17 Quick After-Work Dinners to Rescue You from Another Day in the Trenches

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17 Quick After-Work Dinners to Rescue You from Another Day in the Trenches

After a long day battling the chaos of work, the last thing you need is a complicated dinner plan. Enter quick after-work dinners that are so easy and delicious, they’ll have you wondering why you didn’t try them sooner. These meals are your ticket to surviving the evening with your sanity and taste buds intact, all without breaking a sweat.

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

After a long day, Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a great, no-stress dinner. Just coat the chops with mayonnaise, then the breadcrumb mix, and bake. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a perfect way to quickly get a filling meal on the table. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal. The crispy coating on the pork chops adds a great texture, and the mayonnaise keeps the meat juicy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but homemade.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting dinner for when you’re tired after work. Mix egg noodles, tuna, peas, and cheese in a homemade sauce, then top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. It’s a simple way to enjoy a cozy meal baked to perfection. The creamy sauce and crunchy topping make it a great choice for those craving a hearty meal without much effort. Ready in about 30 minutes, this casserole is easy to throw together with pantry staples. It’s also great for leftovers, making it a convenient option for multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle 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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for minimal clean-up and effort. Combine sliced Polish sausage and veggies like zucchini and broccoli, season, and roast. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish lets you relax sooner after a busy day. The roasted sausage adds a nice flavor, while the veggies get caramelized and tender. This one-pan meal is a great way to get a balanced dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have. Perfect for those nights when you want a nutritious meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner after work. Cook smoked sausage with cabbage, onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. It’s simple and efficient, giving you more time to unwind. The apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang that complements the flavorful sausage and tender cabbage. This dish is great for using leftover veggies and can be adjusted to your taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and makes enough for leftovers, saving time on another busy night.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a great way to get a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort. Combine frozen broccoli and cauliflower with bacon and cheese, and bake until golden. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s comforting and filling, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. The bacon adds a great flavor, while the cheese makes it creamy and filling. This casserole is also a sneaky way to get more veggies into your diet without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

This Baked Ravioli is perfect for a comforting meal after work. You layer cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and different cheeses, then bake until bubbly. It brings the flavors of lasagna with a new version. It’s ready in about an hour and great for those evenings when you need something hearty and filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a perfect go-to for a stress-free dinner after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick and easy to prepare, taking only 20 minutes. You cook chicken chunks on the stovetop and then toss them in a rich and flavorful buttery garlic sauce. Serve with rice or veggies for a simple dinner that’s perfect when you’re exhausted from work. Clean-up is easy, with just one skillet needed. This dish helps you get a great meal on the table fast, perfect for those nights when you want something homemade without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a great choice to wrap up your workday. In just 25 minutes, you can mix pre-cooked chicken with Caesar dressing for a quick and delicious meal. The combination of chicken, croutons, and tomatoes adds a nice crunch and flavor, while the pasta makes it filling. Plus, it’s budget-friendly with simple ingredients you might already have at home. You can also prepare it beforehand and keep it in the fridge for an even faster dinner.
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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a great choice for a quick and hearty dinner. It combines protein, vegetables, and comforting flavors into an easy make-ahead casserole featuring ground beef, cauliflower rice, fresh spinach, and cheddar cheese. It is then baked until bubbling and hot, with the cheese melting on top. It’s easy to make and only takes 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something filling after a long workday.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Broccoli Casserole

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

Broccoli Casserole is a simple and hot meal that’s great for when you’re tired after work. It combines creamy and rich flavors from cream of mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheddar cheese. The broccoli serves a nice contrast of texture and delivers helpful nutrients. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden. It’s ready in less than an hour, and the oven does most of the work. This dish is perfect for ending a long day with something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a great option for a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is an easy and hearty meal that can soothe your tired bones after a long day at work. You layer chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella, then bake until everything is melted and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a relaxed evening, letting the oven work while you unwind. Serve it with a side salad or veggies for a complete meal. It’s a great option for those nights when you need a good dinner without too much effort. This dish helps you enjoy a homemade meal even on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is quick to make and easy to pair with other meals. You fry your bacon until crisp, then sauté the cabbage and onion in the flavorful fat. It’s a straightforward meal that’s perfect for a light dinner. Taking only 25 minutes to make this recipe allows you more time to rest after a long day at work. It’s a great option for those evenings when you want something quick and easy without compromising taste.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is great for a quick dinner after work. Coat chicken with seasoning, add cream cheese, peppers, and onions, top with mozzarella, and bake. This 30-minute dish packs a lot of flavor with minimal kitchen time. Every bite brings you a great combination of juicy chicken, melted cheese, and bright vegetables. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how easy it is to throw everything into a baking pan and let the oven do the work.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is perfect for winding down after a long day. Simmer sweet potatoes and red peppers with onions and garlic, then puree into a creamy soup. It’s easy to prepare and takes just 1 hour. The rich and comforting flavors make it a great choice for a cozy dinner. The soup’s thick texture and natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes make it a real treat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper 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.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick and easy meal for busy evenings. Brown the beef, mix in cauliflower rice and mushrooms, and add cream. You’ll have a great dish ready in just 30 minutes. Combining ground beef and creamy sauce with the slight crunch of cauliflower rice makes it hearty and filling. It’s a perfect option for a filling meal with little effort.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a perfect no-stress dinner. Season chicken breasts, cook them in a sauce made of heavy cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese, and serve. This dish promises a comforting meal with minimal clean-up, perfect for relaxing after a long day. The rich garlic flavor and creamy sauce make it incredibly delicious. It’s quick to prepare, taking just around 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe is great for those nights when you want a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic 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 great for unwinding after work. It combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes in a creamy base with a rich flavor. Quick to prepare and filling, it’s perfect if you like a little kick of spice in your dinner. The sausage adds great flavor, while the cream cheese makes the soup smooth and hearty. This recipe is perfect for evenings when you need something soothing.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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