17 extra easy dinner ideas for hectic evenings

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Looking for extra easy dinner ideas perfect for hectic evenings? You’re in the right place. These 17 recipes are designed for those busy nights when time is short, but a good meal is still a must.

These recipes are simple and quick and use ingredients you may already have on hand. No complicated steps or long prep times here. Just straightforward meals that will make your evenings smoother and dinner time a breeze, even on the busiest of days.

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

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Busy evenings call for easy recipes like this Spinach Chicken Bake. Mix chicken, cheese, and spinach in one pan for a quick meal. It’s a no-fuss dish that’s great for nights when you’re short on time but still want a meal with both meat and vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage recipe is a lifesaver on hectic nights. Cook everything in one pan in under 30 minutes. It’s a breeze to make and even easier to clean up, providing a hearty meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

For a quick dinner solution, try this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. It’s ready in 30 minutes using just one skillet. This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you need a complete meal but have little time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick choice for a busy night. It takes only 30 minutes and pairs well with rice or vegetables. This recipe is great for those who need a fast meal but don’t want to spend much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup comes together in one pot in just 45 minutes. It’s a straightforward recipe, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. You get a hearty soup without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Ready in less than an hour, Chicken Corn Soup is a simple one-pot meal. It combines chicken, veggies, and a flavorful broth for a quick and easy dinner, especially on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

In about 20 minutes, you can make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites on the stovetop. They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them a great choice for nights when you’re pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a comforting one-pot dish. Ready in an hour, it’s a straightforward choice for a quick, homemade meal on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a fast and easy meal, perfect for when you want a hearty dinner without spending a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

Canned Chicken Patties are a quick dinner solution, ready in 20 minutes. They’re versatile, pairing well with various sides, and offer a simple, family-friendly meal option.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Everything for this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner cooks together in 30 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for a fast, full meal with minimal effort, ideal for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken, combining chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s an easy choice for a full meal on busy nights when time is tight but you still want a home-cooked dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a 30-minute meal that combines vegetables, cheese, and bacon. It’s quick to prepare, making it a reliable dinner option when you’re in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a straightforward dish ready in 25 minutes. It’s a good pick for a quick meal on evenings when you need something hearty but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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 a one-pot meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It combines sausage, cream, and tomatoes for a simple, flavorful dinner, perfect for a busy weeknight.
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 only 20 minutes of prep, Crock Pot Taco Soup is incredibly time-efficient. After prepping, let your slow cooker do the work for a filling and flavorful meal, ideal for days when you’re juggling tasks and need dinner to take care of itself.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are quick to make, offering a no-fuss option for a fast dinner. They’re a convenient choice for busy nights when you want something simple yet enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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