21 go-to easy dinners you won’t stop serving

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Go-to easy dinners have a way of becoming the reliable meals you turn to again and again. These dishes fit right into your routine, making your evenings a little easier without sacrificing great results. They’re comforting and familiar, the kind of meals that feel right every time you serve them.

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.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is the perfect dinner for nights when you just want something easy and comforting. Small chicken pieces are fried until golden, then tossed in butter and garlic, keeping it simple but full of flavor. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, so it’s great when you’re short on time. The recipe uses just a few ingredients, making it easy to whip up without much thought. This dish is a perfect go-to easy dinner, especially when you need something you can make quickly but still feel good about serving.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 makes weeknight dinners stress-free. Toss sausages, zucchini, broccoli, and bell peppers onto a sheet pan, pop it in the oven, and let it cook. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a balanced meal with very little effort. It’s a practical choice for nights when time is tight, but you still want something wholesome.
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.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re craving something hearty but don’t have the time for a complicated recipe, Reuben Bowls are here to help. Corned beef, sauerkraut, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing come together quickly for a meal that’s comforting and filling. This simplified version of the Reuben Sandwich is ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for those busy evenings when you need something that’s a little easier without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a great option for those nights when you’re too tired to stress over dinner. Mix egg noodles, canned tuna, frozen peas, and cheese, bake it, and in less than an hour, you’ve got a hearty dish that requires practically no effort at all. This is one of those go-to easy dinners you’ll find yourself turning to when you want something simple yet comforting.
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.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole gives you a hearty, complete meal with just a little prep. Bell peppers, ground meat, tomatoes, rice, and cheese are all baked together, giving you a filling dish that’s perfect for family dinners — no stuffing required. It’s ready in about 45 minutes, making it a great option for when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need something quick and easy but don’t want a ton of cleanup, Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a great choice. You only need one pan to cook everything. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar cheese are sauteed together, and in about 30 minutes, dinner’s ready! It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a meal that’s fast but still keeps things simple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 a great choice if you’re looking for something simple but comforting. Layer cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, and spices, then pop it in the oven to bake. The result is a hearty, cheesy dish that looks like you put in more effort than you did. This is one of those go-to easy dinners that will make any night feel a little special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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 is a great way to feed the family without spending hours in the kitchen. With crispy tater tots, tender shredded chicken, corn, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that feels hearty and comforting. You toss everything into a dish and let the oven do the work. In under an hour, dinner is ready! This dish is one you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation — it’s simple, delicious, and leaves everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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 when you need a quick dinner that still feels special. You coat the pork chops in mayo, then toss them in seasoned breadcrumbs before baking them to crispy perfection. They’re ready in just 25 minutes, making them a great option for nights when you don’t want to spend much time cooking. Pair them with a salad or veggies, and you have a complete meal ready quickly.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup brings comfort without all the work. Chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, and celery are simmered in a flavorful broth, and this meal is ready in just 40 minutes. The soup is simple to make and reheat well, so it’s also great for leftovers. This is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to when you need something reliable, easy, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick, hearty meal that delivers big flavor without the hassle. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have browned chicken simmering in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, perfect for those nights when you want something that feels a little more special. Serve it with some simple veggies or a salad, and you’ve got a complete meal. This recipe is a great go-to because it’s fast, comforting, and easy to make when you need something extra.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a lot but still want a good dinner on the table. Chicken thighs, spinach, and cream cheese come together with mozzarella for a dish ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes. It’s easy to make, with no complicated steps, and it turns out creamy, cheesy, and flavorful every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this bake will likely become one of your favorites because it’s quick, simple, and filling without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 a comfort food packed with veggies and, wait for it — lots of cheese. Steamed broccoli and cauliflower are mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon, and baked until bubbling and golden. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. This casserole works as a main or a side and will become a staple in your home because it’s quick, simple, and something the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is simple, hearty, and comforting. White beans, carrots, onions, and celery simmered together for the perfect combination of flavors. It is great for busy nights when you need something easy but still filling. It’s a great way to get a filling meal on the table without too much effort, and it gets even better the next day, so if you have any leftovers, you’re in for a treat. You’ll want to make this soup regularly because it’s easy to prepare and serves the comfort you’re looking for in a meal.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

A bowl filled with a quinoa salad that includes chickpeas, chopped red bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs, presented on a light-colored surface.
Quinoa Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quinoa Chickpea Salad is perfect if you’re looking for something healthy and quick. It’s made with quinoa, chickpeas, red bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions, all tossed in a lemon-garlic dressing. Ready to serve after chilling in the fridge, this salad is light, refreshing, and filling without being too heavy. It’s a great choice when you want an easy, wholesome meal made with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad

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.

Italian Sausage Soup is a great go-to for a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to make. It brings together Italian sausage, cream cheese, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream for a rich, savory flavor. The best part? It’s ready in 30 minutes, and you only need one pot, so cleanup is quick, too. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley, this soup is perfect for nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is just the thing when you want something easy but comforting. Steamed broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy cracker topping make this a simple yet hearty dish. It’s ready in under an hour, and it’s perfect when you’re looking for a way to get some veggies into your dinner without a lot of effort. Whether you’re making this as a side or a lighter main meal, it’s a great choice for busy nights when you just want a little comfort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a great option if you need something quick and full of flavor. Sweet potatoes and red peppers come together with spices like cumin and paprika to create a simple, filling soup. It’s light but filling, so it’s a great choice when you need dinner to come together quickly without much effort. Ready in an hour, it’s one of those go-to meals you’ll make again and again because it’s easy, nutritious, and works every time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper 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.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is an easy meal that’s great for busy nights. Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole sneaks in some veggies and still tastes like a treat. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese are all baked together and gives you a simple but hearty dish. You’ll keep this one in your dinner rotation for its simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a perfect choice when you need something budget-friendly but still filling. Made with just cabbage, sausage, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, it’s a simple dish that comes together in about 25 minutes. It’s great for nights when you don’t want to spend too much time or money but still need something hearty. This is one of those meals that you’ll keep coming back to because it’s fast, easy, and comforting without the complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

When your day’s been too busy, and you just need dinner to be simple, Fajita Baked Chicken is a great choice. Chicken breasts, sweet peppers, and cream cheese bake together to create a meal that’s full of flavor with minimal effort. Top it with sour cream and chives, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like you spent way more time on it than you did. Thirty minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those busy nights. You’ll find yourself making this one again and again because it just works.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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