Discover the joy of extra easy dinner recipes that are so straightforward and quick that you’ll wish you tried them yesterday. These meals are designed for simplicity without compromising on rich flavors, offering well-rounded meals that can be made quickly. Reclaim your evenings, no longer needing to stand over the stove for hours, thanks to these 17 recipes that prioritize quality and convenience.
The recipes require minimal prep work and come together quickly. From one-pot dishes to sheet pan dinners, each recipe minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making them perfect choices for busy lives. They simplify your dinner routine while delivering all the elements of an impressive meal.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
When you’re pressed for time but still crave a nourishing dinner, this casserole has your back. A simple combination of steamed broccoli and cauliflower gets a flavor boost from a rich cheese sauce and crispy bacon. Just steam the veggies, combine them with the sauce, and let the oven do the rest. You’ll have a one-pan meal that cuts down on prep time and washing up. It’s the perfect way to make your evenings more manageable without skimping on flavor or nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Chicken Corn Soup
Need a full-flavored meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This one-pot chicken corn soup is your answer. Tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a flavorful broth meld together in under an hour. Plus, one pot means easy cooking and even easier cleaning. It’s a no-brainer for those busy nights when you still want something nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
When you have a tight schedule but don’t want to compromise on a hearty dinner, give this sheet pan recipe a go. Just toss sausages and veggies on a pan and let them roast together. You’ll spend less time cooking and even less time cleaning up. It’s a quick, uncomplicated dish that’s ready in under an hour. When you’re juggling a busy life, this is the kind of recipe that feels like a win.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
When you’re pressed for time but want a hearty dinner, this recipe has got you covered. Layer chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that’s a breeze to put together. Cleanup is a snap too, thanks to the one-dish cooking method. It’s a smart way to get your protein and veggies without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
If you’re in the mood for the comforting flavors of a Philly cheese steak but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this casserole is a must-try. It smartly combines sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and provolone cheese in a single dish. Simply assemble the ingredients, and you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready in less than an hour. The recipe is uncomplicated, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, the minimal number of dishes required ensures that cleanup will be a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This salad offers a unique twist on the classic jalapeño popper, suitable for both dinners and lunches. It requires only simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it an easy-to-perfect meal. The recipe is quick to prepare and combines protein and vegetables for a complete meal. It’s an innovative but uncomplicated way to enjoy the flavors of a jalapeño popper in a less indulgent form. As it’s served cold, it also offers a quick solution for meals on the go.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole combines beef, cheese, cauliflower rice, and spinach for a well-rounded dinner. It requires just one casserole dish, keeping the cleanup to a minimum. Preparation is uncomplicated: simply mix the ingredients and bake. It’s ready in under an hour, making it suitable for quick dinners. This recipe is a reliable option for a fuss-free, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Italian Sausage Soup
This soup provides a convenient and efficient option for a complete meal. A blend of Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream creates a well-rounded flavor profile. The recipe requires only one pot and can be completed in 30 minutes, making it suitable for tight schedules. The cooking process is streamlined to facilitate easy preparation and quick cleanup. The result is a nutritious and hearty dinner that aligns with time constraints.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This recipe provides a balanced meal of chicken thighs complemented by a rich mushroom sauce. Preparation is minimal, and the entire dish cooks in a single pan in less than an hour. The mushroom sauce is both flavorful and ensures the chicken remains moist. Using just one pan makes the cleanup process straightforward. This dish offers a convenient and fulfilling dinner solution, particularly on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Big Mac Salad
If you’re looking for a flavorful salad, this recipe is for you. It incorporates basic ingredients like lettuce, beef, bacon, and cheese to mimic the taste of a bacon cheeseburger. Preparation is direct: assemble the ingredients and serve. The recipe provides a complete meal that combines proteins and vegetables in a single bowl. With its simple assembly, this salad presents a quick yet nourishing dining option.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Cabbage and Sausage
This one-pan meal is an efficient choice for a nutritious dinner. Cabbage and sausage are the main components, requiring just slicing and a quick sauté. It’s a straightforward recipe that is completed in under 30 minutes. The combination of cabbage and sausage yields a meal that is both filling and balanced. Cleanup is minimal, making this dish particularly suitable for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
This soup serves as a quick and dependable option for dinner. The primary ingredients — cauliflower, heavy cream, cheese, and bacon — come together to yield a rich meal. Prepared in a single pot and ready in 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for those on a tight schedule. The cooking process is straightforward, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture. Quick cooking time and minimal cleanup further make this recipe a practical dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Consider this recipe featuring boneless chicken thighs and a sun-dried tomato sauce for a time-efficient balanced meal. It requires just 30 minutes and a single pan for cooking, simplifying preparation and cleanup. The sun-dried tomato sauce lends the chicken tenderness and a tangy richness. The recipe is user-friendly, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a solid option for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the usual time commitment.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This one-pan dish is a quick dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutritional balance. With just cabbage, bacon, and onion, minimal prep work is required, and the dish is ready in 25 minutes. The cabbage offers a textural contrast to the crispy bacon, creating a harmonious blend. It’s a simple yet effective recipe that’s hard to mess up, making it a practical choice for any evening. Cleanup is a breeze since only one pan is used.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
If you’re searching for a no-fuss dinner that’s rich in flavor, consider this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Layering cheese and peppers over chicken and baking it all together eliminates the need for constant attention. Your oven does the heavy lifting, and in just 30 minutes, a protein-packed meal is ready. It’s an easy, streamlined way to enjoy a fulfilling dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheese, and mushrooms come together in this one-skillet recipe to offer a diverse range of flavors. The cooking time is just 30 minutes, making it a suitable option for hurried evenings. The cauliflower rice complements the richness of the beef and cheese, creating a well-rounded meal. The single skillet used for cooking ensures that cleanup is minimal. It’s a reliable and quick solution for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Featuring chicken in a smooth garlic sauce, this dish is both flavorful and convenient. The recipe involves minimal prep and takes under an hour to complete, rendering it a feasible option for weeknight meals. The garlic sauce serves as a flavorful backdrop to the tender chicken pieces. Prepared in a single pan, this meal minimizes the time and effort required for cleanup. The cooking process is straightforward, yielding a successful result with each attempt.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken