25 Easy Dinners You Really Can’t Mess Up

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25 Easy Dinners You Really Can’t Mess Up

Easy dinners are a go-to on busy nights, ensuring you can put a meal on the table without too much stress. These recipes are foolproof and are meant for everyone, from beginners to veteran cooks. By focusing on simple steps and familiar ingredients, you’ll find cooking less of a chore.

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

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

With just 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll find that this soup is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. It brings together Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream. The process is simple: sauté, simmer, and serve. The result is a comforting, creamy soup that’s consistently filling, making it a foolproof choice for any day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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 one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy 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

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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

This sheet pan dish is a practical way to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Just arrange the veggies and sausages on the pan, pop in the oven, and bake — it’s that easy. This dish is also versatile. Mix and match any veggies you have on hand to save more time. You can prep and serve this meal in just 30 minutes, and since it’s a one-sheet-pan recipe, cleaning up after will be easy.
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.

Whether you’re looking for a stress-free dinner or need a reliable side dish, this casserole has got you covered. Ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll bake broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon together until bubbling and golden. It’s an easy recipe, perfect for those who are new to cooking, and a great way to add more veggies to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Here’s another foolproof recipe to make your days a bit easier. This dish features chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, all baked together until bubbly and golden. Made in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you’re looking for something easy and different from your usual dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cheesy twice baked potato casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish brings the familiar flavors of twice baked potatoes in an easy-to-make casserole. Featuring a combination of potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. You can also prepare this in advance, making it the perfect dish to serve on busy days or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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 classic flavors of a chicken pot pie in a comforting soup form. Like the original, you get protein, veggies, and carbs, but now you can enjoy it after cooking everything in just one pot. It’s simple enough for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, making it a dependable choice every time.
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.

You can’t go wrong with this Cabbage and Sausage Skillet. It’s a straightforward recipe that uses only one pan and can be served in less than 30 minutes. This dish combines the savory flavors of sausage with the freshness of cabbage, making it a great go-to for an effortless and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of crock pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Set up your Crock Pot and let it work its magic with this Taco Soup. Brown some ground beef, toss everything into the Crock Pot, set it to cook, then garnish and serve. With only 20 minutes of preparation, you can expect a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for any day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced cook, you can’t go wrong with this easy and flavorful soup. Ready in less than an hour, this soup combines tender chicken and hearty vegetables simmered in a creamy broth. It’s a great go-to recipe for a quick and hearty meal any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Sausage Curry

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

This Sausage Curry is a one-pan recipe that is perfect for weeknight dinners with the family. It features sausages and vegetables cooked in a rich and creamy curry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Ready in about 45 minutes, this one-pot Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a mix of rich flavors and convenience. Simply sauté mushrooms and onions, then let them simmer with the rest of the ingredients to thoroughly blend all the flavors. It’s a warm, hearty soup perfect for cooks of all levels.
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.

Quick and flavorful, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in just 20 minutes. They’re perfect for a fast yet flavorful meal, especially on busy nights. The garlic butter sauce adds a comforting touch, making this dish a foolproof choice for a delicious dinner every time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

In just 30 minutes, this hearty dish brings together ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a filling dinner. It’s a foolproof recipe perfect for those starting out in the kitchen or anyone looking for a fuss-free dinner. Made in just one skillet and ready in 30 minutes, it’s a homely and quick option perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 30-minute casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese into a simple yet filling dish. It’s perfect for those cold evenings when you need something quick and easy and a great choice for beginners in the kitchen or for families on a tight schedule. This casserole also stores well in the fridge, so you can make it in advance or store your leftovers to enjoy the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Try this creamy chicken dish if you’re looking for something both quick and impressive. Ready in 30 minutes, this easy one-pan recipe features chicken thighs smothered in a smooth mushroom sauce. Serve it over your favorite grain or a simple side dish for a complete meal, perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Turn canned chicken into a fantastic meal in just 20 minutes. This recipe is great for those quick, no-fuss dinners — just mix, form the patties, and cook. Serve them with a salad, steamed veggies, or in a sandwich for a versatile and light meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Ready in just 25 minutes, Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a flavorful and straightforward dish. It combines the richness of bacon with the freshness of cabbage and onion, creating a meal that’s both easy to make and consistently delicious. It’s a great option for a no-fuss, filling dinner for busy families and beginner cooks.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time, this creamy Creamy Garlic Chicken can be served in just 30 minutes. Everything comes together in just one pan for convenience, combining tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Pair it with rice or a side of your choice for a meal that’s both easy to make and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a warm meal with shrimp, garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach. Add some smokey paprika and top it off with a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a seafood dinner without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A bowl full of ingredients for jalapeño popper chicken salad.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a new take on the popular jalapeño poppers. Chicken, bacon, and jalapenos are baked separately in the oven, sliced and mixed together with the other ingredients, and then chilled for one hour before serving. It’s a great meal-prep option that stays fresh and is perfect for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

This dish is ready in 30 minutes and made in just one skillet, making it a great go-to for busy weeknights. Featuring boneless chicken thighs simmered in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes, this creamy chicken dish is guaranteed to impress everyone without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This dish features spiced chicken breasts topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, which are baked together until golden. Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a great choice for weeknight family dinners. It’s also made in just one baking dish, making it a great option for beginner cooks — and even seasoned cooks alike.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado features marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection. It’s a versatile and foolproof recipe, as you can grill, bake, or cook it using a grill pan. The result is a tender, juicy, and subtly smoky chicken with a vibrant orange-red color. Enjoy the chicken on its own or in tacos, burritos, bowls, or quesadillas.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is hearty and full of rich, nutty flavor. The rice cooks while you simultaneously cook the other ingredients to save you time and ensure you can prep and serve the soup as quickly as possible.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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