These 20 weeknight dinner recipes are our current favorites

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Our weeknight dinner recipes are the heroes of our busy evenings, and they’ve quickly become our favorites. These 20 dishes are all about making your life easier while still packing a punch of flavor. We’re talking about meals that are straightforward, quick to make, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether it’s a one-pan wonder or a simple bake, each recipe is chosen for its simplicity and great taste. They’re the kind of dinners that make you look forward to mealtime, even on the busiest days.

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is a hit for weeknight dinners, mixing tuna and noodles in a creamy sauce that’s ready in less than an hour. It’s straightforward to whip up and the leftovers reheat great for lunch the next day. It’s one of our go-to recipes when we need something quick and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Throwing together cabbage and sausage in one skillet makes for a flavorful meal that’s ready in a snap, making it a current favorite for weeknight dining. It’s great for beginners and guarantees less mess, meaning you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your evening.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

This soup is a weeknight winner with its comforting mix of sausage, cream, and tomatoes, all ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet hearty meal to end their day. This recipe is a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation, especially on those cooler evenings.
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.

In just 30 minutes, this sheet pan dinner brings together sausages and a variety of vegetables for a fuss-free meal that’s perfect for those busy nights. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners in our household.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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 casserole is a weeknight game changer, combining broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a hearty dish ready in 30 minutes. It’s simple to make and a great way to enjoy a warm, comforting meal without spending hours 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.

Turning classic stuffed bell peppers into a casserole has made this dish a weeknight favorite, ready in just 45 minutes. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss meal that brings a great flavor to the dinner table, perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but easy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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 dish makes a special weeknight dinner feel easy, combining shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach in a savory garlic sauce within 30 minutes. It’s straightforward and quick, which is why it’s become a favorite for bringing a bit of flair to our dinner table without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

Set it and forget it with this taco soup that requires just 20 minutes of prep before you let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. It’s a fantastic pick for those extra busy days, delivering a flavorful meal that’s a current favorite without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

This one-pan meal is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, ready in 30 minutes and combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheese into a hearty skillet. It’s so easy to make and always hits the spot, making it a great choice for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

In just 30 minutes, this recipe brings you tender chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s become a favorite for its ease and the rich flavors it brings to our weeknight dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

This salad mixes the bold flavors of jalapeño poppers into a quick and easy meal, perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s simple, especially if you use rotisserie chicken, and a great addition to the weekly meal plan for a light yet flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

With just a few ingredients like chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese, this 30-minute bake is effortlessly delicious. It’s become a weeknight staple for us, offering a straightforward and hearty meal that’s always welcome after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This simple dish, ready in 25 minutes, pairs the smokiness of bacon with the natural sweetness of cabbage for a quick and hearty meal. It’s become a weeknight favorite for its simplicity and the robust flavors it brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

A refreshing side that comes together in 30 minutes, this salad combines cucumbers and onions with a creamy dill dressing. It’s an easy choice for a light addition to any meal, making it a frequent pick for our weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken thighs and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce create a flavorful dish in just 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward recipe that adds a burst of flavor to our weeknight meals, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet impressive dinner.
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.

Seasoned chicken breasts baked with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella come together in this 30-minute recipe. It’s a simple yet great way to enjoy the flavors of fajitas in a dish that’s become a weeknight favorite for its ease and taste.
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 beef casserole mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese into an easy-to-assemble, 30-minute meal. It’s hearty, cheesy, and always a hit, making it a top choice for our weeknight dinners when we’re looking for something both comforting and simple to make.
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.

Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce make this one-pan recipe a go-to for an easy, hearty dinner. Ready in no time, it pairs well with rice or a side of your choice, making it a staple for our weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Using canned chicken for these patties is a genius move for a quick lunch or light dinner, ready in 30 minutes. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a hit for an easy meal solution on those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

Ready in under an hour, these chicken bacon ranch poppers are a straightforward and delicious choice for dinner. They’re perfect for when you want something a bit different without spending too much time in the kitchen, and they’re also great for making ahead and freezing for a future meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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