21 easy dinner fixes for nights you’re absolutely exhausted

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When you’re absolutely exhausted, the last thing you want to do is work endlessly in the kitchen — that’s where these 21 easy dinner fixes come in handy. They’re great for those evenings when even the thought of cooking feels overwhelming. Each recipe is a perfect solution for busy nights, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum flavor.

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dive into Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for a dinner you’ve likely never tried before. This recipe involves simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and butter, and it’s all cooked in just one pan within 20 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you want something different yet easy to make. Serve it alongside rice or veggies for a complete meal that breaks from the norm.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is your go-to for an easy dinner that stands out from your usual meals. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish requires simple ingredients such as chicken, fresh spinach, and cheese. It’s an effortless way to introduce a new flavor to your dinner repertoire, blending simplicity with novelty for a meal that promises a fresh experience without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is extra easy to make and comes together in only one pot in 40 minutes. It’s nutrient-dense, filling, and a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings all the beloved flavors of stuffed peppers into an easy, one-pot meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a classic taste with minimal effort. Combine ground beef, bell peppers, rice, dice tomato and cheddar cheese in one skillet. This casserole simplifies dinner time, making it a stress-free way to introduce something new to your evening meals.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken spices up your evening with a meal that’s great for those looking for easy dinners you’ve never made before. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy seasoned chicken breasts combined with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. This dish is a simple yet exciting addition to your dinner lineup, perfectly blending taste and convenience. It cuts down on cleanup time, so you can relax more after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick and refreshing dinner option, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a fantastic choice. Combining leftover chicken, bacon, and jalapeños with a creamy dressing, this meal is ready in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for those days when you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s different from your usual fare. This salad is a delicious way to beat the heat on warmer nights.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Try Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole when you need a hearty meal in a hurry. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines frozen veggies with a creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon for a filling and savory meal. It’s a great pick for an easy dinner that’s different from your everyday fare. This casserole is a smart way to sneak more veggies into your diet without anyone complaining.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a cozy, one-pot meal ready in 45 minutes. With sautéed mushrooms in a creamy broth, it’s a simple yet flavorful choice for dinner. Perfect for anyone looking to mix up their dinner routine with a comforting and easy option. This soup adds warmth to the coldest nights, making it a comforting choice when you need it most.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform a classic favorite into Chicken Pot Pie Soup, a one-pot meal ready in an hour. This creamy, filling, and comforting soup is perfect for nights when you’re craving something new. It’s an easy way to make dinner special without extra work. It brings the comfort of a home-cooked meal to your table with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a cozy and hearty dinner ready in 30 minutes. This one-pot meal combines sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream for a rich and filling meal. It’s an excellent choice for chilly nights when you want something easy and comforting. This soup turns a cold evening into a toasty gathering spot around the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food made easy. Featuring potatoes, cheese, and bacon, this dish is quickly prepared and perfect for a filling meal that adds a new spin to your dinner options without much effort. It brings all the flavors you love to a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

The Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is ready in 30 minutes and is a complete and easy meal. Mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms and shredded cheddar cheese for a dish that brings new flavors to the table. This skillet meal makes weeknight dinners stress-free and keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a simple yet impressive dish ready in 30 minutes. With chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a rich sauce, it’s a great dinner option for when you want to keep things easy but interesting. It serves a restaurant-quality meal at home without the need for a reservation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup combines hearty and healthy ingredients for a meal ready in about an hour. It’s a great way to switch up your dinner routine with minimal effort. This soup is a comforting way to end your day so that you can make and serve a nutritious meal that everyone will feel good about.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a quick and delicious meal that pairs perfectly with pasta or rice. Featuring shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach in a tangy garlic sauce, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to try something new for dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. It brings a splash of Mediterranean flavor to your table, making dinner feel like a mini-vacation.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a 30-minute meal that’s both easy to make and perfect for a special dinner. With chicken thighs in a delicious creamy sauce, it’s a straightforward way to make dinner feel special without the stress. This dish saves time and impresses guests, making it perfect for when you want to host without the headache.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Big Mac Salad transforms your favorite burger into a quick, flavorful salad. It’s perfect for a hassle-free dinner or for getting ahead with meal prep. It’s a fun and easy spin on a classic that refreshes your dinner options. This salad keeps dinner light yet filling, helping you unwind after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are the ultimate in convenience. Easy to prepare and pair with sides, they make dinner a breeze on busy nights. They’re a game-changer for nights when cooking feels like a chore, ensuring you can still put a homemade meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

In FDL library.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon is a fantastic choice for an easy yet different dinner experience. Taking only 30 minutes to prepare, this recipe brings together asparagus noodles, creamy Alfredo sauce, and crispy bacon for a dish that’s far from your typical dinner fare. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to shake up their dinner routine with something new. This dish combines ease of preparation with a new take on traditional flavors.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

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.

Cheesy Beef Casserole is ready in 30 minutes and combines beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar for a savory and easy meal. It’s the perfect answer to dinner questions on busy evenings, adding a different dish with minimal effort. This casserole is a clever way to get a balanced meal on the table fast, impressing even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs make dinner easy and mouthwatering. Just marinate, skewer, and bake for juicy kebabs that are perfect for a fresh dinner idea or for meal prep throughout the week. If you’re after something new that’s easy to make, these kebabs are a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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