If you’re in the camp of “I hate cooking,” hear us out. We’re about to turn that around with some seriously easy dinner recipes that’ll make you rethink your whole stance on kitchen time. These are not your average throw-together meals; they’re simple, yes, but they’re also packed with flavor that’ll surprise you. Perfect for the busy, the tired, and everyone in between, these 21 recipes are about to become your go-to for flipping the script on cooking.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This dish is a go-to for anyone wanting to avoid a long time in the kitchen. You’ll need some sausages and your choice of veggies—think potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Here’s how it goes: chop the veggies, lay them on a sheet pan with the sausages, and roast until everything’s cooked through. It shows that preparing a great meal can be simple and fast, making it a solid pick for those not keen on cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Here’s a dish that makes dinner seem less like a chore: the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Grab some noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and peas. You’ll mix these ingredients, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden. Only 15 minutes of prep, and you’ve got a comforting meal that’s also perfect for leftovers. It’s designed for those looking for the easiest path to a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
For a hearty meal with barely any effort, try the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. You’ll need ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese. Mix these up, bake for 45 minutes, and you’ve transformed simple ingredients into a delicious dish. This recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimum hassle.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole is all about making a filling meal without much effort. You’ll need ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and a generous amount of cheese. Simply mix these ingredients, bake, and enjoy a hearty dish that requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for relaxing evenings when you’d rather not spend much time cooking but still crave something good.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cabbage and Sausage
Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines cabbage and sausage for a quick, one-pan meal. Cooking them together melds the flavors beautifully for a filling meal that couldn’t be simpler to make. It’s great for anyone looking for a speedy dinner option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
When time is tight but you’re wanting to eat something delicious, these chicken bites are a great choice. They’re ready in 20 minutes and require just chicken and a garlic butter mix for cooking. Quick to prepare, they’re a surefire way to enjoy a flavorful meal without the long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Best for hands-off cooking, this taco soup involves browning some beef then tossing it into a slow cooker with beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasonings. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that lets you get on with your day. With only 20 minutes of prep, it’s a great pick for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Spinach Chicken Bake
For a dinner that’s both easy and packed with flavor, try this bake. Layer chicken, spinach, and cheese in a dish, bake for 30 minutes, and you’re done. It’s a straightforward way to get a hearty meal on the table when you’d rather not bother with complex recipes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is a godsend on hectic days. Combine broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon in a dish and bake. It’s that simple. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. It’s the ultimate choice for nights when you need something quick and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
This dish brings the flavor of fajitas to a simple, 30-minute meal. Season chicken breasts with fajita spices, add cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, then bake. It’s easy, fast, and pairs well with any side. Great for a flavorful meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
In just 25 minutes, this dish is a straightforward meal that packs a punch. Cook cabbage and bacon together for a dish that’s simple yet rich. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need something quick but still want a meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Broccoli Casserole
This casserole is an excellent choice for a family dinner, easy enough for beginners and quick for those who’d rather not linger in the kitchen. Just combine broccoli with a creamy sauce, top with cheese, and bake. It’s ready in 50 minutes, making it a great option for a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Canned Chicken Patties
These patties are a breeze to make, turning canned chicken into a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes. Mix chicken with breadcrumbs and seasonings, form into patties, and cook until golden. They’re versatile, great on their own, or as part of a larger meal. Perfect for when you need something straightforward and quick.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
For a meal that’s as simple as it is flavorful, try this chicken salad. Mix cooked chicken with jalapeños, cream cheese, and spices, then chill. It’s an easy, no-cook option for nights when you’re too busy to fuss over dinner but still want something flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Italian Sausage Soup
This soup makes a hearty meal with minimal effort. Brown Italian sausage, then add broth, tomatoes, and your favorite veggies. Let it simmer to blend the flavors. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting choice for anyone looking to keep kitchen time short.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This skillet meal is quick, filling, and easy. Cook ground beef with cauliflower rice, add some cheddar and mushrooms, and let it all come together in a creamy sauce. It’s a filling dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes, great for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
These poppers are a must for anyone wanting a flavorful meal without the fuss. You’ll mix chicken, bacon, and ranch, shape them into balls, and bake. In about an hour, you’ll have a batch of delicious poppers ready. Or, make them ahead and freeze for those times when you need a quick meal. They’re perfect for enjoying something good with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This soup is the essence of easy cooking. Just chop sweet potatoes and red peppers, add them to a pot with broth and seasonings, and let everything simmer. In about an hour, you’ll have a warming soup. It’s perfect for cozy evenings when you want comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This dish is all about effortless elegance. Sauté chicken, then simmer it in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Perfect for those times you want to impress without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
In just 30 minutes, this meal brings a burst of flavor to your table. Cook chicken thighs in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce for a dish that’s both simple and indulgent. It’s the answer for when you’re looking to serve something memorable without spending hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Big Mac Salad
This salad packs all the flavors of a Big Mac without the bread. Layer ground beef, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, and Big Mac sauce for a dish that’s both fun and easy to make. It’s the ultimate meal for when you crave something familiar but want to keep things light and simple.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad