24 extra easy dinners for those who value their precious free time

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Easy dinners are a lifesaver when you want something tasty without the hassle. This list is for those who value their free time and want simple yet great meals. We’re all about making things straightforward so you can enjoy good food without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s keep it easy and delicious, letting you enjoy more of your downtime.

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

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 great when you need something quick and wholesome. Toss together quinoa, chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions, then drizzle with a lemon-garlic dressing. It keeps well in the fridge, so meal prep is a breeze. With its bright flavors and simple ingredients, this salad is a kind choice for when you want a meal that supports your day without adding stress.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites get straight to the point. With chicken, garlic, and butter, you have everything you need for a simple, great meal. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a quick and filling dish. Perfect for weeknights when you want something easy and don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors are classic and comforting, with juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish works well with some rice or veggies on the side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil makes dinner easy and flavorful. Mix potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, then bake for under an hour. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights when you need a meal that comes together with minimal effort. The flavors blend nicely, and you get a variety of textures in every bite. This dish is all about making your evening just a bit easier.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Egg Salad is all about simplicity and convenience. Hard-boiled eggs, tuna, yogurt, celery, and seasonings make a quick, protein-packed meal in just 25 minutes. This salad is versatile enough to eat on its own, in a sandwich, or on a bed of greens. Perfect for when you need a quick dinner or something to make ahead.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

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.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is a quick way to add a bit of excitement to your meal. The hot honey marinade gives the chicken a great mix of sweet and spicy flavor, all in just 45 minutes. The chicken stays juicy even after it is cooked, making it a great relief after a long, busy day. Whether you’re grilling indoors or out, this dish is flexible and comes together easily.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

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 your go-to for an easy, no-stress meal. Just throw sausages, zucchini, broccoli florets, and sweet mini peppers on a pan and bake for 30 minutes. The mix of sausage and veggies gives you a balanced meal with protein and nutrients. Perfect for weeknights when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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 when you want a comforting meal without much effort. Just place frozen ravioli in a dish, cover with marinara sauce, sprinkle on some cheese, and bake. The ravioli turns soft and tender, and the cheese melts just right. In about an hour, you’ve got a delicious, cheesy dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours. Add a side salad if you like, and you’ve got a simple, hearty meal that lets you enjoy your free time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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 brings ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar together in one pan for a comforting meal in just 30 minutes. The cauliflower rice blends perfectly, soaking up all the cheesy flavors and making this dish both hearty and a bit healthier. It’s a lifesaver for those evenings when you’re too tired to cook but still want something filling. Plus, with just one pan to clean up, it’s an easy choice for anyone looking to keep dinnertime quick and simple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 all about comfort made easy. Steam some broccoli and cauliflower, mix them with a creamy cheese sauce, top with crispy bacon, and bake. The cheese sauce adds a lovely touch to the veggies, making them a bit more special. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish gives you a rich and filling meal that fits right into a busy day. Perfect for those evenings when you want something nourishing without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower 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 gives you all the great flavors of stuffed peppers with half the work. Chop up some bell peppers, mix with ground meat, tomatoes, and rice, then top with cheese and bake. The peppers stay nice and crunchy, and the cheese melts perfectly over everything. It’s ready in about 45 minutes, making it a great choice for a comforting dinner after a long day. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week, it gives you that cozy, homemade feel without wasting too much time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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.

Reuben Bowls make dinner simple yet flavorful. You get all the classic Reuben sandwich fixings like corned beef, sauerkraut, coleslaw, and Swiss cheese in a bowl with a bit of Thousand Island dressing. The tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing mix so well together. It’s ready in 30 minutes so that you can have something delicious on the table in no time. This is a great option for those nights when you want something different without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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 simple way to make dinner feel a bit more special. You combine garlic, cream, and Parmesan with chicken in one pan, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. The sauce is rich and comforting, pairing nicely with pasta or bread. This is perfect for nights when you want a thoughtful meal, but it doesn’t take much time or effort. It’s all about enjoying a great dinner without making a mess of your kitchen, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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 great when you need something comforting and easy. Just layer tater tots, shredded chicken, corn, and cheese in a dish and bake until it’s golden and bubbly. In under an hour, you’ve got a meal that’s crispy on top and creamy inside. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to bring a little joy to your table without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is like a comforting hug on a busy day. With chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, and celery all simmering together, you get a rich flavor without much effort. It’s ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for nights when you need something cozy but can’t spend hours in the kitchen. Simple to make and so comforting, it’s a great option for those who want a wholesome meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

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 all about keeping things easy and delicious. Coat the chops in mayo, roll in seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake. In just 25 minutes, you have chops that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s a great option for when you want a little variety without spending all your time cooking. Perfect for any night when you need a no-stress meal, this recipe keeps dinner simple so you can enjoy your evening without the extra cleanup.
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 go-to for a comforting, no-stress dinner. Mix noodles, canned tuna, peas, and cheese, bake for about 30 minutes, and you have a filling meal that’s easy on time and effort. It’s perfect for nights when you’re too tired to think about cooking but still want something hearty. This dish comes together quickly using pantry staples and serves comfort after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is simple and comforting. Just layer chicken thighs, spinach, and cream cheese in a dish, top with mozzarella, and bake. In about 30 minutes, you have a creamy, flavorful meal that’s sure to please. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is a simple and easy meal for when you need a break. Just combine white beans, carrots, onions, and celery and let them simmer. In about 40 minutes, you get a hearty, comforting soup that’s filling and simple. It’s perfect for evenings when you need something soothing without spending all your time cooking.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken gives you maximum flavor with minimal effort. Throw chicken breasts, cream cheese, and sweet peppers into a baking dish and bake. After 30 minutes in the oven, you get a cheesy, spicy meal that feels like you put in way more effort. This is great for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have the time or energy for complicated cooking. Serve it with a side salad or some rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole brings together steamed broccoli with a cheesy sauce and a crunchy cracker topping. Ready in under an hour, this dish doesn’t require much hands-on time, which makes it great for those busy weeknights. You can pop it in the oven and relax while it cooks. It’s perfect when you need something comforting without doing a lot of work. This dish is versatile, too — it can stand alone as a lighter dinner or be paired with your favorite protein.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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 keeps things simple but packs in a lot of flavor. Just toss Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and a dash of cream into a pot, and in about 30 minutes, you have a rich and hearty soup. It’s perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something comforting. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. You can serve it on its own or with some crusty bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage 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 like hitting the easy button on dinner. You mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, top it with cheese, and bake. In no time, you’ve got a wholesome and filling meal. This is perfect for those who want to eat well without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. It’s also a great way to get some veggies in.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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 makes dinnertime easy and delicious. Sweet potatoes and red peppers blend with spices into a soup that’s ready in an hour. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect when your day’s been nonstop and you need something that doesn’t require a lot of prep. You get a flavorful, creamy soup without the need for heavy cream or a ton of ingredients. Serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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 simple meal that turns basic ingredients into something special. Cook sliced cabbage, smoked sausage, onion, butter, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, and have a ready meal in about 25 minutes. You get the smokiness of the sausage and the slight tang from the vinegar, making it far from boring. This dish works on its own or alongside some mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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