Our 27 go-to weeknight dinner recipes that never fail

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Our go-to weeknight dinner recipes are the ones we always turn to because they’re easy, quick, and never let us down. They’re the reliable favorites that make busy evenings go as smoothly as possible. Perfect for any night, these 27 recipes are our kitchen MVPs, keeping things simple yet always hitting the spot.

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

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious Spinach Chicken Bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe allows for prep work in advance, so all that’s left is baking it at dinner time. It’s a quick, filling option for family dinner night.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

This casserole is ideal for those nights when you’re after something both easy and comforting. It comes together in less than an hour and is a breeze to prepare. Plus, it’s great for leftovers. This dish is a solid choice for a no-hassle family dinner that’s ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

With only 20 minutes of active prep required, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings. Just brown the beef, toss everything into the Crock Pot, set it, and forget it. By dinner time, you’ll have a comforting soup that everyone will love. It’s an effortless solution for a hearty family meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Forget stuffing peppers by making everything in one pot for a hearty meal ready in 45 minutes. It’s beginner-friendly and ensures a stress-free dinner. This recipe is a clever choice for an easy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This meal is a great pick for weeknight family dinners because it’s both quick and easy to prepare. With common ingredients, you can whip up a filling dish in about 20 minutes using just one pan. Switching up the sausage type can keep the dish interesting for every meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

When time is tight, this meal needs just 30 minutes from start to finish. You can mix various veggies and sausages for a more exciting dish. It’s cooked all on one pan for minimal cleanup. It’s a great choice for quick, easy, and hearty dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

These juicy chicken bites in garlic butter sauce are a hit for weeknight dinners, ready in 30 minutes. They pair well with rice or veggies for a complete meal. It’s a favorite for its quick prep and crowd-pleasing flavors.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Ready in less than 30 minutes, this casserole is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s packed with frozen broccoli, cauliflower, creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon for a delicious meal that’s also great for meal prep. It’s a smart pick for a quick and savory dinner for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This dish puts a fun spin on dinner with its mix of seasoned chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all ready in 30 minutes. It’s designed for simplicity, allowing for advance preparation. It’s perfect for parents who want to spice up dinner without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transforming a classic into a one-pot meal, this soup is creamy, filling, and ready in 1 hour. It’s an easy option for a comforting dinner without spending the whole evening cooking. This dish can be for the whole family with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Broccoli Casserole

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

This 50-minute casserole is a straightforward choice for weeknight dining. It focuses on ease and enjoyment rather than spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This recipe is designed for those who prefer to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying their meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli 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.

Combining Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream, this soup is a 30-minute wonder perfect for busy evenings. It’s all cooked in one pot and simplifies cleanup, allowing you to maximize family time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage 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.

A 30-minute one-skillet meal that’s easy, quick, and practical. Just combine ground beef, cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. This dish is perfect for meal prep or saving leftovers for another night.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

A quick, meal-prep friendly salad that mixes chicken, bacon, and jalapeños with a creamy dressing. It’s a fresh take on jalapeño poppers that are ready to eat whenever you are on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This comfort food casserole can be prepared in advance and baked at dinner time. It’s a practical, hearty meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. You’ll have more time to bond over family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

A fancy yet easy dish of chicken in creamy mushroom sauce, ready in 30 minutes. This one-pan meal pairs well with rice or pasta. It’s a great option for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

A combo of sweet potato and red pepper makes this soup a filling, hour-ready meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those nights when you need something straightforward yet hearty.
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.

Tender chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, this dish is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a quick, flavorful dinner option that pairs well with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

Whip up this cheesy beef casserole in just 30 minutes for those nights when you’re juggling homework and late work emails. It’s a full meal with beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and loads of cheddar. It’s easy to make ahead and bake when you’re ready. The perfect recipe to keep everyone happy and fed with minimum work.
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.

Dive into this Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach dish for a quick weeknight win. It’s a simple mix of shrimp, tomatoes, and greens, jazzed up with garlic and ready before you know it. Serve it with pasta or rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s a breeze to pull together and a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is your go-to on a busy night. It’s a 30-minute wonder that pairs beautifully with whatever’s handy, like pasta or rice. Making dinner is a snap without skimping on flavor. It’s a great dish for when you need something hearty but easy, allowing you to focus on catching up with the family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Fried cabbage with bacon is the ultimate easy dish for a laid-back dinner. It takes just 25 minutes and is as straightforward as it gets. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a savory meal without the hassle. It’s a solid choice for a no-stress dinner that still packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Turn canned chicken into a dinner favorite with these chicken patties, ready in 20 minutes flat. They’re a solid pick for nights when time’s tight, and you can even prep them ahead for an even easier evening. Just heat and eat for a meal that keeps the evening easy.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken Corn Soup

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

This chicken corn soup is a cozy hug in a bowl, ready in less than an hour, with just one pot. It’s the answer to “What’s for dinner?” on nights when you’d rather be binge-watching than cooking. Simple, filling, and uses up whatever’s in the fridge. It’s a smart pick for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Hungarian mushroom soup is a 45-minute lifesaver for dinner dilemmas. It’s easy, creamy, and made in one pot. You can serve up something delicious without spending the evening in the kitchen. Pair it with some bread, and dinner is sorted. You’ll have more time to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Big Mac Salad

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

Throw together this Big Mac salad for a quick fix if you’re craving fast food. It’s got all the burger goodness without the drive-thru wait. You can prepare ahead to make it even easier. It’s the perfect quick fix for a laid-back dinner that still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma kebabs make dinner feel like an event without the effort. Marinate, skewer, and bake for juicy bites that are sure to please. They’re easy enough for any night of the week and perfect for when you want to mix things up without adding to the to-do list. It’s great for meal prep or a simple family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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