21 dinners that don’t take longer than an hour to make

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For busy households, dinners that don’t take longer than an hour to make are a lifesaver. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something more special for a weekend date night, these 21 recipes offer a variety of options to suit all tastes. From hearty casseroles to impressive one-pan meals, each dish here is meant to be quick and flavorful, requiring minimal cleanup and preparation time — all made and served in 60 minutes or less.

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.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole combines steamed broccoli and cauliflower with cheese and bacon and is ready to serve in just 30 minutes. This is a straightforward option for a meal ready in under one hour that your family will appreciate. The minimal prep and quick cooking time make it ideal for those busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower 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.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is delicious and convenient. The combination of roasted sausage and a medley of colorful vegetables offers a burst of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time. Plus, the sheet pan format makes cleanup a breeze.
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.

Whip up a skillet of this Cabbage and Sausage for a flavorful main dish. This hearty meal combines the natural sweetness of cabbage with the spiciness of sausage. Preparing takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners. Your family will be impressed by its complex flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. It features seasoned ground beef and sautéed mushrooms, all served over cauliflower rice. Melted cheddar cheese adds a finishing touch that brings the whole dish together. This one-pan wonder is a convenient and quick option for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a great way to make dinner special. Marinated chicken thighs are the star, complemented by a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. The dish can be prepared and cooked in just 30 minutes, offering a quick yet flavorful meal. It’s an easy way to get a dose of protein and veggies all in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the flavors of a classic Philly Cheese Steak in this easy-to-make casserole. Tender steak is cooked in butter and garlic and then sautéed with peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The dish is topped with melted provolone cheese for that authentic Philly taste. Despite its gourmet flavors, the dish can be made in under an hour, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak 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.

In just 1 hour, you can make a warm sweet potato and red bell pepper soup with a hint of spices like cumin and paprika. This recipe is easy and uses simple ingredients. If you like your soup a bit creamy, you can add some heavy cream. You can also top it with garnishes like parsley or sour cream. Perfect for a quick and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Sausage Curry

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

This one-pan Sausage Curry will delight your taste buds. Sausages are combined with assorted vegetables, all simmered in a rich and creamy curry sauce. It takes just 45 minutes to go from pantry to table, and it’s a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand. Serve over rice or enjoy it as is for a flavorful and hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This Fajita Baked Chicken showcases chicken breasts seasoned with traditional fajita spices and baked with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. The meal comes together in just 30 minutes, and it’s a fun twist on a classic Tex-Mex dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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 combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach straightforwardly. Melted cheddar cheese tops off the dish, and including spinach provides a simple way to add vegetables to your dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick option for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken can be made and served in just 30 minutes. The chicken is seasoned, cooked, and then covered with a dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon. Cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables make good side options. It’s a dish that is a quick yet impressive option for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The cabbage is cooked until tender and pairs wonderfully with the bacon’s smokiness and the onions’ sweetness. Preparing this dish takes just 25 minutes, making it ideal for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce features seasoned chicken cooked to perfection, then covered with a rich mushroom sauce. The whole dish comes together in just 30 minutes, offering a fast and flavorful meal. It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward. Serve it with steamed vegetables for a complete, quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs offer an explosion of flavors. Ground turkey is combined with coconut milk, curry powder, and red curry paste for a unique twist on traditional meatballs. The dish can be prepared and served in just 30 minutes. It’s a memorable yet easy choice for those looking to diversify their weeknight meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a one-pan meal ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, making the dish rich in flavor. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, giving you more time to relax in the evening. Pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Enjoy this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish that combines perfectly cooked shrimp with a rich garlic sauce. Fresh grape tomatoes and spinach complement the seafood wonderfully. It’s a meal that can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it suitable for special occasions or a cozy date night. Serve it over rice or pasta to make it even more hearty.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In this Creamy Tuscan Chicken, you’ll find chicken thighs with crisped skin combined with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The creamy sauce ties everything together. This dish can be made and served in just 40 minutes, so it’s a quick yet impactful option for dinner. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Bowl of asparagus noodles with alfredo sauce and bacon with a fork.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon recipe showcases a creative way to incorporate asparagus into your meal. The asparagus is transformed into noodles and then topped with homemade Alfredo sauce and bacon crumbles. The dish is both fun and flavorful, and it can be ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This Creamy Garlic Chicken dish makes dinner simple yet special. Chicken breasts are cooked and then covered with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that can be prepared and cooked in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings. Serve it with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This version of Zuppa Toscana captures the essence of Olive Garden’s famous soup, offering a blend of flavors in a hearty bowl. Radishes are used as a stand-in for potatoes as a lower-carb option. The soup is full of rich flavor, making for an ideal comfort food that can be ready in under an hour. Serve the soup hot for a fulfilling, quick, and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts dish features tender chicken in a creamy sauce enhanced with the tangy flavor of artichokes and a hint of lemon juice. Your family will be impressed by its depth of flavors, and it takes less than an hour to make. The dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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