17 weeknight recipes to make dinner less of a challenge

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With 17 weeknight recipes designed to make life easier, dinner can stop being the day’s final boss. These are the kinds of meals that let you feel like you’ve got it together, even if the laundry pile says otherwise. They keep the prep simple and the clean-up light, so you’re not chained to the sink afterward. Dinner made easy doesn’t mean skimping on flavor—it’s just knowing the right tricks.

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mixing game night with casual dining just got easier. After a long day, bringing together a spicy kick and crisp flavors, Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos become a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect balance between comfort food and a dish that still feels exciting with each bite. No one will be left hungry after you pile on the layers and serve up this casual feast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Close-up of a savory pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced ham, yellow bell pepper, and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a sesame seed bun.
Egg Prosciutto Bagel. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Start your morning on the right foot with a twist on a classic breakfast choice. Crisp prosciutto paired with a seasoned egg on a bagel offers a lovely crunch and smooth taste combo. Egg Prosciutto Bagel doesn’t skimp on flavor, and it’s sure to keep you fueled through any morning rush. It’s a simple pleasure that upgrades the usual grab-and-go breakfast to something to sit down and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Close-up of a tater tot breakfast casserole topped with melted cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped herbs.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Imagine having your favorite diner classics all in one dish. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole brings together hearty ingredients in a way that feels like a hug in a dish. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something warm and filling. With minimal fuss in preparation, you can give your family a meal that speaks to tradition and home-style cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves.
Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who doesn’t love a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to prepare? In the middle of a hectic week, Cheese Ravioli offers a simple yet indulgent meal option. It’s about the creamy, cheesy goodness with every forkful, making dinner something to look forward to. This dish goes from pantry to table quickly, ensuring that dinner is both stress-free and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’re craving something with a burst of flavor, but easy enough for a weeknight, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls hit the spot. Enjoy the blend of tender chicken with a tangy sauce wrapped cozily in bread. It’s a hands-on meal that doubles as a fun activity when putting it together. These rolls manage to be the highlight of dinner without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those evenings when you’re after comfort without compromise, Ravioli Casserole is your go-to. It’s a layered dish that brings warmth and richness to the table with little effort. You can leave it to bake while you unwind, and soon enough, you’ll have a complete meal waiting. It’s the ultimate convenience without skipping on that homemade taste.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Close-up of beef and cheese sliders with toasted buns on a white surface.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Treat yourself to the flavors of a classic American sandwich with a twist. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders offer the savory satisfaction of steak and cheese in a smaller, more manageable size. They’re perfect for gatherings or a family meal where everyone’s looking for something hearty yet not too heavy. Compact and full of flavor, they’re an instant win on any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Chicken Noodle Soup

A close-up of a bowl of hearty Chicken Noodle Soup, showcasing shredded chicken, egg noodles, chopped carrots, celery, and garnished with fresh parsley.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s something timeless about a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s comfort food at its finest, known for its healing properties and its ability to warm both body and spirit. On chilly evenings or when someone in the family isn’t feeling their best, this soup provides the nourishing touch needed. Not only is it wholesome, but it’s also a meal that reminds us of home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Close-up of a baked casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No longer a side dish, Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes the spotlight in a one-dish wonder. It combines the heartiness of stuffed peppers without the hassle of the traditional preparation. This casserole is a time-saver with all the classic flavors intact. You’ll have a vibrant, filling dish ready to serve without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes hold a candle to this classic. It’s creamy, it’s hearty, and it never fails to bring a smile to faces around the table. Mac and Cheese is that go-to dish when you’re in need of something undeniably comforting and quick. Forget about the boxed version; making it from scratch is easier than you think, and infinitely more rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Put a spin on the usual side with Baked Rice, which turns a simple ingredient into a standout dish. It’s easy to toss together, and while it cooks, you’re free to focus on the rest of your meal or take a moment for yourself. Baked Rice comes out perfectly every time, making it an effortless addition. It’ll support the main dish without any fuss, ready to absorb flavors and please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When cheese is what you crave, but you want to serve it up in a way that feels a bit more grown-up, this dish has got you covered. It’s a cheese lover’s dream, packed into pasta in a way that’s bound to impress. Three Cheese Manicotti is the answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you want something a little special but entirely doable on a weeknight. It’s a sophisticated take on comfort food that doesn’t skimp on cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Beef Pot Pie

A golden-brown homemade pie with a flaky crust, garnished with a sprig of rosemary on the side.
Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Swap out the usual weeknight protein for something enclosed in a flaky pastry with Beef Pot Pie. It’s an all-inclusive meal that packs in veggies and meat under a golden crust. This dish lets you experience the joys of a slow-cooked taste without actually having to spend all day in the kitchen. It’s a clever way to bring a touch of tradition and some delicious comfort into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A twist on a family favorite, Spaghetti Casserole takes pasta night to a new level. It’s the kind of dish that you can put in the oven and forget about until the timer goes off. With its ease and convenience, it becomes a go-to for nights when time is of the essence. And when it’s ready, it offers the same fulfilling flavor of spaghetti in a form that’s novel and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why not bring restaurant favorites into your kitchen with Easy Chicken Tenders? They’re quick to make and fun to dip, ensuring smiles all around the dinner table. It’s an uncomplicated pleasure that’s easy to personalize with your choice of dipping sauces. Whether it’s a simple weeknight or a casual get-together, these tenders have you covered.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Embrace the essence of Italian dining at home with Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s a robust and hearty dish that fills the house with an inviting aroma as it simmers. You get to layer the flavors without needing to stand over the stove all evening. When you’re in the mood for a classic that’s sure to be beloved by the entire family, this pasta dish is the answer.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why choose between two favorites when Chicken Alfredo Lasagna offers the best of both worlds? It combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the familiarity of lasagna layers. It’s a luxurious option for a weekday that doesn’t require special culinary skills. This dish is all about bringing indulgence into the routine without complicating your dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

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