17 Easy Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Adult

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17 Easy Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Adult

Feeling the fatigue of adulting? We hear you, and that’s why we’ve rounded up 17 easy dinner ideas to take the hassle out of your evenings. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques here—just simple, no-fuss recipes that anyone can master. Whether you’re craving something comforting or craving something new, we’ve got your back. So why wait? Let’s make dinner easy again!

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Upgrade your dinner game with Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. A surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend barbecue or just want to treat yourself to something special, these grilled steaks are sure to impress. Serve them alongside your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whip up a comforting and hearty dinner with Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. A dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this skillet gnocchi is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving a taste of French cuisine without the fuss? Try making Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu for a quick and easy dinner option that’s sure to impress. It’s a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that’s ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake in the oven. Serve it with your favorite sides for a gourmet meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Dive into a bowl of creamy shrimp alfredo reminiscent of your favorite restaurant dish. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for those tired evenings when you crave something comforting but don’t want the hassle of dining out. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to relax and unwind after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring the flavors of Italy to your kitchen with this Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Cooked rigatoni pasta is coated in a luscious vodka-infused tomato cream sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. This homemade version captures the essence of your favorite Italian spot, making it ideal for nights when you want a gourmet meal without the restaurant price tag. Enjoy a taste of Italy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Don’t let leftover steak go to waste—transform it into a delicious Steak Quesadilla! This easy and satisfying meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re too tired to cook but still want something hearty and delicious. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s a no-fuss dinner solution that’s sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Treat yourself to a comforting meal with Roast Pork with Appless—a classic combination that’s sure to warm your soul. This hearty meal is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something comforting and wholesome. With minimal ingredients and prep work required, it’s an easy dinner option that’s guaranteed to please.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplify your dinner routine with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken, a flavorful and fuss-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan wonder is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to clean up, making it ideal for nights when you’re too tired to cook and clean. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your dinner routine with carne molida—a flavorful Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. This dish is bursting with bold flavors. Serve it over rice or as a filling for tacos or burritos for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some south-of-the-border comfort food, carne molida is always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Recreate the deliciousness of HelloFresh at home with these crispy pork croquettes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something different for dinner, these croquettes are a delightful choice. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, allowing you to enjoy gourmet fare without the gourmet effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: .

Take yourself on a trip to Italy with a Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. This sandwich is a celebration of summer flavors, perfect for a quick and easy dinner on busy weeknights. Whether you’re dining al fresco or enjoying a cozy meal indoors, this caprese sandwich is sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Transport yourself to the shores of the Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. Serve them as a main course with a side of couscous or atop a fresh salad for a light and refreshing dinner that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving something different for dinner, these Mediterranean grilled shrimp are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Turkey & Peppers

Italian turkey and peppers in a red bowl.
Turkey & Peppers. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Keep dinner simple yet satisfying with Turkey & Peppers—a delicious and nutritious dish that’s ready in no time. Lean ground turkey is sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices for a flavorful and fuss-free meal. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty dinner that’s packed with protein and veggies. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this turkey and peppers dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Peppers

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Refresh your dinner routine with a Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. This light and flavorful salad is perfect for warm summer evenings when you crave something refreshing yet satisfying. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this Mediterranean orzo salad is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Two lettuce wraps with chicken and spinach on a cutting board.
Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Put a healthy twist on a classic Italian dish with Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps—a lighter and low-carb alternative that’s just as delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option or a light and satisfying lunch, these lettuce wraps are sure to hit the spot. Serve them alongside a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Spice up your dinner routine with a taco casserole that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Serve it with your favorite taco toppings for a dinner that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

Shrimp & Asparagus Alfredo on a black plate.
Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home with shrimp alfredo featuring tender asparagus spears. It’s the perfect dinner for nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want something special. With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

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