enjoy a delicious, hearty, simple meal. It’s great for those nights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Canned Chicken Patties
![Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Canned-Chicken-Patties-rotated.jpg)
Canned Chicken Patties are a quick and practical choice for dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, they use canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan, almond flour, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. These patties turn simple ingredients into a great main course that’s delicious and convenient. Perfect for days when you need a quick solution without sacrificing taste. With this recipe, you can have a filling dinner quickly. It’s an easy way to make dinner less of a chore and more of something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties