Here Are 20 Dinners You’ll Actually Enjoy Making

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Here Are 20 Dinners You’ll Actually Enjoy Making

Dinners should be about having a great time in the kitchen, not just at the table. These 20 recipes are easy and fun to make. They’re perfect for those busy nights or when you just want to cook without too much hassle. These recipes are straightforward and quick, and most importantly, they make cooking fun. So, whether you’re new to cooking or have been doing it for years, these dishes are here to make your time in the kitchen a lot more enjoyable.

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

You’ll find this veggie-packed casserole perfect for those busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious blend of broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. It’s a great way to get your family to eat more greens and it’s so simple to make. Plus, the easy cleanup is a bonus, making your dinner routine smoother.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

Prepare this smooth soup featuring sweet potatoes and red peppers in an hour. Its creamy texture and blend of sweet potatoes and red peppers make it an enjoyable meal, especially on chilly nights. It’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, and you’ll never get tired of making or eating it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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 dinner might be the easiest family-friendly meal ever. Just arrange sausages and your choice of vegetables on a sheet pan, and let the oven work its magic. It only takes 30 minutes to make this and the result is a meal that brings out the rich flavors of each ingredient, all cooked together in just one sheet pan for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

In just one hour, you can serve a comforting bowl that combines all the beloved flavors of traditional chicken pot pie in a hearty, soup form. This one-pot dish combines protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a perfect family dinner choice. It’s also great for meal prep. You can make it the day before and still enjoy a filling and protein-rich meal that’s just as enjoyable the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is your go-to for a no-fuss, enjoyable dinner. Whip it up in 45 minutes, and you’ve got a hearty meal that skips the complicated steps. It’s a solid choice for those nights when you want a good dinner without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

For a dinner that’s both quick and satisfying, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a sure bet. In just 20 minutes, you get flavorful chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a great choice for those busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This meal is a lifesaver on hectic evenings. In just 30 minutes, your whole family can enjoy a warm meal with juicy chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This cozy dish features chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon, cooked together in just one skillet. It’s a quick stovetop dish ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for date nights or gatherings, but still easy enough to whip up for weeknight dinners. Plus, with everything cooked in just one skillet, both preparation and cleanup become a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Chicken

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted sweet potatoes and spinach with sour cream.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this roasted butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon dish for a delicious meal that’s ready quickly. It’s a simple, oven-roasted dish that’s full of flavor, ready in a flash, and perfect for those days when you want a no-fuss yet hearty dinner. This is one recipe you’ll be happy to have in your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

In just 30 minutes, you can serve this stovetop recipe featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. This recipe is great for busy evenings, offering a quick yet filling meal that’s also easy to clean up. It’s a simple dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar, creating a warm, delicious family-friendly meal without too much effort. Everything comes together in just one pan for convenience and this dish can be served in just 30 minutes. It is perfect for busy weeknights — straightforward instructions, with simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, and minimal cleanup afterward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a simple one-pot meal that warms you up in just 45 minutes. It’s easy enough for anyone to make, and the savory flavors of this creamy mushroom blend will impress your family — a great option for a filling dinner that you’ll want to make repeatedly. Serve this with bread, salad, or your favorite main dish. It’s a cozy bowl that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

Serve up a warm and comforting bowl that’s perfect for any family dinner. This creamy sausage soup comes together in just 30 minutes and only requires one pot, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. Packed with the rich flavors of Italian sausage and a creamy tomato base, it’s a meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone, even with the kids.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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.

Gather the family for a comforting dish that brings together all the goodness of bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheese. This casserole simplifies the classic twice-baked potato process, making it a breeze to prepare on a busy weeknight. It’s also a versatile recipe that can incorporate leftover potatoes, adding to its convenience. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, it’s a dish that’s both hearty and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Whip up a quick and impressive dinner in just 30 minutes with this one-pan recipe. You’ll simmer chicken thighs in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan, creating a dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite veggies or rice for a meal that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make family dinners stress-free with this one-pan recipe that’s ready in 25 minutes. Cabbage pairs wonderfully with smoky sausage, creating a filling dish with minimal effort. It’s a great pick for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Seasoned chicken breasts are topped with cream cheese, sweet mini peppers, and mozzarella, and then baked to perfection in just 30 minutes. A twist on classic fajitas, this chicken dish is baked in just one pan for ultimate convenience. It’s a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, providing a delicious and filling dinner without the need to cook long hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Get ready to enjoy a delicious family dinner in just 30 minutes. This easy-to-cook recipe features chicken thighs simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a great choice for weeknights when you’re looking for something both hearty and easy to prepare. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken Corn Soup

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

For a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to pull off on busy evenings, turn to this hearty soup. It brings together chicken, corn, potatoes, and carrots in a creamy broth, all in just one pot. This soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can add extra veggies to make it even more wholesome for the kids. Ready in less than an hour, featuring simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is a great recipe to serve for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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

When you’re after something warm and hearty, Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is the answer. It’s easy to make, especially since the rice cooks right along with everything else. This soup brings a rich flavor to your table quickly, making your dinner prep both simple and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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