16 weeknight dinners so easy, you’ll forget you hate cooking

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Some nights, cooking feels like a cruel joke, but these recipes get it — they’re quick, easy, and perfect for keeping you from ordering takeout in defeat. No long ingredient lists, no complicated techniques, just great meals that won’t make you resent your stove. If you’re tired, hungry, and over it, this is where dinner and sanity meet in the middle.

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

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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

This Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is a great choice for a speedy dinner that feels like a little cheat code. With ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms, you can have this hearty dish on the table in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you need a delicious meal without much effort. Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is quick. Whether cooking for yourself or the family, this dish combines creamy, rich flavors that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Egg Salad is quick, simple, and ready in 25 minutes. It’s great for throwing together a last-minute dinner or prepping lunch for the week. The recipe is straightforward: hard-boil some eggs, mash them up, and mix with canned albacore tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, pickles, and seasonings. It’s creamy, packed with protein, and works perfectly for just about any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake is just what you’re looking for when you need a quick dinner that looks and tastes impressive. Juicy chicken thighs, tender spinach, and melted mozzarella combine perfectly in 30 minutes. It’s a go-to for those nights when dinner plans slip your mind. It’s packed with protein and greens. This dish feeds your hunger and helps you stay on track with healthy eating. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome meal with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Tuna Melt Quesadillas

Four quesadilla slices on parchment paper, filled with melted cheese and tuna, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Melt Quesadillas. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Tuna Melt Quesadillas are a quick, no-fuss meal you can pull off in 30 minutes. Mix up a flavorful tuna filling, layer it with cheddar on flour tortillas, and cook until they’re golden and crispy. They’re great for a busy family dinner or meal prep since leftovers store easily for lunches later. Simple, satisfying, and exactly what you need after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Melt Quesadillas

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 great option when you’re looking for a quick dinner that still feels comforting. In 30 minutes, you’ve got tender chicken breasts simmering in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pan recipe, which makes cleanup simple and fast. The creamy sauce makes it feel special, but it’s easy enough to whip it up without any stress. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something flavorful but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic 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 make a great option when you want something amazing in just 25 minutes. With just a few simple steps, you’ll coat the chops in mayonnaise, toss them with breadcrumbs, and let the oven do the work. The result is crispy, juicy chops that fill your cravings without the stress. This dish is perfect for those nights when even ordering takeout seems too much effort. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and it’s a great way to quickly get a delicious meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is great for a dinner that transports you to Italy without the stress. This dish features plump shrimp, ripe grape tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a garlicky sauce, ready in 25 minutes. It’s a great way to impress yourself or a loved one when time is tight. The light yet delicious flavors make it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll love how quickly this comes together, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking pan.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a kind, no-stress way to get dinner on the table. In about 30 minutes, you’ve got a creamy casserole packed with broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon. It’s perfect for a comforting dish that sneaks in some veggies without much effort. The oven does the heavy lifting, letting you take a break while dinner comes together. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you need something easy and simple but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is a simple, no-nonsense meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Sautéed cabbage, onions, and flavorful sausage create a hearty and filling dish that’s as practical as quick. This meal is great when you need something fast but still want it to feel homemade. It’s all done in one pan, which makes cleanup easy, too. The ingredients are budget-friendly, and the whole dish is perfect for those busy evenings when you need dinner to be ready with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is perfect for those evenings when you want to treat yourself to something special without the long wait. Tender chicken thighs are bathed in a rich mushroom sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, ready in about 30 minutes in one pan. This dish makes you feel like you’re dining at a restaurant while keeping it simple at home. Plus, with easy cleanup, you can enjoy your delicious meal and unwind after a long day. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food that makes you smile.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

These Reuben Bowls are a great solution for when you want all the classic Reuben flavors without the hassle of making a sandwich. In just 30 minutes, you can layer tender corned beef, sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, topped with creamy Thousand Island dressing. It’s simple and comforting, and you won’t miss the bread. Perfect for those nights when you want something filling but need it to come together quickly. It’s a no-stress dinner that feels filling and does the job without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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 a perfect weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but want something great. In 30 minutes, you can cook up juicy chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. The best part is it’s all done in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. This recipe is great when you want a rich, flavorful meal but don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and feels like you’re treating yourself without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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 the perfect go-to when you’re tired but still want a proper meal. In 25 minutes, you can mix pre-cooked chicken, pasta, crunchy croutons, and fresh tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. It’s light yet filling, making it a great option for something quick and delicious without too much effort. It is a simple dish, perfect for those nights when cooking seems like a lot. Everything comes together in a way that makes dinner feel easy and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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 your perfect go-to for a quick, comforting dinner that feels like a little cheat code for your weeknight routine. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach are baked under a generous layer of cheddar cheese and ready in about 30 minutes. The cauliflower rice lightens things up a bit while still keeping it hearty. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that saves time on both cooking and cleaning. Perfect for busy days when you need dinner to be easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is one of those dinners that feels fancy without much effort. Ready in 30 minutes, it brings together juicy chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and spinach in a creamy Dijon sauce full of flavor but not overwhelming. The dish comes together quickly, and the ingredients are easy to find, making it perfect for a weeknight when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. It is a great choice when you want dinner to feel a little special but stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon 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 a great option for those nights when you want something cozy but don’t have hours to cook. It’s packed with Italian sausage, tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan, creating a rich and flavorful soup ready in about 30 minutes. The cream cheese gives it a smooth texture, and the sausage adds just the right amount of spice. It’s a filling meal, perfect for when you need something quick but still comforting. It reheats well, making it a helpful dinner solution for busier nights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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