17 easy dinners when work is finally over

Photo of author

| Published:

Easy dinners are what you need when work finally lets you go, and the last thing you want is to spend more energy in the kitchen. These meals are quick, simple, and designed to make your evening a little easier — perfect for those nights when you’re feeling worn out but still want something homemade. Plus, they’ll help you get a nice meal on the table without adding to your stress.

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

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 a great way to make dinner without adding to your stress after a long day. Just spread a little mayo on the pork, coat it with breadcrumbs, and bake. The crispy coating keeps the pork tender and juicy, and it only takes 25 minutes to finish. Pair these with a quick side like mashed potatoes for a simple, filling meal that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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 simple meal that comes together quickly. Egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, and a cheesy sauce are mixed together and baked with a cheesy bread crumb topping. Ready in less than an hour, it bakes into a comforting dish without being complicated. Plus, they taste just a great the next day so if you have any leftovers, they will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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 great for minimizing your time in the kitchen. Simply slice the sausage and toss with zucchini, broccoli and sweet mini peppers, season, and bake everything in one pan. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a balanced meal with minimal cleanup. It’s quick, healthy, and gives you a break from heavy cooking. When you’ve had a long day at work, this sheet pan dinner helps you get a nutritious meal on the table without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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 one-pan dish that’s both simple and filling. Cooked together with onions and a splash of apple cider vinegar, the sausage and cabbage bring hearty flavors that make this meal filling but quick to prepare. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for when you want something comforting after a busy day. With easy ingredients and minimal cleanup, this is a reliable choice when you’re looking for a no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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 straightforward dish that gives you comfort food vibes without much effort. Broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon come together in this casserole, ready to be enjoyed in just 30 minutes. This dish helps you get a filling meal on the table quickly, making it perfect for when your energy is low but you still want something to fill you up.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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 gives you the flavors of lasagna with a lot less work. Layer cheese-filled ravioli with marinara and cheese, then bake until it’s bubbly and golden. This dish takes about an hour to make, most of which is hands-off time, so you can rest while it cooks. It’s perfect for nights when you want something comforting but don’t have the energy for a more involved meal. With minimal prep and cleanup, this one’s a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect when you need something quick and simple after a busy day. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have tender, golden chicken bites tossed and drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe uses only one skillet, which makes cleanup easy. It’s a straightforward, no-stress option when you’re too tired to spend much time in the kitchen but still want a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is a perfect dinner solution for something easy, comforting, and low on effort. Fresh broccoli is baked with cheddar cheese and cream of mushroom soup, creating a creamy, rich dish that hits the spot after a long day. The crushed cracker topping adds just the right amount of crunch, giving this dish a delicious texture contrast. The great thing about this casserole is that it’s mostly hands-off — once it’s in the oven, you just need to wait for it to be done while you unwind.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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 steps up as a perfect solution when you’re too tired to even think about turning on the stove. It’s got the classic Caesar flavors you love — crispy croutons, creamy dressing, and chicken — but with the added comfort of pasta to make it a full meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is great when the last thing you want to do is stand over the stove after a day of back-to-back meetings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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.

After a long day that feels never-ending, Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is your go-to for an easy, comforting dinner. This casserole packs in hearty ground beef, spinach, and cauliflower rice, baked under a cheesy, bubbly top layer, all ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a one-dish meal that covers your protein and veggies, making it great for those nights when you want something that’s filling but doesn’t require a ton of prep.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is the dinner you turn to when you need something hearty but can’t muster the energy for a complicated recipe. This dish starts with chicken thighs marinated in garlic and Italian seasoning, layered with cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella, and then baked until golden. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting meal that doesn’t require much effort, and the oven takes care of most of the work. Serve it with a simple side, and you’ve got dinner sorted.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is what you throw together when you need a fast dinner without a lot of hassle. The rich, salty bacon pairs perfectly with the cabbage, which softens as it cooks in the bacon fat, absorbing all that flavor. Onions are added for a bit of sweetness, and the whole thing is ready in about 25 minutes. It’s a light, flavorful meal that comes together quickly, giving you more time to relax after a hectic day. Simple ingredients, quick cooking, and minimal cleanup make it a win for those nights when you just need a break.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken helps you transition from a tough day to a relaxed evening. It’s made with seasoned chicken, sweet mini peppers, and melted cheese, all baked in one pan. This keeps things simple while still giving you plenty of flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish brings some flavor to your weeknight without spending extra time and energy in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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 comforting, simple dish that’s easy to make after a long day. The sweetness of the potatoes mixes well with the mild peppers, and the whole thing comes together in one pot. After you’ve let it simmer, you’ll have a smooth soup that feels light but still fills you up. This is a great option when you need something soothing and easy to prepare — plus, if you have leftovers for the next day, trust that they’ll taste just as great, if not better.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice gives you a hearty meal without much cleanup — because it’s all cooked in one skillet. The ground beef gives the dish a hearty base, while the cauliflower rice keeps it light. With mushrooms and a bit of cream, you get a balanced flavors that work together perfectly. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, so you can relax knowing dinner won’t take forever. This is a go-to option when you want something filling but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 comforting dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps — season, sauté, and simmer — you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time, 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great option when you want something with a little richness but don’t have the energy for a complicated 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.

Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty, simple meal that doesn’t ask much of you. It’s loaded with sausage, tomatoes, and a creamy broth, giving you a filling and flavorful dish. The sausage brings enough seasoning on its own, so you won’t need to spend time adding extra ingredients. This soup comes together quickly, and it’s a great option for when you need something comforting but don’t want to be in the kitchen for long.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.