27 easy dinners that feel like the calm after a storm

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After a long, hectic day, you deserve some calm, and these dinners are here to help. There are no complicated steps or unnecessary stress, just simple meals that make everything feel a little more manageable. They let you wrap up the day on a kinder, more relaxed note, proving that even on the busiest days, you can still end things on a good note.

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.

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 the perfect answer for those nights when you need a comforting meal with little effort. Just layer frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese, then bake it until golden and bubbly. In an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal that feels like a treat. It’s great when you’re tired but still want something homemade. Plus, the minimal prep means you can spend less time in the kitchen. This dish is perfect for evenings when you need dinner to feel calm in your busy life.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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 is a solution for busy days when you want a wholesome meal without many dishes. Toss sausage, zucchini, broccoli, and bell peppers on a sheet pan and let the oven handle it. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, filling meal that takes very little effort. It’s great when you need something nutritious but don’t have time to stand over the stove. Plus, with just one pan to clean, it’s a win-win for anyone juggling a packed schedule and wanting to unwind with dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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 gives you all the familiar flavors of a Reuben sandwich without the mess or extra work. In just 30 minutes, you can have a bowl filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and coleslaw. It’s simple, hearty, and makes for a great dinner when you want something different but not complicated. It is a great option if you’re looking for an easy meal that feels delicious after a long day. Clean-up is quick, which makes it even better when you need a stress-free dinner that helps you unwind.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is your go-to for comfort food, but it doesn’t have much time. With noodles, tuna, peas, and breadcrumbs, this casserole comes together in under an hour. It’s great for busy nights when you want something filling but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking. You can use pantry staples, so it’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like shopping. This dish is a quick, filling way to make sure you’re eating well, even when life is hectic.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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 great when you need a fast, easy meal and don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. It’s made with elbow macaroni, canned tuna, mustard, and mayo, and this cold salad is ready in minutes. It’s perfect for those hot days when you don’t feel like turning on the stove. The ingredients are simple, making it a no-stress option for a light dinner. When life is busy, this dish is a quick, comforting way to make sure you’re feeding yourself something wholesome and easy.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick and easy option when you need dinner fast but still want something great. Bite-sized chicken pieces are cooked until golden, then coated in a simple garlic butter sauce that’s just right. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, so you’re not spending all evening in the kitchen. These work well for dinner paired with some veggies or a quick salad. When your day feels hectic, this meal brings a little calm with simplicity and speed — no extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole makes it easy to get your veggies in without feeling like you’re missing out. Broccoli and cauliflower are mixed with cheese and bacon and then baked until everything is comforting. This recipe takes just 30 minutes, so it’s a great choice for busy nights. This casserole feels like a gentle way to enjoy a healthy meal without any pressure, making it perfect for those who want more balance in their meals but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking.
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 an easy solution when you’re craving something filling but don’t have the energy to cook a complicated meal. Shredded chicken, corn, and crispy tater tots are layered with melted cheese for a comforting dish that’s ready in about 45 minutes. It’s got everything you need in one pan — protein, veggies, and some crunchy tots — so you don’t have to worry about extra sides. When life feels overwhelming, this casserole is a simple and filling way to end the day on a calm note.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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 bold flavors without much effort. The chicken is marinated in sweet and spicy honey and perfectly grilled and ready to serve in 45 minutes. It’s a great option when you want something that feels special but doesn’t have much time to spare. Pair it with a salad or some grilled veggies, and you have a well-rounded meal. For those days when dinner feels like one more thing to juggle, this dish is a simple way to bring some calm back into your evening.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey 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 is perfect for when you want a burger but feel like something lighter. Ground beef, cheddar, pickles, onions, and a tangy sauce are tossed with fresh lettuce, giving you all the burger flavors without the heaviness. It brings that fast-food taste to the table in a healthier way. This salad is a great option when you’re looking for something that hits the spot but still feels fresh and balanced — great for busy days when you need a meal that keeps things light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

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 is a great way to enjoy the classic stuffed pepper flavors without the extra work. You combine ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and cheese into a single casserole dish. Bake, and in 45 minutes, dinner is ready. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a filling and comforting meal without standing over the stove. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s a great option for a cozy, delicious dinner after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper 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.

The Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad makes dinner quick and simple. Mix up some pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing; in 25 minutes, you’ll have a fresh, filling meal. It’s perfect when you’re low on time but want to sit down to something nice. You can even prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for lunch the next day. This salad is flexible, so you can add extra veggies to switch it up — a great go-to for calming down after a busy day while still eating well.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake is a simple, comforting dish for nights when you need something easy. With just chicken, spinach, and cream cheese, you can have dinner ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great option when you don’t have the energy for anything too complicated but still want something that feels a little special. No fancy ingredients are needed — just a handful of pantry basics, and you’re set. Perfect for those evenings when you want a calming meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 perfect for nights when you need dinner to be easy. Spread mayo on the chops, coat them with seasoned bread crumbs and let the oven do the rest. In 25 minutes, you’ll have a no-mess meal that’s quick and delicious. It’s great when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still want a solid dinner. Pair them with some veggies or a salad, and you’re done. This dish keeps things simple and stress-free, exactly what you need after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach brings together ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese for a quick, comforting meal. It takes about 30 minutes and is a great way to sneak some veggies into your dinner without complicating it. Perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have the time to make a complicated meal. It is one of those dishes that feels good to eat and easy to make — just what you need at the end of a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is a meal that’s all about flavor and comfort. Just slice up some cabbage, toss it with sausage in a pan, and you have dinner in no time. The sausage adds a rich heartiness, while the cabbage brings a nice, peppery bite. You’ll love that it only needs one pan, so cleanup is as quick as the cooking. This dish is perfect for those nights when you’re overwhelmed and need something simple to pull you back to calm. It’s hearty enough to fill you up but easy to make without stress.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect answer to a busy evening. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot of flavorful broth filled with sausage, tomatoes, and onions. It’s the kind of meal that comforts you without making you work for it. Since everything comes together in one pot, it’s easy to cook and quick to clean up. This soup is great for those days when life feels rushed, but you still want something that brings warmth and a sense of calm. It’s a meal that works for you, not vice versa.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

With Crock Pot Taco Soup, you can toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Ground beef, onions, cream cheese, and seasonings combine to make a flavorful meal waiting for you at the end of the day. It’s perfect for when your schedule is packed, and you need dinner to happen on its own. This soup gives you the comfort of home-cooked food without any stress, making it a great option for days when you need a little calmer and much less work.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

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 takes a favorite appetizer’s flavors and turns it into a quick, delicious meal. It’s packed with chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and cream cheese and full of flavor without any extra steps. This salad is perfect for days when cooking feels too much, but you still want something fresh and delicious. It’s a simple, filling way to enjoy a meal without turning on the stove or spending time in the kitchen. It’s great when you need something easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is your go-to meal for a low-effort but comforting meal. With beans, carrots, and celery simmering together in a light broth, this soup comes together in about 40 minutes. It’s hearty enough to fill you up but still light enough that it won’t weigh you down. This soup is great for nights when cooking feels like a chore, and you want something simple and relaxing to eat. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which makes cleanup quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

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.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice brings dinner together quickly and easily — 30 minutes from start to finish. Ground beef, mushrooms, cauliflower rice, and cheddar all come together in one pan, making it a comforting and delicious meal without much cleanup. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re too tired for complicated recipes but still want something filling and nourishing. This dish brings a sense of calm and balance to your evening, making dinner less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is perfect when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. With juicy chicken, garlic, and a creamy sauce, this dish comes together in 30 minutes, giving you the break you need after a busy day. The garlic brings a nice punch, and the creamy sauce makes it all come together smoothly. It’s great when looking for something simple that still feels like a real meal. One of those easy dinners brings you a moment to breathe after a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup gives you that comfort of a homemade meal without taking up your whole evening. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s filled with chicken, cheese tortellini, and veggies in a broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The tortellini adds a bit of richness, and the broth is light but filling. This soup is a great choice when you’re short on time but want something delicious. It’s especially helpful after a long day when you only want a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is your answer for a flavorful, low-effort meal. In about 30 minutes, you can have baked chicken with sweet mini peppers and gooey mozzarella, all in one pan. The chicken stays tender, and the peppers add a lovely bite that pairs perfectly with the cheese. It is a great meal for nights when you’re tired but still want something delicious. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for when life’s been a little chaotic, giving you a chance to relax with a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is a comfort food made easy. It’s a simple mix of broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping, all baked into a cozy dish that comes together in under an hour. There’s nothing complicated here, just an easy-to-make casserole that gives you that homemade feel without taking up your whole evening. This casserole is great for busy nights when you need an easy dinner, giving you something soothing to look forward to after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is one of those meals that works for you while you handle everything else. Add dried peas, ham, carrots, and celery into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. By dinnertime, you’ve got a thick, hearty soup ready to enjoy. The peas thicken up nicely, and the ham brings a rich flavor, making this soup filling and delicious. It’s great for when you’re busy all day but still want a comforting meal waiting for you. It is perfect when you need dinner ready without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties are a fast and simple way to get dinner on the table when you’re running low on time and energy. Mix canned chicken with eggs, Parmesan, and almond flour, fry them up, and in 20 minutes, you’ve got golden, crispy patties ready to go. They’re light but filling and pair easily with a salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. They’re great when you need a break from takeout or frozen dinners but don’t have the energy for something more elaborate.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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