21 extra easy dinners for people who think they can’t cook

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If you’ve ever thought cooking just isn’t for you, these 21 extra easy dinners are about to prove otherwise. You don’t need to be a kitchen expert to whip up a wonderful meal. These handpicked recipes are all about simplifying your life, letting you effortlessly put a home-cooked dinner on the table. You’ll be surprised by how capable you are in the kitchen.

These recipes focus on real-world practicality, using ingredients you likely already have and steps that are easy to follow. Think one-pan wonders and meals that come together in a snap. The aim here is to help you realize that cooking isn’t just for the pros; it’s for everyone. And who knows? You might just find a new favorite hobby along the way.

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

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of creamy Italian sausage soup with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot meal combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes, ready in 30 minutes. For those hesitant about cooking, this recipe is a comforting introduction, with simple steps that are almost impossible to mess up. You’ll find it’s a perfect fit for those rushed weekday dinners when time is of the essence. No complex techniques here, just straightforward cooking for a hearty meal. It’s a welcoming and fail-safe option for beginners in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

You can create a comforting dish of cabbage and sausage using just one pan in 30 minutes. The simple preparation makes this recipe a hit for those new to cooking. The quick cooking time is perfect for a fast dinner, and the straightforward steps make it nearly impossible to mess up. This recipe is an excellent choice for busy evenings, offering both ease and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This one-dish recipe combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon in just 30 minutes. It’s a forgiving and adaptable option for those new to cooking. The minimal steps and quick cooking time easily fit into a weeknight routine. It’s a hassle-free, comforting meal that’s difficult to get wrong, making it a favorite for those short on time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

With only 20 minutes of initial preparation, your slow cooker takes over to complete this hearty soup featuring ground beef and pantry staples. The minimal hands-on time and straightforward process make this an ideal choice for cooking novices. Just set it and forget it; the simplicity makes it almost foolproof. This recipe offers a straightforward and comforting way for newcomers to venture into cooking.
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.

You can prepare and serve this one-pan dish of roasted sausage and veggies in 30 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for cooking beginners thanks to its easy steps and minimal cleanup. The recipe is also quick to prepare and difficult to mess up, making it a sensible option for a weeknight meal. This dish is practical and comforting, with the added bonus of minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

In under an hour, you’ll have seasoned chicken, cream cheese, peppers, and melted mozzarella all come together in one pan. If you’re a little new to the kitchen, don’t worry; the steps are simple to follow. And here’s the kicker — it’s versatile. Whether it’s a rushed weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this dish has you covered. Trust me, it’s pretty much foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

You’re 45 minutes away from a comforting pot of Hungarian Mushroom Soup. If you’re new to cooking or just don’t want to mess around with complicated steps, this one’s a winner. One pot, simple ingredients, and you’re good to go. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, you won’t regret making this dish.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

In just half an hour, this one-pan chicken dish is cooked in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a forgiving recipe, especially if you’re not quite a pro in the kitchen yet. You won’t be juggling multiple pots and pans, and the steps are straightforward. Great for weeknights when you’re pressed for time but still want something full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Imagine this: marinated chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella all coming together in 30 minutes in one single pan. If you’re new to cooking, you’ll find the steps are a breeze. Plus, it’s versatile; you can serve it for anything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Simple, yet hearty, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

This casserole packs all the flavors of a classic Philly cheese steak, and it’s ready in under an hour. Sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese blend effortlessly in this hearty meal. And the best part? It’s simple enough for cooking beginners. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table without any fuss. So if you’re new to the kitchen, no worries; this dish is practically foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

You’re only 30 minutes away from a one-pan dish that pairs perfectly with either cauliflower rice or white rice. This recipe calls for a creamy garlic sauce that complements the chicken just right. If you’re not a kitchen guru, you’re in luck; the steps are really easy to follow. Not only is it quick to make, but it’s also a dish that you’ll want to make a regular in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

With this soup, you’ve got a quick and flavorful meal that you can knock out in one pot in under an hour. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth meld together beautifully. And let’s not forget how easy it is — perfect if you’re new to cooking. Whether you need a weeknight meal or are just craving some warm comfort food, this soup fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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.

This 30-minute recipe is a win for weeknights, bringing ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms together in one skillet. It’s beginner-friendly with uncomplicated steps that practically ensure success. You won’t need to keep an eye on multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze. The fast prep and cooking time fit seamlessly into a busy schedule. It’s an approachable dish you’ll find hard to get wrong.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Canned Chicken Patties

These patties are your ticket to a quick and practical meal, ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you want to eat them solo or as part of a sandwich, the options are versatile. Using canned chicken takes the hassle out of preparation, making this recipe ideal for those new to the kitchen. It’s not just speedy; it’s also straightforward enough that you’ll likely get it right the first time. Convenience is the cornerstone of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

In 25 minutes, you can have this dish featuring cabbage, bacon, and onion on the table. It’s straightforward to prepare, which is great for kitchen newcomers. When time is tight, but you’re craving something home-cooked, this dish will hit the mark. The quick prep and cooking time make it an asset for those on-the-go evenings. In essence, this is a no-fuss, hard-to-mess-up recipe that suits any skill level.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry with rice in a bowl with a fork.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re in a time crunch but still crave a flavorful dinner, this one-pan Sausage Curry has your back. The easy steps make it approachable even for kitchen beginners. The best part? You won’t be stuck with a sink full of dishes since everything cooks in one pan. This recipe is a quick, comforting fix for busy weeknights. It’s a warming meal that doesn’t keep you tied to the stove.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Whip up this comforting casserole in just 30 minutes, featuring ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. The instructions are a breeze, so it’s a great fit even if you’re new to the kitchen. It’s the perfect way to blend wholesome veggies into a meal everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this casserole has a welcome spot on your table. You’ll appreciate how convenient and consistently rewarding this recipe is.
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.

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this 30-minute shrimp dish, complete with a garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach. The cooking process is smooth and beginner-friendly. It offers the ideal balance of speed and flavor for any evening meal. Plus, the minimal prep involved means you get to focus on the pleasure of cooking, not just the end result. This is the recipe to show you that making an outstanding dish doesn’t have to be a day-long affair.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Making this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is straightforward, and a great choice for those who are new to cooking. The dish adds a spicy kick to the classic chicken salad, offering a flavorful upgrade. It’s an adaptable choice that can liven up a weeknight dinner or stand out at a social gathering. The recipe’s simplicity means you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

For this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, think comfort food that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The instructions are so straightforward that even kitchen rookies can follow along with ease. Chicken and a creamy mushroom sauce come together in a dish that’s sure to win over everyone at the table. Pair it with rice or noodles, and you’ve got yourself a complete, heartwarming meal. It’s your go-to recipe when you want to serve something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Seasoned chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños all come together in a casserole that takes under an hour to make. The steps are uncomplicated, making it an excellent option even if you’re just finding your way around the kitchen. With its blend of spiciness and creaminess, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a stress-free way to add a little excitement to both casual dinners and special occasions. This casserole is proof that you can easily spice up your mealtime routine.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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