21 dinner recipes so easy even you can’t mess them up

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Looking for dinner recipes so easy that even you can’t mess them up? You’re not alone. The thought of whipping up a meal after a long day can be daunting, especially if you’re uncomfortable in the kitchen. But don’t worry because these 21 recipes are designed with simplicity and ease of execution in mind. These dishes bring together practicality and flavor, perfect for those of us who love a good meal but dread the cooking process.

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

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare a one-pot meal in just 30 minutes featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream. These ingredients come together to showcase a rich, comforting flavor. This recipe is an excellent choice for beginners in the kitchen, as the straightforward steps make it hard to go wrong. The quick cooking time adds convenience, making it a solid choice for weekday dinners. The simplicity and speed of preparation make this a dinner recipe so easy you can’t mess it up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This dish requires only one pan and less than 30 minutes to create a hearty meal. Made with cabbage and sausage, it’s not just simple to prepare but also filled with flavor. It’s an optimal selection for cooking beginners due to its uncomplicated nature. The quick prep and cooking time mean you can have dinner on the table in a flash. This recipe is hard to mess up, making it ideal for any skill level in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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 dish combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and crispy bacon in a one-dish wonder that’s ready in 30 minutes. The recipe is versatile and forgiving, allowing you to make it your own. It’s especially great for cooking novices due to its nearly foolproof nature. A perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances ease with flavor. With straightforward preparation, it’s another dinner recipe that’s tough to get wrong.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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 just 20 minutes of prep, this slow cooker recipe offers a hassle-free dining experience. Ground beef and pantry staples come together for a straightforward yet hearty meal. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making this an ideal dinner for those who are new to cooking. It’s convenient, requiring minimal hands-on time. You’ll find that it’s nearly impossible to mess this one up, even if you’re a beginner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco 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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan recipe brings together roasted sausage and veggies for a meal that is both easy to prepare and clean up after. The straightforward method makes it a great choice for those new to cooking. It requires minimal cleanup due to its one-pan nature. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is hard to ruin, thanks to its simple steps. You’ll appreciate the practicality and ease of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

In 30 minutes, this one-pan dish brings marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach to your table. This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something hearty. Simple ingredients and an easy prep make it a go-to for those new to cooking. You can serve it for weeknight dinners or special occasions without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This one-pan and 30-minute dish pairs well with cauliflower rice or white rice. The garlic sauce adds a creamy richness that complements the chicken perfectly. Its easy steps make this recipe approachable even for cooking novices. It’s not only quick to make but also practically foolproof. It’s so easy you’ll want to make it again next week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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 dish unites ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms in just one skillet. With a total prep and cook time of 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner. The one-pan design and simple steps make it a breeze for those new to the kitchen. And if you’re juggling a busy schedule, this quick dish is a real time-saver. Plus, it’s so easy that you’ll have a hard time getting this one wrong.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Canned Chicken Patties

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

In just 20 minutes, these patties offer a versatile and speedy meal option. They can be served standalone or as a sandwich filler, making them a convenient choice. Canned chicken simplifies the prep, perfect for those new to cooking. If you’re looking for a quick, no-fuss recipe, this is it. It’s so straightforward that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.
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.

This 25-minute dish pairs cabbage, bacon, and onion for a quick meal. The cooking steps are simple, making it ideal for beginners. If you need a flavorful dish in a pinch, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, the quick prep time is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s so easy and so good, you’ll wish you tried it earlier.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry with rice in a bowl with a fork.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan Sausage Curry is a hit for weeknight dinners, featuring sausages and vegetables enveloped in a creamy curry sauce. Its straightforward steps make it accessible, even if you’re not a seasoned cook. Plus, the one-pan nature simplifies cleanup. It’s a quick, flavorful option for anyone on a tight schedule. For a simple yet satisfying meal, this recipe won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Ready in under an hour, this one-pot Chicken Corn Soup offers a blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Its uncomplicated steps make it manageable for those new to cooking. From preparation to the final simmer, this soup is straightforward. It’s a reliable choice for a filling, easy-to-make meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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.

In just 30 minutes, this casserole brings together ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a balanced meal. The recipe is easy to follow, perfect for those who are new to cooking. It’s a hassle-free way to incorporate vegetables into a flavorful dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this dish fits the bill. You’ll find this recipe to be both convenient and consistently good.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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 30-minute dish shines with shrimp, garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach. The cooking steps are easy to follow, making it a suitable choice for beginners. It’s the perfect blend of flavorful and fast for a weeknight meal. With minimal prep required, this dish lets you focus on the joy of cooking. This recipe proves that an impressive meal doesn’t have to be complicated.
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.

This spicy and creamy chicken salad can be ready in just 30 minutes. The straightforward steps make preparation a breeze, even if you’re a cooking novice. It’s a memorable meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a solid starting point for those wanting to venture into flavors without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Big Mac Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This inventive Big Mac Salad captures all the flavors of the iconic fast-food burger but in a lighter form. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a fun and flavorful meal that’s simple to assemble. It combines ground beef, lettuce, and a special sauce in a way that’s both creative and convenient. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent while still being easy to make. If you’re looking for an uncomplicated yet satisfying meal, this recipe is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

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, this one-pan dish offers chicken in a delectable creamy mushroom sauce. The recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly, with easy-to-follow steps. The sauce’s richness pairs wonderfully with the chicken, satisfying even picky eaters. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete yet effortless meal. It’s a perfect example of how simplicity can yield extraordinary flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This dish combines seasoned chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños in a casserole that’s ready in under an hour. Its preparation is straightforward, making it suitable even for those who are relatively new to cooking. With its spicy and creamy elements, this casserole is designed to please a crowd. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a family gathering, this dish adds a flavorful touch without the stress. It’s an easy way to bring excitement to the dinner table without overwhelming your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan dish features boneless skinless chicken thighs in a lush sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s not only mouthwatering but also very forgiving for those who are new to cooking. The sauce’s richness elevates the chicken, turning an ordinary meal into something special. With minimal steps, it takes the guesswork out of dinner preparation. The ease of this recipe makes it a go-to option for a flavorful yet low-effort meal.
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.

This dish is a one-pan wonder done in less than an hour, combining seasoned chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella. Its mix of textures and flavors is sure to delight, all while remaining incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Serve it on a weeknight or save it for special occasions; it’s versatile and always hits the spot. This recipe is a foolproof option for those new to the kitchen, promising a delicious payoff.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

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

These Shawarma Kebabs are rich in protein and full of flavor, easily paired with rice or a simple salad. The recipe employs common spices, making it accessible even to those not familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s an excellent option for a quick yet impressive meal. The skewers make for an engaging cooking experience without being overly complicated. Even if you’re a beginner, this recipe sets you up for a cooking win.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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