Hate cooking dinner? These 27 recipes will change your mind

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If you hate cooking dinner and the thought of firing up the stove makes you want to order takeout again, hold up. We’ve got 27 recipes that are about to make your kitchen your new favorite hangout spot. These dishes are so easy and great, you’ll wonder why you’ve been avoiding cooking for so long. We’re talking minimal ingredients, minimal steps, and the maximum flavor that’ll get you in and out of the kitchen fast.

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dreading the nightly cooking routine? This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole might just win you over. You’ll need just a few things: noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and peas. Mix it all up, top with your breadcrumb mixture, and bake it until it’s golden. With only 15 minutes of prep, you’ve got yourself a great dinner and a free evening. Plus, it’s a perfect way to make sure you’ve got some good leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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.

If you’re not into cooking, this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner could be the game changer you need. Just grab some veggies like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, chop them up, toss them with sausages on a pan, and let the oven do the rest. It’s that straightforward. No complicated steps, just simple, good food that comes together with minimal effort. It’s also perfect for anyone who wants to avoid a big cleanup. One pan, and you’re done, leaving you plenty of time to kick back after you eat.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re after something quick and easy, these Shake and Bake Pork Chops are right up your alley. You can get crispy, flavorful pork chops on your plate in just 25 minutes, no frying needed. Great for a busy weeknight, this recipe is a hit with families and a cinch for anyone just starting out in the kitchen, or for those who just want a great meal without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Looking for a hearty meal without all the work? Try this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It’s just a matter of mixing together ground beef, rice, chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, then baking it for 45 minutes. This recipe turns making dinner into a breeze, especially if you’re trying to cut down on time spent in the kitchen. It’s all about getting that great meal on the table without a big to-do, and as a bonus, your house will smell amazing while it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

When time isn’t on your side but you still want something great, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come to the rescue. You’ll be done in 20 minutes, and it’s just chicken with a kick of garlic butter. For those slammed evenings, this recipe is a lifesaver, giving you a quick and flavorful meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Need something comforting but easy? Chicken Tater Tot Casserole has got you covered. It’s ready in under an hour, won’t cost you much, and you can even prep it ahead of time. Got leftovers? They freeze great. It’s a no-brainer that’s really good and sure to please everyone, from the little ones to adults.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Got 30 minutes? That’s all you need for this Cabbage and Sausage meal. Just one pan where everything cooks together, making a really good dinner that won’t keep you waiting. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re busy but still want a solid meal. And since it’s all in one pan, cleaning up afterwards is a snap, so you can spend more time chilling out.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy spinach chicken bake in a glass baking dish.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Spinach Chicken Bake is all about keeping dinner straightforward without compromising on taste. Just layer some chicken, spinach, and cheese, and then let your oven take over. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a great go-to for those nights when you’re too busy to fuss over the stove. This dish shows that a great meal doesn’t need a lot of time or fancy stuff to come together.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

When life’s got you running, this Crock Pot Taco Soup is like hitting the easy button. Brown some beef, then let the slow cooker work its magic with beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. You’ll only need to spend about 20 minutes getting things ready, which is perfect when you’re trying to do a million things at once. It’s a great way to wrap up your day with a hearty meal that didn’t take all day to make.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’d rather chill out than spend the evening cooking, this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach has got you covered. Throw together some ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and a good amount of cheese, and let the oven handle the rest. It’s the perfect pick for a no-stress evening, giving you a great meal without the hassle. And hey, you’re even getting some veggies in there, making dinner both easy and smart.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Need a simple, hearty meal? This White Bean Soup is your answer. It’s a one-pot wonder that you can whip up in about 40 minutes. On a weeknight when you’re aiming to eat something good that’s also packed with fiber and veggies, this soup is a perfect choice. It’s easy, quick, and will make your dinner routine a whole lot smoother.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Think making a lasagna-like dinner is a big job? Not with this Baked Ravioli. It’s a breeze. You just layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara and cheese, bake it, and in about an hour, you’ve got a great meal ready to go. It’s a game-changer for busy evenings when you want something good but don’t want to spend all night cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a dish that’s as quick as it is good: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. You can have it ready in 25 minutes, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It’s perfect for getting lunches ready for the week, a fast dinner, or bringing along to a potluck. You’ll cut down on kitchen time by using pre-cooked chicken and ready-made Caesar dressing. It’s a solid pick for when you want to keep things simple and still have a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

When you’re running against the clock, this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a lifesaver. Toss together broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, pop it in the oven, and you’re about 30 minutes away from a really good meal. It’s a fast solution to getting a flavorful and hearty dinner on the table without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a dinner that’s quick and hearty, give this Chicken Tortellini Soup a try. It all comes together in one pot in just 40 minutes. This soup is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making it a great go-to for any weeknight. If the thought of cooking dinner isn’t your thing, this soup might just change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This Fajita Baked Chicken makes it easy to get bold fajita flavors in a simple 30-minute bake. Seasoned with fajita spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, it’s a breeze to prepare and goes great with any side. If you’re looking for a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen, this dish hits the spot. It’s a straightforward approach to adding some excitement to dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’ve got 25 minutes, you’ve got enough time to whip up this Fried Cabbage with Bacon. It’s a no-fuss dish that packs in a lot of flavors, perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something great to eat. This recipe is proof that you can create awesome meals without needing a bunch of complicated ingredients or spending hours cooking. It’s a quick way to make you rethink cooking dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re aiming for an easy family dinner, this Broccoli Casserole is the way to go. It’s a mix of broccoli, creamy sauce, and cheese that’s simple and quick, ideal for beginners or anyone trying to stay out of the kitchen for too long. With a 50-minute turnaround, it’s a great choice for a relaxed evening meal. This casserole offers a hearty dinner without the fuss of prep and cleanup, giving you more precious time to spend with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a dinner that comes together fast, these Canned Chicken Patties are your answer. They turn canned chicken into something really enjoyable in just 20 minutes. Just combine the chicken with breadcrumbs and spices, shape them into patties, and cook until they’re perfectly golden. They’re versatile too — eat them on their own, as a side, or make them into a sandwich. If the thought of cooking has you down, this recipe is a great place to start changing your mind.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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 mixes up the spice of jalapeños with cream cheese and spices for a meal that’s as straightforward as it is full of great taste. It’s a no-cook, easy dish for those busy nights when you just can’t deal with cooking but still crave something with a little kick.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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.

For a hearty meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all night, this Italian Sausage Soup is a great go-to. Just brown some sausage, add in broth, tomatoes, and your choice of veggies, and let it simmer. It’s ready in 30 minutes and makes for a comforting, easy dinner on nights when you need something warm but simple. It’s a perfect choice for a no-fuss, good meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Need something hearty in a hurry? This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is just the thing. It’s got ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, and it’s on the table in about 30 minutes. This recipe is a solid option for those packed evenings when you want a filling meal without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

For a simple way to whip up a cozy meal, try this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Just chop up some sweet potatoes and red peppers, let them simmer with broth and spices, and in about an hour, you’ll be enjoying a comforting bowl of soup. It’s a great pick for cold nights when you want something warm but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. This recipe keeps things easy, making it perfect for a laid-back evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is as straightforward as it gets. Sauté some chicken, then let it bubble away in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s fancy enough to serve to guests but simple enough for your average weekday. If you’re not big on cooking but still want to make dinner feel special, this dish is the way to go. It’s an easy approach to a great meal that seems like you’ve put in more effort than you actually have.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Looking for something that’s easy to cook and still packs a punch? This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is just the thing. You can have it on the table in 30 minutes. It’s just chicken thighs and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, but it comes out looking like you’ve tried way harder than you did. This is the recipe for nights when you want a meal that’s a step up from the usual without chaining yourself to the stove.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get all the flavors you love from a Big Mac without the hassle of cooking a full-on meal with this Big Mac Salad. It’s a simple combination of ground beef, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, and that iconic sauce. It’s a breeze to make and perfect for those days when you’re looking for something quick and delicious. This dish is about keeping it easy while still getting that great burger taste you’re after.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Got a slow cooker? Then you’ve got the easiest way to make a hearty Split Pea Soup. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal. Toss your ingredients in the pot, let it cook on low all day or crank it up to high if you’re in a bit of a rush. It’s a perfect recipe for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to spend their whole day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

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