Looking for really easy dinners that require zero brainpower after a long day? Well, you’re in the right spot. We’ve got a list of 21 meals that are so simple, you can practically make them in your sleep. These recipes are great for those times when you just can’t deal with complicated steps or a ton of ingredients. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to whip up something quick and stress-free.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is all about throwing together broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy sauce, topping it off with even more cheese and some bacon, then baking it until it’s just right. You steam the veggies, mix them with the sauce, and bake. Boom, 30 minutes later, you’ve got a great dinner ready. This is perfect for those nights when you’re looking at your kitchen and thinking, “Nope, not tonight.”
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This one’s a keeper. You’ve got sausages and a bunch of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Toss them on a sheet pan, season, and bake. What you get is a meal that’s got your protein and veggies all sorted. And the best part? It’s ready in 30 minutes and you’re only using one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for when you want a great meal but don’t want to spend the night cleaning up. A fresh salad on the side makes this sheet pan dinner a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Here’s a spin on stuffed bell peppers that makes everything easier. It’s a casserole with layers of rice, ground beef, bell peppers, and cheese, all baked until it’s just perfect. This dish is about making dinner as straightforward as possible. You throw everything in a pan, bake it, and in about 45 minutes, you’re all set. It’s a solid choice for a filling dinner on those evenings when you’re really not feeling like doing much. Serve alongside a simple green salad.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This cabbage and sausage skillet is your friend when you need something fast and good. Slice up some cabbage, throw in sausage, cook it up, and that’s it. You’re done in 25 minutes. It’s so easy and quick, making it a perfect pick for when you need something good to eat but don’t have the energy to put much effort into cooking. This dish is great on its own or with some boiled potatoes for a hearty meal. Try swapping the sausage with kielbasa or adding in some apple slices for a hint of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This chicken bake is about as stress-free as it gets. You’ve got chicken and spinach in a creamy sauce, all baked together. You toss everything in one dish, which means less mess for you later, and it’s ready in 30 minutes. This one’s great for those days when you’ve been running around all day and just need a good dinner without the stress. Perfect to serve over pasta or rice to soak up that creamy sauce. Add a layer of crispy breadcrumbs on top for a nice texture contrast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
This Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe features an effortless way to achieve flavorful, crispy pork chops without frying — all in 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a family favorite that is extra easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who just wants to get a good meal on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic choice for a stress-free dinner. It mixes canned tuna with noodles, peas, cheddar, and a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. The recipe is designed for simplicity. You’ll combine the ingredients, bake them, and serve. It’s a comforting and filling dish ready in about 45 minutes, making it a practical option for a weeknight meal. Enjoy this casserole with a side of steamed green beans for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
For those days when you’d rather not think about cooking at all, the Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a lifesaver. This recipe is the definition of simplicity. Just get your ingredients ready, throw them into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. Whether you let it simmer on low all day or crank it up to high to have it ready sooner, this soup is all about convenience. It’s especially great for beginners or anyone who wants to minimize their time in the kitchen. A straightforward approach to dinner that requires minimal mental energy. A dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread make great additions to this hearty soup.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Broccoli Casserole
For a quick and veggie-packed dinner, this Broccoli Casserole is a solid pick. It combines broccoli with cheese and a few other simple ingredients, baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s one of the easiest weeknight meals you can make. You’ll assemble the ingredients, pop them in the oven, and bake until the top is golden brown. This casserole is an excellent way to serve up something filling that both kids and grownups will enjoy. The best part is it only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This recipe combines the classic flavors of jalapeno poppers with the comforting taste of a chicken salad. You’ll combine cooked chicken with jalapenos, chicken breast, mayonnaise, or sour cream and season it to your liking. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great pick for those nights when you’re too exhausted to come up with a dinner plan. Serve this spicy salad on toasted bread or with crackers for a filling meal. Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version that still packs plenty of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and this Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet stands out as a practical choice. It’s a one-pan dish that mixes ground beef and cauliflower rice in a creamy sauce, then topped generously with cheddar cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you need something quick, easy, and filling. This skillet dish is great on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad for some added greens.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Canned Chicken Patties
For those nights when even the thought of cooking is too much, these Canned Chicken Patties are a quick and easy solution. Using canned chicken, this recipe lets you create delicious patties with just a few additional ingredients, like almond flour and spices, all mixed together and pan-fried until crispy. It’s a simple process that transforms pantry staples into a meal in just 20 minutes. Great for a last-minute and effortless dinner on busy weeknights. These patties are great with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Think of those evenings when you’re looking for something quick and easy to prepare. The Chicken Tortellini Soup is just the thing for such times. With a preparation time of only 40 minutes and requiring just one pot, this soup is about making your dinner routine as straightforward as possible. It’s a great way to have a meal that’s both filling and rich in nutrients without spending too much time or effort in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a stress-free dinner solution. Serve this soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top and some garlic bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Dijon Chicken
This Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe is perfect for a quick, effortless, and flavorful dinner. You’ll cook juicy chicken thighs in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and bacon. It’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a dinner that won’t keep you thinking or cooking in the kitchen all night long. Serve this chicken with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider adding a handful of capers for a tangy punch that complements the creamy Dijon sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach recipe is perfect for a simple but impressive dinner. This dish combines perfectly cooked shrimp with spinach in a rich, garlic-infused sauce, all cooked in one pan for convenience. It’s an easy recipe that brings a touch of Italian flair to your table without requiring a lot of time or effort. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a no-brainer for busy nights when you need a delicious meal. Pair it with some crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
The dish features chicken thighs simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, all in just 40 minutes. It’s very easy to prepare. You’ll start by cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce in the same pan to soak up all the flavors. This recipe is perfect for a relaxing evening at home, giving you a gourmet-like meal without the need for complicated cooking techniques. This chicken dish is best over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to enjoy all the creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach under a layer of melted cheese, all baked until perfectly golden. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a great way to feed the family with minimal effort and cleanup. Plus, it’s a smart way to sneak in some vegetables for a balanced dinner. Make this on weeknights when you need a quick and impressive dinner without much thinking. Try serving this casserole with a side of roasted vegetables for an extra dose of veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is a smart choice when you need a dinner option that’s quick to make but doesn’t skimp on taste. You’ll cook juicy chicken on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and made in just one pan for convenience, making it perfect for those evenings when time and energy are in short supply. This dish pairs beautifully with green beans or a crisp Caesar salad.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Sausage Curry
With sausage as the main ingredient, this recipe adds a spin to the traditional curry by incorporating spices and vegetables in a one-pan dish. It’s designed for easy home cooking. Everything comes together in just one pan and 30 minutes. It’s the perfect pick for nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want a hearty and filling meal. Enjoy this curry with some naan bread or over rice for a complete meal. Switch out the sausage for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version that’s just as appetizing.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
For those days when cooking feels like a chore, this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a lifesaver. It combines seasoned chicken, mini sweet peppers, and cheese, all baked together until perfectly tender and golden. In under an hour, you’ll have a flavorful meal that requires little attention, making it an excellent option for a laid-back evening. Wrap this chicken up in some tortillas for an easy fajita night at home. Add a layer of refried beans under the chicken before baking for an even more filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty dish filled with Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream. You’ll saute the ingredients, simmer it with the creamy broth, and you’re done. It’s also very versatile, so you can pick the sausage or meat you want to use depending on your spice tolerance. It’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for evenings when you’re just too tired to think or cook. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty Italian bread make this soup a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup