27 easy dinners that are all made in one hour or less

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We’re all about dinners that hit the spot and get you in and out of the kitchen in 60 minutes or less. It’s about keeping things straightforward without skimping on a good meal. Whether you’re dodging the evening rush or just want to whip up something quick and great, these 27 recipes have got your back. We’re talking minimal prep, no complicated steps, just you, your ingredients, and a meal on the table in record time.

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

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

This Broccoli Casserole is a delicious family dinner option that comes together in only 50 minutes. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who doesn’t want to spend endless time actively cooking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Get dinner on the table in just 25 minutes with this cabbage and sausage stir-fry. The steps are easy to follow, and with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, it’s a great option for a relaxed, effortless dinner. Make this on busy weeknights when you need something wholesome and hearty but still packed with so much flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This easy chicken and spinach dish comes together in just 30 minutes. It combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, all baked to create a comforting meal. This recipe is great for those nights when you need something delicious and hearty without spending hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

In this recipe, you just need to arrange the sausages and veggies on a single sheet pan, toss it in the oven, and let it bake until perfectly roasted and fork-tender. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, and flavorful meal that’s as effortless as it can be. This recipe is also all about convenience: everything cooks together in just one sheet pan, which means minimal cleanup afterward.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This dish uses frozen veggies like broccoli and cauliflower for convenience and can be served in just 30 minutes. The veggies are mixed with a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and bacon, and baked until bubbling and golden, all in one baking dish. It’s very easy to make, making it a great go-to when you need a quick and hearty meal on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

A plate of stuffed bell pepper casserole with a spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Sausage Curry

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

Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick family dinner. You’ll saute the sausages and vegetables and then simmer them in a rich curry sauce, for a meal that’s both simple but so full of flavor. It’s the perfect meal when you need something that doesn’t involve complex cooking or a long list of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Here’s a quick and flavorful dinner option you can serve in just 30 minutes. Seasoned chicken breasts with fajita spices are topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and then baked until golden for a delicious meal. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights, making for a filling and flavor-packed dish without a long cooking process. Pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete and filling dinner.
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.

Tender chicken and hearty vegetables simmer together in a creamy broth, creating a flavorful and comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is made in one pot, ready in less than an hour, follows easy cooking steps, and requires staple pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for cooks of all levels and also a great way to use any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand. Make this when you need a filling and wholesome dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Saute mushrooms and then simmer them in a rich, creamy broth made up of ingredients like sour cream, milk, vegetable broth, butter, and spices. Ready to be served in just 45 minutes, this mushroom soup is a savory and hearty meal, perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve it with bread, salad, or veggies for a complete and effortless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a dinner that’s both quick to prepare and hearty. Ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms are cooked together in just one skillet for convenience. It takes 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great go-to for those evenings when you’re short on time. This dish is also freezer-friendly, so if you have leftovers, you can easily store them and enjoy the same delicious flavors the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Enjoy a seafood dinner without spending all night in the kitchen. Ready in 40 minutes, perfectly cooked shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach are cooked in a savory garlic sauce. Add some smokey paprika and top it off with a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch and you have a delicious dinner that will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

This easy and hearty soup that will fill you up in just an hour. After you have the ingredients prepped, all you have to do is sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish. This recipe combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the sweetness of red peppers, all in just one pot. It’s a practical dinner any day of the week, especially when you want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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.

In this recipe, you’ll combine sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese to create a casserole that’s both easy and hearty. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for those busy evenings when you need an effortless and comforting meal. This casserole is also great for meal prep, as it stores and reheats well, so you’re sure to have a delicious dinner at hand.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak 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.

Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese are baked together, for a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Made in just one skillet and ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great pick for a busy weeknight. It’s easy to make and stores well in the fridge in case you have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken in a sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cook these bite-sized chicken pieces in a savory garlic butter sauce on the stovetop, and in just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve. This recipe is perfect for any cooking level and is a great solution when you need a flavorful meal in a hurry. Serve them with rice and veggies for a hearty dinner or over a salad for a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In this one-pan recipe, juicy chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, creamy Dijon mustard sauce with fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon. The steps are straightforward with easy-to-find ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great recipe to have on hand, especially when you’re running out of fuel on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare these meatballs with ground turkey, coconut aminos, coconut milk, curry powder, and red curry paste for a meal rich in Thai flavors. The homemade coconut curry sauce brings out the best in these meatballs. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re the perfect option for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of the classic chicken pot pie in soup form. Ready in just an hour, this one-pot meal combines protein, veggies, and carbs for a balanced and filling dinner. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time cooking. Plus, the leftovers will taste just as great the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep, too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a savory and hearty dish you can make in just 25 minutes. Using only one pan, you’ll saute cabbage, bacon, and onion together, adjust the taste to your preference, and then serve. It’s the perfect recipe for those busy evenings when you want something quick, easy, and flavorful. Serve it as a side or a light main course for a wholesome and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

For a dinner that’s both quick and impressive, try this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. It features chicken thighs smothered in a smooth mushroom sauce, made in just one pan, and ready in 30 minutes. The ingredients are easy to find, which you probably have on hand already, and it’s all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Serve it over your favorite grain or alongside a simple side dish for a complete meal that’s perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Olive Garden-inspired soup is a one-pot recipe combines garlic, sausage, radish, and kale in a creamy base. It cleverly uses radishes instead of potatoes for a filling and low-carb version of a classic soup. Radishes effectively replace potatoes, adding a familiar texture without all the starch. This recipe is both easy to prepare and filling, making it a great option for a wholesome dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is as easy as it can be. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet meal features chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. It’s an easy yet impressive dish for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Serve it as is or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that’s both filling and quick to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn your weeknight dinner into a Tuscan escape with this creamy chicken dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, you’ll cook chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich creamy sauce, all in one pan, This dish is easy to make and a flavorful meal without the complicated steps. Whether you serve it alone or with a side, it’s a great way to enjoy a filling dinner quickly on any busy night. Plus, with just one pan to clean, you’ll have more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If there’s ever a good rule of thumb in the kitchen, it’s that everything should be done in just one pan for convenience. This creamy chicken recipe is as convenient as it gets. Taking only 30 minutes to prep and cook, this dish features chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-prepare dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it solo or over rice with a side to complete the meal, and enjoy a comforting dinner that’s easy to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Another dish perfect for a busy weeknight, this one-pan recipe brings together juicy chicken thighs and artichoke hearts, simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with a touch of lemon. This dish is easy to make, with simple ingredients, and can be on the dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, yet flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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