21 quick dinners — because you really deserve a break

Photo of author

| Published:

Quick dinners are exactly what you need after a day that feels never-ending. When you’re exhausted and the idea of spending hours in the kitchen seems impossible, these meals will help you out. They’re easy and fast and give you the break you’ve definitely earned. Sometimes, it’s okay to take a step back and let dinner be simple. You’ve done enough today, and these recipes will save the day.

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

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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a great choice when you need something simple and filling. In half an hour, you can have sausage, zucchini, broccoli, and peppers roasted to perfection, all in one pan. It’s a quick dinner that’s light on cleanup, which is a huge help after a long day. You’ll love how everything cooks together so easily, and it’s a dish that doesn’t require much effort but still gives you a full, hearty meal. Perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

Baked Ravioli is a great dinner option when you want something comforting but don’t have the energy for anything complicated. Just layer frozen ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese, pop it in the oven, and in one hour, dinner’s ready. It’s a simple, no-stress dish that gives you a hearty meal without much prep or effort. The melted cheese and marinara sauce add a little extra, but the recipe itself couldn’t be easier. Baked Ravioli is a great go-to when you’re looking for a meal that practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Egg Salad is a quick, easy option when you need dinner in a hurry but still want something homemade. In just 25 minutes, you can mix hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and crunchy veggies for a light, filling meal. It’s simple to make and doesn’t take much time or effort, which makes it perfect for busy nights. You can eat it on its own, in a sandwich, or even over a bed of greens. It’s flexible and quick, which is what you need when life gets busy but you still want a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is a quick, one-pan meal that’s great for nights when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking. In just 25 minutes, you can have sautéed cabbage and sausage ready to go. It’s filling and flavorful but simple enough to make after a busy day. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less time cleaning up. This recipe is great when you need something comforting and quick without too much work in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is perfect when you want comfort food that doesn’t take a lot of effort. In under an hour, you can have crispy tater tots, tender chicken, and cheese all baked together in a filling and delicious casserole. This is a great option for nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want something that feels homemade. It’s easy to put together and doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time, so you can relax while it bakes. This dish is perfect for ending a long day on a comforting note.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is a great choice for when you want a quick dinner that’s big on flavor but easy to make. The sweet and spicy hot honey glaze comes together in no time, and in just 45 minutes, you’ll have grilled chicken that’s tender and flavorful. Whether you’re grilling outside or using a grill pan, this dish is perfect for nights when you don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. The homemade glaze is simple but makes the whole dish feel special, giving you a nice break from the usual without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is a great choice for those nights when you need something simple but comforting. Steam the broccoli, mix up a quick mushroom sauce, top it with cheese and crackers, and bake. It’s ready in about 50 minutes, and the prep is minimal. This casserole lets you get veggies into your meal without much thought, and it’s filling without being heavy. Perfect for busy evenings when you want to put dinner together quickly but still want a little bit of comfort on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in just 20 minutes, making them perfect when you need a break from the day but still want a homemade meal. These bite-sized pieces are pan-fried to give you a crispy outside with a tender inside, and the garlic butter sauce adds just the right amount of flavor without too much work. Whether it’s a busy night or you’re just feeling worn out, this recipe is quick, easy, and gets dinner on the table without extra stress. You’ll appreciate the recipe’s simplicity.
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.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a simple, quick way to add some veggies to your dinner. It takes just 30 minutes to get it on the table, and it’s packed with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. This is a great option for nights when you’re tired but still want something homemade and filling. The recipe is easy to follow and even better as leftovers, so you’re covered for the next day, too. A practical, no-stress dinner that helps you wrap up the day without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is perfect when you want a hearty meal but need to keep things simple. In about 45 minutes, you’ll have a one-pan dish full of browned meat, bell peppers, rice, and cheese. It’s easy to prep and even easier to clean up, which is exactly what you need after a busy day. You get all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work. This is a great dinner solution when you just want something filling without a lot of steps. This helpful recipe keeps dinner stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a fast, reliable way to get dinner on the table in just 25 minutes. With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is perfect for when you need something quick but still filling. A simple mayo base keeps the pork chops juicy, and the seasoned breadcrumb coating gives them a nice crunch. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want dinner done fast but still want something that feels homemade. No complicated steps, just an easy way to pull off a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil makes dinner easy without wasting too much time. Shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes are seasoned, tossed on a single pan, and baked to perfection in under an hour. This is a great option for nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend much time prepping or cleaning. The one-pan method keeps things simple, leaving you with a hearty meal that takes care of dinner without adding stress. Perfect for those evenings when you need to get dinner done and have some time to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a quick and easy way to get a comforting meal on the table. With just one pot and about 40 minutes, you can have a full meal ready to go. Toss in some chicken, cheese tortellini, and veggies, and let it all simmer while you take a break. This soup is a great option when you need something filling but don’t want a lot of dishes afterward. It’s a simple, practical dinner that’s easy to make and leaves you with more time to relax at the end of the day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is perfect for those nights when you need something quick but still want a filling meal. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated with garlic and Italian spices, layered with cream cheese and spinach, and topped with mozzarella. It’s all baked together, and in 30 minutes, you’ve got a great dinner with minimal prep. This is a helpful recipe for busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. A simple, flavorful meal that lets you unwind while it bakes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes but feels like a reward. It’s rich without being overwhelming with Italian sausage, cream cheese, chicken broth, and tomatoes. The cream adds a smooth touch, and the sausage brings plenty of flavor. It’s perfect when you need a break and want something easy that still feels like a filling meal. Quick to make, this soup gives you a little comfort on those busier nights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a no-nonsense meal that combines ingredients you probably already have. It features canned tuna, egg noodles, and peas with a creamy base, then gets baked until everything is nicely combined. It’s ready in under an hour, giving you enough time to wind down while it cooks. No complicated steps here — just a simple, familiar meal that’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked dinner. It’s the kind of dinner that helps you slow down after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is the definition of comfort without the heavy lifting. Cannellini beans, carrots, and garlic come together in this light yet filling soup, ready in about 40 minutes. The ingredients come together easily, and the soup practically takes care of itself while it simmers. It’s a great choice for when you want something comforting without a lot of work. A practical dinner that saves you time and helps you unwind — just what you need at the end of a long day.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is perfect for a quick meal that packs in flavor without the extra steps. Juicy chicken, bell peppers, onions, and cheese are baked together, giving you all the taste of fajitas without the need to stand over a skillet. This dish is done in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. This dish is perfect for when you want something full of flavor but need to keep things simple. Just toss it in the oven and let it cook while you unwind.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup brings together the sweetness of potatoes with a slight bite of red peppers, all seasoned with a hint of cumin and paprika. It’s a smooth, creamy soup that’s mostly hands-off and ready in about an hour, giving you plenty of time to unwind while it cooks. This meal doesn’t ask much from you but still delivers. It’s perfect for nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to be in the kitchen for hours. The simple ingredients and steps are perfect for those low-energy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper 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.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a fast, one-pan meal that helps you get dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms come together with a creamy sauce for a simple, hearty dinner. It’s easy to make, with minimal cleanup, which is perfect for busy nights when you just need something quick and filling, leaving you with more time to relax and recharge. It’s a great way to keep things simple and still enjoy a good meal.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is the answer to those nights when you want something that feels special but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. It brings together tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, all in just 30 minutes. Dinner is served in no time. This dish works well with just about anything you want to serve it with, making it a versatile, no-stress option. Perfect for those evenings when you want a comforting meal that doesn’t take much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Leave a Comment

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