If you’re on the hunt for weeknight dinner ideas and pretty much dread cooking, you’ve hit the jackpot here. We’ve put together some great recipes that are as easy as they get, perfect for anyone who’d rather do literally anything else than spend their evening in front of the stove. These 21 dishes are quick, straightforward, and don’t ask for a ton of ingredients, making them a no-brainer for those hectic weeknights.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This dish is a winner for anyone who’d rather spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing. It’s quick to make, taking less than an hour from start to finish, and cleanup is a snap. Plus, it’s just as good when reheated, making your lunch for the next day easy to sort out.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
When you’re too busy to stress over dinner, this casserole has your back. Toss together frozen broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, then bake for 30 minutes. It’s that easy. Grab pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked bacon to make it even quicker. Great for nights when you want a delicious meal without the kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This dish keeps it simple and quick, mixing cabbage and sausage in one pan for a meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate choice for a hassle-free weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or require much cleaning up afterward. Perfect for nights when you want a good meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This soup is a dream come true for anyone who wants to avoid the kitchen as much as possible. Just brown the beef and toss it in the slow cooker with everything else. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for a cozy dinner that’s ready on your schedule with minimal effort. Going for pre-cooked beef makes it even easier.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Ditch the effort of stuffing peppers without missing out on the flavor with this casserole. It’s all the goodness of stuffed bell peppers in a no-nonsense, one-pot meal. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a solid choice for a hearty meal on those nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want something good.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
This dish is all about keeping it easy while delivering a meal that tastes like you tried hard. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes and ingredients like chicken, spinach, and cheese, it’s a go-to for busy evenings. Grab some pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time even further.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fajita Baked Chicken
This baked chicken with fajita flavors is a dinner that’s quick and practically takes care of itself. Just 30 minutes in the oven with a single dish to clean. It’s perfect for anyone, whether you’re new to cooking or just want to keep it easy. Use pre-sliced veggies to make it even quicker.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For a dinner that’s as easy as chopping veggies and opening a pack of sausages, this sheet pan meal is your answer. It’s ready in 30 minutes, with only one pan to wash. Best for those evenings when you want a decent meal but don’t want to deal with a lot of cleanup. Prep the veggies in advance to make it even faster.
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
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, hearty and doesn’t skimp on flavor, this skillet dish has got you covered. Mixing ground beef with cauliflower rice and cheese, it’s a comforting meal ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something filling. Opt for pre-made cauliflower rice to speed things up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Turn “breakfast for dinner” into a regular, stress-free event with this Hash Brown Casserole. Filled with hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese, it’s a complete meal that’s easy to throw together. This casserole is perfect for those nights when you’re looking for something filling but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. It’s a great way to make dinner exciting without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
For a quick and easy meal that still brings plenty of flavors, try Fried Cabbage with Bacon. All you need to do is sauté everything together, and in about 25 minutes, you’ll have a meal ready to go. For an even quicker preparation, use pre-cut cabbage. This dish is a solid pick for a fast and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are the answer when you need something fast and no trouble at all. With canned chicken, these patties come together in about 20 minutes. They’re an easy addition to any meal, whether you’re pairing them with veggies or sliding them into a sandwich. Perfect for a quick bite.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach in a garlic sauce. It’s an excellent pick for those evenings when you’re craving something a bit more impressive but easy to prepare. Simplify it further with pre-peeled shrimp and jarred minced garlic.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This dish makes cooking a good meal seem easy. In just 30 minutes, you can serve chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, all from one pan. It’s a hassle-free dinner option that doesn’t skimp on taste. To get dinner on the table even faster, go for pre-sliced mushrooms.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This soup is always a great pick for anyone who wants to avoid spending all evening in the kitchen. It mixes sausage, cream, and tomatoes into a comforting soup, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect quick dinner for a relaxed evening, and using pre-cooked sausage makes it even quicker to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
For those easing into cooking, Creamy Garlic Chicken is the way to go. This dish brings chicken to life with creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce in just 30 minutes, using only one pan. It’s a simple recipe that promises a great meal with minimal kitchen time. Jarred minced garlic is a great shortcut here.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
If you’re looking for something light and quick, the Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is the way to go. Just slice the cucumbers and onions, mix up the dressing, and toss it all together. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a nice way to add something fresh to your meal. A mandoline slicer can help you get those cucumber and onion slices done fast and evenly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This one-skillet Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is straightforward and packed with flavor. It’s an easy dish that shows you don’t need to stress to make a great meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s great for a quick yet impressive dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole is a hearty, easy-to-make dinner option that’s ready in 30 minutes. Combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese, it’s a filling meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort. Using pre-riced cauliflower can save even more time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Shawarma Kebabs
Shawarma Kebabs are a great meal for weeknights — a recipe perfect for beginners. The recipe involves marinating chicken, skewering it, and baking, with little active time needed. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a flavor-packed meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs