If you’ve just clocked out after a long day of staring at screens and shuffling through papers, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why these 19 easy meal ideas are a great match for exhausted desk workers who need something quick without sacrificing flavor. They’re perfect for those evenings when you’re too tired to think about cooking but still want something more substantial than cereal for dinner.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These 20-minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful dinner solution. Chicken breast chunks get coated in a garlicky butter sauce. Just cook the chicken on the stovetop, then make the butter sauce. Serve it over rice or pasta, or with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. Add a veggie side to make it a complete meal. When you’re running short on time but still want a break from the usual, these bites come together fast with big flavors.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is extra easy to make and comes together in only one pot in 40 minutes. It’s nutrient-dense, filling, and a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Broccoli Casserole
Switch up your vegetable side dish with this crowd-pleasing Broccoli Casserole. Fresh broccoli florets baked in a creamy sauce with cheddar cheese and crushed crackers on top. It takes just 50 minutes from start to finish. Simply steam the broccoli while making the sauce, then transfer to a baking dish and top with crackers before baking. Serve this rich side casserole with rice, quinoa, or protein. On nights when you can’t stomach another boring veggie side, this delicious casserole brings new life to broccoli.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet-pan meals are the easiest way to get a fantastic homemade dinner on the table fast. This one has smoked sausages tossed with your choice of diced veggies, such as potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and more. Rub everything with oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, then roast until caramelized. So simple! Change up sausage varieties and veggie medleys for new flavors each time. With just one pan to clean, this meal makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Using your slow cooker, this Taco Soup practically makes itself. Ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning and broth go right into the crock pot. Just brown the beef first, then add everything else and let it simmer for 6-8 hours. Just be sure to keep in mind that you’ll want to start cooking this in advance so it’s ready after your work day, or make it the day before to have dinner ready tomorrow. Leftovers freeze really well, too. Top bowls of the hearty soup with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, etc.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Break free from dinner boredom with this easy Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It’s a one-dish meal with ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and cheese baked together. Just mix everything in one pot, then bake for 45 minutes. No need to stuff peppers individually. Serve it straight from the casserole dish with a side salad or bread. Great for using up extra bell peppers. Leftovers keep well too. When you’re stuck in a dinner rut, this casserole is a flavorful shake-up without any complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
This 30-minute Spinach Chicken Bake is an easy, veggie-packed meal. It features sautéed chicken thighs and spinach, topped with melty cheese and baked until bubbling. Just brown the chicken first, then layer with spinach and cheese in a baking dish before popping it in the oven. Serve this quick, one-dish bake with a side salad or roasted potatoes. For a dinner rut-busting meal that’s fast yet fresh, this protein-veggie bake is a simple solution.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
End a hectic day with this creamy Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, ready in 30 minutes. Broccoli and cauliflower are tossed with a creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon, then baked until golden. A straightforward casserole dish for busy evenings and excellent for meal prep. This comforting vegetable casserole brings excitement to the dinner table. Pair it with a light arugula salad for a complete meal. Say goodbye to dinner boredom with this family-pleasing casserole.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Break free from boring meals with this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It combines tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce for a comforting casserole. It’s simple to prepare: Mix the ingredients and bake. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, it’s ready in under an hour. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Top with grated cheese before serving for an extra flavor boost. Refrigerate leftovers for easy reheating. With minimal effort, this classic casserole brings new life to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
The Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a simple solution for those seeking hassle-free cooking. Ideal for beginners, it involves just preparing the ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Choose a low setting to let it cook throughout the day or a high setting if time is limited. Just make sure you start it with enough time to cook before dinnertime. Pair it with some whole-grain bread or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
White Bean Soup
Perfect for desk workers looking for a quick and nutritious option, the White Bean Soup can be prepared in 40 minutes with a single pot. This straightforward recipe is an excellent way to incorporate more fiber and vegetables into your meals. To round out the dish, consider adding a side of fresh greens or some toasted bread.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Get cozy flavors fast with this Chicken Pot Pie Soup made in one pot. It’s loaded with chicken, veggies, and herbs in a creamy broth. Start by sautéing the chicken and veggie base, then simmer everything together for an hour. The buttery, biscuit-topped result is a whole chicken pot pie deconstructed into soup form. Serve it up with crusty bread for dipping. On chilly nights when you’re craving the flavors of a homemade classic, make this.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
This Cabbage and Sausage dish is a quick 25-minute meal using pantry staples like cabbage and your choice of sausage. It’s a great last-minute dinner solution, allowing you to switch up the sausage type for variety. Simple to prepare by sautéing the ingredients. A flavorful yet effortless dish that celebrates the joy of minimal effort cooking. Serve it over mashed potatoes to soak up the flavors. Never settle for a boring dinner again with this easy, customizable skillet meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Fajita Baked Chicken
Our Fajita Baked Chicken combines seasoned chicken breasts with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all baked together until juicy. Adjust the fajita spices to your liking for a versatile dish. Ready in 30 minutes and made in one baking dish for an effortless dinner. Pair it with tortillas or rice for a complete fajita-style meal. Refrigerate leftovers for easy reheating. Infuse your weeknight dinners with tangy Mexican flavors through this simple, crowd-pleasing baked chicken.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This one-pot Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a straightforward recipe with minimal steps – sauté, simmer, and blend the sweet potatoes and red peppers. Ready in just an hour for a quick, homemade meal. The creamy texture and sweetness make for a hearty yet simple soup. Freeze portions for future homemade dinners. Garnish with cream and serve with crusty bread for dipping. Escape the dinner doldrums with this vibrant, stress-free soup.
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Italian Sausage Soup
Introduce new flavors with this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and heavy cream create a rich, comforting soup ready in 30 minutes. This quick and hearty option with Italian flavors is perfect for weeknights. Brighten it with fresh herbs for added freshness. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers. Change up your dinner game with this simple yet filling Italian-inspired soup.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Break out of your dinner rut with this one-skillet ground beef and cauliflower rice dish. It combines lean ground beef, shredded cheddar, riced cauliflower, and mushrooms into a hearty complete meal. Quickly sauté the beef and veggies, then simmer with broth and cream for a luscious sauce. Top with fresh parsley. Great for meal prep – make ahead and refrigerate or freeze portions. When you’re short on time but craving something hearty and flavorful, this dish saves the day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This creamy garlic chicken is a great way to dine extra special even on a busy weeknight. Chicken breasts are pan-seared and smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect decadent yet fast dinner. Serve over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the velvety sauce. Easily double the recipe and refrigerate leftovers for lunch the next day. No more sad desk lunches or dinner boredom when you have this crowd-pleaser in your arsenal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
For a quick dinner solution, make these chicken and bacon poppers paired with homemade ranch dressing. This dish is prepared in the oven, so it’s an extra convenient choice for busy evenings and is ready in under an hour. The ranch dressing, made from common pantry items, pairs with the poppers perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers