Keep calm and avoid post-work hanger with these 19 really easy dinners

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Really easy dinners are your best defense against post-work hanger, and let’s be real, no one wants to turn into a grumpy mess after a long day. These dinners are great for keeping your cool and avoiding any kitchen meltdowns. Think of meals that are quick to whip up but still make you feel like a culinary genius. Perfect for those nights when you just want to kick back and eat something good without the hassle.

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.

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is great for evenings when you need a comforting meal without much effort. Mix chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach and bake for a creamy dish. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and easy-to-prepare dinner. The creamy cheese and spinach make this bake feel like a treat after a busy day. You get a wholesome meal without spending too much time cooking. This dish is perfect for winding down and enjoying a good dinner without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a perfect pick for quick weeknight dinners. Cook ground beef with onions, cream cheese, mushrooms, cauliflower rice and cheddar cheese in one skillet ready in 30 minutes for a light yet hearty meal. It’s all about getting a good meal fast. This dish is low-carb and keeps things light but doesn’t skimp on taste. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and clean up, giving you more time to relax after a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 perfect for quickly stopping hunger after work. In just 25 minutes, you get crispy, juicy pork chops without frying. The mayo and breadcrumb coating adds a great crunch to the tender pork. This dish is great for nights when you want a hearty meal without complex prep, keeping hangry feelings at bay. The easy preparation means you can pop them in the oven and relax while they cook. The combination of crispy coating and tender meat makes it a go-to for a stress-free dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect quick dinner for lazy nights. Ready in just 20 minutes, seasoned chicken is fried and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with lemon and parsley. The comforting taste helps you unwind after a long day, ensuring you don’t get hangry with minimal kitchen time. The quick cooking time and bold flavors make this dish a standout for nights when you want something delicious but don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe. The garlic and butter sauce adds a delicious richness that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish featuring crispy tater tots topped with cheese and garnished with chopped green onions and herbs.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is great for lazy nights after work. This dish combines tater tots, chicken, corn, and cheese in a delicious bake, ready in less than an hour. The crunchy tater tots and melted cheese make it hearty and easy, allowing you more time to unwind without getting hangry. The casserole format means you can prepare it quickly and let it bake while you relax. Combining textures and flavors creates a comforting meal that feels like a treat after a long day. This dish is perfect for nights when you need something filling and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Tuna Macaroni Salad

A close-up image of a bowl of tuna pasta salad garnished with herbs and sprinkled with spices.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is perfect for those nights when you just want to relax after work. It comes together in 40 minutes using simple pantry items. You just need to boil elbow macaroni noodles and mix them with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and condiments. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks and is great for prepping ahead. You can make it your own by adding your favorite mustards or dressings. This dish helps you get a quick and good meal on the table without much effort, letting you unwind after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is a lifesaver for nights when you’re too tired to cook but still crave something filling. This dish brings all the flavors of a fajita in a simple, oven-baked format. You just coat chicken breasts in fajita spices, layer them with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and then bake. It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t skimp on flavor, giving you a hearty meal with minimal effort. This way, you can have a delicious dinner and still have plenty of time to chill and unwind after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A plate of caesar salad with chicken, croutons, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is great for lazy nights when you need a quick dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, it mixes salad ingredients like chicken, croutons, and tomatoes with pasta. Using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing saves time, making it a perfect budget-friendly option to keep you from getting hangry after a long day. The fresh and crunchy elements of the salad, paired with the heartiness of pasta, make it a filling meal that is quick and easy to throw together. You can relax and enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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 delicious meal with minimal effort. Layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake for an hour. In the end, you get a cheesy and comforting dish that’s super simple to make. It’s like lasagna but much easier and faster. You don’t have to worry about spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish lets you have a great dinner and still have plenty of time to relax and unwind after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of food with a fork.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage are perfect for quick and easy dinners after a long day. This one-pan meal is cooked in 25 minutes, blending sausage, cabbage, onions, and spices. The cabbage and onions soak up the delicious juices from the sausage, making a flavorful and hearty meal. It’s a great way to enjoy dinner without spending all evening in the kitchen. You can whip up this dish quickly and then relax or catch up on your favorite show, knowing you’ve had a good meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner maximizes your downtime. Toss everything onto a pan and roast for a simple meal. The sausage brings rich flavors, while zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers add freshness. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s great for a nutritious meal that requires little effort or cleanup, perfect for lazy nights to avoid getting hangry. The simplicity of this dish means you can prep it quickly and let the oven do the work while you unwind. The variety of veggies paired with flavorful sausage makes it a well-rounded, easy and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is perfect for those evenings when you need a quick, effortless meal that still feels comforting. This hearty soup combines white beans, onions, carrots, spinach, and celery in a creamy broth, and it’s ready in just 40 minutes using a single pot. The croutons on top add a nice crunch to the creamy texture. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a great choice for refueling after a long day. Plus, it’s easy to make it so you’ll have time to relax and enjoy your evening without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

After a long workday, Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is your go-to for a quick, hearty meal. This dish combines broccoli and cauliflower smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with more cheese and crispy bacon, and baked until bubbly. Frozen vegetables cut down on prep time and cleanup, making it a perfect choice for a lazy night. You just need to mix everything and bake it. You’ll have a comforting meal that fills you up without much effort, letting you unwind and enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is perfect for those nights when you need a no-stress dinner. This dish is all about simplicity and comfort, featuring broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce that comes together with minimal ingredients and effort. You just mix, bake, and serve. It’s a great way to conquer after-work hunger without spending much time in the kitchen. You’ll get a hearty meal that feels like a hug, giving you more time to unwind after a busy day. This dish is your ticket to a relaxing evening.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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 is perfect for busy days. Ready in 30 minutes and cooked in one skillet, this dish combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cauliflower rice and spinach into a hearty meal. It’s creamy and has a good balance of protein and veggies. It’s great for nights when you want something filling without a lot of dishes. The flavors are rich, and the whole meal feels comforting and wholesome. This meal means more time relaxing and less time cooking, making your evening stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is great for hectic days. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce rich with garlic and Parmesan flavors. Easy to cook in one pan, it’s perfect over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes. The sauce is rich and creamy, coating the chicken perfectly and making each bite full of flavor. This dish gives you a comforting meal without a long wait, helping you wind down in the evening with a hearty dinner. You won’t be stressing over the stove with this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

This Italian Sausage Soup is perfect for comfort without complexity. It combines Italian sausage with a creamy soup made from chicken broth, cream cheese, and tomatoes seasoned with garlic and onions. Ready in 30 minutes, it serves a filling dinner for cold nights. The flavors are robust with a creamy texture that’s sure to comfort you. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that lets you relax, not cook. It’s the perfect choice for when you want something hearty and simple after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is straightforward and hearty, making it perfect for a lazy evening. It combines crispy bacon with sweet onions and cabbage cooked in bacon grease for extra flavor. Ready in 25 minutes and cooked in one pan, it keeps your kitchen time minimal. The flavors are rich with the bacon adding a great crunch. This dish is great for those needing something quick and hearty without much effort. You can enjoy a delicious meal and get to your relaxation faster with this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a great pick for a quick dinner that’s full of flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features juicy chicken thighs seasoned with herbs and spices and covered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. The flavors are rich and tangy with a creamy texture that coats the chicken well. It’s perfect over pasta or a side of veggies. This meal is easy to prepare and gets you out of the kitchen fast. After a long day at work, this meal is a stress-free way to enjoy a great dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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