27 favorites for when you can’t worry about dinner

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Dinnertime can feel like a struggle sometimes. You’re tired, maybe short on time, and everyone seems to want something different. I know this doesn’t just happen in my house. That’s why we pulled together our most popular recipes – the ones our readers’ families beg them to make again and again. These are the tried-and-true recipes that they know will always be a hit, from quick and easy weeknight meals like Creamy Pea Pasta to comforting classics like Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork.

Think of these recipes as your dinnertime heroes. They’re the ones you can count on to be delicious, easy to make, and satisfying for everyone at the table. Do you crave a taste of takeout but don’t have the time? Try the Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl for a satisfying meal in about 25 minutes. Need a kid-friendly option that everyone will love? The Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs are sure to be a hit, combining the fun of hot dogs with a baked on bun.

You’ll fall in love with these delicious and reliable recipes just like there’s of our readers. They’re sure to make dinnertime a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a hearty and comforting dish, or something fun and kid-friendly, you’re sure to find something you’ll love in this collection of reader-favorite recipes.

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy Pea Pasta

Meatless Monday can be delicious! This creamy pasta is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Spaghetti and meatballs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Meatballs and Sauce

Enjoy the simplicity of making flavorful meatballs and sauce in the Instant Pot. This recipe is a fan favorite for its ease and delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Craving comfort food fast? This quick pasta dish with flaky tuna and juicy tomatoes in a flavorful sauce is your answer.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Italian Meatball Soup

This soup with tender meatballs in a flavorful broth is pure comfort food magic, bringing back memories of soul-soothing meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Skip takeout and ditch the mess! These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Fun and delicious, these combine the best of both worlds: bagels and hot dogs! Cozy, kid-friendly, and perfect for adding warmth to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Craving comfort food in a hurry? This soup is your answer! With leftover chicken, canned goods, and a few steps, enjoy a hearty meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Leftover chicken gets a delicious makeover in this soup. Packed with flavor and rich tortellini, it’s a perennial favorite among readers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork on a blue plate served with rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Craving a delicious and effortless meal? This recipe is a winner! Tender pork infused with garlic goodness is perfect for cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Image shows Pretzel dipping into beer cheese soup.
Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Beer Cheese Soup

This creamy soup is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day! The rich combination of beer and cheese adds a delightful twist to a classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Grown Up Mac and Cheese

This classic gets a delicious twist with juicy tomatoes and crispy bacon. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a surefire hit with picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Image shows a Pulled pork sandwich on white plate with pretzels on the side.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This fuss-free recipe delivers tender, flavorful pulled pork without any complexity. Perfect for busy nights or gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Instant Pot Carnitas

Dive into the world of Mexican cuisine with this simple and delicious recipe for tender and flavorful carnitas. Perfect for Instant Pot novices.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Carnitas

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey Glazed Chicken

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Honey glazed chicken is your weeknight hero! This easy recipe requires minimal effort and delivers delicious, sweet and sticky goodness.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Craving takeout but short on time? This bowl is your answer! Use leftover chicken, toss in veggies and sauce, and enjoy a satisfying meal in about 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows an overhead shot of lemon roasted chicken in a white Dutch oven.
Lemon Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Lemon Roasted Chicken

This simple yet delicious chicken is packed with flavor thanks to bright lemon. It’s easy to prep and loved by readers for its taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken

Image shows Shredded BBQ Chicken on a toasted bun sitting on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest & Truly.

Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken

New to Instant Pot cooking? This recipe provides a straightforward and tasty experience. Enjoy the bold and smoky flavors of BBQ chicken without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken

Close up image of lemon garlic chicken with rice on a white plate.
Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Dive into the world of Instant Pot cooking with this easy and flavorful recipe. Perfect for beginners, it delivers a quick and tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Image shows a round of Pizza Dough on a wooden board coated with flour.
Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pizza Dough

This versatile pizza dough is a reader favorite for creating delicious homemade pizzas at home. It never fails, and it’s a great way to let everyone enjoy the perfect pizza with their own favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dough

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Short on time? This no-cook salad is a perfect solution for quick and easy meals. Enjoy it on bread or with greens for a satisfying option.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto Salmon

Enjoy a burst of fresh flavors with this healthy and vibrant salmon dish! This recipe is perfect for a balanced and delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Need a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love? Look no further than this recipe! Creamy ricotta and spinach filling baked in giant pasta shells is pure comfort food heaven.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e Pepe

Don’t be intimidated by the name! This cheesy pasta dish is surprisingly easy to make and ready in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato Lime Chicken

This easy and approachable recipe is perfect for beginners. Enjoy the zesty and savory combination of flavors without any unnecessary complexities.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tamale Pot Pies

These unique pot pies combine the comforting flavors of tamales with the heartiness of pot pies, making them a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey Habanero Tacos

Take Taco Tuesday to the next level with this flavorful twist on classic ground beef tacos. Sure to be a hit with everyone!
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole is pure comfort food heaven! Packed with flavor, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

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