These 19 recipes are so easy, they barely count as cooking

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These recipes are here to simplify cooking and make it feel less like a chore. They’re so easy you’ll hardly even notice you’re in the kitchen. It’s almost like the food just shows up — without the wait for delivery or the extra cost. You can pull these dishes together quickly, helping you feel like you’ve got it all under control.

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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 the kind of dish that makes dinner simple. You layer frozen ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese, pop it in the oven, and let it bake. In less than an hour, you have a meal that feels like it took more effort than it actually did. It’s perfect for nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still want something comforting and filling. The best part? You don’t need any special skills to pull this off — just an oven and a baking dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is a great go-to when you want something easy and filling. Elbow macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayo, and mustard come together quickly. It takes about 40 minutes, but most of that time is for chilling, so you’re free to take care of other things while it sits. This salad is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something simple but homemade. These recipes are so easy you’ll forget you’re even cooking. You’re all set if you can boil pasta and open a can.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

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 your perfect easy dinner when time is tight. Layer tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn in a dish, top with cheese, and let the oven do the rest. In 55 minutes, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy meal with no need to stand over the stove for hours. This casserole is a great option for those nights when you need a hands-off dinner that still satisfies. With minimal cleanup, you get a meal the whole family can enjoy. Simple steps, simple ingredients — and a great result.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot 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 the perfect option when you need something quick and easy but don’t want to compromise on flavor. Season the chicken, fry it up, and toss it in garlic butter sauce. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have crispy, juicy bites that are perfect with rice, veggies, or on their own. These recipes are so easy you’ll forget you’re even cooking. They’re great for a fast dinner that feels like more effort than it really is. Simple ingredients, quick cooking, and a delicious chicken meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of those meals that does all the work for you. Just toss chicken, cheese tortellini, veggies, and broth into a pot and let it simmer. In 40 minutes, you can enjoy hearty soup that’s great for cold nights or when you need a comforting meal. It’s so easy, and there’s no pressure to get everything perfect. These recipes are so simple that you’ll forget you’re even making soup. It’s a no-stress meal that gives you something filling with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls are perfect when you want a quick, no-stress meal that still hits the spot. It’s got everything you love about a Reuben sandwich — sauerkraut, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and coleslaw — but without all the effort. Just mix it up, top it with Thousand Island dressing, and you’re set. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal with almost no work. This recipe is great for those nights when you need something easy but delicious. It’s the kind of dish that makes you think, “Wait, did I actually cook this?” because it’s so effortless.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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 great choice if you’re looking for a simple, veggie-packed dish that doesn’t take much effort. Broccoli and cauliflower get baked with crispy bacon and a cheesy sauce, creating a comforting dish without being heavy. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got a one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something flavorful fast. This casserole is a practical way to get some vegetables into dinner, too. It’s so easy you’ll barely notice you’re cooking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a great choice for a quick, fresh meal. It’s got everything you love about Caesar salad but with pasta for a little extra heartiness. Mix together pre-cooked chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing, and add some croutons for crunch. You can have this ready in about 25 minutes — a perfect option for days when you want something light but filling. These recipes are so simple that they’ll help make your day easier without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a great option for a quick, easy, full dinner. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheese all come together in one pan for a filling, low-carb dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great way to feed your family fast without having to juggle a ton of ingredients or dirty multiple dishes. This one-pan meal keeps things simple, making it perfect for busy nights when you just need something easy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is an easy go-to for those nights when you want a homemade meal but don’t want to spend too much time making it. With chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes into something comforting. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. The ingredients are simple, so you likely already have them in your kitchen. Your work is done once you put this in the oven, making it an easy choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is comfort made easy. You get a hearty mix of white beans, spinach, carrots, and celery in a simple, rich broth. It’s all done in about 40 minutes, with just enough prep to feel like you’re doing something without being overwhelming. This soup is great for when you need something filling without much effort. Make extra to reheat later — it’s perfect for a quick lunch during the week. The best part? You barely need to lift a finger, so you can focus on relaxing while dinner takes care of itself.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage gives you a filling meal in under 25 minutes without hassle. The cabbage has a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the hearty sausage, and you’re just a few simple steps away from dinner. It’s a great option when you’re short on time and need something quick that will feed your hunger. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers, too. It’s all about keeping things easy so you can focus on enjoying your evening without worrying about a complicated recipe.
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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner makes dinner simple. With sausage, broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers all roasted in one pan, this meal comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, and you don’t need to spend time washing up multiple pots and pans. The oven does all the work while you relax. Plus, you can mix and match veggies with whatever’s in your fridge. This recipe is so easy you’ll wonder why all dinners aren’t this simple.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken brings the flavors of fajitas to your table with almost no effort. Just season chicken with fajita seasoning, layer with peppers, cream cheese and mozzarella, and let it bake. In 30 minutes, you have a creamy, flavorful meal that feels special but doesn’t take a lot of time. It’s perfect for nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen. This dish is great with a side of rice or tortillas to round out the meal. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a cozy dinner without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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 keep things simple but delicious. Coat the chops with mayo and breadcrumbs, pop them in the oven, and 30 minutes later, you’ve got crispy, juicy pork chops. This is the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need dinner to be quick, easy, and filling. There’s barely any mess, and it feels like you put in more work than you did. These pork chops are so easy to make you’ll wonder if you’re even cooking.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a perfect low-carb option that comes together without a lot of effort. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach are baked under a layer of melted cheese, making this dish filling and comforting. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, which is great for busy nights when you need a meal that’s simple but still hits the spot. The cheese brings everything together, and the cauliflower rice and spinach make it a little healthier.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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 about simplicity and flavor. It combines green cabbage, bacon, white onion, and a small amount of sweetener to create a low-carb, high-protein, and filler meal. In 25 minutes, you have a flavorful side dish that complements almost anything. This is a great go-to when you need something quick but still crave that crunch from the cabbage and the richness from the bacon. It’s easy, fast, and takes very little effort, which is what makes it such a great choice for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken brings together tender chicken and a smooth garlic sauce with a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s ready in half an hour and gives you a meal that feels a little special without needing to do too much. The garlic and cream balance perfectly, giving the dish a comforting flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish makes dinner easier. It’s a great option when you want a little more out of your meal but don’t want to spend all evening cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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 the kind of cozy, no-stress meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. The sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes cook together to create a rich, creamy soup that feels like comfort in a bowl. It’s a great choice for nights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spare. Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This soup is perfect for when you need a delicious meal that doesn’t ask much effort. It’ll quickly become one of those recipes you rely on when life gets busy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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