19 dinners you really can’t mess up

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Looking for dinners you really can’t mess up? You’re in the right place. We all have those days where we either don’t have the time or simply don’t feel like putting in too much effort in the kitchen. The great news is that you don’t have to be a master chef to whip up something that’s both filling and flavorful.

So, kick back and relax, because these 19 recipes have you covered. Each is geared toward ease and convenience. The steps are clear-cut, and the ingredients are straightforward. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want a break from complex dishes, these meals will get you from prep to plate in a breeze, making dinner time a lot less stressful.

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

This sheet pan dinner is a great option for beginners or anyone short on time. Just arrange your sausage and veggies on a sheet pan, slide it into the oven, and relax. A half-hour later, you’ve got a complete meal with no extra sides needed. Cleanup is as easy as it gets with just one pan to wash. The simplicity and quick prep make it nearly impossible to mess up, offering a stress-free dinner experience.
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.

This one-pan dish melds marinated chicken, cheese, and spinach into a hearty meal. Its straightforward instructions and minimal cooking time offer a quick solution for dinner. No need for additional sides; this dish is complete as is. Cleanup is equally efficient, thanks to the single pan used. For anyone new to cooking, this is a no-fail way to put a balanced meal on the table without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Anyone can put together this 30-minute casserole that brings together broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. You only need a single baking dish, making cleanup a walk in the park. The recipe requires no special cooking techniques, just basic assembly and baking. It’s a convenient, time-efficient way to serve dinner. It’s a dish that’s hard to get wrong, making it a good choice for beginner cooks.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup on a table.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a comforting meal that doesn’t demand hours of your time. With a single pot and 45 minutes, you have a flavorful mushroom soup ready to serve. It’s an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels and perfect for both weeknight and weekend meals. No complex steps are involved, and the one-pot method minimizes cleanup. It’s a time-efficient recipe that’s also quite forgiving for those less experienced in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

Combine chicken with cream cheese and peppers in one pan, bake, and you’re done. This hands-off approach to cooking is ideal for beginners looking for a high-protein option. The single-pan method also ensures you won’t be juggling multiple pots and pans. Not to mention, cleanup is straightforward. The process is simple enough that you’re unlikely to make any missteps.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

With one pot and less than an hour, this chicken corn soup brings both convenience and flavor to your dinner table. It’s an uncomplicated process that combines chicken, veggies, and a flavorful broth into a complete meal. The single-pot method makes cleanup easy, and the quick cooking time suits busy schedules. No complex techniques are involved, making it highly approachable for cooking beginners. The end result is a comforting meal that’s tough to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

If you’re looking to minimize time in the kitchen, this one-pan dish is ready in under 30 minutes. Combining cabbage and sausage, it offers a variety of textures and flavors without much effort. The single pan simplifies both cooking and cleaning, adding to its practicality. With such a quick prep and cooking time, it’s a practical choice for a busy weeknight. The dish is forgiving and easy to execute, ideal for those less confident in their cooking abilities.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes, combining ground beef and cauliflower rice into a complete dinner. The preparation is straightforward, making it ideal for those who are new to cooking or short on time. The quick cooking time is a bonus, ensuring you won’t be in the kitchen for long. Cleanup is made easier with the use of just one skillet. The end result is a hearty meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Canned Chicken Patties

These patties offer a quick solution for dinner, needing just 20 minutes and some canned chicken. The recipe involves forming patties and then just cooking them on the stovetop, keeping cooking tasks to a minimum. This recipe is especially helpful for those less familiar with more complex kitchen procedures. Minimal prep and quick cooking mean you get to eat without much wait. It’s a stress-free route to a simple and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

In just 25 minutes, this one-pan dish combines cabbage and bacon. It’s a great choice for those new to cooking or anyone looking for a quick meal. The single pan ensures that cooking and cleaning are both hassle-free experiences. The quick cooking time adds to the convenience factor, making this a practical choice for any night of the week. Despite its simplicity, the dish offers a fulfilling and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is ready in just 30 minutes and combines Italian sausage with heavy cream and canned tomatoes for a comforting meal. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require specialized cooking skills, making it suitable for all. Plus, the quick prep and cooking time mean you’ll have dinner on the table in a flash. It’s a dish that efficiently balances convenience with flavor. The uncomplicated steps also make this recipe a practical choice for a quick but hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Big Mac Salad

This salad simplifies the classic Big Mac experience into a convenient bowl. With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to assemble and doesn’t involve complicated cooking techniques. The recipe is particularly useful for those new to cooking or short on time. It’s a full meal in a bowl, eliminating the need for multiple dishes. All in all, it’s a straightforward yet versatile dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

You’ll have this Creamy Garlic Chicken on the table in about 30 minutes, and you only need one pan. The steps are as simple as it gets, making it perfect for anyone new to the kitchen or just wanting a no-fuss dinner. It is quick to make and pairs easily with rice or veggies, so your meal is complete. And because it’s all done in one pan, you won’t have a sink full of dishes to deal with later. It’s the kind of recipe that makes life easier when you’re short on time but still want something good to eat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Looking to switch up your regular chicken salad routine? This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is your answer. It’s quick to prepare and practically foolproof. So, if you’re not a fan of spending too much time in the kitchen but still want a meal that’s a little different, this one’s a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

This Crock Pot Taco Soup is a lifesaver for those days when you’d rather not be tied to the stove. After a quick 20-minute prep, the slow cooker takes over, doing all the hard work for you. It’s super straightforward — you’re basically just tossing ingredients in and letting the cooker do its thing. And when it’s ready, you’ll have a flavorful soup that requires minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal perfect for anyone who wants good food without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Shawarma Kebabs

These Shawarma Kebabs are a game-changer. The prep couldn’t be simpler, and they cook up fast in the oven, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen for ages. Plus, it’s just a matter of threading meat and veggies on skewers. The best part? Cleanup is minimal. So, these kebabs are a solid choice for a meal that’s both simple to make and easy to clean up after.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is about as easy as it gets. A few basic ingredients like chicken, bacon, and cream cheese get mixed together and thrown into the oven. There’s no complex prep, and you won’t need to juggle multiple pots and pans. Plus, it’s ready in no time, leaving you free to relax or tackle other tasks. When dinner is this straightforward and still packed with flavor, what’s not to love?
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.

You’re going to love how easy this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is. We’re talking one skillet and half an hour from start to finish. Just brown the chicken thighs, add the sauce ingredients, and let it all simmer together. If you’re short on time but still want a meal that packs a flavor punch, this is it. And as a bonus, you’ll only have one skillet to wash when you’re done.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Imagine getting a hearty beef and veggie casserole without the mess and fuss. That’s what this recipe offers. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach come together quickly in this one-dish wonder. Assembly is a breeze, and the oven does most of the work, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen. It’s the kind of easy meal that takes the stress out of dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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