21 dinner recipes you won’t mess up

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These 21 dinner recipes are ones that you can’t mess up. These are great for anyone who wants to make a meal without worrying about it going wrong. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these dishes are perfect for busy evenings or when you’re not in the mood to tackle complex cooking tasks. They’re designed to be easy and quick, so you can get a good meal on the table without stress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, these recipes will help you make dinner without the hassle.

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

Cabbage and Sausage

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

You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make a hearty meal with this simple skillet recipe. In less than 30 minutes, combine cabbage and sausage for an easy but flavorful dish perfect for beginners. Plus, with everything cooked in one pan, you’ll have less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
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.

As a new cook, you’ll love how easy it is to make this warming Italian Sausage Soup. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup blends rich flavors of sausage, cream, and tomatoes. It’s a great recipe for beginners, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
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.

Here’s a 30-minute recipe that’s perfect for stepping into the kitchen with confidence. This one-pan meal combines sausages with a medley of vegetables for a dish that’s effortless to prepare. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a hearty dinner but just don’t have the time or energy to spend hours cooking.
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.

In half an hour, you can create a warm and hearty casserole combining broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and crispy bacon. The process is simple – mix the ingredients and bake them all together. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights.
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 is the easiest taco soup ever. Just brown some ground beef, toss all the ingredients together, set the cooking time, and let your slow cooker handle the rest. It’s a great recipe for beginners, especially on those busy days when you want a delicious, filling meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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 30-minute dish is a perfect introduction to cooking. With just one pan, you’ll saute ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms into a hearty meal. Ready in 30 minutes, with everything coming together in just one pan, it’s a great recipe to have on hand, especially when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a dinner that feels special but is surprisingly simple, try this shrimp dish. In 30 minutes, you’ll sauté shrimp with fresh tomatoes and spinach in a savory garlic sauce. It’s a great recipe for beginner cooks looking to make something a little more impressive without any complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish features juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for beginners and delivers a meal that’s comforting and hearty without any complicated steps. Serve it on its own, over rice, or with a side for a complete dinner.
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.

This recipe is a great starting point for anyone new to cooking. Using canned chicken, you can create crispy chicken patties in just 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Serve it on its own, with steamed vegetables, white rice, or even with buns as a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This easy recipe features tender chicken simmered in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes. This one-pan meal is incredibly straightforward, making it a perfect choice for those new to cooking who want to enjoy a flavor-packed, homemade dinner without any fuss.
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.

For a fun and easy meal, this salad is always a great choice. It combines the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a salad form, which you can make simpler by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. Make it ahead of time and include it in your weekday menu when you’re in a hurry.
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 simple ingredients like chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, you can easily create an effortless meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this chicken bake is perfect for busy weeknights or beginners exploring their cooking skills.
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 recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Ready in just 25 minutes, all you need to do is sauté the ingredients and season to taste. It’s an easy recipe that guarantees a delicious meal with minimal effort.
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.

Make this cucumber onion salad in just 30 minutes for a light and refreshing side. After slicing the cucumbers and onions, toss them in a creamy dill dressing and pop them in the fridge to chill. It’s a great recipe to try when you’re starting in the kitchen and want to make something that’s both easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

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 easy casserole transforms your favorite jalapeño popper flavors into a hearty dinner. In just over an hour, with a simple 20-minute prep, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy chicken dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. It’s a great way to bring excitement to your cooking without any complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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.

This recipe, ready in 30 minutes, combines chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s extra flavorful. It’s a simple way for beginner cooks to serve an impressive chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

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

Recreate the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in this inventive salad. It’s simple to prepare and a fun way for you to bring familiar fast-food tastes into a healthier, homemade meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, this salad is a great way to start your cooking journey.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s another 30-minute recipe perfect for beginners: a chicken bake filled with the flavors of fajitas. Seasoned chicken breasts are baked with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, resulting in a delicious and filling meal — perfect for a stress-free family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy 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 is a great way to dive into cooking. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese into a casserole that’s easy to assemble and cooks in just 30 minutes. It’s hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

Try these chicken bacon ranch poppers for an uncomplicated yet delicious meal. They’re simple to prepare and cook in under an hour, making them a great choice for beginners or seasoned cooks alike. These poppers are also freezer-friendly, so you can make extra and have a delicious meal ready for another day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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