23 foolproof dinner recipes that work every time

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Looking for foolproof dinner recipes you can count on? Whether you’re new to the kitchen or just short on time, these 23 recipes are your go-to options for meals that are easy to make, quick, and consistently good. With simple ingredients and steps, each recipe is designed to deliver great results as quickly as possible. The aim is to make cooking stress-free while serving up dishes everyone will enjoy.

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

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.

Ready in 30 minutes and cooked in a single pot, this soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream. It’s not only quick but also beginner-friendly, giving you a flavorful meal without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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.

Done in 30 minutes and requiring only one sheet pan, this dish is a time-saver that makes clean-up easy. The sausage and veggies roast together for a simple yet flavorful meal. It’s so straightforward, even cooking newcomers will find it hard to go wrong.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This one-pan dish takes less than 30 minutes to make, featuring cabbage and sausage for a quick, flavorful meal. The ease and speed of preparation make it perfect for those new to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

With only 20 minutes of prep time, toss your ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do the work. Ground beef and pantry staples combine to create a convenient, hearty meal that’s hard to mess up, even for beginners. You’ll come home to a meal that’s ready to be enjoyed.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dish featuring steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. This forgiving recipe allows for easy customization, making it an excellent choice for those new to cooking. It’s an ideal way to get your vegetables while also enjoying a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot soup can be ready in less than an hour. Combining chicken and vegetables in a flavorful broth, it’s a simple option for a quick, filling meal. This soup is versatile, so feel free to add more veggies or spices.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot soup comes together in 45 minutes. Its straightforward steps and rich flavors make it an excellent choice for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a comforting meal for cold days or when you’re in need of a quick dish.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

This 20-minute stovetop dish results in juicy chicken bites in a flavorful garlic-butter sauce. It’s quick and simple, ideal for those who are new to cooking. Pair it with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It brings together sweet potatoes and red peppers to make a creamy soup. Ready in about an hour, it’s an easy option for any night of the week. Make a batch and see why it’s a comforting go-to recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole dish with cheese, bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Imagine all the best parts of a baked potato but in a casserole. This dish has bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. You can even make it ahead of time. It’s an easy way to enjoy a filling meal without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato 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.

In a half-hour, you can have a one-pan meal featuring ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. It’s filling but not too heavy, making it a great dinner choice. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to make this dish come to life.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 casserole brings ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese into a simple, yet tasty dish. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a quick and balanced dinner choice. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is hard to get wrong.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have chicken bathed in a rich mushroom sauce. This one-pan dish is easy to make and a hit even among those who are choosy about their food. Serve it with rice or noodles and you’ve got a full meal that’s hard to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Have 20 minutes? Then you’ve got time for this simple recipe. Canned chicken turns into easy-to-make patties that you can eat alone or put in a sandwich. They’re a practical choice when you need to put together a meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

A blend of cabbage, bacon, and onion, this dish offers robust flavors without complicating your life. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a great pick when you’re short on time but still want something that packs a flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This one-pan dish features chicken in a garlic sauce that’s creamy and comforting. It pairs well with both cauliflower and traditional rice, and it’s so simple that even cooking beginners will have a hard time getting it wrong.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic 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.

Here, shrimp, garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach come together in 30 minutes. The combination of flavors works so well that it’ll be a hit at the dinner table. It’s a straightforward recipe, perfect for those who are new to cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Spice up your chicken salad routine with the kick of jalapeños. This recipe is surprisingly easy and is a practical choice for a quick and memorable meal. The best part? You can be a beginner cook and successfully make it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Simple and ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s filling and easy, perfect for when you’re hungry but short on time.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

This 30-minute dish features chicken in a sun-dried tomato sauce that’s both rich and simple. The flavors meld well together, making it a good meal for any night. Even if you’re new to cooking, this is a straightforward dish to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Think fajitas, but easier. This dish has seasoned chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella, all in one dish. The blend of flavors and textures makes this an easy-to-make, yet flavor-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

These poppers make for great finger food or a casual dinner. Chicken, bacon, and ranch come together to create a tasty and simple dish. They’re perfect for gatherings or for when you just want a fun and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Shawarma Kebabs

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

These kebabs offer a protein-packed meal with the classic flavors of Shawarma. The recipe uses everyday spices to make it easy to recreate that authentic taste. It’s a straightforward meal option that’s nearly impossible to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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