27 easy weeknight dinner recipes you need to try

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Looking for easy weeknight dinner recipes you need to try? We’ve got a lineup of great meals perfect for those hectic nights when you want a solid dinner without the hassle. These 27 recipes are a breeze to make and just what you need to keep dinner time stress-free and delicious.

A casserole dish with canned tuna and peas in it.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. 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, loaded with juicy chicken and healthy spinach, is a weeknight dinner champion ready in 30 minutes. Lay marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish, top with cream cheese then spinach before baking. It’s the perfect quick and filling meal that gets dinner on the table fast, ensuring a delicious meal that never fails to please the family.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is dinner made easier and tastier. Brown some ground beef and then toss it into the Crock Pot with diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, a packet of taco seasoning, and chicken broth. This soup is a warm, flavorful solution to end a busy day, providing a hearty meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Combine rice, beef, and bell peppers in a dish and top with cheese for a 45-minute bake. This casserole is our go-to for an easier take on stuffed peppers, saving time while delivering a hearty meal. It’s perfect for a simple dinner that never fails to please on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Quickly cook cabbage and your choice of sausage together for a 30-minute, one-pan meal. It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that’s both simple and adaptable, making it easy to keep dinner interesting. This dish is always a winner for its minimal prep and clean-up, perfect for our go-to weeknight recipes.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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 throw your favorite sausages and veggies on a sheet pan and bake — all ready to be served in 30 minutes. It’s our shortcut to a versatile and effortless dinner that’s great for when time is tight, but you still want a filling meal. This one-pan wonder is a staple for quick, savory, and no-fail weeknight dinners.
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 then coat them in a rich garlic butter sauce, all in 30 minutes. This dish pairs beautifully with any side, making it a versatile option for our go-to weeknight meals. It’s quick to prepare and packs a flavor punch, proving to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
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.

Mix frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon, and bake. This casserole is a weeknight lifesaver prepped and served in 30 minutes. It’s one of our favorite picks for a hearty, stress-free dinner on busy evenings.
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.

Our Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a reliable staple for a quick, no-mess dinner. Start by boiling noodles until they’re just right. In a separate bowl, mix canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, and a dash of cheese. Combine this with the noodles, top with breadcrumbs, and bake.
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.

Mix seasoned chicken with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and bake. This dish adds a flavorful spin to dinner, easy enough for any night but special enough to spice up the routine — and it’s ready in just half an hour. Make ahead, and you’ll have another favorite to add to your collection of go-to weeknight dinners.
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 is all about simplicity and taste, combining broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs. It’s designed for busy weeknights, providing a filling meal without requiring hours in the kitchen. As a go-to recipe, it ensures a delicious dinner is always within reach, even on the busiest evenings.
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.

Combine chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and a creamy dressing for a delicious and protein-packed salad. Ready whenever you are, it’s a fresh take on dinner that fits perfectly into our weeknight routine. This salad is a go-to for a light meal on busy nights.
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.

Turn the classic pot pie into a one-pot, creamy soup ready in an hour. Cook chicken, saute veggies, add seasonings and flour, stir in broth, and simmer. It’s a comforting choice for a filling dinner without the hassle. This easy, one-pot meal is a stress-free solution to a hearty dinner that everyone loves.
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 soup mixes Italian sausage with cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream in just 30 minutes. Cooked all in one pot, it simplifies cleanup and maximizes family time, making it a perfect addition to our weeknight dinner arsenal. It’s a comforting, hearty choice for when you need a quick and appetizing meal.
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 30 minutes, make a one-skillet meal with ground beef, cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. This dish is the epitome of easy, quick, and practical, great for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. It’s a go-to for weeknights, ensuring a flavorful dinner is always easy to achieve.
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 comforting casserole in advance and bake at dinner time for a no-stress meal. Bake bacon until crispy. Put the potatoes in the oven next and bake until soft enough to mash. Mix all ingredients together and place in a casserole dish. Bake everything when you’re ready to dine. This dish ensures more time for family, and less time cooking.
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 dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. This easy, one-pan meal is fancy yet straightforward, perfect for a filling weeknight dinner. It’s a favorite in our rotation for when we want something special without the extra effort.
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.

A mix of sweet potatoes and red peppers makes this soup a filling meal ready in an hour. It’s easy to prepare and fits right into our weeknight dinner plans for those nights when simplicity is key. This soup is a go-to for a comforting, straightforward dinner option.
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.

In 30 minutes, enjoy tender chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. This dish is a fast, flavorful addition to our weeknight dinner lineup, pairing perfectly with pasta or rice. It’s a go-to for a meal that comes together quickly, even on busy evenings.
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.

Combine beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese for a 30-minute bake. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for juggling a busy schedule, fitting seamlessly into our weeknight dinner rotation. This casserole is a no-fail option for a quick, hearty meal that keeps everyone happy with minimum effort.
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 light and speedy dinner. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy to pull together, making it a staple in our weeknight dinner plans. Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal that never fails to impress.
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 Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken dish is ready in just 30 minutes, serving up a quick dinner option. Featuring skinless chicken things and a rich sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. It’s a hearty choice that pairs well with any side, perfectly fitting our weeknight dinner needs.
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.

With just 25 minutes, you can have fried cabbage and bacon ready, making it the ultimate easy dinner. Sprinkle a bit of red pepper flakes or ground cayenne pepper for a bit of kick. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick, savory meal without a lot of work.
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 quick dinner solution on the tightest schedules. They’re a reliable pick for our weeknight dinners, easily prepped ahead for an even easier evening. This meal is all about keeping the evening relaxed while delivering on taste.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cozy up with chicken corn soup, a simple one-pot meal ready in less than an hour. Combining chicken, broth, and veggies, it’s the answer to a cozy, filling dinner that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all night. This soup is a go-to for using up pantry staples in a delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Make a creamy, flavorful Hungarian mushroom soup in 45 minutes. Cook mushrooms until softened and smother them with a rich cream made of sour cream, milk and spices. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that doesn’t require hours of prep, making it a favorite for our weeknight dinners. Pair with bread for a complete meal that allows more time to relax after a busy 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 quick, healthier alternative to fast food, whip up a Big Mac salad. Mix together cooked ground beef, fried bacon, pickles, cheese, lettuce, and Big Mac sauce. This salad is perfect for a laid-back dinner that still feels like a treat. You can prep it ahead to make it even easier.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma kebabs are an easy, flavorful option for spicing up dinner without much work. Marinate, skewer, and bake for a meal that feels special but is straightforward enough for any night. They’re perfect for our weeknight dinners, especially when we want something different without added stress.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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