Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? Well, fear not — because we’ve got your back with 21 easy meals that will have you out of the kitchen in no time. These recipes are perfect for those days when you just want to whip up something great without all the stress. So, let’s get cooking and get you back to enjoying your evening in record time!
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
This family favorite is great for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a quick and easy meal with minimal effort. It’s super easy to make — just coat the pork chops with mayo, shake them in a bag with breadcrumbs and seasoning, and bake. Et voila! In 25 minutes, you’ll have crispy, flavorful pork chops without any frying. You’ll love how the mayo keeps the pork chops juicy and tender while the breadcrumbs give them that golden crisp crunch.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a lifesaver, especially when you just can’t even think about cooking. They are cooked to perfection right on the stovetop and yield bite-sized pieces of juicy, tender chicken in a delicious buttery garlic sauce. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. Switch up the spices whenever you want something different, and serve it with veggies or rice on the side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow-cooker split Pea Soup is perfect for busy days when you want to get out of the kitchen, stat. Just toss dried split peas, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth (vegetable broth works fine, too) and spices into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Leave it for a few hours and have a comforting soup ready whenever you are. Leftovers also freeze well, so you can store them in the fridge for quick meals later on.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is a quick and easy dish you can make when you don’t feel like cooking. It’s ready in 25 minutes and features cabbage, sausage (like kielbasa or smoked sausage), onion, garlic, and a few spices, cooked in just a single skillet. Serve it with salad, rice, or your favorite protein for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
The Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a great pick when you’d rather not be cooking. It’s made with ingredients you probably already have, like egg noodles, canned tuna, and cheddar cheese. Pair it with a green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Ready in about an hour, this easy combines sweet potatoes, red peppers, onions, and spices for a creamy and hearty soup. After you have the ingredients prepped, all you have to do is sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish. Plus, it’s customizable and can be tailored to your taste by adjusting the seasonings or making it creamier.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and cheese come together in this easy casserole that’s perfect for nights when you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. Everything is cooked in just one pot and can be served in just 45 minutes. This casserole also stores well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and have dinner ready to go on days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Chicken Tortellini Soup
On days when cooking feels like a chore, this Chicken Tortellini Soup is here to save the day. Just toss chicken, tortellini, broth, and veggies into a pot, and in 40 minutes, you’ll have a steaming and hearty bowl of soup. This recipe is a perfect example of keeping dinner easy and wholesome without burdening your evening routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
If you’re not in the mood to cook, this sheet pan dinner will save you from dinner rut. Toss sausages and veggies on a pan, season them, and let the oven handle the rest. This dish is ready in 30 minutes and is super versatile, so you can add or substitute the veggies with whatever you have on hand. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge and use up any veggies that are on their last legs.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is your hero on days you just can’t deal with cooking. Start by browning the ground beef, then add the rest of the ingredients to the crockpot and let it work its magic. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal with minimal effort — just 20 minutes of prep, and you’re free. Toss on some cheese and sour cream before you serve for that extra wow factor.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an impressive yet easy-to-prepare recipe perfect for days when you just want to get out of the kitchen ASAP. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. Serve it over pasta or rice to soak up the sauce. This dish will make your night easier, so you can enjoy a filling and impressive meal without being stuck in the kitchen all evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is a dream for anyone trying to keep dinner effortless. This casserole recipe features chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese, all ready to be served in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This dish is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone complaining and an especially great option for beginner cooks who are newer to making family dinners. Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is another easy meal that will get you out of the kitchen in no time. Steam the frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mix it in with bacon and the creamy cheese sauce, then bake until bubbling and golden — it’s that easy. Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole is a fantastic option for those evenings when you want to relax instead of cook. It’s also a clever way to get more veggies into your meals without anyone complaining.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is the ultimate easy meal solution on days when you want to spend less time in the kitchen. For this recipe, you won’t need any cream or flour — it’s thickened by puréeing half of the white beans, then that is stirred into the soup. Then, in just a few quick steps, you can get the ingredients into your pot, cook, garnish, and then serve. It’s a one-pot recipe that comes together in just 40 minutes and is perfect for weeknight dinners, especially when you want to get some extra fiber and veggies in.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
This recipe is great for spicing up your dinner routine without adding extra stress to your evening. In just 30 minutes, seasoned chicken is topped with cream cheese, bell peppers, a mix of fajita spices, and cheddar, then baked until golden. It’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is a straightforward, delicious way to enjoy your veggies. With just broccoli, cheese, and a few pantry staples, you can have a comforting meal ready in about 50 minutes. This casserole is also customizable, allowing you to add in any extra veggies you have. It’s a great go-to for a busy night, giving you the option to get a nutritious meal on the table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Baked Ravioli
This Baked Ravioli is a game-changer for those who’d rather not be cooking. Reminiscent of lasagna, but with a lot less effort, this dish uses frozen cheese ravioli to cut down on prep time and layers it with marinara sauce and melted cheeses. This casserole also stores well in the fridge, so you can prep it in advance or store your leftovers for a ready meal the next day.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Here’s a quick and flavorful dinner option that will get you out in the kitchen in no time. Made in just one skillet and ready in 30 minutes, this easy meal features ingredients like ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the complicated or long cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is your quick fix for a savory, hearty meal. With cabbage, bacon, onion, and garlic, this one-pan wonder is ready in 25 minutes. Enjoy it as a stand-alone dish, or pair it with your favorite protein to round out the meal. It’s an easy and hearty meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night long.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken Corn Soup
This soup is a great way to enjoy homemade comfort without the dread of cooking and cleaning. Ready in less than an hour, this soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, all in just one pot. Add other veggies like chopped celery or frozen peas, and sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. It’s an easy meal that’s perfect for both beginner and veteran cooks.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Italian Sausage Soup
This soup is a lifesaver on busy nights, especially when you want to steer clear of the kitchen as much as possible. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot soup features ingredients like Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. It’s easy, filling, and pairs perfectly with your favorite protein, salad, or bread.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This recipe is a perfect example of how to whip up a hearty meal, especially if you’re not in the mood to cook. Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach combines beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese for a quick, one-dish dinner. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is incredibly delicious and filling. It’s also customizable, so you can mix in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand. Make this on busy weeknights when you want a filling dinner without much work.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
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