27 One-Hour Dinners That’ll Make You Wonder What To Do With All That Extra Time

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27 One-Hour Dinners That’ll Make You Wonder What To Do With All That Extra Time

One-hour dinners are the perfect solution for those nights when you want a great meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are so quick and easy, you’ll find yourself with more free time than you know what to do with. Maybe you’ll finally catch up on that show everyone’s been raving about, or perhaps you’ll just stare at the wall in blissful silence. Either way, these dinners will have you scratching your head, wondering what to do with all that extra time. And hey, that’s a great problem to have.

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

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Reuben Bowls are a great meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick dinner. You’ll brown some deli corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, mix in sauerkraut, melt on some Swiss cheese, and drizzle homemade Thousand Island dressing on top (or use store-bought if you prefer). This straightforward recipe will have you wondering what to do with all that extra time you saved.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a great option for a quick dinner ready in 40 minutes. This dish combines chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all cooked in a creamy sauce made of heavy cream and chicken broth. Everything is prepared in one pan, so you won’t be stuck with many dishes to wash. The rich and comforting flavors make it perfect for managing hectic evenings with less cooking time and stress. This recipe helps you get a great meal on the table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a budget-friendly and straightforward meal option ready in just 40 minutes. It’s great for beginner cooks and perfect for weeknight dinners. You’ll cook some elbow macaroni, mix it with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. You can even switch things up by using different types of mustard or swapping some of the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream. With this quick recipe, you’ll be left with plenty of extra time to relax and enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

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 brings all the great flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle. It’s a mix of ground meat, rice, bell peppers, and spices cooked together for a hearty meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s great for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner. Plus, it’s an easy way to add more vegetables to your diet and will likely be a hit even with picky eaters. The one-pan approach saves time on both cooking and cleanup, making your evening even easier.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole needs minimal ingredients and is ready in about 50 minutes. It’s a comforting dish with broccoli, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and breadcrumbs. Simple enough for beginner cooks and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy nights. Serve this when you need a fast, comforting meal that adds veggies to your dinner, keeping your evening smooth and stress-free. The recipe is straightforward, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Cabbage and Sausage dish is a simple, one-pan recipe that cooks in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option. It combines the strong sausage flavors with cabbage, which absorbs the flavors well. With just a pan and a few basic ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick, delicious dinner that feels home-cooked and comforting. This dish is perfect for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast without compromising taste.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Change up your dinner routine with this Baked Ravioli, a quick and mouthwatering dish. Using frozen cheese ravioli, you can skip the lengthy prep and go straight to layering with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. Baked in the oven until bubbling and lightly browned, the flavors of the dish come together to create a cozy, Italian-inspired casserole reminiscent of lasagna. It’s a great meal you can make in just one hour, perfect for evenings when time is tight but you still want a hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick to prepare and flavorful, making them perfect for busy evenings. You only need chicken, garlic, butter, and spices to make this dish in about 20 minutes. These bites are versatile and can be paired with anything from rice to salads, making them a practical addition to your quick-cooking repertoire. They’re great for when you want a fast yet flavorful dinner, helping to reduce the rush of getting a meal on the table. Their quick cooking time means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With simple ingredients like canned tuna, noodles, peas, and cheese, Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is easy to put together and cooks in under an hour. It’s classic comfort food that simplifies dinner time, perfect for evenings when you’re too tired to cook but still want a homemade meal. The dish also reheats well, making it a practical choice for enjoying more of it as leftovers. This recipe is a lifesaver for those nights when you need a quick and easy dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy these Shake and Bake Pork Chops with a crispy coating without frying. This recipe is an easy and effortless method for achieving crisp and flavorful pork chops without frying. The secret lies in coating the pork chops with a thin layer of mayonnaise before rolling them in a homemade seasoned breadcrumb mixture. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a great meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It also cuts down on prep time and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is perfect for a quick meal ready in just 25 minutes. It combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and pasta, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, a fast dinner, or a crowd-pleaser at potlucks. The simple ingredients come together to make a dish that’s fast and full of flavor, saving you time without sacrificing taste. It’s a great way to quickly get a hearty meal on the table when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is perfect when you need dinner ready to serve in 40 minutes. Juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and grape tomatoes are cooked in a garlicky sauce with paprika and red pepper flakes. This dish is packed with flavors that make it seem like you spent hours cooking without the long prep. The quick cooking time and simple ingredients make it a smart choice for a speedy yet impressive meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a gourmet dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole combines broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon, and lots of cheese. Using frozen vegetables cuts prep time and cleanup, making it perfect for hectic evenings. This hearty veggie-packed meal is a great way to feed your family something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s designed to fit your busy schedule, helping you manage those nights when cooking feels like another chore. It’s a perfect choice for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is perfect for a speedy dinner ready in just 30 minutes. It features juicy ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, hearty cauliflower rice, and earthy mushrooms cooked in one skillet. It’s a great solution for a filling dinner that minimizes kitchen time and maximizes family time. Leftovers are perfect for meals the next day, simplifying meal planning. The one-skillet approach makes cleanup a breeze, saving you even more time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is a lifesaver on frantic evenings, ready in just 30 minutes. It combines juicy chicken thighs with creamy spinach, melted mozzarella, and cream cheese. This comforting bake feels restaurant-worthy yet is incredibly easy to make, calming a hectic day with good food fast. It is low on cleanup, making it even easier to manage after a long day. The simple preparation and short cooking time make it perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is great when you need dinner fast. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan dish features tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. The garlic powder adds a bold flavor, while the cream sauce makes it rich and filling. Pair it with your favorite sides, like steamed veggies or mashed potatoes, for a complete meal. This recipe reduces your time in the kitchen, letting you relax more in the evening and enjoy a hearty, homemade dinner. Perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for busy nights since it’s ready in under an hour. This budget-friendly meal is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s hearty and easy with tater tots, shredded chicken, corn, and melted cheese. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time and freeze the leftovers for later. The melted cheese on top adds a great flavor, and the tater tots make it a fun dish for kids. This casserole is a great way to have a filling dinner without spending too much time or money. Great for those nights when you need a quick, family-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a real time-saver. Ready in 30 minutes, this simple meal has sausages and veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini roasted together. The flavors come together nicely in the oven, creating a hearty dish that’s both quick to prepare and clean up. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious dinner without the hassle of using and washing multiple pots and pans. Just toss everything on a sheet pan, roast, and dinner is ready. Perfect for those nights when you want something quick and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is ready in an hour, making it great for a quick dinner. This soup blends the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the bold taste of red peppers and spices like cumin and paprika. It’s easy to make and lets you adjust flavors to your liking. The soup is creamy and rich, serving a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe is great for when you want a homemade dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for those nights when you want something nourishing but quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is a perfect quick dinner, ready in just 45 minutes. This easy curry combines sausages with sweet potato, carrots, peas, and a rich curry sauce. The mix of spices gives it a bold flavor, while the vegetables add a touch of sweetness and crunch. Serve it with rice or naan for a flavorful meal that is easy to make on busy evenings. This recipe is great when you want something different but don’t have much time to cook. Perfect for spicing up your weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is ready in only 30 minutes, giving you a great mix of flavors fast. Season chicken breasts with fajita spices, top with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella, then bake. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and has a kick of spice, making it perfect for a quick family meal. Serve it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. This recipe is great for those nights when you need a flavorful dinner but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. Perfect for adding some excitement to your weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are ready in just 45 minutes, making dinner stress-free. Ground turkey mixed with Thai spices and coconut curry sauce quickly brings bold flavors to your table. These meatballs are perfect for when you want something different but quick. Serve them over cauliflower rice or regular rice for a complete meal. This recipe is great for those nights when you want to try something new but don’t have much time. Perfect for spicing up your dinner routine with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is perfect for busy nights, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish features tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce that adds a nice tangy flavor. Spinach and bits of bacon lend extra taste and texture. The whole dish is prepared in one pan, so you won’t have many dishes to wash afterward. It’s great when you need a quick, comforting meal that won’t leave you cleaning up all evening. The rich sauce makes it feel like a special treat, even on the busiest days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a great 25-minute dish when you’re short on time but still want something home-cooked. This recipe combines crunchy cabbage with salty bacon and onions, creating a simple yet flavorful meal or side dish. It’s a perfect way to add vegetables to your dinner without much effort. The easy preparation and quick cooking time make it perfect for busy weeknights when you must prepare dinner quickly.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a quick meal ready in 30 minutes that will hit the spot on a busy night. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, making a comforting and flavorful dinner. This one-pan recipe means minimal cleanup afterward, which is great when you’re tired. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something filling and delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Keto Zuppa Toscana is a great choice for a comforting meal that is ready to serve in just one hour. Inspired by a classic Italian soup, this recipe features bacon, garlic, sausage, radishes, and kale, all swimming in a rich creamy broth. It’s tailored for a carb-conscious lifestyle but still has a lot of flavor. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal after a busy day, this soup is easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and the comforting taste it brings to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a perfect 30-minute meal for busy nights when you need something quick and delicious. This one-skillet dish includes boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with Italian spices and cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. It’s hearty without taking hours to prepare. The minimal cleanup is a huge plus, making it great for unwinding after a long day with a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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