The easiest dinners can sometimes slip under the radar, but not this time. We’re shining a spotlight on 27 no-sweat meals that’ll have you wondering why you ever bothered with hour-long prep times or complicated recipes. These dishes are the unsung heroes of the weeknight scramble, the ones that get you from fridge to table faster than you can say, “What’s for dinner?”
![Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shake-and-Bake-Pork-Chops-1-1024x723.jpg)
Broccoli Casserole
![A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Broccoli-Casserole.jpg)
For a comforting meal that requires minimal effort, the Broccoli Casserole is a perfect choice. Ready in 50 minutes, this dish combines tender broccoli florets with a creamy base of cream of mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, spices and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s easy enough for beginner cooks and quick enough for those who want to minimize their time in the kitchen. This casserole could be the recipe that convinces you homemade dinners are worth the minimal effort for the amount of satisfaction they bring.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
![A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sausage-and-Veggies-Sheet-Pan-Dinner-Real-Balanced-1024x683.jpg)
When you hate spending time in the kitchen, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is here to change your mind. Simply place veggies, like broccoli, zucchini, and sweet mini peppers, along with sausages, on a sheet pan, and roast them to perfection. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packs a punch with its hearty flavors. Cleanup is just as easy, making it perfect for a no-mess dinner. Perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a good meal without having to deal with complex recipes or a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
![A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chicken-Caesar-Pasta-Salad-1-rotated.jpg)
Got 25 minutes? That’s all you need for this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It’s perfect for when you’re looking for something quick and easy, whether it’s for lunch prep or a fast dinner. Using pre-cooked chicken and ready-made dressing means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. It’s definitely one of those easy dinners you won’t want to pass up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
![A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chicken-Tater-Tot-Casserole-1.jpg)
This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of meal you can throw together in less than an hour. It’s great for saving money and even better because you can make it ahead of time. Plus, it’s a hit with everyone and freezes like a dream. It’s just the kind of easy dinner you’ll want in your regular lineup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
![Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cheesy-Beef-Casserole-With-Cauliflower-Rice-And-Spinach-7.jpg)
If you’re looking for an easy yet filling dinner, the Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is your answer. This dish blends the flavors of ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach under a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s easy to assemble and requires minimal active cooking time. Perfect for a relaxed evening, this casserole is both nutritious and filling. It shows that cooking a good meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cabbage and Sausage
![A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cabbage-and-Sausage-rotated.jpg)
The Cabbage and Sausage recipe is a one-pan dish that is both easy to prepare and delicious. You will never hate cooking it. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal, it can be made in under 30 minutes and is low in carbs while being high in protein. The recipe features cabbage, a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors well, paired with sausage that brings a full-bodied richness to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Spinach Chicken Bake
![A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Spinach-Chicken-Bake.jpg)
The Spinach Chicken Bake is straightforward, making it perfect for those who dislike complicated recipes. Layer marinated chicken, spinach, and cheese, and bake it until everything is perfectly melted and bubbly. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is not just quick but also delicious and filling. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner when you want to serve a great meal without spending a lot of time or energy in the kitchen. This dish is designed to make your dinner routine as stress-free as possible.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
![Shake and bake pork chops on a baking sheet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shake-and-Bake-Pork-Chops-3-1024x723.jpg)
Ready in 25 minutes, these Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect when you need a quick and easy dinner option. Just coat the chops and bake — no frying necessary. They come out crispy and ready to eat, making your evening meal a breeze. It’s a straightforward recipe that’ll make sure you’re not missing out on the easiest dinners you’ve never made.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Baked Ravioli
![A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Baked-Ravioli.jpg)
Baked Ravioli is your weeknight shortcut to a comforting meal. It’s much simpler than lasagna, using ready-to-go cheese ravioli that cuts down on prep time. Just layer with marinara and cheese, bake for an hour, and you’ve got a great dish on your hands. It’s another easy dinner to add to your must-try list, ensuring you’re not skipping out on the simplest meals you’ve yet to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
![A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Garlic-Butter-Chicken-Bites.jpg)
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a fast solution for a flavorful dinner. Ready in only 20 minutes, these chicken bites are cooked to perfection and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. They require just a few ingredients and very little cooking time, making them perfect for those evenings when you’re too busy to prepare a complex meal but still want something that tastes great. This recipe is a go-to for turning a hectic night into a chance to enjoy a good, home-cooked meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Crock Pot Taco Soup
![A crock pot of taco soup.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Crock-Pot-Taco-Soup-1-1024x723.jpg)
When you’d rather be doing something other than cooking, let the Crock Pot Taco Soup work its magic. This recipe involves browning some beef and then letting the slow cooker take care of the rest when you combine it with diced tomatoes with green chilies, heavy cream, onions, and taco seasoning for a flavorful blend. With just 20 minutes of hands-on prep, you can set it and forget it, perfect for those who have a full schedule but still want to come home to a comforting and delicious meal. This taco soup is great for anyone looking to minimize kitchen time but still serve something delicious and filling.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Tuna Macaroni Salad
![Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tuna-Macaroni-Salad.jpg)
Here’s a Tuna Macaroni Salad that’s as straightforward as it gets, ready in just 40 minutes. It’s a great meal that doesn’t ask much from your budget or your time. Ideal for beginners or anyone who wants something simple and good for any meal of the week. This is one of those easy dinners that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
![A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Easy-Tuna-Noodle-Casserole-1.jpg)
When you dread cooking, the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole can turn that around. With simple ingredients like egg noodles, canned tuna, whole milk, and peas, this casserole is mixed in one dish, topped with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs, and baked until golden. It’s quick to prepare, taking only about 15 minutes of your time before it’s oven-ready. This meal not only makes dinner stress-free but also leaves you with delicious leftovers for the next day. It’s perfect for busy folks looking to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
![Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stuffed-Bell-Pepper-Casserole.jpg)
If you want to enjoy a hearty meal without too much work, try the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It combines ground beef, rice, chopped bell peppers, tomato sauce, and cheese — all baked into one delicious dish. Just mix the ingredients, set the oven, and let it do the rest. This recipe simplifies the cooking process, making it perfect for those who want a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a practical choice that leaves you free to relax or take care of other tasks while dinner cooks.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
![Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Loaded-Broccoli-Cauliflower-Casserole.jpg)
Turn a busy weeknight into a chance to enjoy a good meal with the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. This dish is a powerhouse of flavors, featuring broccoli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, bacon, and spices, all baked together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid lengthy cooking sessions but still crave a hearty meal. This casserole might just make you look forward to cooking, serving a delicious payoff with minimal effort and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Chicken Tortellini Soup
![A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Chicken-Tortellini-Soup-rotated.jpg)
The Chicken Tortellini Soup is a perfect solution for anyone who wants a quick yet filling meal without stress. This one-pot wonder is ready in 40 minutes and combines chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh carrots and celery in a rich broth. It’s a complete meal that fills you up and leaves you more time to unwind. This recipe demonstrates that cooking a great dinner can be easy and convenient, which is great for turning cooking skeptics into believers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
![Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cheesy-Fajita-Baked-Chicken-With-Cream-Cheese.jpg)
Fajita Baked Chicken simplifies your dinner routine without sacrificing flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features juicy chicken seasoned with fajita spices, layered with cream cheese and sweet peppers, topped with melty mozzarella, and then baked until golden. It’s a stress-free meal that pairs perfectly with rice or tortillas, making it a great choice for a quick dinner. The simplicity and quick prep might just convince you that making a flavorful meal can be easy and fun.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
![A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Fried-Cabbage-with-Bacon-1-rotated.jpg)
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the go-to recipe for when you want something quick and easy without spending much time cooking. In just 25 minutes, you can cook up a dish that’s oozing with flavors. It combines green cabbage, bacon, and onions, which are cooked together to create a filling meal. The main flavors come from the bacon and the sweetness added by the onions. This recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can create a meal that’s both quick and good, making it perfect for those evenings when you’re tempted to skip cooking altogether.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Canned Chicken Patties
![Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Canned-Chicken-Patties-rotated.jpg)
Canned Chicken Patties is a quick, delicious fix for dinner with just a 20-minute commitment. They’re made by mixing canned chicken with sunflower seed meal, Parmesan and seasonings, forming them into patties, and then frying until golden. They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own, as a side, or in a sandwich. This recipe is particularly good for those who are new to cooking and looking for an easy start. It shows that even simple, quick recipes can lead to delicious meals, making cooking less daunting.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
![A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Jalapeno-Popper-Chicken-Salad.jpg)
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a great choice for those nights when you can’t face cooking but still want something flavorful. This recipe combines spicy jalapeños with creamy cream cheese, baked chicken and bacon, and spices for a quick-to-prepare and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy evenings when time is tight, serving a fresh and slightly spicy meal option that’s ready in minutes. This salad is a great way to enjoy a lively dinner with a burst of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Italian Sausage Soup
![Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Creamy-Italian-Sausage-Soup.jpg)
If cooking dinner often feels like a chore, the Italian Sausage Soup could be a game-changer. You can whip up this hearty one-pot meal in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavorful ingredients such as Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream, creating a rich and creamy texture. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. It’s a practical choice for a last-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
![Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Ground-Beef-And-Cauliflower-Rice-Skillet-1024x683.jpg)
The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is perfect for those who dislike long cooking sessions but still want a hearty meal. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s ready in 30 minutes, requires just one skillet, and involves minimal cleanup. This dish not only saves time but also reduces kitchen stress, making it a perfect fit for a busy weeknight when you want a comforting meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
![A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Chicken-Bacon-Ranch-Poppers.jpg)
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a flavorful and convenient option for those who dread cooking. Made with ground chicken, bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a mix of herbs and spices like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder, these poppers are packed with flavor. Serve them with a homemade ranch dipping sauce made with mayonnaise and sour cream seasoned with more herbs and spices. They’re ready in about an hour and are also freezer-friendly, which means you can prepare them in advance and have a delicious meal ready to go whenever needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Big Mac Salad
![A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bacon-Cheeseburger-Salad-rotated.jpg)
Big Mac Salad is the perfect alternative for those who love the taste of a Big Mac but hate the effort of making an elaborate meal. This dish is crafted with familiar burger elements like bacon, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and pickles, all tossed together with chopped romaine lettuce. It’s dressed with a homemade “Big Mac Sauce” that replicates the iconic burger sauce, blending mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, mustard, and a hint of sweetener.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
![Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Slow-Cooker-Split-Pea-Soup-2.jpg)
This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a great choice for anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine. Toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and come back when it’s ready to serve. Whether you let it simmer on low all day or turn it up high to have it done sooner, you’re in for a great meal. It’s one of those easy dinners you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
![Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sweet-Potato-and-Red-Pepper-Soup-rotated.jpg)
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a straightforward dish that exemplifies simple cooking. Chop sweet potatoes and red peppers, add them to a pot with broth and your favorite seasonings, and let everything simmer until tender. Ready in about an hour, this soup is a comforting option for cold nights when you need warmth but want to avoid complicated recipes. The simplicity and quick prep time make this recipe attractive for anyone who finds cooking a daunting task.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
![A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Creamy-Garlic-Chicken-rotated.jpg)
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a simple yet filling way to make dinner feel special without requiring much effort. It’s a simple yet impressive one-pan meal that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It consists of chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a flavorful, creamy sauce. It’s great for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a weeknight. It’s a straightforward recipe that promises big flavors and little stress, perfect for anyone looking for an extra easy recipe that tastes gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken