15 Recipes That’ll Make Monday Nights Slightly Less Miserable

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Monday nights can be the worst. After a long day, the last thing you want to do is mess around in the kitchen. That’s why these dinners are here to save you. They’re quick, simple, and perfect for when you need food but can’t be bothered with a complicated recipe. Whether it’s a one-pan wonder or something that feels fancy but takes zero effort, these meals will get you through the dreaded Monday slump.

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cabbage come together in this one-pan dish packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for when you need a solid, no-nonsense dinner to get through Monday.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy, cheesy pasta uses just five ingredients but tastes like you put in way more effort. Perfect for when you want something that feels indulgent without the work.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunchy pecan-crusted chicken paired with a honey Dijon sauce. This one’s great when you need something with flavor that’s simple to throw together after a long Monday.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Kale and Feta Egg Bake

Kale and feta egg bake in a white ramekin with a piece of toasted bread to the side.
Kale and Feta Egg Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick egg bake with kale and feta. Perfect for those lazy Monday nights when you need something light but still want a meal that’s put-together.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Feta Egg Bake

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Five ingredients and less than 25 minutes is all it takes for this oven-baked pesto salmon. Great for when Monday hits hard and you need a fast, healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken breasts baked with salsa, corn, and cheddar in under 30 minutes. This one’s perfect for when you need a quick and easy dinner to save a hectic Monday.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy broccoli soup topped with crispy shallots. It’s comforting, quick to make, and great for a simple Monday dinner when you need a break from the chaos.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Soup

Jalapeño Chicken

Jalapeño Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy chicken bites with spicy jalapeños cooked in a sticky, sweet sauce. Great for those nights when you want takeout vibes but don’t want to leave the house.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen salmon straight into the air fryer with a maple mustard sauce—no defrosting needed. Great for when you forgot to plan dinner and Monday’s been rough.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Mexican Vegetable Soup

Mexican vegetable soup with quinoa in a bowl.
Mexican Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This quick and hearty Mexican vegetable soup is packed with quinoa and whatever veggies you have. Great for when you want something comforting but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Vegetable Soup

Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Smoked gouda roast beef grilled cheese cut in half and stacked.
Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roast beef and smoked gouda melted into the ultimate grilled cheese. It’s perfect for when you need a quick and comforting dinner to make Monday suck less.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Let your slow cooker handle dinner with this honey garlic chicken. Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor—perfect for when you just want to walk in and eat after a long Monday.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A one-pan dish with ground beef and sweet potatoes that’s perfect for meal prepping or a quick dinner when you want something hearty without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and pasta cooked up in one skillet. This 30-minute meal feels like it simmered all day, making it great for when you need something easy that still delivers.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baked pretzel-crusted pork chops with a maple Dijon sauce. Crunchy, easy, and great for when Monday demands a little extra comfort but you don’t want to work for it.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

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