Keep these 25 recipes bookmarked for dinners this week

Photo of author

| Published:

Looking for dinner ideas for this week? We’ve got you covered with some great recipes to bookmark. These 25 picks are perfect for those nights when you need to get something on the table but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They’re easy, they’re quick, and they’re exactly what you need to shake up your meal routine without any hassle.

A casserole dish with canned tuna and peas in it.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in only 45 minutes for a filling and flavorful weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This meal is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You’ll combine chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach and bake it all together. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a practical option for a family dinner that sets a good tone for the week.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This simple stir-fry pairs cabbage with sausage for a meal that’s both effortless and full of flavor. It’s ready in 25 minutes and requires minimal ingredients — most of which you probably already have in your kitchen — making it a great pick for a no-stress dinner at the start of the week.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

This taco soup is a great way to enjoy a hands-off dinner. You only need to do 20 minutes of prep, and your Crock Pot will do the rest. Start by browning some ground beef, then add beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning into the mix. By dinner time, you’ll have a soup that’s full of flavor, perfect for wrapping up a busy day. It’s an excellent choice for a homemade meal that helps your family kick off their week on a positive note.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

In this dish, the veggies are mixed with a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and bacon, and baked until bubbling and golden, all in one baking dish. This dish uses frozen veggies like broccoli and cauliflower for convenience. It’s incredibly easy and perfect for those times when you’re looking for a comforting meal without the long prep time. You can tweak it to match your family’s likes, making this casserole a smart pick to kick off a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Set yourself up for a smooth week ahead with this creamy and wholesome soup. Ready in less than an hour, it combines tender chicken, corn, and vegetables in a creamy broth for an easy dinner that’s already a complete meal in itself. Plus, everything cooks in just one pot, so cleaning up after will be quick and practically effortless.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn 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.

This meal is perfect for a Monday night when you’re busy but still want to make sure everyone gets their dose of protein and veggies. In this dish, you’ll arrange the sausages and vegetables, pop them in the oven, and just wait until everything is perfectly caramelized and fork-tender. It’s a smart choice for anyone pressed for time, especially when you need a quick, wholesome meal without the complicated cooking steps.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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.

This recipe combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the sweetness of red peppers, all in just one pot. Ready in just an hour, it involves the simplest of steps — sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish. This soup is perfect for any night when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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 dish combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms in just one skillet for convenience. It takes 30 minutes to cook, making it a great go-to when you need to serve something hearty without much effort. This one-skillet recipe is also freezer-friendly, so if you have leftovers, you can easily store them and enjoy the same delicious flavors later.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn the classic twice-baked potatoes into a casserole with this easy recipe. It’s filled with all the comfort food favorites: potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, making your meal prep for the week that much easier. This casserole is a great way to kick off your week with a hearty, effortless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Starting your week with this flavorful soup means you’re setting yourself up for a cozy and smooth transition into the days ahead. This soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes into a comforting meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, making cleaning as easy as cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Cook up some chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is easy. It’s all done in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. Serve it with rice, pasta, or your favorite veggie side for a complete and filling dinner. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that will ensure a smooth start to your busy week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This dish is a simple way to make dinner interesting. Seasoned chicken breasts are topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella and baked until perfectly golden. It’s ready in 30 minutes, and everything comes together in just one pan for minimal cleanup. Make it when you have a busy week ahead and still need to quickly get a filling and protein-packed meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Here’s another easy recipe to add to your list. In this dish, you’ll cook chicken breasts on the stovetop and simmer them in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s ready in 30 minutes, and you only need one pan to cook everything. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and pairs well with whatever sides you’re in the mood for — the perfect meal for getting your week off to a good start.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

You only need 45 minutes to get this savory and hearty mushroom soup on your dinner table. Using only one pot, sauteed mushrooms simmer in a creamy broth seasoned with aromatic spices, sour cream, milk, and butter. This soup is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with your choice of bread, salad, or veggies for a complete, hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Seafood for dinner doesn’t have to take all night. Featuring shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach with a savory garlic sauce, it’s a cozy dinner perfect to start your week. You can customize it and add some smokey paprika or top it off with a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. Serve this with a side of pasta or rice for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Starting your week with this dish means you’re setting yourself up for success. Ready in just 30 minutes, chicken thighs simmer in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, finished off with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal on a busy night, making your weeknight routine a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

If you need a bit of excitement in your meals, try this spicy popper salad. With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll mix chicken, bacon, and jalapeños with mayonnaise and spices. Once mixed, chill it to blend the flavors and have a delicious meal ready to go. It’s simple to make and great for beginners in the kitchen or anyone wanting to try something new. This salad stays fresh in the fridge for several days, making it a convenient choice for family dinners at the beginning of the week and beyond.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Cook cabbage, bacon, and onion in one pan, season to taste, and it’s ready to serve. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s full of flavor. Whether as a side or the main dish, it’s filling and hits the spot on busy nights. It’s especially good for those just getting started in the kitchen, as it’s simple and doesn’t need anything else to make it a meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe is a breeze to make — mix the chicken, shape the patties, and cook them up. Ready in just 20 minutes and using canned chicken for convenience, it’s a practical choice for anyone looking to whip up a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve these patties with a side salad, some steamed vegetables, or make them a sandwich for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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 mixes ground beef with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar in a single skillet. It’s a complete meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes, featuring a good mix of protein and veggies. This recipe is a great go-to when serving a big crowd. Plus, if you have leftovers, they’ll taste just as great the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Big Mac Salad

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

Skip the drive-thru and get the taste of a fast-food favorite in a lighter, salad form. This Big Mac salad packs all the classic flavors you love — bacon, beef, pickles, and greens — tossed with a creamy homemade sauce and sprinkled with cheddar cheese. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the perfect family dinner at the start of a hectic week.
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.

If you like a little kick with your dinner, you’ve got to try this jalapeño popper chicken casserole. It combines shredded chicken, bacon, cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños, all baked until bubbly. It takes just over an hour to make, fitting perfectly into your evening routine. This dish is a great way to spice up your week with something easy yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These poppers create a delicious combo of ground chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices. Ready in just an hour, you’ll mix the ingredients, form into balls, and bake. You can even freeze them for later and pop them in the oven once you’re ready to eat. This recipe is great for starting your week with something easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.