Our 25 Go-To Dinners That Are Made in One Hour or Less

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Our 25 Go-To Dinners That Are Made in One Hour or Less

Go-to dinners you can whip up in under an hour can feel like absolute lifesavers. They help you tackle the daily grind — whether that’s work, family, or just trying to do more with less time. These 25 recipes are your ace in the hole for any night, especially those nights when you’re pressed for time but still need to get a meal on the table.

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. 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 dish turns the well-loved stuffed bell pepper into a simple, 45-minute casserole perfect for any night of the week. It makes meal prep a breeze, especially on busy evenings, and serves up a filling dinner for the whole family. The recipe breaks down the traditional flavors into an easy-to-make, enjoyable casserole form, ensuring everyone gets a taste of comfort without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Ready in less than 30 minutes, the Cabbage and Sausage Skillet is perfect for when you need a meal that’s quick and easy. Cooking cabbage and sausage together in one pan keeps things simple and uses ingredients that are often on hand, making for an efficient and tasty dinner solution on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

In just 30 minutes, whip up this vegetable casserole that’s brimming with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. It’s a great pick for a fast and healthy family meal. The combination of ingredients not only makes it rich in nutrients but also ensures cleaning up is easy. This recipe is a perfect way to serve a full-flavored dinner that comes together quickly, making it a top choice for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Bring a bit of Italy to your table in 40 minutes with this garlic shrimp and spinach recipe. It’s laced with the right amount of paprika and red pepper, creating a meal bursting with flavor. This dish is especially perfect for a family looking to enjoy seafood without spending too much time cooking. It promises a delicious, quick-to-prepare dinner that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re short on time but still want a great dinner, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a perfect choice. Ready in just 20 minutes, these bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a garlic butter sauce are quick to make and overflowing with flavor. Whether served with rice and veggies for a hearty meal or over a salad for something lighter, this recipe is adaptable and sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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

In just 30 minutes, this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a hearty and easy-to-make meal. By roasting sausages and a variety of vegetables on a single sheet pan, you get a dinner that’s not only packed with flavor but also minimizes cleanup, making it a convenient option for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 45 minutes, this Hungarian Mushroom Soup is ready, making it a great pick for a fast family dinner. With mushrooms simmered in a creamy broth that includes sour cream, milk, and spices, it brings a rich taste to the table. It’s perfect when served with bread or salad for a full meal. It’s a comforting and quick option on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A dish of cheesy spinach casserole with a spoon.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is done in 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you’re pressed for time but still want a good meal. Chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella come together in the oven for a dish that’s easy yet full of flavor, ensuring a no-stress dinner that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Corn Soup can be on your dinner table in under an hour, making it a perfect option for a comforting family meal. It features chicken and vegetables in a creamy soup, simple to make and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn 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 is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

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.

Get a complete meal in 30 minutes with the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. This one-skillet wonder combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a meal that’s quick to prepare yet guaranteed to make you feel full. It’s the perfect solution for a hearty dinner on a tight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A pot 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, ready in an hour, is perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s easy to prepare, combining sweet potatoes with red peppers into a creamy soup that’s comforting and straightforward. A great choice for a quick dinner that brings a touch of comfort to your table without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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 meal that simplifies dinner. Cooked in one pan, it pairs chicken thighs with a creamy mushroom sauce for a dish that’s easy and flavorful. Serve it with your favorite grain or side dish for a complete meal.
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.

Introduce the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine to your dinner table with Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. This recipe combines homemade meatballs with a rich coconut curry sauce, making for a meal that’s quick to put together and full of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Sausage Curry

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

With a cooking time of 45 minutes, this Sausage Curry is a perfect choice for a quick and flavorful dinner. It’s a one-pan meal that melds sausages and vegetables in a savory curry sauce, delivering simplicity and taste in one dish. Ideal for those evenings when you want something filling and flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is ready in 30 minutes, great for when you’re pressed for time. Seasoned chicken breasts topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella make this dish a great choice for a flavor-packed dinner. Serve it with a salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal, ensuring a quick and flavorful dinner on busy evenings.
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.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese into a hearty dish. It’s a great choice for a quick dinner that’s both filling and flavorful, perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still want a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken, ready in 30 minutes, serves a quick and flavorful solution for dinner. It’s a one-pan recipe with chicken thighs cooked in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, accompanied by spinach and bacon. This dish is not only easy to make but also packs a punch of flavor, ideal for a zero-hassle weeknight meal.
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.

Prepare Fried Cabbage with Bacon in just 25 minutes. This dish brings together cabbage, bacon, and onion for a versatile side or a light main course. It’s a great way to include more vegetables in your meals.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

Enjoy this Olive Garden-inspired soup in just an hour. This one-pot meal combines garlic, sausage, radish, and kale in a creamy soup base, creating a filling and comforting dish perfect for dinner. Radishes replace potatoes, giving you a comforting texture without the starch, making it a great choice for a great meal that’s mindful of carbs.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken thighs with sun dried tomatoes in a white bowl.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 30 minutes, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken makes for an effortless and flavorful weeknight dinner. Prepared in one skillet, chicken thighs are cooked in a rich sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. This dish promises a flavorful dinner experience that’s easy to put together, perfect for those nights when you’re looking for something quick yet delicious.
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.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken, ready in 40 minutes, is a great option for a quick yet impressive dinner. This dish features chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce, all cooked in one pan for convenience. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side dish for a more complete meal, making it a versatile and flavorful choice for any night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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, you can prepare this Creamy Garlic Chicken, making it perfect for a fast dinner. Chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, creating a dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make. Serving it over rice or alongside a side dish rounds out the meal, providing a delicious and quick dinner solution.
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.

For those busy evenings, this one-pan Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts recipe is a lifesaver. It combines juicy chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce with a hint of lemon, creating a dish that’s both simple to prepare and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for a quick, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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