Kick Back and Relax, These 23 Dinners Practically Cook Themselves!

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Kick Back and Relax, These 23 Dinners Practically Cook Themselves!

When it comes to dinners that give you the freedom to lounge on your couch while they do their thing in the kitchen, we’ve got a solid lineup that’s just perfect. Think of this as your cheat sheet for those nights when you’d rather spend time watching TV than with a frying pan. These 23 meals are all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. Because let’s be honest, the best kind of cooking is the kind that doesn’t feel like cooking at all.

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get dinner sorted fast with this Tuna Macaroni Salad. It’s on the table in just 40 minutes, and you probably have most of the ingredients already. It’s a breeze to make, especially if you’re new to cooking. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can mix it up to match your taste. Great for a laid-back meal that doesn’t keep you tied to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

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.

Cut down on dinner prep with these quick Reuben Bowls, ready in a swift 30 minutes. They’re perfect when you need something filling but don’t want to spend ages cooking. The main components of the recipe will have you brown some deli corned beef, toss it with coleslaw, add sauerkraut and cheese, and top with dressing. It’s a straightforward dish that’s really great for a relaxing night in.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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.

Here’s a quick fix for busy nights: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. You can throw it together in 25 minutes flat, and it’s easy on the wallet too. Grab some pre-cooked chicken, toss it with pasta and dressing, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s perfect for grabbing on the go or kicking back at home. It’s a smart move for a no-sweat dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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 are a quick, easy meal solution that’s great for when you don’t want to spend much time cooking after work. With a golden crust from a breadcrumb mixture seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and herbs, these chops are perfect for when you’re too tired for complex recipes. Just coat and bake for a no-stress dinner. It’s a quick way to get a delicious meal on the table with as little work as possible, and it’s great for when you’ve had a long day and need a break.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for after-work cooking. It’s reminiscent of lasagna but a whole lot easier. Using frozen cheese ravioli, you can have this cheesy, saucy dish ready in about an hour. It’s great when you’re craving something hearty without a long cooking session. This dish is a great choice when you’re too tired to cook something from scratch but still want a delicious meal to enjoy. It’s easy to layer and bake, making it a great solution for a quick, relaxing dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole combines fresh broccoli with creamy ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and plenty of cheese. The mixture is topped with shredded cheese and crushed crackers for a golden brown and crunchy finish. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to put together, perfect for when you’re too tired for a detailed meal but still want something filling after a long day at work. This casserole is great when you need a simple meal to help you unwind after a tough day.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a great time-saver for quick, homemade meals. Just roast together cooked Polish sausage, zucchini, broccoli, and mini sweet peppers on a pan until caramelized and crispy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re too drained to cook a complex meal but want something fresh, hot and bursting with flavors. This recipe is perfect for when you want a delicious dinner that doesn’t require much prep work or cleanup, letting you relax sooner and enjoy your evening after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This hearty casserole brings together broccoli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and bacon in a creamy sauce made with sour cream, cream cheese, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. Topped with golden melted cheese, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. This dish is great when you want a comforting meal after a long day. Let this casserole do the work for you while you relax and enjoy a well-deserved break. It’s filling and delicious, making it perfect for a night when you need a quick, no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This easy dish combines chicken, spinach, and mozzarella for a simple, flavorful dinner. It all starts with chicken thighs marinated in avocado oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. The spinach is wilted and mixed with the rest of the ingredients before baking. It’s great with a side salad or roasted potatoes, perfect for a quick meal after a long day at work. This recipe is the answer when you want a comforting dish that doesn’t require much effort, so you can unwind and recharge fast.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is an easy, one-dish meal that combines ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomato sauce, and cheese. It’s filling and perfect for when you need a quick, hearty dinner without extra effort. For those nights when cooking feels like too much, this casserole is great for a filling meal without any stuffing required. This dish is great for when you want a comforting meal that can be easily assembled and enjoyed, letting you relax after a long day at work.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

After a long day, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are great for a quick and comforting dinner. These chicken chunks are cooked until golden and then coated with a rich garlic butter sauce, making them super flavorful. The dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare, so it’s perfect when you want a filling meal without a lot of effort. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce, making it easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lean back and let the oven do the heavy lifting with this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. It’s ready in under an hour, making it a solid pick for a chill dinner at home. It’s easy on your budget, you can prep it when you have time, and if you end up with extras, they freeze like a dream. A great choice when you want a hearty meal without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you need an easy dinner, Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is great for a fast and convenient meal. The dish features canned tuna, egg noodles, and peas in a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and buttery breadcrumbs for a rich and crunchy finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for a relaxing evening when you’re too tired to think about dinner but still want something hearty. It bakes up in under an hour, so you can relax while it cooks and have a comforting meal waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re worn out, Chicken Tortellini Soup is a great choice for an easy, comforting meal. This one-pot dish is ready in about 40 minutes and combines shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, celery, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a filling and customizable soup that you can let simmer while you unwind. This makes it perfect for a relaxing evening when you want something easy yet delicious. The soup is also great for meal prepping, as it stores well for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick and nutritious meal, try White Bean Soup after a busy day. This soup blends cannellini beans into a puree and mixes them with more white beans, sauteed veggies, and vegetable broth to create a thick and creamy soup without the need for flour. It’s ready in just 40 minutes, so it’s great for a light dinner. The soup is a perfect way to pack in nutrients without effort, and it pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is perfect when you need a quick dinner fix that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This skillet meal combines sautéed cabbage, onions, and seasonings with seared sausages. It’s ready in 25 minutes and goes great over mashed potatoes for a complete meal. This dish is perfect when you want a flavorful and filling dinner without a lot of kitchen time, and it’s easy to adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes or use up any leftover veggies you have.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a fast and flavorful dinner, Fajita Baked Chicken is a great choice. It features chicken seasoned with fajita spices, layered with cream cheese, peppers, and mozzarella, and then baked in the oven. It’s ready in 30 minutes and perfect for a quick and filling dinner when you want something a bit different. You can serve it with tortillas or rice to round out the meal, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings. This dish will definitely spice up your dinner routine after a long day at work.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This comforting soup brings the flavors of chicken pot pie with less effort. It combines chicken, veggies, and herbs, perfect with some bread on the side. Without the need for a crust, it’s easy to make, soothing, and great for unwinding after a long day. It’s like a hug in a bowl after those long hours at work. The recipe involves browning chicken, sautéing a mix of potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, and simmering everything in broth and cream, making it a great choice for a quick, cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This smooth soup combines sweet potatoes, red peppers, onions, and garlic, with a touch of cream. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for anyone looking for a meal they can make quickly so they can relax just as quickly after a long, busy day. Simply sauté the veggies, simmer with broth, and blend for a creamy, comforting bowl of soup. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, so you can relax while the soup cooks, making it great for anyone who wants to unwind while dinner practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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.

This creamy soup is packed with Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and heavy cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s simple, hearty, and great for winding down after a long day. The straightforward prep means a hot meal with minimal effort, perfect after exhausting work. The creamy consistency with a hint of tang from the tomatoes and the robust spice of the Italian sausage makes this soup perfect for a quick, filling dinner that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

This flavorful skillet combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, veggies, and cheddar. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings. This dinner option saves time without sacrificing taste. Simply sauté the ground beef, onions, and mushrooms, then add the remaining ingredients and cook until the liquid evaporates and the cheese melts. Its one-pan nature makes cleanup easy, great for when you’re too tired to worry about dishes after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This creamy garlic chicken is cooked in a sauce of Parmesan, garlic, and heavy cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s known for its simple preparation and great flavors. It’s perfect for a quick, delicious meal after a demanding day without spending much time on your feet. The dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or potatoes, making it versatile for whatever you have on hand. The quick cooking time helps you serve a great meal without much effort, which is great when you just want to relax.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are oven-baked and easy to make, served with homemade ranch dressing. Made with ground chicken, bacon, cheddar, and spices, it’s great for a quick meal. This is perfect when you’re tired, as it can be prepared in advance. The poppers are bite-sized, making them great for enjoying on the couch while relaxing after a long day. The homemade ranch dressing adds a special touch, great for unwinding with some delicious comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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