21 dinners that’ll make anyone who hates cooking change their mind

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Dinners don’t have to be a drag, especially for those who’d rather do anything but cook. These 21 recipes are about to flip that script. They’re easy and fun, turning the kitchen from a no-go zone into a place where magic happens. If you’re short on time or just not into complicated meals, these picks are perfect.

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

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 is a no-brainer for anyone who’d rather skip the nightly cooking drama. Toss your sausages and favorite veggies on a sheet. Roast in the oven and then dinner’s ready. It’s perfect for when you want a solid meal without the hassle. It’s proof that cooking doesn’t have to be a big deal to get something good on the table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

If the thought of cooking dinner makes you sigh, this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is your friend. Just 15 minutes to get it going and you’re less than an hour away from a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to reheat. It’s the go-to for anyone wanting to keep dinner easy without sacrificing a good meal for tomorrow.
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.

For nights when you just can’t even think about cooking, the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole has your back. It’s all the goodness of stuffed peppers without the actual stuffing part. Mix it all up and bake for 45 minutes. You’ve got a great hearty meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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 Cheesy Beef Casserole is what dinner dreams are made of when you’d rather chill than cook. Mix up beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese. Bake and then you’re done. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without making you work for it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious Cabbage and Sausage dish ready to eat. This one-pan meal is the definition of easy. Simply cook your cabbage and sausage together. Then you get a meal that’s both quick and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

For those nights when you’re in a rush but still want something great, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come to the rescue. They’re ready in 20 minutes and couldn’t be easier to make. Cook them up, and you’ve got a great meal ready. It’ll surely change your mind about cooking.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those who love the idea of dinner making itself, Crock Pot Taco Soup is the answer. Brown some beef, toss it in the slow cooker with other ingredients and let it work its magic. With just 20 minutes of prep, you can get on with your day while dinner sorts itself out.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

When you’re up to your eyeballs in everything but time to cook, the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a lifesaver. Throw broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a casserole dish. Then bake until it looks good. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a great meal. It’s the best pick for busy nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is your quick fix for a delicious and filling meal. It takes only 30 minutes and one pan to prepare. Just season chicken breasts with your favorite spices, add cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and bake. This dish is a quick solution for a busy weeknight. Pair it with a salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked 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 your go-to for a quick meal without the cooking drama. Cook cabbage and bacon in one pan for 25 minutes, and you’ve got dinner sorted. It’s the perfect pick for when you’re busy but still want a good meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Broccoli Casserole

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

This Broccoli Casserole is a great family dinner choice that comes together in only 50 minutes. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who just really doesn’t like to spend endless time actively cooking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up Canned Chicken Patties in 20 minutes and dinner’s ready without a hassle. They’re easy, come out just right on the outside and tender on the inside. These patties work great whether you’re keeping it simple, adding veggies, or making a sandwich. Perfect for nights when cooking’s the last thing on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is your shortcut to a flavorful meal that’s as easy as mix, chill, and eat. It’s the right choice for busy nights when you want something delicious without the hassle. It’s a solid option for anyone who’d rather not spend the evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Italian Sausage Soup

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup gets you a hearty meal in just 30 minutes with nothing but one pot and a few ingredients. It’s what you make when you crave something rich but don’t want to spend the night cooking. The soup hits the spot for those who prefer minimal kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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.

Throw beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms into a skillet. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a Creamy Ground Beef Skillet that keeps things simple and filling. It’s exactly what you need on those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a decent meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are your quick fix for a delicious meal that’s easy to whip up. Spend about an hour making them, or freeze a batch for those times when you want a great meal without the wait. They’re the perfect solution for when you’re looking for something good but simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is as simple as it gets. Toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. In about an hour, you’ve got yourself a cozy soup. It’s your go-to for those evenings when you’re craving comfort but don’t want to spend all night cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is the way to go for a flavorful dinner without the work. Just mix, bake for 30 minutes, and dinner is ready. It’s packed with chicken, cheese, and spinach. When cooking is the last thing on your mind, this recipe is a solid choice.
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 lets you put something impressive on the table without breaking a sweat. Quick to cook with chicken in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a 30-minute meal that keeps things simple yet flavorful. With chicken thighs simmered in a delicious sun-dried tomato sauce, this dish is about serving a special meal. It’s perfect for when you want to put something delicious on the table without a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Big Mac Salad

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

Dig into a Big Mac Salad and get all the best bits of the classic burger without the bun. This easy-to-make dish layers hamburger pickles, romaine lettuce, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and juicy ground beef. Then they’re all mixed up with that famous Big Mac sauce. It’s your go-to meal for nights when you’re hankering for something delicious but can’t face cooking a big dinner.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

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