19 dinners that don’t need a side dish to feel complete

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Some nights, you just need dinner to be a one-stop shop, no sides necessary. These recipes are built to be complete meals, packed with all the flavor and heartiness you want without any extra steps. They’re perfect for nights when you want something easy yet filling, each dish covers it all.

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken Lime Soup

Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.
Chicken Lime Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This spicy chicken lime soup is the perfect middle ground between chicken noodle and chicken tortilla, bringing a warming, flavorful broth that’s just right on a cold night. Complete on its own, no sides needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup

Escarole Soup

Escarole soup with pasta and sausage in a bowl.
Escarole Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Escarole soup is a hearty Italian classic with greens, white beans, sausage, and pasta in a garlicky broth. This all-in-one meal hits all the marks for a filling and balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup

Thai Red Curry Soup

Thai Red Curry Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Big on flavor and easy to make, this Thai red curry noodle soup comes together in 25 minutes. Packed with noodles and rich spices, it’s a cozy, complete meal you won’t need to pair with anything else.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup

Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Pumpkin tortilla casserole in a baking dish with wooden serving spatula topped with jalapenos.
Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy pumpkin tortilla casserole brings a bit of spice and plenty of cheesy goodness, making it a perfect family meal for fall that’s hearty enough to stand on its own.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cheddar chicken quinoa bake is a simple casserole that’s filling and packed with flavor. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and budget-friendly dinner that covers all the bases in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Rich and creamy without dairy, this mushroom risotto with peas brings umami flavors and a decadent texture that make it a perfect main dish for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Filled with tomatoes, peppers, black beans, and a cheesy topping, this Mexican ground beef casserole is a flavorful 40-minute meal that doesn’t need a single side to feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Sweet Potato Noodles

Sweet Potato Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potato noodles give a fun twist to pasta night, pairing perfectly with a creamy Alfredo-inspired sauce. A complete dish that’s nutritious and comforting, no extras required.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Noodles

Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco lasagna is a creamy, cheesy mash-up of Mexican and Italian flavors, ideal for Taco Tuesday or any night you want an easy family favorite that doesn’t need any sides.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna

Greek Brown Rice Bowls

Greek Brown Rice Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These Greek brown rice bowls bring together lamb, pickled onions, cucumbers, and feta for a meal that combines the best of a gyro and Greek salad, all in one satisfying bowl.
Get the Recipe: Greek Brown Rice Bowls

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy mac and cheese with sweet potato purée and spinach brings a bit of extra nutrition and flavor to the classic, making it a filling and wholesome meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

A bowl of soup with an egg on top.
Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Combining hot and sour flavors with the classic texture of egg drop, this soup brings together two favorite flavors in one hearty, all-in-one meal.
Get the Recipe: Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef and cabbage skillet is inspired by Asian stir fry and packed with texture and spices. Made in 30 minutes, it’s a quick dinner that covers all bases in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Turkey Chili Pie

Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.
Turkey Chili Pie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lean turkey chili topped with a hearty cornbread crust and baked in one skillet, this chili pie is a full meal that’s both comforting and practical for a no-fuss weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Mexican-inspired ground beef skillet with taco seasoning, peppers, and tomatoes is a one-pan wonder that’s ready in 30 minutes and perfect on its own for a quick dinner fix.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stir fry brings ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms together in an Asian-inspired sauce for a quick, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t need a side.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this ground beef pasta skillet uses any pasta you have on hand and delivers a rich flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. No sides necessary, just dig in.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made with fresh veggies and a garlic-ginger sauce, this ground beef stir fry brings bold flavor to your weeknight dinner in one pan. A complete meal that’s quicker and tastier than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This southwestern-inspired ground beef and sweet potato skillet combines protein and veggies in one easy meal. Great for meal prep and perfect for weeknights when you want a complete dinner without the extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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