15 Mindless Dinners for Those ‘What’s Cooking?’ Days

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15 Mindless Dinners for Those ‘What’s Cooking?’ Days

On those days when the thought of cooking feels like a daunting task, having a list of easy dinners can be a lifesaver. These meals are designed to eliminate the guesswork and reduce the effort needed to prepare a delicious meal. Perfect for evenings when time is scarce or motivation is low, each recipe provides a straightforward path to a satisfying dinner. From comforting classics to quick-fix favorites, these dinners ensure that the question of “What’s cooking?” is always answered with something delightful and effortless.

A white bowl of soup on a wooden cutting board.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken Paprikash

One-skillet chicken in rich red sauce.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Add some Hungarian flair to your dinner with chicken paprikash. This easy and flavorful dish brings warmth to your table with its spiced chicken and creamy sauce, offering a delicious option for those seeking variety in their meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chili

A white bowl of soup on a wooden cutting board.
Chili. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A bowl of chili provides a hearty, comforting option, ideal for those chilly evenings. It’s perfect for preparing ahead, ensuring a stress-free, delicious dinner that embodies the essence of comfort food for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chili

Meatball Casserole

A casserole dish filled with meatballs and cheese.
Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This comforting meal seamlessly blends meatballs with creamy sauce and cheese, making it a standout choice for easy dinners. It’s designed for efficiency, allowing for preparation in advance, which guarantees a hearty meal that’s ready when you are, ideal for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Tex Mex Chicken

Chicken fajitas in foil with peppers, onions and sour cream.
Tex Mex Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Bright spices and colorful veggies make Tex Mex chicken a lively addition to your dinner rotation. It’s quick to prepare, offering a flavorful meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something both easy and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Chicken

Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

A skillet filled with chicken and spinach.
Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Adding a touch of sophistication to your dinner table, this dish combines creamy chicken with sage and spinach for an effortlessly elegant meal. It’s an excellent choice for an easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, providing a gourmet experience with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

Pizza Bowls

A plate with four mini pizzas on it.
Pizza Bowls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

For a fun twist on traditional pizza, try pizza bowls for your next dinner. They’re customizable and simple to make, ensuring a unique dining experience that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. This dish is a creative solution for easy, customizable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bowls

Taco Casserole

A casserole dish filled with meat and cheese.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of tacos in an easy-to-prepare casserole form. This dish is a delightful answer to the dinner dilemma, combining straightforward preparation with enjoyable taste. It’s an excellent option for a simple, yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Asian chicken skewers on top of rice.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Teriyaki chicken skewers are a sweet and savory treat, perfect for an easy dinner option. Their preparation is both simple and flavorful, making them a favorite for those looking for a hassle-free, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Chicken Cheesy Skillet

Chicken and cheese in a skillet.
Chicken Cheesey Skillet. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This one-pan dish brings together tender chicken, veggies, and melted cheese for a warm, flavorful dinner. It’s the epitome of an easy meal, reducing cleanup and maximizing taste, making dinner time a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cheesy Skillet

Chicken Baklava

Chicken wings on a plate with parsley.
Baklava Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken baklava presents a distinctive dining choice, merging savory and sweet. This dish is an innovative pick for those seeking an easy yet flavorful meal, introducing an exciting twist to your regular menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Baklava

Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Shredded pork on a white plate.
Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Prepare for dinner to be a smooth process with brown sugar crockpot pork. Its slow-cooking method ensures a tender, sweet meal by evening, ideal for a hands-off approach to a fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Burrito Bowls

A bowl of cauliflower rice with meat and vegetables on a cutting board.
Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Offering a fun, quick dinner, burrito bowls let everyone craft their ideal meal. This dish is an engaging, easy dinner choice, perfect for a customizable meal that satisfies all tastes.
Get the Recipe: Burrito Bowls

Butter Chicken

A white plate with chicken and parsley on it.
Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Experience the rich, comforting flavors of Indian cuisine with butter chicken. This dish is a fantastic pick for those looking for an easy, flavorful meal, bringing a creamy, indulgent sauce to your dinner table without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Chicken Fricassee

A white dish with chicken and peppers on it.
Chicken Fricassee. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken fricassee offers a blend of comfort and elegance, making it a fitting choice for an easy dinner. This dish brings a special touch to your table with its creamy sauce and tender chicken, ensuring a delightful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fricassee

Chicken Meatballs

Chicken meatballs in a white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Kick off your week with the simplicity and flavor of chicken meatballs. They’re an excellent choice for an uncomplicated meal, promising a comforting taste experience without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

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