21 extra easy dinners to make after a long day

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After a long day, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s where these 21 extra easy dinners come in handy. These meals are all about making things simple. They’re quick to make yet flavorful, and you don’t need to be a chef to get them right. The focus is on good food without the fuss.

When you’ve had a busy day at work or with the kids, you want dinner to be straightforward. These recipes are the answer. They’re the kind of meals you can turn to when you’re tired and want something delicious without too much work. So, next time you have one of those days, remember these recipes have got your back.

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

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This one-pan meal is ready in 30 minutes and has chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. It’s easy to make, especially for people new to cooking. Everything cooks in the same pan, so there’s less to clean up. Serve it hot, and you’ve got a simple and fast dinner for a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 casserole mixes broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. It’s cooked in 30 minutes in one dish, which means it’s easy, and there’s less cleanup afterward. It’s a good pick for anyone wanting a quick and hassle-free dinner. Once it’s cooked, serve it hot, and enjoy a meal that didn’t take all evening to make.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

This dish has ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and melted cheddar cheese. It takes about 30 minutes to make, and everything is baked in one dish. This makes cooking and cleaning up afterward a lot easier. It’s a good choice for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 30 minutes, this soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream for a rich and filling meal. It’s simple to make, and the steps are easy to follow, even if you’re new to cooking. The best part is that this soup alone can be a complete meal, so you won’t need to prep any extra side dishes. It’s a solid choice for a warm, easy dinner after a tiring day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

These chicken bites are cooked on the stovetop and have a buttery garlic flavor. The recipe is straightforward and takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. They’re perfect for a quick meal, and you can pair them with a side dish of your choice if you want something more.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

This dish is ready in 30 minutes and uses chicken thighs cooked in a sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s easy to make, and the steps are simple to follow. If you want a more filling meal, you can serve it with rice or pasta. It’s a good pick for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

In 30 minutes, this dish features chicken with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. The steps are simple and a good choice for anyone, especially those new to cooking. Once it’s ready, serve it hot and enjoy a complete and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This dish combines cabbage, bacon, and onion and is ready in about 25 minutes. It’s simple and doesn’t need any extra side dishes. Great for anyone who’s just starting to cook or doesn’t have a lot of time. It’s a quick meal solution for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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 is a creamy soup made with sweet potatoes and red peppers. With a few steps, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have more time on the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

This soup is a quick solution when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In less than an hour, you can enjoy tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a comforting broth. It’s made in one pot, which makes the cooking process smooth. Perfect for those days when you’re looking for a warm, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

These patties are a time-saver, needing only 20 minutes of prep. Using canned chicken, they’re simple to put together. Once done, you can have them on their own or turn them into sandwiches. They’re versatile and a good fit for anyone looking for a quick, homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This dish gets you a flavorful meal in 30 minutes. You’ll cook chicken in a rich mushroom sauce, all in one pan. Pair it with rice or noodles to round out the meal. If you’ve been searching for a quick yet tasty dinner option, this one’s worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

In 30 minutes, this skillet dish offers a full meal using common ingredients. Ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms come together for a filling dinner. It’s a one-pan solution, making both cooking and serving easy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

This 30-minute meal is about simplicity. Roasted sausage and vegetables on one sheet pan mean you have everything you need in a single dish. It’s foolproof, making it a top pick for anyone wanting a straightforward yet wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This 30-minute recipe is a winner for those who love a combination of chicken in a creamy garlic sauce. Cooked in one pan, the dish is both hearty and flavorful. Pair it with steamed veggies or rice for a complete dinner that’s easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

This Pumpkin Soup is a cozy meal for chilly fall days. Made with canned pumpkin, it’s straightforward and quick, taking just 40 minutes. A simple choice when you want a warm dish without much fuss after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

This salad is a mix of spiciness from jalapeños and creamy dressing. Add in chicken, and you’ve got a dish that stands on its own or can be a hearty side. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a straightforward recipe for those evenings when you want something quick but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a warm and hearty meal you can whip up in just 45 minutes. It’s all done in one pot, making it super easy, especially after a long day. Great for any day of the week when you want something simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

For a quick yet elegant meal, this dish comes through. In 30 minutes, you’ll combine shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach for a tasty and nutritious meal. The steps are easy to follow, making it an accessible dish even for those not too familiar with cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This dish combines the flavors of sausage and cabbage. It’s straightforward, requires only the two main ingredients, and can be prepared quickly. It is a complete meal on its own, making it a practical choice for those evenings when you want something hearty yet straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Shawarma Kebabs

These kebabs are a fast and flavorful meal option. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have protein-packed skewers ready to be cooked. The recipe is easy to follow, and the resulting meal is rewarding. Pair with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal that’s both quick and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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