23 easy dinners cooler than a fast food drive-thru

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Skip the fast food line tonight! These recipes are not just quick — they’ve got a certain charm that’ll make you forget all about those glittery backgrounds and awkward profile pics. If you’re looking for dinners that are easy to make but still feel a bit special, these recipes have you covered.

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls takes all the great flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich and simplifies them into a bowl. Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing come together quickly, making this a filling meal ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t have the energy for anything complicated. This recipe is easy, flavorful, and saves you from making a mess. A practical, no-stress dinner that gives you comfort without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil brings together shrimp, baby red potatoes, ears of corn, and andouille sausage in one pan for a quick, easy dinner. Toss everything with lemon and Old Bay seasoning and let the oven do the work. This meal is ready in under an hour, and cleanup is as simple as washing a single pan. It’s great for nights when you want a filling meal without a lot of steps or dishes to deal with after dinner. Leftovers are a nice bonus, making this dish even more convenient.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is an easy, comforting dinner that’s as simple as layering frozen ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese. Pop it in the oven, and in about an hour, you’ll get a hot, cheesy dish made with little effort. It’s great for those nights when you need a comforting meal but don’t feel like spending a lot of time cooking. This dish makes dinner feel special, even when you’re short on time or energy. It’s a simple, no-stress meal that’s always reliable.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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 dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, and garlic are cooked in one pan for a light yet flavorful meal. It’s great for busy nights when you want something healthy and quick without sacrificing taste. This dish is simple, wholesome, and takes no time at all, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat well even on the busiest nights. Perfect for when you want a nutritious meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is a quick and simple way to bring together chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese and mozzarella. It’s ready to serve in 30 minutes, leaving you with a tender, flavorful dish that looks like you spent more time on it than you did. This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Easy to make and always a great option when you’re craving something hearty without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a great way to get all the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a simple, quick meal. It’s made with chicken, bacon, and jalapeños mixed in mayo, green onions, and hot sauce. It’s creamy, a bit spicy, and comes together in no time, making it perfect when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful. This dish is great for dinner or a snack, especially when looking for something that’s easy but filling. Quick meals don’t have to be boring and can easily fit into your busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is a simple and flavorful way to shake up your dinner routine. Toss sausages, sweet potatoes, and carrots into a skillet, mix in curry powder and spices, and let it simmer. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal packed with bold flavors that don’t require a lot of steps. This is a great go-to for when you want to switch things up with minimal effort. It’s quick, easy, and brings something new to the table. Perfect for adding a little variety to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is a simple dish that combines pasta, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a mayo-mustard dressing. It’s quick to make, requiring 40 minutes from start to finish, and perfect for those days when you’re tired but still want something more than a snack. This practical and filling recipe makes it great for dinner, especially when you don’t feel like cooking but taste just as good the next day. An easy go-to for when you need something fast and filling with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken gives you that perfect mix of sweet and spicy without much effort. The honey and hot sauce glaze adds just enough kick to make this grilled chicken stand out. Ready in 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for a simple BBQ or an easy weeknight meal. It’s a great option when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen. With this recipe, you’ll have an impressive and practical meal, and it’s sure to become a go-to when you need something easy yet special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

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 gives you all the comfort of stuffed peppers in an easier, more convenient form. Ground beef, rice, and bell peppers are baked together with cheese, making a hearty meal that’s ready in about 45 minutes. It’s great for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without all the extra steps. This casserole is perfect for busy evenings, where a balanced meal that’s simple to prepare and leaves you with minimal cleanup can help relieve stress.
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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner makes dinner easy and hearty with just one pan. Toss some sausage, zucchini, broccoli, and peppers on a sheet pan, and let the oven do the work. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome meal that doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something filling and healthy without the hassle. This recipe is about making dinner stress-free and giving you time back in your day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a quick and easy way to get a flavorful dinner on the table. Shake the chops in a seasoned coating, pop them in the oven, and you’ll have crispy, juicy pork chops in just 25 minutes. Perfect for when you’re short on time but want something that feels like a proper meal. This recipe cuts down on cooking time and cleanup, making it a great choice for weeknights. It’s a meal you can count on when you need something simple but tastes great.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole turns pantry staples into a comforting meal that’s great for busy nights. With tuna, noodles, and peas baked under a cheesy topping, this casserole comes together in 55 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something filling but don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe. This dish is easy to prepare and gives you a hearty meal with minimal effort, making it a great choice when you need a quick, no-stress dinner. Simple ingredients, great results.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is all about keeping dinner simple and comforting. Mix up broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese, then bake. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a meal that lets you enjoy something hearty without spending all night in the kitchen. The bacon adds a nice salty bite, and the veggies stay tender, balancing it all out. Perfect for when you want a homemade dinner but need something easy. It’s one of those meals that’ll save you time and energy on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is one of those dishes that makes dinner easier and still comforting. Toss shredded chicken, crispy tater tots, and cheese into a dish and bake it for about 40 minutes. The result? A meal that’s full of flavor and texture without the extra work. It’s great for when you’re feeling too tired to cook something complicated. Plus, it all happens in one dish, which means fewer dishes to deal with afterward. This kind of dinner makes life easier without giving up on a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a fast and easy dinner, this Cabbage and Sausage dish comes together in 20 minutes using just one pan. You sauté cabbage, sausage, and onions, add a splash of apple cider vinegar, and that’s it. You get something hearty but light, with a bit of tang. It’s perfect when you’re in a hurry but still want something homemade. And since it’s a one-pan meal, cleanup couldn’t be simpler. This dish helps make those busy nights a little less hectic with a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is your go-to for a quick, comforting meal. It’s made with broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream, and cheese and baked in just 30 minutes. The creamy texture and cheesy topping make it feel more indulgent than it is, and it’s a great way to get dinner on the table without much effort. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t have time for a complicated recipe. This dish is a simple solution that will save you time while giving you a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is quick, fresh, and perfect for busy nights. With shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, Caesar dressing, pasta, and crunchy croutons, you’ve got a full meal in just 25 minutes. It’s light enough to keep things easy but filling enough to be a complete dinner. This salad is a great way to get dinner on the table fast without giving up on flavor or nutrition. When you need a quick and reliable meal, this salad makes life a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is all about quick and simple comfort food. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got browned beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar cheese cooked together into one delicious meal. Thanks to the cauliflower rice, it’s hearty but lighter than your typical skillet dish. Perfect for when you need something filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is fast. This recipe is a great way to make dinner less stressful without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is like a comforting hug in a bowl. It’s a simple combination of chicken, cheese tortellini, and vegetables that comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights or when you’re just looking for something comforting. The chicken gives you protein, the tortellini adds some cheesy goodness, and the veggies give it a balanced finish. This one-pot wonder saves you time on both cooking and cleaning. Perfect for nights when you want something that feels like a break from a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

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 all about easy, hearty goodness. With just ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and a cheddar topping, you’ll have dinner ready in 30 minutes. This casserole is perfect for when you need something filling that doesn’t require a lot of steps. It’s simple, nutritious, and great for feeding a family. Everything cooks together in one pan, so cleanup is minimal, making this a stress-free choice for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken brings a touch of elegance without the hassle. Chicken thighs simmer in a creamy, luxurious Dijon mustard sauce with seasonal flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon, all done in one pan and ready in half an hour. The sauce is rich and flavorful, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. This dish is great when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take much effort. Cleanup is easy, too, thanks to the single-pan method.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is the answer to your quick, comforting dinner needs. With just chicken breasts in creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes and fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. It’s a no-stress recipe that delivers great flavor with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for nights when you want something homemade without a lot of work or requirements. The creamy sauce adds richness, while the garlic gives it that cozy, familiar taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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