Our 17 go-to weeknight meals to effortlessly win dinnertime

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Weeknights can be a battleground for busy schedules and tired minds. We’ve assembled an arsenal of 17 go-to weeknight meals that are effortless to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to win dinnertime.

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transform your weeknight dinners into a spontaneous party with the effortless Walking Taco Casserole. It’s a breeze to layer up beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos for a dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making dinner fun with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With Instant Pot Orange Chicken, you can effortlessly conjure up a zesty, takeout-quality meal right at home, making weeknights both special and simple. This quick-fix delight brings the tangy taste of orange chicken to your table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up Panera’s beloved Broccoli Cheddar Soup with ease, turning any ordinary weeknight into a cozy retreat. This recipe promises a velvety-smooth soup that rivals the original, ready to be savored without the hassle of dining out.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

A plate of cornbread casserole topped with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkled with fresh herbs.
Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the comforting embrace of Chili Cornbread Casserole, a straightforward dish that’s big on flavor but light on effort. Perfect for busy evenings, it blends the heartiness of chili with the sweetness of cornbread in a combo that’s sure to be requested over and over.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate the comfort of Chick-fil-A’s Tortilla Soup at home with this straightforward recipe that captures its renowned taste without the fuss. This easy-to-make soup brings home the flavors you love, ensuring a comforting meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and sesame seeds.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let your slow cooker whisk you away to the flavors of the East with Asian Spare Ribs, an effortless meal that delivers big on taste. Set your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a deliciously aromatic dinner that’s ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Envision a hands-off approach to a BBQ favorite with slow cooker chicken legs that are juicy, tender, and irresistibly saucy. This set-it-and-forget-it meal turns a weeknight dinner into a fuss-free feast, perfect for when you want the taste of summer without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air fryer pork tenderloin on a plate with potatoes on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Discover the ease of air fryer pork tenderloin, where minimal effort meets maximum flavor. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crisped exterior while keeping the inside juicy, making dinner a breeze on any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Embrace the simplicity of Italian cooking with this slow cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. This easy recipe is the secret to a weeknight meal that’s both effortless and enchanting.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the homestyle goodness of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf without leaving your house, using a recipe that’s uncomplicated and reliable. This comforting classic comes together with minimal effort, proving that a delicious meal doesn’t require a day’s work.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let dinner practically make itself with slow cooker chicken thighs that transform basic ingredients into a dish to remember. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero for when you want to keep things simple yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whisk your family away to a culinary adventure with Air Fryer Mongolian Beef, ready in just 20 minutes. This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, offering a crispy, saucy dish that’s sure to become a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Experience the joy of coming home to Slow Cooker Pork Chops, smothered in a dreamy mushroom sauce, all with next to no effort. Let your slow cooker handle dinner, and enjoy the creamy, comforting results.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Taco Rice Skillet is your ticket to a stress-free dinner, combining all the taco flavors you love in a one-pan meal that’s ready before you know it. With just a few ingredients, this dish is the definition of an easy weeknight win, proving that tasty doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Air Fryer Catfish

Catfish fillet with cornmeal breading topped with herbs and served with spicy tartar sauce.
Air Fryer Catfish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up a batch of crispy air fryer catfish, bringing a taste of the South to your table without the deep-fried hassle. This recipe allows you to enjoy the crunchy, spicy goodness of catfish in a healthier, simpler way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Catfish

No Peek Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish with chicken and rice in it.
No Peek Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The No Peek Chicken Casserole is your weeknight secret weapon, offering a deliciously tender chicken and rice dish that asks nothing more of you than to set it and forget it. This dish is all about the effortless reveal.
Get the Recipe: No Peek Chicken Casserole

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plate of spaghetti and meatballs topped with parmesan.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Say hello to an all-in-one dinner hero with Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, combining homemade taste with express timing. This recipe takes the hassle out of a classic dish, delivering a complete meal without the need to juggle pots and pans.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

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