You’ve never made easy dinners like these 21 before

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You’ve never made a meal as effortlessly as you will with these 21 easy dinners. Perfect for those new to the kitchen or short on time, each dish focuses on straightforward, hard-to-mess-up preparation while delivering maximum flavor. Every recipe is designed to minimize both fuss and cleanup, often requiring just a single pan. With easy-to-follow steps and short ingredient lists, these meals are as foolproof as they are satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or simply searching for a stress-free dinner, these recipes have you covered.

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

You’ve probably never encountered such an effortless dinner as this 30-minute Spinach Chicken Bake. It utilizes a single pan and features simple ingredients like marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. The uncomplicated steps make this dish a prime choice for those new to cooking. It’s also very forgiving, making it hard to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and Sausage dish offers a flavorful, complete meal with minimal effort and ingredients. Simply combining cabbage and sausage, the recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels, especially those new to the kitchen. There’s no need for additional side dishes, making it a standalone meal that keeps things simple. Ideal for busy evenings, the dish requires just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The straightforward nature of this recipe makes it a practical choice for any night.
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.

You won’t believe how easy it is to prepare this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole in just 30 minutes. The dish includes steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and crispy bacon, all combined in a forgiving recipe that allows for customization. It’s great for novice cooks and practically guarantees a successful outcome. Serve this casserole hot for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare to make a simple yet comforting meal with this 30-minute Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. The one-pot recipe features Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream, resulting in a rich texture. This is an ideal choice for kitchen newcomers, as the recipe is almost impossible to mess up. Serve it hot for a complete meal. The quick cooking time and minimal equipment for this one make it a great easy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of Crock Pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This is one of the easiest slow cooker soup recipes you’ll ever make. This Crock Pot Taco Soup requires just 20 minutes of prep time, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest. Ground beef and pantry staples come together in a recipe that’s hard to get wrong, even for those new to cooking. It offers a convenient and filling meal option. Set it up, let it cook, and enjoy your meal later with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

For a straightforward yet impressive dinner, this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is ready in just 30 minutes. One pan is all you need to combine chicken with a rich mushroom sauce that complements it well. This dish is easy to prepare and hard to mess up, ideal for those just starting in the kitchen. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

This Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a complete meal in 30 minutes. The dish incorporates ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms cooked in a skillet on the stovetop. You’ll find the straightforward recipe and method particularly suitable for kitchen novices. Serve it hot as is; there is no need for additional side dishes. How quickly and easily it comes together makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this Fajita Baked Chicken featuring seasoned chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella. The uncomplicated steps make it a reliable choice for those less experienced in the kitchen. The blend of flavors in this dish comes together naturally, adding to its appeal. Serve it hot straight from the oven. It’s an ideal option for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked 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.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is ready in just 30 minutes and requires only one pan. The combination of roasted sausage and vegetables provides a hearty meal, and cleanup is minimal. If you’re new to cooking, this dish is almost foolproof. Serve it hot to enjoy a complete and filling dinner. Its quick cooking time and ease of cleanup make this an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

You’ve never made a quick dinner as straightforward as this 30-minute Creamy Garlic Chicken. The one-pan recipe features chicken complemented by a rich garlic sauce. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, reducing the chances of errors even for those new to cooking. Pair this dish with rice or vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The swift cooking time is an added bonus.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach comes together in just 30 minutes. This dish is hearty and filling, featuring a balanced mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. It’s a straightforward option, especially if you’re new to cooking. Serve it hot for a meal that provides comfort without complications. The quick preparation time and the recipe’s simplicity make it a go-to option for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Fried Cabbage with Bacon provides a flavorful mix of simple ingredients like cabbage, bacon, and onion, all in just 25 minutes. The straightforward preparation ensures that even those new to cooking will find it manageable. The quick cooking time and minimal ingredients add to its appeal for busy weeknights. It’s a quick and uncomplicated meal that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Whip up this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad that marries heat with creaminess. The recipe is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for cooking novices. You can serve this dish as your main course to fully enjoy its bold flavors. Its quick preparation time seamlessly fits into any busy schedule. This is an effortless way to add some variety to your meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a 30-minute, one-pan meal that features shrimp in a rich garlic sauce with tomatoes and spinach. This dish is easy to prepare and practically impossible to ruin, making it a top pick for those new to the kitchen. Serve it hot for an elegant yet easy dinner. It’s a quick and reliable choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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 simple, one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce. The steps are straightforward enough to make it a safe bet for cooking newcomers. Serve it hot and pair it with your choice of sides for a complete meal. The quick cooking time is just another reason to love this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With only 20 minutes of prep time, these Canned Chicken Patties offer a quick and convenient meal solution. Using canned chicken simplifies the process, making it a solid option for those new to cooking. You can serve the patties alone or use them as the base for sandwiches. Their quick prep and cooking time make them a natural choice for a fast meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Big Mac Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Big Mac Salad captures the essence of the iconic fast-food burger without the bun. The dish features lettuce, ground beef, and a special sauce, and it’s remarkably easy to assemble. The quick prep and cooking time make it a solid choice for a speedy dinner, even if you’re new to cooking. Serve it as a main course for a lighter yet satisfying meal. The straightforward recipe is a great way to enjoy a fast-food flavor right at home.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This hearty Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole brings together chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños in less than an hour. The dish is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to for those who are new to the kitchen. The convenience of a casserole means less time fussing over the stove. Serve it hot, and enjoy the blend of spicy and creamy elements in one bite. Perfect for those evenings when you want comfort food without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a no-fuss option for a light main course. The mix of sour cream, mayo, and dill offers a tangy flavor profile that’s easy to love. Its quick preparation time and simple ingredients make it a reliable option, especially if you’re short on time. Serve it chilled for best results, making it a good choice for make-ahead meal planning. The recipe’s simplicity makes it practically foolproof, even for those who are new to cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Shawarma Kebabs can be put together quickly and feature protein-rich skewers seasoned for an authentic flavor. The recipe is simple enough that even cooking novices can execute it successfully. You can pair them with rice or salad for a complete meal. With the flexibility to grill or broil these kebabs, you have options to suit your convenience. The straightforward steps and quick cooking time make it a practical choice for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers offer a fuss-free finger food option ready in an hour. Made with chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors, this dish is as tasty as it is simple. Whether you’re a cooking beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate the straightforward preparation steps. Given the minimal ingredients and uncomplicated steps, this recipe is ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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