17 go-to meals to get you out of your dinner rut

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Finding new go-to meals can be a challenge, especially when it feels like you’ve tried everything on the menu. We’ve all been there: stuck in a dinner rut, recycling the same few recipes week after week. It’s easy to fall into this pattern, especially when juggling work, family, and other commitments. These 17 recipes are designed to bring some inspiration to your table, making dinner exciting again.

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Break free from repetitive dinners with this mix of broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a go-to meal when you’re looking to try something different but still want it quick and simple. Great for those days when you’re meal prepping, too.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Ditch the usual dinner choices and go for this taco soup. With a short 20-minute prep, it’s a change from the norm without the fuss. It’s hearty with ground beef and common kitchen ingredients, and the bonus? Make a large batch and you have meals ready for another day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Swap out the everyday fare for this balanced dish of chicken, cheese, and spinach. An uncomplicated choice, it’s perfect for when you want something fresh on your dinner table without spending all evening cooking. And remember, you can tweak it with seasonings you love.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Step away from the regular dinner choices with this comforting soup. Made in just an hour, this one-pot dish brings a twist to your evening meal. If you’re thinking ahead, make a little extra; it’s perfect for grabbing a quick lunch later on.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

Refresh your dinner game with this straightforward dish. Done in under 30 minutes, it’s a refreshing mix of cabbage and sausage that’ll add a new flavor to your routine. For an added twist, try different sausage varieties.
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.

Introduce a new staple to your dinner rotation with this skillet dish. Combine ground beef and cauliflower rice, and in half an hour, you have a change from the usual fare. Its simplicity doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a practical choice for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

If you’re in a dinner rut and want something new but not too complicated, consider this Creamy Garlic Chicken. In only 30 minutes, you can serve a one-pan dish that features chicken breasts in a rich white sauce crafted from Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. A great choice for both your regular weeknight meals or when you have guests over.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Looking for a soup that’s different from the usual? This dish, ready in 45 minutes, offers a unique flavor profile sure to shake up your dinner plans. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream can add an extra layer of richness.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Refresh your dinner choices with this all-in-one meal. Just place everything on a sheet pan and bake; in 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s a refreshing departure from your regular dinners. You can also mix it up by using different seasonings.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Corn Soup

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

This one-pot dish, featuring chicken and a mix of veggies, is both simple and different, ensuring you don’t fall back into the same dinner patterns. Plus, you can always switch up the vegetables based on what you have.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Shake up your dinner routine with this casserole. In just 30 minutes, enjoy a meal that deviates from the usual, with beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach. And the best part? You can adjust the flavor by using your favorite cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

Looking for something different but easy? These patties are your answer. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re a practical yet unique choice for dinner. For a personalized touch, whip up your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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.

Rethink your soup game with this hearty dish. In just 30 minutes, this soup, made with Italian sausage and tomatoes, provides a different yet straightforward option for dinner. Fresh herbs can be tossed in for an added fresh touch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

Need a change for dinner? Try the Cheesy Chicken Fajita Bake. You’ll have chicken seasoned with spices, topped with cream cheese, colorful peppers, and mozzarella. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Big Mac Salad

Transform your salad nights with this unique choice. Bringing familiar flavors in a new form, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy a salad. Top it off with your preferred salad dressing to make it truly your own.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Add a kick to your dinner rotation with this dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños. Serving it with some sour cream on the side can make it even more special.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Revamp your chicken recipes with this skillet meal. In 30 minutes, enjoy a meal that combines chicken thighs with a unique sun-dried tomato sauce, ensuring you don’t stick to the same old recipes. Pairing it with pasta or mashed potatoes can complete the experience.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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