27 really good dinners that aren’t chicken

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These 27 really good dinners that aren’t chicken are the kind of dishes that make you wonder why you ever stuck to chicken in the first place. These recipes are straightforward, easy to follow, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re feeding just yourself or a crowd, you’ll find these meals are a game-changer and that it’s totally possible to whip up something amazing without sticking to the same old.

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

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.

You’ve got to try this soup when you’re looking for something different for dinner. It takes about an hour to make and combines sweet potatoes with red peppers for a cozy, not-too-heavy meal. It’s super easy to make and a great way to mix things up on those days you want a hearty bowl of something good without any complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

If you’re tired of the usual chicken dishes and looking for something quick, this shrimp dish is your answer. In just 30 minutes, you can cook up some shrimp with grape tomatoes and spinach in a garlic sauce. It’s packed with good stuff to keep you going and brings a little Italian flair to your dinner table without needing a ton of ingredients or time.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Sausage Curry

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

For those evenings when chicken just isn’t on the menu, this sausage curry is a quick, flavorful alternative. Gather sausages, carrots, and sweet potatoes, and let them simmer in a rich curry sauce. It’s easy to prepare and cooks in 30 minutes. This dish proves one doesn’t need chicken to enjoy a hearty and filling meal. Serve it on a bed of rice or with naan for a complete experience.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This casserole is a hearty option filled with potatoes, crispy bacon, rich sour cream, and melted cheese, perfect for those who want to skip the usual chicken dinner. You can also make it ahead and just heat it up when you’re ready, making dinner time a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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

This wild rice mushroom soup is a cozy alternative for dinner, especially when you’re in the mood for something other than chicken. It combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with wild rice, creating a hearty and flavorful soup. Quick to prepare, it’s a comforting meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

For a hearty dinner that’s not chicken, try this veggie-packed casserole. It takes 30 minutes to prepare and is filled with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese sauce, and bacon and baked until everything is bubbly and golden. This dish is a fantastic choice when you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meal but still keep things hearty. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require you to spend the whole evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a comforting meal that’s not your usual chicken dish, this mushroom soup hits the spot. Ready in less than an hour, it’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, perfect for busy evenings or when you just need something hearty. Plus, it’s great for making ahead, so you can just grab a serving whenever you need a quick fix on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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 one-pan meal is a breeze to put together. Just spread sausages and your choice of vegetables on a sheet pan, then roast them until they’re perfectly caramelized. It’s flexible, letting you mix and match veggies according to your taste or what’s available. This dish is a solid pick for nights when you need a filling meal that steps away from the usual, ensuring a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Bowl of asparagus noodles with alfredo sauce and bacon with a fork.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, asparagus is peeled into noodles and topped with creamy Alfredo sauce and bits of crispy bacon. This meal is an inventive way to enjoy asparagus, turning it into a main dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. It’s an excellent pick for those evenings when you need something quick, comforting, and a little different from the norm.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

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.

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Thai cuisine at home with these turkey meatballs cooked in a coconut curry sauce. It’s a quick, 30-minute meal that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner routine. Perfect for nights when you’re looking for something different, this dish adds lots of flavors to your dinner table without requiring a lot of time or effort on your part.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish comes together in about 30 minutes and is very easy to make. You’ll need ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Just cook the ground beef in a skillet, add in the cauliflower rice and mushrooms, stir in the heavy cream for richness, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese until it’s melted and bubbly. It’s a hearty option for dinner that brings together veggies and protein, perfect for a night when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare, doesn’t have any chicken, and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Broccoli Casserole for a delicious no-chicken family dinner option that comes together in only 50 minutes. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who doesn’t want to spend endless time actively cooking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this beef casserole for a change, mixing ground beef with cauliflower rice, spinach, and onions, all topped with melted cheddar. It’s a complete meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time but still want something filling. This casserole is an easy way to serve up a delicious and hearty dinner, making your weeknight meals both practical and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty but want to skip chicken, this casserole is worth a try. Prep thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese. Sauté the vegetables, layer them with the steak in a baking dish, cover with cheese, and bake until it’s deliciously golden. It’s a great dinner choice without any chicken.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

For a cozy meal that steps away from chicken, this Italian sausage soup hits the spot. Grab some Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream to create a rich and comforting soup. It’s all made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes, meaning you get to enjoy a delicious meal without worrying about cleanup later.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those evenings when you’re craving seafood, try this refreshing alternative. You’ll begin by searing the scallops until golden, then simmer them in a lemon garlic sauce to soak up all the flavors. This recipe is a light, protein-rich meal that’s full of flavor and ready in 30 minutes, perfect when you need a change from the usual dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe combines butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon on a single sheet pan, baking everything together for a meal that’s ready in less than an hour. You get a mix of veggies and bacon, making it a perfect dish for a hearty dinner. This recipe is straightforward and cooks in the oven, making it easy for you to serve something new and flavorful to your family.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a dinner option that’s a break from chicken, consider this salad that brings all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger without the heaviness of a bun. You’ll need bacon, ground beef, pickles, salad greens, a homemade Big Mac sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. It’s all tossed together for a meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of a cheeseburger but wants to keep dinner light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Switch up your dinner routine with this taco soup that’s a fantastic alternative to chicken-based meals. Just spend 20 minutes prepping, then let your Crock Pot do the rest. It’s filled with seasoned beef, veggies, and all your favorite taco fixings. This soup is great for a busy day when you want to come home to a meal that’s already done. It’s a comforting choice that proves you don’t need chicken to make a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a light meal that’s not chicken, these mini salmon patties are a great choice. Made with canned salmon, they’re spiced up with jalapeño and cayenne pepper. Topped with a tangy lemon dill aioli, they bring a new flavor to your table. You can have them ready in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick dinner or when you have guests over. They’re a good way to mix up your protein sources and keep dinner interesting.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Easy keto cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is perfect for a cozy evening. It’s a creamy mix of cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and bacon, all cooked together in one pot. You’ll have a rich, flavorful soup ready in 30 minutes. This is a great alternative to the usual chicken-based soups and a clever way to get more vegetables into your meals. Plus, the bacon adds a nice crunch that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a quick, flavorful option for dinner, ready in just 25 minutes. It combines cabbage and bacon for a meal that’s different from your standard chicken dinner. It’s easy to make and packs a lot of flavors, perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time. This meal shows you can have a delicious dinner on the table quickly without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

If you’re looking for a hearty soup without the carbs, this Keto Zuppa Toscana is a great option. It’s made with radishes instead of potatoes, keeping it low-carb but still full of flavor. You’ll use Italian sausage, Parmesan, and kale, creating a soup that’s both hearty and filling. It takes about an hour to prepare, making it a solid choice for a filling dinner that steps away from the usual chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Sweet and spicy bacon and turkey chili garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro.
Sweet And Spicy Bacon And Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a cozy dinner that breaks away from the usual, try this bacon and turkey chili. It’s a one-pot meal that combines ground turkey and bacon with a sweet and spicy kick. You’ll have a hearty chili ready to keep everyone full on busy weeknights. It’s perfect for when you want something different from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Meatza

A pizza with meat and sauce on a plate.
Meatza. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This ground pork crust pizza is a quick and simple alternative to traditional pizza. The crust is made from seasoned pork, offering a protein-packed base that cooks in just 10 minutes. Using everyday ingredients like pizza sauce, mozzarella, and mushrooms, this recipe is not only convenient but also easy to assemble. It requires minimal prep and utilizes a single baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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