Don’t second guess dinner with these 19 reliable meal ideas

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These 19 reliable meal ideas ensure you can get a delicious meal on the table without any second guessing. Each recipe is crafted with simplicity in mind, cutting down on prep time without compromising flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or simply looking for a quick solo dinner, these recipes feature diverse dishes to suit every palate and occasion. Don’t spend time wondering what you’re going to make tonight. With these recipes, what to make for dinner becomes an easy decision.

Pollo asado on a baking sheet.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking pan.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole features steamed broccoli, steamed cauliflower, cheese, and bacon in 30 minutes, making it a solid dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole provides a twist to the classic sandwich, combining sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese for an easy-to-make dinner.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Pollo Asado

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

This Pollo Asado showcases marinated chicken thighs that can be cooked on a grill, grill pan, or oven. The instructions are straightforward for a reliable meal idea.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken recipe centers on chicken breasts topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner combines roasted sausage and vegetables on one pan, ideal for a quick family meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach dish combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a straightforward dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken features chicken with dijon sauce, spinach, and bacon that is all cooked in a single pan. It’s a reliable choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad captures burger flavors that you know and love but in a salad form. It’s an easy dinner solution that is straightforward to make.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger 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.

Try this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach that combines shrimp, garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a dependable dinner choice that is both impressive and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

These Canned Chicken Patties are ready in 20 minutes for a speedy dinner option. If you’re cooking for the family, this recipe is a great option as it’s easy to make. Plus, you can serve the chicken patties in various ways, like as a sandwich or with a side of veggies.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake combines chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, ready in 30 minutes for a reliable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad gives a new twist to traditional poppers, a reliable dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Shawarma Kebabs

These Shawarma Kebabs are protein-rich and straightforward to prepare, adding flavors to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan recipe with chicken in a creamy sauce. It’s a great choice for a 30-minute dinner when you need reliable dinner ideas.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are made in 30 minutes. Each bite is flavorful and, whether served on their own or with a side, they are filling and protein-packed.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce features chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken focuses on chicken thighs in a sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

This Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts showcases chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole combines chicken, bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños for a flavorful dinner that can be made successfully every single time.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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