Dread cooking dinner? These 17 recipes are for you

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If cooking dinner feels like a chore, you’re in good company. These 17 recipes cater to everyone looking to skip the kitchen fuss. We’re all about quick, easy recipes that streamline your dinner routine. Perfect for those hectic nights when time and energy are in short supply.

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

For those who dread cooking dinner, this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a lifesaver. Ready in under an hour, it’s simple to make, and the leftovers reheat easily for a hassle-free meal the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

This recipe turns the classic flavors of stuffed bell peppers into a simple casserole, perfect for anyone who finds cooking family dinners a bit daunting. It’s a great pick because it’s easy to make, even for beginners, and is ready in just 45 minutes. Plus, it often leaves you with leftovers, making your next meal a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

For busy nights, this chicken bake comes to the rescue. It’s ready in 30 minutes and combines chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese into a comforting casserole. You can prep parts of it in advance, making it an effortless option for a nutritious dinner that the whole family will like. It’s all about making things easier for you.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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 sheet pan dinner simplifies mealtime by cooking everything on one pan, cutting down both prep and clean-up time. Just mix sausages and your choice of veggies, and let the oven do the work. It’s an excellent choice for those nights when you want a hearty meal without the hassle, fitting perfectly for those who dread the thought of cooking dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Crock Pot Taco Soup is a lifesaver for those evenings when you’re dreading the idea of cooking dinner. It requires just 20 minutes of prep, including browning the beef and adding everything to the Crock Pot. It’s made with ingredients you likely have on hand, saving you from a last-minute trip to the store. Set it in the morning, and you’ll return to a simmering, ready-to-eat meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

Canned chicken patties on a plate with broccoli.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

Turn canned chicken into a fantastic dinner in just 20 minutes. These chicken patties are a quick solution for busy nights. Mix, form, and pan-fry the patties until they’re crispy. They’re not only easy to make but also versatile. Serve them with a salad or in sandwiches for a meal that’s straightforward and filling, perfectly aligning with those nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

If cooking dinner feels like a chore, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your quick fix. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re a simple one-skillet meal. Chicken chunks cooked in garlic butter sauce make a great pair with rice or vegetables. It’s a fast and easy choice, especially on those nights when time isn’t on your side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Transform simple veggies into a crowd-pleaser with this 30-minute casserole. It mixes broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a delicious dish. Thanks to frozen vegetables, it’s quick and easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for nights when you want a great-tasting dinner but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, making it ideal for anyone who finds family dinners a bit of a challenge.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a go-to for a light yet flavorful meal. It combines chicken, bacon, and jalapeños for a dish that’s easy to prepare. Make it in advance to ease your dinner rush during the week. It’s a perfect pick for adding some excitement to your dinner routine without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skip the long prep and still enjoy the classic comfort of a chicken pot pie with this soup. It’s ready in an hour and cooks in one pot. This recipe combines all the good stuff — protein, veggies, and carbs — into a meal that’s great for a family dinner. Plus, leftovers make lunch easy the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

For a dinner that doesn’t add to the day’s stress, try this Fajita Baked Chicken. Just season the chicken, add some veggies, and bake. It’s a low-effort meal that frees up your evening. Prep ahead to make things even easier. This dish is perfect for ending a busy day with a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When the thought of cooking dinner is too much, this casserole can save the day. It mixes potatoes, cheese, and bacon, requiring minimal prep and just 30 minutes in the oven. It’s a comforting choice that brings the taste of twice-baked potatoes to your table with half the effort.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a dream for anyone who dreads cooking dinner. It’s all made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes, blending savory sausage with tomatoes for a filling meal. This recipe keeps things simple, allowing for a flavorful dinner without the cleanup hassle. It’s perfect for bringing everyone to the table on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Get a hearty chicken and corn soup on the table in under an hour. Everything cooks in one pot, saving you time and effort. It’s a flexible meal that lets you use what you have, making it a go-to for a hassle-free dinner that still tastes great. Ideal for those nights when you want a good meal without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re after something filling but want to keep it easy, this “breakfast-for-dinner” casserole hits the spot. It combines hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese, and you’re free to mix in your favorites, like different meats or veggies. Assemble it ahead and bake when you’re ready. This dish makes dinner effortless and leaves you with tasty leftovers for breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup pairs sweet potatoes and red peppers in a one-pot meal that’s ready in an hour. It’s an excellent pick for a simple, cozy dinner. With minimal prep required, it’s suited for parents who need an easy yet filling meal during the week.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole in a dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is a savior on busy nights, featuring beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar. It’s all about ease and flavor, ready in 30 minutes with the option to prep ahead. It’s a great way to make dinner special without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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