If the thought of having to dread cooking dinner after a long day makes you want to run for the hills, you’re not alone. These 21 simple recipe ideas are perfect for anyone who can’t stand the thought of spending all day in the kitchen. These no-nonsense meals are great for getting food on the table without the stress, and they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is a quick fix for a busy day. You’ll cook juicy chicken pieces in a savory garlic butter sauce, all in one pan. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for anyone who needs a fast dinner option. Serve these chicken bites with rice and veggies for a hearty meal or over some greens for something lighter. It’s a great pick for nights when cooking feels like too much work, but you still want a meal that’s homemade.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Forget about the complicated steps of stuffing peppers and try this one-pot casserole version that’s ready in 45 minutes. It combines all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers — ground beef, bell peppers, tomato sauce, rice, and cheddar cheese — but cuts down on the prep work. This dish is also very versatile. Feel free to clear out the fridge and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy an easy and comforting meal, especially on those evenings when you’re tempted to order in.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan dinners are like the lazy cook’s best friend. You’ll arrange sausages and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan, bake them until they’re caramelized, and have dinner ready in a snap. This dish is very customizable, too, so you can use whatever veggies you have lying around. If you chop your veggies in advance, you’ll make this quick meal even quicker. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a solid pick for anyone looking to make an effortless and wholesome dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Broccoli Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole is a delicious family dinner option that comes together in only 50 minutes. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who doesn’t want to spend endless time actively cooking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
If you’re on the lookout for something that’s both wallet-friendly and kid-approved, this casserole won’t disappoint. You’ll combine pantry staples like canned tuna, egg noodles, peas, cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce and bake until golden. It also stores well on the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers. This dish is ready in less than an hour and is a great go-to when you need a filling and delicious last-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Start this dish by browning some beef, tossing it into your slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients, and letting it work its magic. With just 20 minutes of hands-on time, you can do whatever you need while dinner cooks itself. This dish is a practical and low-effort dinner that brings out the best flavors without spending hours in the kitchen cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
Making this dish is incredibly simple. You only need one pan, a few pantry staples and 25 minutes. You’ll cook cabbage and sausage in a single skillet, season to your liking and have a hearty and flavorful meal in no time. Perfectly handy for days when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Here’s a one-pan meal that combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms into a hearty and easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you don’t have the time to spend all night in the kitchen but need something simple and flavorful to enjoy. Make this in 30 minutes flat and serve a wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
In 30 minutes, you can serve this casserole brimming with broccoli, cauliflower, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s baked until everything is bubbling and golden, especially perfect on those nights when you’re looking for something hearty without the long cooking time. Using pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked bacon will save you more time, making it an even quicker option for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
This salad comes together in half an hour and is a refreshing pick any day. With thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a creamy dressing of sour cream, mayo, and dill, it’s easy to make and goes well with just about anything. For an even faster prep, use a mandoline to slice the cucumbers and onions. Whether you’re pairing it with a protein or serving it as a side, this salad adds a crisp, fresh flavor to your meal, perfect when you’re looking for something light yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Canned Chicken Patties
Make patties from canned chicken in 20 minutes for those nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind. They’re straightforward to make — just mix the chicken with a few simple ingredients, shape it into patties, and cook on the stovetop until perfectly crispy. Serve them up with your favorite sides for a meal that comes together without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Garlic Chicken
When you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner option, this creamy chicken dish is a great go-to. In just 30 minutes, you’ll cook chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, all in just one pan. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-make dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Throw chicken, cheese, and spinach into a baking dish, and you’ve got a meal that’s as easy as it is good for you. This bake is the solution for busy nights, combining protein and greens in a dish that takes care of itself in the oven. Ready in about 30 minutes and requiring minimal cleanup, this recipe simplifies your dinner routine, perfect when you just can’t be bothered to cook.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meal, try this easy cabbage and bacon stir-fry. Ready in only 25 minutes from prep to cooking, this dish combines green cabbage, bacon, and onions in a single skillet. It’s a simple but hearty meal with the perfect balance of flavors and textures, perfect any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
You’ll be amazed how a single pan can bring you to the heart of Tuscany in just 30 minutes. With shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes all simmering in a garlicky sauce, this meal proves that gourmet doesn’t mean complicated. It’s the dinner you’ll want to make when you’re after something special but straightforward, showing that you really can’t mess it up.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This comforting soup is made with a mix of sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s a hearty meal that requires just one pot and 30 minutes of your time. Make this on hectic days when you need something savory and hearty with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Here’s a quick weeknight dinner you need to try ASAP. This one-skillet recipe combines chicken with mushrooms and bacon, simmered together in a creamy sauce made with ingredients like heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme. Ready in 30 minutes and made in just one pan, it’s a practical choice for those busy nights when you want a delicious meal without a lot of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This recipe is great for those evenings when you don’t feel like cooking. Ready in 30 minutes and made in a single pan, this dish pairs boneless chicken thighs with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and goes well with pasta, rice and a wide range of veggie sides. It’s an excellent choice for a quick and flavorful dinner after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Quick, easy, and cheesy, this fajita bake ticks all the boxes for a stress-free dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, seasoned chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella are baked together for an effortlessly hearty dinner. Choose pre-cut fajita vegetables to make this dish come together even faster. This meal is a fantastic choice for a busy night, especially if you’re new to cooking or simply don’t have the energy for complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
For all who dread the evening cooking routine, this casserole is a game-changer. The ingredients list is simple. You’ll bake ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese and have dinner ready in just 30 minutes. If you want to serve this a little bit quicker, you can use frozen cauliflower rice. It’s a great go-to dinner for nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead of time or store your leftovers for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Shawarma Kebabs
These kebabs are a perfect solution for when you want something different without spending too much time in the kitchen. Marinate the chicken, put it on skewers, and bake. It’s that simple. With minimal active time needed, these kebabs are great for a busy night or when you just don’t feel like cooking. They’re also perfect for making ahead, which means you can enjoy a flavorful dinner without the last-minute rush. Pair them with your favorite sides and dips for a complete and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs