30 Monday night dinner ideas to start your week off right

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Looking for Monday night dinner ideas? We’ve got you covered with 30 straightforward, great recipes that are perfect for easing into your week. Mondays can be tough, but dinner doesn’t have to be. These meals are quick to prepare, making sure you can relax and enjoy your evening without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s all about starting the week on a good note, with food that makes you feel good and ready to tackle what’s ahead.

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Start your week right with this quick, easy casserole. It uses steamed broccoli and cauliflower, a creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, all baked to a golden finish in just 30 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal on a Monday night without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower 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 and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is hearty and full of rich, nutty flavor. The rice cooks while you simultaneously cook the other ingredients to save you time and ensure you can prep and serve the soup as quickly as possible.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of cabbage and sausages with a fork.
Cabbage and sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage is a one-pan recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes and yields a delicious and filling dish — perfect for quick Monday dinners.
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.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are cooked to perfection right on the stovetop to yield bite-sized pieces of juicy, tender chicken in a delicious buttery garlic sauce. This is an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a one-pot recipe that’s hearty, creamy, and cozy. It’s easy to make with straightforward ingredients and yields a comforting meal perfect for family dinner — all ready in 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

A plate of stuffed bell pepper casserole with a 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

Green Chile Chicken

A skillet of green chile chicken with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Looking for a way to use up your cooked chicken leftovers or store-bought rotisserie chicken? Try this Green Chile Chicken with shredded chicken thighs. It’s a one-skillet recipe that is easy to make and takes only 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple and delicious recipe that can be prepared and served in only 25 minutes. Cabbage, bacon, and onion come together to yield a dish with perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Jump into the week with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. It’s a smart choice for Monday night, mixing the punch of jalapeños with chicken for a meal that’s quick and hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

End your Monday on a high note with this Spinach Chicken Bake. It bakes chicken with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, ready in 30 minutes for a meal that’s easy and pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken, served over cauliflower rice, is a great pick for your Monday night meal. It’s a one-pan dish that’s not only easy to make but also fills you up with good protein, making your dinner quick and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry with rice in a bowl with a fork.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage Curry is a one-pan recipe that is perfect for weeknight dinners with the family. It features sausages and vegetables cooked in a rich and creamy curry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is just what you need to warm up on a Monday night. It’s a flavorful soup that comes together in one pot, combining Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream, all ready in about 30 minutes for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This Fajita Baked Chicken is a solid choice for your Monday meal. It features seasoned chicken breasts under a layer of cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad with red peppers and greens.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Thai Chicken Salad is a delicious main dish that is full of flavor and nutrients and is a power-packed salad that is dairy-free and easy to make. It features marinated chicken and a variety of veggies, including arugula and spiralized cucumbers.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

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.

Capture the essence of a Philly cheese steak with this easy casserole. It’s a mix of thinly sliced steak, garlic, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all under a layer of melted provolone. It bakes into a dish that’s great for a no-fuss Monday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs With Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make your Monday dinner special with these Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. It’s a dish where seasoned chicken thighs are cooked and served in a creamy sauce, making for a pleasing meal to start your week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

This Keto Zuppa Toscana brings the classic Olive Garden soup into your Monday night routine without the carbs. Using radishes instead of potatoes keeps all the flavors you’re looking for. It’s ready in an hour, perfect for a cozy dinner to start the week.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick Monday dinner, whip up this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. It’s a 30-minute, one-pan meal where tender chicken pairs beautifully with a rich mushroom sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

End your Monday with this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Cooked in one pan, tender chicken thighs are enveloped in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, making for a meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is your answer for a warming, flavorful meal that comes together in one pot in just 45 minutes, making it a perfect pick for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekends. With its easy steps, this soup is a hit for cooks of all skill levels.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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 one-pan dish is perfect for a no-fuss Monday evening. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms into a hearty meal. It’s a simple way to feed your family something great at the start of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a Monday dinner that’s easy and packed with flavor, try this chicken dish. You’ll spend just 30 minutes preparing chicken topped with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon. It’s a one-pan meal that makes clean-up a breeze, leaving you more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a one-pot, comforting, creamy soup. In just a few steps, you’ll have a flavorful bowl ready in 1 hour. It’s perfect for a cozy meal that’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with straightforward ingredients like bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s simple to make and can easily be made in advance.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

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

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

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.

Get your Monday night sorted with this Cheesy Beef Casserole. It takes only 30 minutes to serve up a dish that combines beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese into something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced,

With a depth of flavors coming from both a marinade and a sauce, this Indian-inspired Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe uses chicken thighs and is low-carb and gluten-free. Made in an Instant Pot, it can be prepped the night before or the day of, and then cooked in under 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

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 clean-up a breeze. Ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance yet flavorful meal option.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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