17 Dinners That Are Easier To Make Than You Think

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17 Dinners That Are Easier To Make Than You Think

When it comes to dinners, it’s common to think that making a great meal requires a lot of skill and time, but that’s not always the case. These 17 recipes are proof because they’re surprisingly easy to whip up and prove that you don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to serve up a delicious dish. They’re straightforward, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to impress everyone around the table.

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

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this easy-to-make casserole. Featuring ingredients like bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, you’re guaranteed a meal that’s both filling and delicious. Simple enough to prepare on a weeknight but special enough for gatherings, serve this casserole and watch it become a requested favorite for all your family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This dish cooks chicken breasts on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. Made in just one pan and ready in 30 minutes, it’s an impressive yet easy-to-prepare recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this one-pan recipe is a quick and hearty dinner you’ll love to make time and time again. It pairs well with rice or vegetables and is perfect for those busy nights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

This one-pot meal combines the beloved flavors of the beloved chicken pot pie but with the convenience of a soup. It’s easy to make and combines chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth for a comforting meal. Ready in just an hour, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends alike.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of cabbage and sausages with a fork.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal brings together the rich flavors of sausage with the tender crunch of cabbage, all cooked in a single skillet. Easy to prepare with simple steps and everyday pantry items, this recipe is an absolute winner for those evenings when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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 skillet dinner is a delicious and protein-rich meal you’ll return to time and time again. It’s simple to make, combining savory beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms in a single pan. This recipe uses pantry staples with easy-to-follow steps, making it a great option for beginner cooks or those who don’t enjoy cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 delicious and extra easy one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is simple enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

A casserole dish filled with chicken, spinach and cheese.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish brings together marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, baked in the oven until golden for a flavorful and comforting meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this chicken bake uses simple pantry staples, is simple and cooks in one pan. It’s a great option for a quick, wholesome dinner, especially if you prefer minimal cooking.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 creamy soup combines sweet potatoes and red bell peppers, simmered and blended together for a hearty and creamy soup. Ready in less than an hour, it’s customizable and can be tailored to your taste by adjusting the seasonings or making it creamier. It’s perfect for a wholesome meal that’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with creamy parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This hearty soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. It comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and filling dinner. Everything cooks in just one pot, meaning less cleanup and more quality time to spend with your family.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This mushroom soup is a hearty dinner you can make in just 45 minutes. Featuring mushrooms simmered in a creamy and savory broth, it’s a great way to add more veggies to your meals. It’s a practical recipe perfect for busy evenings or relaxed weekends, ready in a few simple steps and easily prepared in one pot. It’s simple enough for any night of the week and perfect when you need a filling meal that won’t require you to cook for hours.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Juicy chicken bites are cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce in a single skillet and can be served in 30 minutes. Serve these bites with some rice or your favorite veggies to round out the meal. It’s an excellent pick for busy weeknights and will surely be a hit with the whole family.
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.

When you’re looking for an effortless meal, this sheet pan dinner is just what you need. Just spread your favorite sausages and vegetables on a sheet pan, and the oven does the rest. The roasting process caramelizes the ingredients, enhancing their natural flavors. This meal is a timesaver, perfect for those evenings when you want a nutritious and flavorful dinner quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, baked until bubbling and golden. Plus, if you find yourself with leftovers, they’ll be just as good the next day, making your meal planning a breeze. This dish is a great go-to for those busy evenings when you need an easy and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

In 30 minutes, ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach come together with a generous serving of melted cheddar. You can also prepare it beforehand and heat it up when you’re ready to eat, making it a practical option for a busy family. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick to prepare and a complete meal in itself, this casserole is a great choice. It’s a straightforward dish, great for keeping dinner simple and extra quick.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

A white plate with broccoli and chicken patties.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make dinner simple tonight with these easy chicken patties. In 20 minutes, mix canned chicken with a few kitchen staples, shape them into patties, and cook them on your stovetop. They come out crispy outside and tender inside and pair great with salads, veggies, or in sandwiches. If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare them earlier and just heat them up at dinner time, making your evening routine even smoother.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot full of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

You only need 20 minutes of hands-on time on this dinner, and that includes browning the beef, adding all the ingredients to the Crock Pot, and then setting the timer. This dinner practically cooks itself, and by dinner time, you’ll have a hearty soup ready for everyone to enjoy. This recipe is especially convenient for parents looking for an effortless way to feed their family a wholesome and delicious dinner. It’s a hearty and flavorful option that’s perfect for meal prepping to eat for dinner throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Spice up your dinner routine with this easy fajita chicken dish. It combines seasoned chicken breasts with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella in just 30 minutes. Everything is baked together in one dish to simplify both prep and cleanup. You can also prepare it ahead of time and just bake it when you’re ready. This recipe is a great way to make dinners easier for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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