21 foolproof dinner recipes you won’t mess up

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These 21 foolproof dinner recipes are easy to make, quick to serve, and require minimal clean-up. You really can’t mess them up. Ideal for beginners and those with busy schedules, each recipe ensures a successful meal without complicated steps. With a focus on one-pan or 30-minute options, these dishes offer a perfect blend of convenience and flavor.

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This Creamy Garlic Chicken offers an uncomplicated one-pan meal that’s perfect for beginners. Prepared in no time, the dish pairs well with cauliflower rice or regular rice. The protein-rich chicken is complemented by a smooth garlic sauce, making it a foolproof dinner option. Its streamlined prep and minimal ingredient list make it a reliable dinner choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a no-fuss, foolproof recipe that requires minimal clean-up. It can be prepared and served within 30 minutes, combining roasted sausage and various vegetables. A great choice for those new to cooking, this dish is both practical and flavorful. Its quick preparation and straightforward instructions make it an ideal pick for anyone seeking a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is quick and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for anyone short on time looking for a foolproof recipe idea. The dish blends marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach in just 30 minutes. It’s an accessible recipe ideal for those who are new to cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy 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 Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a convenient and foolproof choice that requires only 30 minutes. The recipe includes simple ingredients like broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. It provides an array of textures and flavors, making it a foolproof option for dinner. The quick preparation time adds to its appeal for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and Sausage is an effortless, one-pan dish ready in under 30 minutes. It pairs hearty sausage with crunchy cabbage. This balanced meal is both quick and easy to prepare, making it a foolproof dinner option. Its simplicity appeals to both cooking novices and busy families.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a balanced meal that combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. It is quick to prepare, being ready in just 30 minutes. The convenience and speed of this dish make it an ideal dinner option. Its foolproof nature assures a successful mealtime.
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.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is ready in 30 minutes and requires just a few ingredients: shrimp, garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach. The dish is straightforward to make, ensuring a foolproof dinner option. Its fast cooking time makes it a practical choice for weeknights. The blend of flavors is well-balanced and easy to achieve.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a one-pan dish that’s simple to prepare in just 30 minutes. The chicken pairs well with the creamy mushroom sauce, providing a balanced flavor profile. This recipe is both straightforward and dependable, making it an excellent choice for a hassle-free dinner. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a quick and foolproof meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

This Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot dish that is ready in 30 minutes. It combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream for a balanced set of flavors. This hearty soup is both easy to prepare and reliable, offering a foolproof dinner option. Its simplicity and speed make it an ideal weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad incorporates the distinct flavor of jalapeño poppers into a balanced salad. It offers straightforward instructions and requires a limited list of ingredients. This dish is an inventive yet foolproof option for dinner, suitable for those looking to try something new. Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Sausage Curry

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

This Sausage Curry offers a straightforward, one-pan solution for a family dinner. It features sausages and vegetables in a rich curry sauce. The ease of this foolproof recipe makes it a reliable choice for any dinner occasion. The dish is hearty and uncomplicated, catering to a variety of taste preferences.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a one-pan recipe ready in 30 minutes. It features chicken thighs complemented by a sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is straightforward to prepare, making it a foolproof dinner option. Its quick cooking time enhances its appeal for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Big Mac Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Big Mac Salad offers the familiar flavors of the iconic fast-food burger in a more balanced form. It’s a straightforward recipe that is quick to prepare, either as a dinner or lunch option. This dish is perfect for meal prepping and is a reliable choice for any meal. Its foolproof nature makes it ideal for both cooking novices and those short on time.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole fuses seasoned chicken thighs, bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños into a memorable dish. The recipe offers a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring a well-rounded meal. This combination makes it a reliable and foolproof dinner choice. The dish’s easy preparation suits both new cooks and busy households.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This Fajita Baked Chicken features chicken breasts seasoned and baked with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. The recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner that you won’t mess up. It’s a foolproof choice that balances flavor and convenience. The simplicity of this dish is perfect for those new to cooking or anyone seeking a hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a simple dinner idea that emulates the flavors of the classic sandwich. It combines sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese. The dish is quick to prepare, and you won’t mess it up, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Its foolproof nature is a surefire way to have a successful dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a one-pan dish that can be prepared in just 25 minutes. This straightforward recipe combines cabbage, bacon, and onion for a balanced meal. It’s a foolproof dinner option that brings simplicity and quick preparation to the table. The combination of flavors ensures a meal that pleases without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Pollo Asado showcases marinated chicken thighs that can be cooked on the grill, grill pan, or in the oven. The recipe employs a variety of flavors, including cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice. It’s a straightforward and foolproof option for those who enjoy a flavorful yet simple-to-make chicken dish. The versatility in cooking methods adds convenience, making it a perfect choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Bowls of pumpkin soup with sprigs of rosemary.
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin is a comforting dish perfect for colder seasons. The soup employs simple steps: simmer, blend, simmer again, and serve. It can be ready in just 40 minutes, offering a quick yet foolproof dinner option. The smooth texture and warm flavors make it a comforting and reliable choice for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is an uncomplicated dish you can prepare in 30 minutes. The dish combines cucumbers and onions with a creamy mix of sour cream and mayo. Its quick and simple preparation makes it a foolproof addition to your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Shawarma Kebabs

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

These Shawarma Kebabs are a straightforward dish requiring simple preparation. The kebabs are baked in the oven, yielding a high-protein meal that’s ready for family dinner. This dish is an excellent option for those looking for a foolproof recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It fits nicely into busy schedules, thanks to its straightforward preparation steps. You won’t mess this one up.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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