We’ve all hit that moment before — scrambling for last-minute dinner recipes when the clock’s ticking and stomachs are rumbling. These 20 recipes are the ones we keep at the ready that always come through in a pinch. They’re the no-brainer solutions for any dinner dilemma, proving that whipping up a meal can be easy.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
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
This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These garlic butter chicken bites are your go-to for a quick and hearty dinner. Ready in 20 minutes and cooked in just a single skillet, this dish combines juicy chicken in a rich buttery garlic sauce. Whether you pair it with rice and veggies for a hearty meal or atop a salad for something lighter, it’s a versatile option for quick weeknight dinners or laidback weekends alike.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This dish uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower and then mixes it with a creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon to add layers of flavor. Everything comes together in one baking dish and can be served in just 30 minutes. This is the dish you turn to when you need something effortless and filling on the table quickly during those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
This dish brings together seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to add some excitement to your dinner lineup. This dish is perfect for when you don’t want to spend hours cooking and need something a bit easy and a bit out of the box.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
This Chicken Corn Soup is a go-to option for a quick and flavorful meal that can be prepared in one pot. Ready in less than an hour, this soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Throw sausages and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan, bake them, and in just 30 minutes, you have a great dinner ready. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights because it’s quick, easy, and you get your meat and vegetables all cooked together. It’s the kind of meal that makes your evening less hectic, giving you a delicious and hearty dinner without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cabbage and Sausage
With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this cabbage and sausage stir-fry is a quick solution for dinner. It’s very easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have. Perfect for busy weeks, make this recipe when you need to whip up an easy and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Turn the timeless comfort of a chicken pot pie into a soothing soup in just one hour. This recipe simplifies dinner with easy-to-find ingredients and combines the same protein, veggies, and carbs, as you would from the classic pot pie. Ready in just an hour, it’s a great choice for a comforting dinner on busy weeknights and laid-back weekends alike.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
With canned chicken and a few pantry staples, you can whip up these patties in 20 minutes. They’re straightforward to prepare — just mix, form, and cook on your stovetop. The result is patties that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve it with salads, veggies, or tucked into sandwiches for a well-rounded dinner.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
In just 30 minutes, you can cook up this creamy and hearty dinner. This dish is a great option for busy nights, combining cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a wholesome meal all in one skillet. It’s easy, quick, and stores well in the fridge. Make this for meal prep and enjoy a filling meal any time with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
In about an hour, this soup brings together the creaminess of sweet potatoes and the natural sweetness of red peppers. It’s an easy process — prep, sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish — all in one pot. This wholesome and creamy soup is an excellent choice for any night of the week when you’re looking for a homemade meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Spinach Chicken Bake
This dish bakes chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach into a creamy and hearty meal in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect pick for those evenings when you’re looking for something filling but don’t have a lot of time to cook. Make this when you need to get a delicious dinner on the table quickly to make your weeknights a bit easier.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Italian Sausage Soup
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup, featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s simple to prepare in one pot, making it perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is your go-to for a filling dinner that’s both easy to make and clean up afterward. Perfect when you want an effortless meal that still tastes like you spent hours on it.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prepare to serve up a dish that combines chicken breasts with a rich sauce made from Parmesan, garlic, and heavy cream, all in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. This recipe is a go-to for evenings when you’re craving something special but don’t have the time for complex cooking methods and preparations. It’s straightforward, quick, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy this savory dish that combines cabbage, bacon, and onion, all cooked in one pan. It’s incredibly easy to make and packs a lot of flavors, making it perfect for those nights when you need a quick and easy meal. Whether you serve it as a side or as the main dish, it’s sure to be a filling and flavorful part of your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Enjoy comfort food at its best with this one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Chicken thighs simmer in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, then finished with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper for extra flavor. This dish is not only hearty but also minimizes cleanup, making it a perfect dinner option for those busy nights when you want a comforting meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a quick and filling meal. You only need one skillet and about 30 minutes to get it done. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something that feels homemade. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies in your dinner in an easy and practical way.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Spend an hour preparing these chicken poppers, and you’ll have a delicious meal or snack ready to go. Simply combine chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, roll them into balls, and bake until they’re golden brown. They’re fantastic for meal prep — make a batch ahead of time, freeze them, and just bake when needed. It’s the perfect solution for those moments when you need a quick meal without the long prep or cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Turn leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken into a new meal in 20 minutes with this easy recipe. Just one pan is all you need to mix shredded chicken thighs with green chiles for a meal that brings new life to your leftovers. It’s a fast way to get dinner on the table, especially on those evenings when you need to serve something hearty at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs