Save yourself from after-work hangry rage with these 19 easy dinners

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Easy dinners are your best defense against that after-work hangry rage that sneaks up on you when you’re least expecting it. You know the drill: you walk through the door, stomach growling, and the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen feels like a cruel joke. That’s why these recipes are here to save the day. Quick, straightforward, and just what you need to keep the peace at home. Let’s get you fed before the hangry beast takes over.

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.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a powerhouse of flavor and comfort with minimal effort. It has broccoli, cauliflower, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. Preparation is easy using frozen veggies, which reduces your time chopping and cleaning. Mix and bake for about 30 minutes, and you’re ready to enjoy a filling meal. It’s especially great for those evenings when you’re too tired to cook but still wants something that feels homemade. This dish ensures you can relax and recharge without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This Spinach Chicken Bake is a simple, no-stress dish that mixes chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, creating a creamy and comforting meal perfect for relaxing evenings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is quick to prepare and ensures a great meal with minimal effort. The creamy texture and rich flavors give a soothing dinner experience, perfect for unwinding after a hectic day. It’s a straightforward recipe that fills you up and keeps cooking time short, exactly what you need to transition from work to rest.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a hearty meal without weighing you down. Made in just 30 minutes, it features ground beef, onions, cream cheese, mushrooms, and cauliflower rice, all topped with melted cheddar. This dish strikes the perfect balance between being light and good. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing. This skillet is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a good meal fast to keep the evening smooth and relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 your quick fix to a hearty dinner, combining simplicity and flavor in one. They require only 25 minutes to prepare, with a simple mayo and breadcrumb coating that crisps up perfectly in the oven. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something good but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen for long. It’s straightforward, mess-free, and crispy outside with a juicy inside, making dinner time something to look forward to without the hassle. It’s a sure way to keep everyone happy and fed on time.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites quickly make and pack a punch of flavor, perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a good meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, these chicken bites are fried and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, with a hint of lemon and parsley to finish. The result is a comforting dish that’s easy and quick to whip up, making it perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much work. This dish will help you relax with a straightforward and delicious meal, helping you avoid the hangry pitfalls of a long day.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 a hearty and comforting meal that combines tater tots, chicken, corn, and cheese, making it a perfect dish for a stress-free evening. It takes less than an hour to bake, during which you can unwind or take care of other evening routines. This casserole is easy to prepare and brings a good crunch and gooey cheese that everyone loves, making it a reliable way to end the day on a high note. It’s a meal that requires minimal input but delivers maximum comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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 the ultimate easy meal for a busy evening. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish combines elbow macaroni with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and your choice of condiments, creating a simple yet delicious meal. It’s perfect when you need something quick and without hassle. You can prepare it ahead or right when you need it, and it requires minimal kitchen time. This dish is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without the lengthy prep and cooking, which is just what you need to relax and recharge after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Close-up view of a caesar salad with croutons, grated cheese, and pieces of chicken, served in a white bowl.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is your quick fix to a hearty meal. With a prep time of just 25 minutes, this dish blends the crunchy freshness of romaine lettuce with the rich flavors of chicken and Caesar dressing tossed with pasta for a more filling experience. It’s the perfect dish for those who need a quick yet substantial meal, helping you stave off hunger after a busy day without keeping you tied up in the kitchen. Plus, its simplicity means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is perfect for busy evenings. Season chicken breasts with fajita spices, add cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella layers, and bake for about 25 minutes. The dish combines the hearty flavors of chicken and peppers with the smooth melt of mozzarella, creating a delicious meal without much prep work. After a long day, this dish is a stress-free solution that allows you to enjoy a flavorful dinner and relax. It’s all about saving time and reducing kitchen cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Fresh Corn Salad

A bowl of fresh salad featuring corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, mixed with herbs.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fresh Corn Salad is a vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light, healthy option anytime. Packed with fresh vegetables and a lime dressing, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Best of all, it comes together in only 40 minutes. Once everything is combined, you’ll just chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, and then you’re all set to serve.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

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 straightforward and comforting meal, perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but easy. Layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and shredded cheese, and bake for about 40 minutes. This dish serves the cozy taste of baked pasta with minimal effort, perfect for a relaxed evening at home. It’s a great way to enjoy a homemade dinner that feels special without the elaborate preparation, making it a perfect match for your busy lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of cabbage and sausages with a fork.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a quick and easy one-pan meal that delivers flavor and convenience. In just 25 minutes, you can cook sausage, cabbage, and onions together to create a hearty and flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for those who want a filling meal but don’t want to spend much time cooking. It’s also a great way to use simple ingredients to make a meal that keeps you full and happy, reducing your time in the kitchen so you can relax sooner.
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 is the epitome of simplicity and taste. Just chop up some zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers, add sausages, place them in a sheet pan, and roast everything for about 30 minutes. This meal is easy to prepare and packs a punch with the rich sausage flavors and roasted vegetables’ freshness. It’s perfect for those who need a nutritious meal without the hassle, allowing for more downtime. This dish shows that a great dinner doesn’t require complex recipes or long cooking times.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is a comforting and easy meal, ready in 40 minutes. This soup combines white beans, carrots, onions, celery, and spinach in a creamy broth, topped with croutons for a little crunch. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something comforting and filling but don’t want to cook all night. This soup is great for a quick, nourishing and substantial meal, allowing you more time to unwind after a busy day. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead for even less stress at dinnertime.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole simplifies your evening routine without compromising on comfort. It combines broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Preparation is straightforward — mix the ingredients and bake. Ready in about 50 minutes, this dish saves you time and serves a soothing, hearty meal at the end of a hectic day. It’s perfect for busy parents or anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet, stress-free evening. This dish makes it easy to serve a meal everyone loves without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a one-skillet wonder that simplifies your dinner after a long day. This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, combining ground beef, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cauliflower rice, and spinach into a hearty, nutritious, and filling meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something delicious but don’t want to deal with many dishes afterward. The flavors are rich, and it’s a great way to quickly get a balanced meal on the table, helping you switch from work mode to relax mode effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick escape from the daily grind. This dish involves tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of garlic and Parmesan, ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile option for any night of the week. This meal is particularly suited for those evenings when you need something comforting quickly without much prep or cleanup. It allows for a relaxing end to your day, serving a flavorful dinner that comes together fast, so you spend less time cooking and more time unwinding.
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 your go-to for a comforting, easy dinner ready in 30 minutes. This soup features Italian sausage in a creamy broth with tomatoes and cream cheese, flavored with garlic and onions. It’s hearty and soothing, perfect for cold nights or anytime you need a quick, comforting meal without the hassle. Serve this with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s both delicious and easy to make. This soup is a stress reliever, perfect for unwinding after a busy day without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. In 30 minutes, you can enjoy juicy chicken thighs seasoned with herbs and covered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. This meal is easy to prepare, quickly getting you out of the kitchen and allowing more time to relax after a busy day. It’s great for those who want a stress-free evening but still crave a hearty and flavorful meal. This dish is a smart way to wrap up a long day, serving a delicious dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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