26 dinners that are so easy, you’ll think you missed a step (You didn’t)

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Dinners can be a breeze with these recipes that are so easy, you’ll think you missed a step. These meals are perfect for those nights when you crave something great without the hassle. No fancy techniques or endless ingredient lists. Just straightforward, quick, and tasty dinners that get the job done. And hey, if you find yourself double-checking the instructions because it seems too simple, relax. You didn’t miss a thing.

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.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is great for nights when you want something easy yet filling. This dish comes together in just 25 minutes using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing, which saves you time in the kitchen. It features a mix of pasta, shredded chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy dressing, making it a favorite for busy evenings when you need a fast but great dish. It’s an awesome choice for anyone looking for a hearty, super simple salad. You’ll wonder how such a great meal is so easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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 your go-to for a simple, hearty dinner in 25 minutes. The secret is coating the pork chops with a thin layer of mayonnaise before shaking them in a bag filled with a seasoned breadcrumb mixture. This method ensures flavorful, moist, and crispy meat. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish feels gourmet while being straightforward. You’ll love how easy it is and wonder how it’s not too good to be true. While the chops bake, you can start relaxing already.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Reuben Bowls are so easy you’ll think you missed a step, but it’s just that simple. Ready in 30 minutes, you’ll brown corned beef, mix it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, add sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese on top, and finish off with homemade Thousand Island dressing. This dish is perfect for a last-minute dinner, packing big flavor with minimal effort. You’ll want to brag about how quick and great these bowls are. They are also versatile, letting you use leftovers or customize the ingredients to your taste.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a great option if you want a quick, affordable meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s ready in just 40 minutes, and you’ll combine elbow macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. It’s always a hit for quick gatherings, and you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can put this together and still have a great meal. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need to throw something together without much planning.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole makes dinner easy and great. In less than an hour, you’ll have layers of tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn topped with melted cheese, baked until bubbling. The cheese melts perfectly, and the tater tots get crispy. This recipe is great for quick dinners and can be made ahead and frozen for meal planning. Its convenience and taste make it a weeknight favorite. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something comforting and quick without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken combines sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for a quick dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s easy to prepare. Marinate the chicken in homemade hot honey sauce for 15-30 minutes, grill, and brush with extra sauce in the last few minutes. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. The chicken stays juicy, even when reheated.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Fresh Corn Salad

A bowl of fresh salad featuring corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, mixed with herbs.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fresh Corn Salad is a great dinner choice, especially for summer. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s packed with fresh vegetables and a lime dressing. Dice cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and basil. Boil corn, cut off the kernels, and mix everything with the dressing. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

Baked Ravioli

A baked cheese dish with a spoon, garnished with herbs in a white ceramic dish.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is a great option for busy weeknights, giving you a lasagna-like experience without the hassle. Use frozen cheese ravioli, cover with marinara sauce, add more cheese, and bake until bubbly. The layering technique ensures a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner and is ready in just one hour. Great for novice cooks or those short on prep time, assemble and bake for a comforting dinner. You’ll be stunned by its simplicity and think it’s too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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 is a quick and flavorful meal that can be ready in 30 minutes. Toss sausages, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli on a sheet pan and bake until caramelized for a sweet and robust flavor combo. The roasted vegetables and sausages create a full-flavored dinner with minimal effort. You’ll be surprised by how effortless it is and wonder how it’s not too good to be true. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without many dishes to wash.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach are great for nights when you want something special but easy. In 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp in a garlic sauce with fresh grape tomatoes and spinach, flavored with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. This one-pan meal saves you time and cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s so easy you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true. This recipe adds some Italian flair to your table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole makes dinner stress-free and filling. It combines canned tuna, egg noodles, peas, and milk topped with breadcrumbs and cheese, then baked to perfection. This comforting casserole is a high-protein, kid-friendly dish that comes together in less than an hour. It’s a smart choice for cutting down kitchen time while enjoying a family-friendly dinner. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make yet serves an impressive dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great weeknight dinner that simplifies the classic stuffed pepper dish into a one-pot meal, and it only takes 45 minutes to prepare. This dish captures the essence of traditional stuffed bell peppers but simplifies the process by turning it into a casserole. It layers rice, ground beef, bell peppers, and cheese, seasoned with cumin and paprika for extra taste. Just assemble and bake, making it a lifesaver on busy nights. It delivers a filling meal with less cleanup, giving you more downtime.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake is great for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, especially for busy families. It features juicy chicken thighs topped with a rich layer of cream cheese, wilted spinach, and gooey mozzarella, then bake for 30 minutes to get a creamy, cheesy dish ready in no time. The flavors come together perfectly and are great for those who need a delicious meal fast without spending too much time in the kitchen. You’ll love how easy and flavorful this dish is, making it feel special without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is an easy and comforting meal highlighting the warming flavors of peas, vegetables, and smoked meat with minimal effort. Toss split peas, carrots, and ham into the slow cooker in the morning and by evening, you’ll have a rich, hearty soup ready. This soup is perfect for cold nights when you want something comforting and filling without much prep. It’s an easy way to enjoy a homemade meal, with the slow cooker doing all the work. You’ll be amazed at how such an amazing meal can be so simple.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for those nights when you need a quick, hearty meal. It combines frozen broccoli and cauliflower with bacon, a creamy cheese sauce, and bakes for 30 minutes to make a delicious, veggie-packed dish. This casserole combines vegetables with the rich taste of bacon and cheese, making it a hit even on the busiest nights. It’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours cooking. You’ll find it hard to believe how quick and simple this dish is.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is a one-pan dish that can be ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and filling meal. Sauté cabbage sautéed with cooked sausage, onion, butter, spices and apple cider vinegar for a hearty and straightforward meal. The flavorful sausage and tender cabbage make this dish great for busy evenings when you want something simple but filling. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, making it perfect for those looking for a fast dinner solution. You’ll love how effortless it is to whip up this meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Broccoli Casserole

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

This Broccoli Casserole is a quick and easy family dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights. Preparing and cooking takes only 50 minutes, making it great for anyone looking to save time. Steam broccoli, mix it with cream of mushroom soup, eggs, and sour cream, top with cheese and crackers, and bake until golden and bubbly. This dish is a simple way to add more vegetables to your dinner without spending a lot of time cooking. It’s perfect for evenings when you want something comforting and easy to prepare. You’ll be amazed at how good and easy this dish is.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is perfect for a no-stress dinner that packs a punch with spicy jalapeños and a creamy dressing. The salad features cooked chicken breast, crispy bacon, charred jalapeños and a creamy mix of mayonnaise and hot sauce. The dish balances the heat from jalapeños with the creaminess of the dressing, making it both flavorful and nutritious. With minimal prep and bold flavors, it’s hard to believe dinner can be this simple and good.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet make dinner quick and delicious. It combines ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, creating a dish low on carbs and ready in just 30 minutes. The creamy texture comes from adding cream cheese and heavy cream, plus tomato paste, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. This one-skillet meal simplifies dinner and keeps cleanup fast. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a filling meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Canned Chicken Patties

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

These Canned Chicken Patties are a great choice for a quick and easy meal. The recipe includes canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan cheese, ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour, and a few spices, all combined and cooked on the stovetop to a golden finish. They come together in about 20 minutes, making them a great choice for busy nights. Enjoy them alone or serve with veggies or a salad for a light, no-stress meal that’s easy to whip up and hard to beat for simplicity and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you need an easy, comforting meal. In just 40 minutes, cooked chicken, chicken broth, cheese tortellini, fresh carrots, celery, and onions come together to create a hearty soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. With just one pot to clean, it’s perfect for cold evenings, or anytime you want a simple meal that adds warmth to the table without much prep work. This soup is so easy and flavorful that you’ll love it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is perfect for an easy dinner that fills you up ready in 30 minutes. It features ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese and is baked until golden and bubbling. It’s great for busy nights when you need something quick but filling. You’ll find it hard to believe dinner can be this easy and good. This dish shows you can have a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making weeknights much less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is a perfect one-pan meal ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner without much effort. The juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce that’s rich and tangy. Pair it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce for a meal that feels fancy with minimal effort. This dish is so easy and delicious you’ll wonder if it’s too good to be true. It’s perfect for impressing family or friends with a meal that took much longer to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is a top choice when you want to add some flair to your weeknight meals without much effort. The dish blends sausages with the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes and carrots, all enhanced by the aromatic flavors of curry powder and fresh ginger, ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it with naan or rice for a meal that’s easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s a stress-free dinner option that feels like a special treat. You’ll find it so easy you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true. This curry brings bold flavors to your table with hardly any work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan meal you can whip up in 30 minutes. The dish features chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a rich and creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. Pair it with veggies or a salad for a complete meal that’s quick and easy. It is a stress-free way to enjoy a dinner that seems like it took a lot of effort. You’ll love how simple it is while delivering great taste. This dish is perfect for making any weekday feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner, ready in 30 minutes. It features chicken breasts seasoned with spices, topped with cream cheese, sliced mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella cheese. This dish is awesome in tortillas or with your choice of side. The simple prep and cooking process means you get more time to relax, making it a great way to end a busy day. It’s so straightforward you’ll wonder how it’s not too good to be true. This recipe makes it easy to enjoy a comforting meal after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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