13 Dinner Ideas That Prove ‘Easy’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Boring’

Photo of author

| Published:

13 Dinner Ideas That Prove ‘Easy’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Boring’

This list of 13 dinner ideas shatters the myth that easy means bland. These are flavor-packed dishes that come together fast, from one-pan wonders to slow cooker favorites.

https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/chinese-spare-ribs-8-3.jpg
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are a testament to how effortless cooking can still result in an exciting meal. With peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce, these ribs become tender and flavorful, perfect for when you crave a hearty dish without the elaborate preparation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Fish and Chips

Fish and fries on a metal tray with tartar sauce and lemon.
Fish and Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips show that a simple preparation can still lead to an exciting crunch and tender bite. This dish takes the classic cod or haddock and gives it a crispy coating, ensuring a quick yet vibrant dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Fish and Chips

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the familiar flavors of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup from the comfort of your home. This recipe shows that a simple soup can be rich in taste and texture, creating a comforting and cheesy delight that brings the family together without the need to dine out.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole is a playful twist on dinner, combining the joy of tacos with the ease of a casserole. It demonstrates that straightforward recipes can still be the life of the dinner party, with layers of beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos that make for a festive and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken on a bed of rice.
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken offers a quick way to enjoy a meal that’s sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy. It’s a simple yet vibrant dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for a busy evening when you want a meal that’s far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Olive Garden Chicken Pasta brings Italian flair to your slow cooker, creating a meal that’s easy to make yet rich in flavor. Tender chicken in a creamy sauce makes for a comforting dish that keeps dinner interesting and the family asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a straightforward dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, with chicken thighs that cook to perfection. In about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a meal that’s simple to prepare but packed with a sweet and savory punch.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and sesame seeds.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Asian Spare Ribs let your slow cooker do the work, infusing the meat with aromatic spices and sauces for a meal that’s easy yet complex in flavors. It’s the perfect dish for those times when you want to be greeted by a special dinner without putting in hours of work.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a slow cooker recipe that offers an easy path to a rich and creamy soup, reminiscent of Olive Garden’s classic dish. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy a filling soup that’s packed with chicken and veggies, showing that simple can still be heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Rice Skillet is the one-pan solution for a quick and hearty meal that combines all the taco flavors you adore. It’s a straightforward dish that brings fun to the dinner table, proving that a simple recipe can still pack a punch and keep the family eagerly awaiting mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chick-fil-A inspired Chicken Tortilla Soup captures the essence of the restaurant’s popular dish, offering a homemade soup that’s straightforward yet comforting. It’s a clear example of how an easy recipe can still bring a depth of flavor to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Orange Chicken brings the vibrant flavors of a Panda Express favorite into your kitchen, showing that a simple dish can still be a standout meal. In less than an hour, you can serve a citrusy, sweet, and savory chicken that will have everyone marveling at your cooking prowess.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

A plate of cornbread topped with chili con carne and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe is comfort food made easy, delivering robust flavors in a dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s a clear choice for those seeking a hearty meal that’s straightforward to prepare and sure to become a regular request at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.