When life gets busy, it’s tough to find time to cook. That’s why these 17 simple dinner recipes are perfect for those hectic evenings when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal. Designed to be quick and easy, these recipes use common ingredients you may already have on hand. You’ll be able to get dinner on the table fast, leaving you more time for everything else you have going on. These are your go-to options for a no-fuss, stress-free evening meal.
Spinach Chicken Bake
This dish is easy to make with chicken, cheese, and spinach, all cooked in one pan. If you’re not a fan of cooking, this recipe is for you. It comes together fast and gives you a good mix of meat and veggies. It’s a quick and simple option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cabbage and Sausage
You can cook this cabbage and sausage dish in one pan and it takes less than 30 minutes. It’s a good pick if you don’t like to cook, because it’s quick to make and easy to clean up. The meal is filling and has a lot of flavor, making it a solid choice for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This dish is ready in 30 minutes and you only need one skillet. It’s a good choice for busy evenings or if you don’t enjoy cooking. The recipe mixes ground beef with cauliflower rice to give you a complete meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This one-pan chicken dish pairs well with rice or vegetables and takes only 30 minutes to make. If you find cooking to be a chore, this is a recipe to consider. It’s simple to prepare and results in a hearty, well-rounded meal. Perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
Ready in less than an hour, this one-pot soup mixes chicken, veggies, and a flavorful broth. It’s a quick option for a full-flavored meal, especially useful for busy evenings. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
This soup is warming and full of flavor, all coming together in one pot in just 45 minutes. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but can also work for a relaxed weekend. The steps are simple, making it a good fit for anyone who wants a quick yet hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cook these chicken bites on the stovetop in about 20 minutes. They’re bite-sized and easy to make, ideal for busy nights. The chicken turns out juicy and is coated in a buttery garlic sauce, providing a straightforward yet flavorful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This soup is a one-pot dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. You can have a flavorful bowl ready in one hour. The recipe is straightforward, making it a reliable choice for a quick, home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Everything cooks on a single sheet pan and is ready in 30 minutes. The dish includes roasted sausage and veggies, offering a full meal with minimal fuss. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting to keep dinner preparation simple and quick.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is ready in 30 minutes and combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. The easy steps and quick baking time make it a dependable option for dinner, especially when you’re short on time. It’s a complete meal that requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
With just 30 minutes of cooking time, this casserole blends ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach for a full meal. It’s especially good for those who want to keep dinner simple. You’ll appreciate this time-saving dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Canned Chicken Patties
These patties are done in 20 minutes, making them a quick dinner choice. They’re versatile and can go with many different sides. The easy steps make this dish an uncomplicated, family-friendly option.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
In just 25 minutes, you can have a balanced meal featuring cabbage and bacon on the table. This dish is uncomplicated and straightforward, making it a solid option when you’re pressed for time. The short cooking time and minimal steps are perfect for hectic evenings when you need a quick yet hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Italian Sausage Soup
Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pot Italian Sausage Soup combines hearty ingredients like sausage, cream, and canned tomatoes. It’s simple to prepare and delivers full flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The quick cooking time means you can have a warm, nourishing meal without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Just 20 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does the rest, making this an incredibly time-efficient option. The soup is both filling and flavorful, perfect for days when you’re multitasking and need dinner to pretty much make itself. Your reward is a hearty meal that requires minimal hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
Combining chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, this dish offers an easy and complete meal in about 30 minutes. Its simple steps make it a go-to for those who don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen but still desire a flavorful, home-cooked dinner. It’s an ideal choice for those jam-packed evenings when you need dinner to be quick and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
These poppers can be ready in a snap, making them a no-fuss option for a fast dinner. Ideal for days when cooking is the last thing you want to spend much time on, they deliver on flavor without requiring intricate steps. A convenient choice for busy nights when you want a simple but enjoyable meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers