27 easy dinners that will have your friends begging for the recipe

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If you’re looking for easy dinners that’ll have your friends hounding you for the recipes, you’ve come to the right place. These 27 are the kind of dishes that stick in your mind, the ones you can’t wait to tell everyone about the next day. They’re not just great; they’re the kind of meals that make everyone want to try their hand at cooking them, too.

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

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This Spinach Chicken Bake combines juicy chicken with nutritious spinach for a meal you can put together in 30 minutes. Just marinate chicken thighs, place them in a dish, and layer on cream cheese and spinach before baking. It’s an easy and hearty dinner that’s perfect for evenings when time is scarce. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your diet without compromising on flavor, making your dinner routine both healthier and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a simplified version of the classic. It combines rice, beef, bell peppers, and cheese and is baked for 45 minutes. It’s our top choice for an easy dinner that brings a hearty meal to the table on hectic nights. This casserole gives the comfort of stuffed peppers without the time-consuming preparation, giving you more moments to spend with family or on self-care.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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. Whip it together tonight, and we’re sure you’ll be telling everyone about it tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Quickly cook cabbage with your choice of sausage for a 30-minute, one-pan meal. It’s a simple, adaptable dinner, making it a great option for weeknights. Plus, its minimal prep and cleanup make this dish a lifesaver for those evenings when you’re too tired to deal with a kitchen full of dishes, so you’ll have more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of Crock Pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

For a dinner that practically makes itself, try the Crock Pot Taco Soup. Brown some ground beef and toss it in the Crock Pot with tomatoes, corn, beans, taco seasoning, and broth. It’s a flavorful, cozy dish that ends your day with a filling meal everyone will enjoy. The set-it-and-forget-it nature of this soup means you can focus on unwinding after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

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 your favorite sausages and veggies on a sheet pan and bake for a straightforward dinner ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great solution for busy nights when time is tight but you still want a filling meal. This one-pan meal not only cuts down on dishes but is also a versatile way to use up any veggies you have on hand, making meal prep easier.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Sauté chicken bites and coat them in a sumptuous garlic butter sauce in just 30 minutes, pairing perfectly with any side dish for a flexible dinner option. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, always a hit at the dinner table. This recipe is a time-saver for those looking to impress with minimal effort, guaranteeing a memorable meal with little preparation.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

White Bean Soup

Bowl of vegetable soup with croutons and spinach.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This White Bean Soup is a one-pot recipe that comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s easy enough to make for weeknight dinners, especially when you’re looking to get some extra fiber and veggies in. It’s the kind of meal that’s so good, you’ll be raving about it to everyone the next day.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Combine frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon, then bake for a lifesaver dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a favorite for an easy, comforting dinner on busy evenings. This casserole is a great way to incorporate veggies into your meals without the hassle, making healthy eating simpler on hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Start with boiling noodles and mix them with canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, and cheese for a no-stress dinner. Topped with breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, it’s an uncomplicated, tidy way to end the day. This casserole is perfect for using pantry staples, reducing food waste, and simplifying meal planning during the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Seasoned chicken mixed with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, then baked ready in just 30 minutes. It’s easy enough for any night but brings a special flair to your routine. Preparing this dish in advance turns any evening into a stress-free occasion, allowing you to enjoy more quality time with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Broccoli Casserole

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

This 50-minute broccoli casserole combines simplicity and flavor with broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs, great for busy weeknights. It’s a go-to for a nourishing meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all night. This dish stands as a testament to how easy it is to bring a cozy, comforting meal to the table, no matter how busy your day has been.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Mix chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and a creamy dressing for a protein-rich salad that’s ready in no time, fitting perfectly into a busy weeknight routine. It’s a light yet filling option for those evenings when you crave something fresh and easy. This salad blends convenience with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Transform the classic pot pie into a creamy, one-pot soup ready in an hour for a comforting dinner choice. Saute veggies, add chicken, season, and simmer to create a filling meal without the hassle of a traditional pie. This soup simplifies the comfort food experience, making a heartwarming meal that eases the end-of-day rush.
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.

This one-pot wonder combines Italian sausage with cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream, ready in 30 minutes for a hearty dinner option. Its one-pot cooking method makes cleanup a breeze, maximizing family time. It’s a great recipe for those seeking comfort food fast, guaranteeing a filling meal is always within easy reach on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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.

In just 30 minutes, cook up a one-skillet meal with ground beef, cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a straightforward, delicious dinner. This dish epitomizes convenience, great for both meal prep and enjoying leftovers. It answers the call for a quick, nutritious meal that keeps weeknight dinners interesting and easy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Prepare this casserole in advance for a stress-free meal, mixing crispy bacon and soft potatoes with other ingredients, ready to bake at dinner time. It guarantees more family time with less cooking. This dish is a game-changer for busy evenings, a hearty meal that can be prepped ahead to make your life easier.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Cook chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce for a luxurious meal ready in 30 minutes. This fancy yet simple dinner option is a favorite for its mix of ease and sophistication. It is perfect for weeknights when you want something special without too much work. This one-pan meal guarantees a way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal cleanup.
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.

Blend sweet potatoes and red peppers for a soup ready in an hour, easily fitting into your weeknight dinner plans. This straightforward recipe is a go-to for a comforting option that feels effortlessly gourmet. It’s a cozy embrace in a bowl, a soothing meal that requires little attention, freeing you up to focus on relaxation after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Enjoy tender chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce in just 30 minutes, a fast and flavorful addition to any weeknight. Pairing well with pasta or rice, it’s a versatile dish that comes together swiftly. This meal is a lifesaver for those nights when you’re pressed for time but still want a dinner that feels homemade and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

Mix beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese for a delicious bake that’s ready in 30 minutes and seamlessly fits into a bustling schedule. It’s an easy solution for busy weeknights, a comforting meal with minimal effort. This casserole is proof that quick dinners can also be nutritious and filling, making the evening routine smoother.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Quickly cook shrimp with tomatoes and spinach in a garlic sauce for a dinner that’s both light and fast. It’s an uncomplicated dish that adds a splash of flavor to your weeknight menu. Serving this with pasta or rice completes a meal that impresses with its simplicity and taste, proving that a speedy dinner doesn’t have to be boring.
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.

This 30-minute Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken dish is a swift dinner choice, featuring tender chicken in a rich sauce. It’s a hearty option that complements any side dish, great for our weeknight needs. This recipe guarantees a comforting meal is always easy to pull off, blending convenience with a burst of flavor for those evenings when time is lacking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

In just 25 minutes, whip up fried cabbage and bacon for the ultimate in easy dining, adding a bit of spice if you like. This recipe is perfect for quick, savory meals without the hassle and great for anyone new to cooking or short on time. It’s a straightforward dish that delivers big on taste, making it a stress-free addition to your weeknight rotation.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Turn canned chicken into savory patties in 20 minutes for a dinner solution that fits even the tightest schedules. They’re a good choice for quick meals, easily prepped ahead for an even simpler evening. This dish embodies relaxed dining, a delicious meal that minimizes kitchen time and maximizes enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Create a creamy, flavorful Hungarian mushroom soup in 45 minutes. This one-pot meal simplifies weeknight dinners. Paired with bread, it’s a complete, relaxing meal without extensive prep. This soup is a testament to the joy of minimal effort cooking and a rich, filling dinner that allows you to unwind after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Big Mac Salad

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

For a fun, quick alternative to fast food, make a Big Mac salad by mixing ground beef, bacon, pickles, cheese, lettuce, and sauce. It’s an easy, make-ahead dinner that still satiates your fast-food cravings without the drive-thru. This salad is a clever take on a classic, lighter meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

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