Cook More at Home Starting With These 27 Dinner Ideas

Photo of author

| Published:

Cook More at Home Starting With These 27 Dinner Ideas

Cooking a homemade dinner is a great starting point if you’re aiming to cook more at home. These 27 recipes you can make in under an hour are perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking to change up their meal plan. They’re straightforward, fast, and flavorful, making sure you can whip up something delicious even when the clock’s ticking.

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a no-stress dinner that’s great for any night of the week. Forget about stuffing peppers; this recipe throws everything together in one pot for a meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. It’s easy enough for beginners and guarantees a hearty dinner for the family. Quick to make and loaded with flavor, it’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Need a dinner that’s quick and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes? This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is your answer. Just toss everything onto a pan and let the oven do the work. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s both easy and good to eat. It’s a smart pick for busy nights, giving you more time to relax and less time cooking and cleaning.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are cooked to perfection right on the stovetop to yield bite-sized pieces of juicy, tender chicken in a delicious buttery garlic sauce. This is an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach recipe brings you a hearty seafood dinner in just 40 minutes. Shrimp cooked with grape tomatoes and spinach in a flavorful garlic sauce, seasoned with smoked paprika and a hint of red pepper flakes. It’s an effortless yet impressive meal option.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Broccoli Casserole

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

This Broccoli Casserole is a delicious family dinner option that comes together in only 50 minutes. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who doesn’t want to spend endless time actively cooking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’ve got less than an hour but crave something good, this Hungarian Mushroom Soup is the way to go. It only takes 45 minutes to make, using just one pot. With mushrooms simmering in a rich, creamy broth, it’s a simple yet savory way to end your day. Serve it with some bread or veggies, and you’ve got a full meal that’s easy to make. Perfect for those evenings when you’re busy but still want a meal that feels like you’ve put effort into it.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole gets a big thumbs up for busy weeknights. It’s on the table in less than an hour and couldn’t be easier to whip up. Plus, it reheats like a dream, meaning lunch or dinner is sorted for the next day too. It’s a solid choice for an easy-to-make, filling meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sausage Curry

A bowl of rice and sausage curry on a table.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up your dinner routine with this Sausage Curry, ready in just 45 minutes. This one-pan meal combines sausages and veggies in a savory curry that’s both simple and packed with flavor. It’s an effortless way to bring something new and exciting to your table on nights when you’re pressed for time but still crave something good.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a bowl with peas and carrots.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the cozy taste of chicken pot pie without all the work with this Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It’s a complete meal in a pot, ready in just an hour, and combines all the elements you love—protein, veggies, and a touch of carbs. It’s great for a busy weeknight when you want a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s just as great the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get a flavor-packed dinner on the table in a flash with this Cabbage and Sausage Stir-Fry, ready in only 25 minutes. The combo of cabbage and sausage is not only good but also super easy to make with ingredients you probably already have. It’s the perfect last-minute dinner for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is ready in 30 minutes and cooks all in one skillet for maximum convenience. It’s a fantastic meal for those evenings when time is tight but you still want something that’s good to eat. And if you end up with leftovers, just pop them in the freezer for another day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Get this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole on the table in 30 minutes. It uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mixed with a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and bacon, and baked until bubbly and golden. Easy to make and perfect for a quick, hearty meal during busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a quick, hearty dinner you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It’s a delicious mix of chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, all baked to perfection. Cook it on nights when time is tight but a hearty meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A fork is being used to take a piece of Philly cheese steak casserole out of a dish.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole serves up a flavorful dinner, ready in under an hour. It’s a creative take on the classic Philly cheese steak, combining steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese into a convenient casserole. Perfect for evenings when you need something comforting and full of flavor, plus it stores and reheats well for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

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 Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a creamy soup ready in just an hour. The process is simple: sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish. Sweet potatoes and red peppers blend together in a one-pot wonder, making it a practical choice for any weeknight. Enjoy a homemade meal without spending your whole evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, this Fajita Baked Chicken brings a fun and flavorful take to your dinner table. With seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, it’s a hearty meal that wins over both kids and adults. It shakes up the dinner routine perfectly on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy spinach and sausage casserole with a wooden spoon.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a 30-minute, one-skillet wonder. It’s packed with ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar cheese. A hearty meal for those evenings when time is scarce. It’s a fast, balanced meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan filled with a creamy sauce with chicken, bacon, and spinach.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, Creamy Dijon Chicken is a one-pan dish that feels like you’ve spent much longer cooking. Chicken thighs in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and crumbled bacon make for a delicious meal. Serve it with cauliflower rice or veggies for a complete, hassle-free dinner on those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan with bacon and cabbage in it.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get a hearty serving of Fried Cabbage with Bacon on the table in just 25 minutes. This one-pan recipe combines cabbage, bacon, and onion into a flavorful dish, easily adjusted to your taste. It’s a great pick for a busy evening, whether you’re looking for a delicious side or a light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a 30-minute, one-pan recipe that’s both simple and delicious. Chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan. Pair it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a well-rounded dinner that’s quick to prepare but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs bring a burst of Thai flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. The ground turkey meatballs simmer in a quickly made, homemade coconut curry sauce and delivers a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s the perfect choice for injecting some excitement into your dinner routine without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet filled with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, this one-pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken delivers a comforting dinner. Chicken thighs simmer in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, finished with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper. It’s a straightforward, hearty meal that keeps cleanup minimal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 40 minutes, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken brings a piece of Italy to your dinner table. Featuring chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce, it’s all made in one pan. This dish is a great pick for nights when you’re after something flavorful but easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

A white bowl of asparagus noodles with bacon and sauce.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute dish is a veggie-packed spin on pasta. Asparagus is turned into noodles, mixed with Alfredo sauce and bacon for a meal that’s fun and full of flavor. It’s an ingenious way to get more greens in your diet, perfect for a quick, appetizing dinner on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Keto Zuppa Toscana is a cozy, comforting soup ready in an hour, inspired by the Olive Garden favorite but uses radishes instead of potatoes. It’s a creamy soup with garlic, sausage, radish, and kale, making a light yet filling meal for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, this Creamy Garlic Chicken serves a meal that’s simple yet packed with flavor. Cooked in a sauce of Parmesan, garlic, and cream, it’s a one-pan wonder perfect for those times when you need a great dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

A pan filled with chicken in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts dish is ready in 30 minutes, combining juicy chicken and artichokes in a creamy lemon sauce. Easy, delicious, and made with simple ingredients, it’s best for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests on date night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.