27 easy dinner ideas that aren’t chicken

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Looking for easy dinner ideas without the chicken? These 27 recipes are quick to make and perfect for busy evenings. So, if you’re tired of chicken, we’re sure you’re going to find a great recipe here. Each of these is designed to get you out of the kitchen fast so you can enjoy your night without spending it in the kitchen.

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Throw rice, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cheese together in a pot and bake it for 45 minutes. This dish gets you all the great tastes without the extra steps, perfect for a chill dinner night without chicken. It’s easy and simple, making your dinner decision a no-brainer. Plus, it makes eating veggies a breeze and makes sure everyone’s happy without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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.

Just toss sausages and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan and roast them until they’re ready to eat. A perfect way to include a variety of vegetables in your diet, roasted to perfection alongside savory sausages. Super simple to make and clean up. This is a great choice for when chicken isn’t calling your name, and you’re wanting something different. With this recipe, you cut down on clean-up time, giving you more moments to relax.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Switch out chicken for this dish that combines potatoes, crispy bacon, sour cream, and cheese. It’s hearty, can be prepared in advance, and is just right for busy nights. This dish is also a hit with everyone, making it easier to serve up something everyone will eat without extra hassle. This casserole is a game-changer for anyone juggling a tight schedule, giving a deliciously filling option that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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.

Try this sweet potato and red pepper soup for a change. Ready in about an hour, it mixes the sweetness of potatoes with the gentle heat of peppers. Simple to make, it’s a good choice for moving away from the usual chicken meal. This soup is also perfect for unwinding after a long day, bringing a bit of comfort when you need it most. It also packs a nutritional punch, loaded with vitamins from the sweet potatoes and the red peppers.
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.

Switch out chicken tonight for Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. In 30 minutes, you can enjoy shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach in a rich garlic sauce. This quick dish is impressive, memorable, and perfect for a flavorful meal when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Check out this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole for a veggie-rich, cheesy meal that can be made in 30 minutes. It mixes broccoli and cauliflower with a cheese sauce and crispy bacon. This is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without chicken, and it sneaks in extra veggies for a boost without compromising on taste. It’s the ultimate comfort food that convinces even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Break away from the norm with Sausage Curry, a vibrant mix of sausages, carrots, and sweet potatoes in a savory curry sauce. In just 45 minutes, you’ve got a spicy dish that’s a refreshing change from chicken. This dish brings variety to your dinner table with minimal effort, perfect for spicing up your weekly meal plan. Not only does it bring a burst of flavor to the table, but it’s also a nutritious mix of protein and veggies. You get a balanced meal in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish with canned tuna and peas in it.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix noodles, tuna, peas, and cream of mushroom soup, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake until golden. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for those times you need a break from chicken. It’s a smart pick for pulling together a filling meal without planning ahead. It’s especially great for busy days when you’re looking for something nutritious and filling but haven’t had a chance to shop for fresh ingredients. Besides being convenient, it packs a punch with protein from the tuna and vitamins from the peas.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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.

Cozy up with Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, blended sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes in 30 minutes. This easy one-pot meal is rich in flavor and creates a cozy, chicken-free dinner choice. The simplicity and comforting warmth of this soup make it a good pick for those cold evenings when you need something comforting and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose Hungarian Mushroom Soup for a creamy and comforting meal without chicken. Ready in under an hour, it combines mushrooms with a creamy base for a cozy meal good for busy nights and relaxing weekends. This soup is a lifesaver for those craving comfort food that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

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

Turn asparagus into noodles and add Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon for a creative dinner ready in 30 minutes. It’s a comforting and chicken-free meal that’s fun and filling. It’s a creative way to enjoy your vegetables, making this dish a game-changer for anyone looking to cut down on carbs without losing out on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

In FDL library.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the flavors of Thailand with Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs, an easy and flavorful dish. Ready in 30 minutes, these meatballs in coconut curry sauce are a delicious alternative to chicken. This dish is a quick escape to exotic flavors, making weekday meals more exciting without extra work. It’s a gastronomic journey that adds a burst of flavor to your dinner routine, bringing the taste of Thailand right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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.

Try the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice for a flavorful, easy, and quick meal. In 30 minutes, mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a delicious non-chicken dinner. It’s a perfect solution for those seeking low-carb options without sacrificing the comfort of a home-cooked meal. This skillet dish is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create deeply flavorful meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Opt for Wild Rice Mushroom Soup for a quick and flavorful meal. With earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice, this cozy soup is perfect for adding warmth to your table without much prep. A comforting bowl of this soup can turn any dreary day around, giving solace and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole, ready in 50 minutes, combines broccoli in a creamy sauce with cheese topping for a simple yet hearty meal. It’s an easy way to enjoy a light and flavorful dinner without chicken and a great option for getting kids to eat their greens without trouble.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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 with cauliflower rice and spinach is a complete meal ready in 30 minutes. It’s an effortless dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor and a hearty alternative to chicken dishes. This casserole is a stress reliever for busy parents, making a balanced meal that’s filling and quick to put together. It’s a perfect example of how a simple dish can be nutritious and delicious. It’s a meal that meets the needs of a busy lifestyle without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a classic sandwich flavored in a casserole form, making it a hearty dinner alternative to chicken. Quick to prepare for a deliciously filling meal on busy nights. This dish is a hit for anyone craving the comfort of a cheese steak without the hassle of eating out, bringing a familiar favorite right to your dinner table. It’s a creative way to enjoy the beloved flavors of a Philly cheese steak in a form that’s easy to make and serve for that stress-free and memorable mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon for a savory dinner ready in under an hour. This dish is a flavorful, chicken-free meal option for nights when you’re looking for something different. Perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet in a delicious way. It’s a great example of how combining simple ingredients can result in a dish that’s full of flavor, serving a cozy meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

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

For a lighter dinner, Bacon Cheeseburger Salad combines bacon and beef with fresh greens, tangy pickles, and cheese—a fresh take on dinner without chicken. It’s a clever way to enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a lighter salad form. Ready in just 45 minutes, this salad is a quick solution for a busy night, combining the ease of preparation with a balanced mix of flavors and textures. Besides being a delightful alternative to heavier meals, it packs in nutrients from the greens and protein from the beef and bacon. From this recipe, you get a well-rounded meal that’s good for you.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

Let the slow cooker work its magic with Crock Pot Taco Soup, a comforting and hearty meal filled with beef and veggies. A great chicken-free dinner that’s ready when you are. This soup is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that is perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a cozy, ready-to-eat dinner. Its ease and convenience make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal that satisfies the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up dinner with Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties, ready in 30 minutes. Jalapeños and cayenne add heat to these easy patties for a flavorful departure from chicken meals. A quick, nutritious option that’s perfect for changing things up in your meal rotation, especially on those nights when time is in short supply. They’re a great way to incorporate more seafood into your diet, adding a spicy kick to a dish that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple yet flavorful dinner option ready in 25 minutes. It’s a great pick for a hearty meal that moves away from the usual chicken choices. This dish proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create a meal that’s filling and easy on the wallet.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Enjoy Keto Zuppa Toscana, a hearty, low-carb soup featuring radishes, Italian sausage, and kale. It’s a filling chicken-free option for those following a keto diet, ready in about an hour. This soup makes sticking to dietary preferences easier without sacrificing the depth of flavor, perfect for a comforting meal that aligns with your lifestyle goals. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty soup that fits within their dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try Lemon Garlic Scallops for a seafood dinner that skips the chicken. Sear them and simmer in lemon-garlic sauce for a protein-rich meal ready in 30 minutes, changing up your dinner routine elegantly. This impressive yet easy dish is sure to impress guests or treat yourself any night of the week. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Sweet and spicy bacon and turkey chili garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili for a hearty, one-pot meal that’s a delicious alternative to chicken. With the added richness of bacon, it’s perfect for filling up on busy nights. This chili is a warming, comforting meal that can be made in bulk, making sure you have delicious leftovers ready for the week ahead. It’s a great mix of sweetness and heat, creating a dish that’s as perfect for a cozy night in as it is for entertaining friends.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Meatza

A pizza with meat and sauce on a plate.
Meatza. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Switch up pizza night with Meatza, where ground pork makes the crust for a high-protein base topped with pizza favorites. Ready in 40 minutes for an easy, fun dinner without chicken. It’s a creative way to enjoy pizza night without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup for a cozy meal without chicken, ready in 30 minutes. This creamy soup combines rich flavors for a comforting, vegetable-rich dinner. It is a quick fix for those chilly nights when you need something warming and hearty yet simple enough not to add any stress to your evening. Its creamy texture and depth of flavor make it a comforting meal that’s easy to whip up. You get to enjoy a great dining experience without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

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