Quick And Simple Dinners Start With 29 Easy Recipes
Some days, cooking feels like an extreme sport. These quick and simple dinners take the stress out of mealtime with recipes that actually make sense. No guessing games, just straightforward meals that work. Dinner is handled, and the kitchen chaos is kept to a minimum.

Cashew Chicken

Dinner on the table is a breeze with Cashew Chicken. This meal combines simple ingredients you likely have on hand to make evenings easier. It’s perfect when you’re crunched for time but still want something satisfying. Serve it up and expect nothing left; it’s that appealing.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Big Mac Crunchwrap

Take your favorite burger flavors and wrap them up into something special with Big Mac Crunchwrap. All the classic tastes are neatly packaged into a crispy exterior. No need for fast food with this easy, homemade twist. Everyone will be reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap
Baked Chicken Thighs

Complicated recipes can take a back seat when you make Baked Chicken Thighs. Just pop them in the oven and let them cook while you handle other tasks. This dish delivers big flavors with little effort. It’s straightforward and always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs
Million Dollar Casserole

If you want a dinner that appears lavish without all-day effort, try Million Dollar Casserole. It beckons everyone to the table with its layered, hearty ingredients. It feels special every time and solves the “What’s for dinner?” dilemma on busy evenings. Truly a low-effort, high-impact meal.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Baked Rice

For a side that complements any dish, turn to Baked Rice. Mix your ingredients, set them in the oven, and forget the fuss. It consistently turns out fluffy and ready to pair with your main. Ideal for a hands-off approach to rounding out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Miso Soup

Whip up a batch of Miso Soup in less time than it takes to set the table. It’s light and fulfills without weighing you down, perfect as a starter or a light meal. Add in whatever extras you have for a custom touch. It’s a straightforward, reliable choice.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup
Blackened Salmon Tacos

Shake up taco night with Blackened Salmon Tacos. These tacos pack a flavorful punch and are quick to prepare. Ditch the usual routine for something exciting that’s also hassle-free. Customizable and fun, they’re a hit at any table.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos
Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon may sound elaborate, but it’s simple enough for even a novice to master. This hearty dish brims with deep, comforting flavors. Ideal for cozy nights in, it gives the impression of all-day cooking without the fuss. Our secret is its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Crunchwrap Supreme

This recipe wraps all the good stuff in a crunchy exterior. It’s an undeniable favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Crunchwrap Supreme is perfect for when you crave something crispy and satisfying. It offers plenty of options for personalization too.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme
Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Enjoy the comfort of Buttermilk Fried Chicken without needing advanced cooking skills. This dish delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior every time. It’s comforting, reminiscent of home, and straightforward to prepare. Yes, it really is as good as home-cooked comfort gets.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Easy Bibimbap

Easy Bibimbap brings diverse flavors and textures together in one bowl. Mix up your favorites for a deliciously balanced meal. It’s perfect for both Bibimbap first-timers and longtime fans. Eating well can be both comforting and simple with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap
Chicken Fried Rice

Transform leftovers brilliantly with Chicken Fried Rice. This dish makes the most of what you have, turning it into a delicious main. It’s quick, easy, and a family favorite for busy weeknights. Always a smart pick when you need a tasty, resourceful meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Baked Beef Tacos

Jumpstart your meal plan with Baked Beef Tacos. They come together with minimal mess and effort, baking to crispy perfection. A novel approach to taco night, these are fun for everyone. Let the oven do the work for you and enjoy the results.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos
Antipasto Salad

If you’re into no-fuss meals, Antipasto Salad is the way to go. It throws together in a snap and it’s packed with a ton of variety. No one’s going to miss the stove with this one — it’s all about chopping, tossing, and digging in. Seriously, it’s a busy person’s dream come true when it comes to whipping up something quick.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Chicken Noodle Casserole

Craving comfort without the crazy effort? Chicken Noodle Casserole has got your back. Just mix, bake, and serve; it’s as simple as that. This dish is a crowd-pleaser for any day of the week, and leftovers are a bonus. It’s hearty, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast—better grab your plate first!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Who doesn’t love a bit of heat wrapped in bacon? These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are a bold move for an easy dinner, or work as a spicy kick to your meal. Pop them in the oven, and before you know it, you’re set to impress. Your evening just got a whole lot hotter without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Chicken Pot Pie Soup

So, you love the classic pot pie, but you’re not feeling the whole pie part? Chicken Pot Pie Soup gives you all that comforting hug in a bowl. It’s like the original went for a swim, minus the crust. Plus, it’s one pot, so that after-dinner cleanup is practically nada.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Need something hearty on the table, pronto? Creamy Beef Stroganoff is your ticket. It’s a straight-up classic that never disappoints and it’s quick to boot. You’ll slide from prep to plate before you even know it—rich, comforting, and ready to make everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Cheese Grits

Cheese Grits are pretty much the ultimate southern comfort. They’re creamy, they’re cheesy, and they come together in no time flat. Perfect for when you want something filling but fast. Trust me, it’s a small effort for a big reward kind of deal.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits
Easy Chow Mein

Are you all about that take-out taste without the wait? Easy Chow Mein lands a home-run in your kitchen without the fuss. Toss everything in a pan, give it a whirl, and bam, you’re golden. Weeknights just got a whole lot easier.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes are what you call game changers. Fork into a spud, top it with some mouthwatering chicken, and you’ve got a winner. It’s pure homemade goodness without the all-day prep. This dish is where convenience meets home-cooking without a hitch.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
Meatball Sliders

Small buns, big flavor, that’s what Meatball Sliders are all about. You can throw these together faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.” They’re perfect for when you’ve got a hungry squad and zero time to fuss. And, cleaning up is a walk in the park – more time for chilling out, right?
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders
Cacio e Pepe

Simplicity is king with Cacio e Pepe. This dish is all about less being more, and it’s a straight shot to some serious eats. You’ll be dishing out plates that make everyone happy without twirling yourself into a frenzy. Trust me, it’s minimal effort with major pay-off.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Cheeseburger

Let’s talk Cheeseburger, the ultimate pick-me-up. It’s a classic for a reason and putting your own spin on it at home is a no-brainer. Grill ’em up, dress ’em up, and serve ’em up – all in record time. You just can’t go wrong with a good burger night.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger
Best Lemon Pasta

When life gives you lemons, make the Best Lemon Pasta. It’s light, it’s refreshing, and you’ll have dinner covered faster than you can say “al dente.” Just a few steps, a handful of minutes, and you’ve nailed it. It’s a bright spot in any dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Ribs in the oven, let’s go! Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe might give your grill a run for its money. They’re hands-off, sauce-on, and oh-so-tender. Slide them in the oven and let the heat do its thing—no flipping, no fuss, just fall-off-the-bone goodness. Perfect for game day, lazy weekends, or when the weather says, “Nope” to grilling.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe
Cheese Quesadilla

Sometimes you just need something cheesy and straightforward. Cheese Quesadilla is your golden ticket. It’s quick, easy, and let’s be real, cheese and tortillas never disappoint. Hit the skillet, fold, cook, and you’ve got dinner on lock.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla
Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dauphinoise Potatoes are like the VIP of side dishes, but without the fuss. You basically stack ‘em and bake ‘em. It’s comfort food that doesn’t make you sweat it out in the kitchen. Plus, they’re practically begging to be paired with anything.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Beef Stew

Need something that screams hearty? Beef Stew is your new best friend. Throw it all in one pot and let it simmer into something special. It’s the kind of meal that’s ready to face off with any hunger—and win. Leftovers? Even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
