Dinner Didn’t Feel Like A Chore With 29 Of My Best Recipes

Dinner did not feel like a chore with 29 of the best recipes. Each meal came together fast and easy, making the evening smooth. No more long hours in the kitchen or boring dishes on the table. Every recipe brought joy, flavor, and a little fun to the day. Cooking became something to enjoy, not something to dread.

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A mix of hearty beans comes together in Dense Bean Salad, bringing bold flavors and textures to the table. It’s the kind of dinner that feels simple yet delicious, especially on a busy night. Easy to prepare, it makes for a fuss-free option that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for pairing with any side dishes you love.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Get ready to layer up something classic with Italian Sliders, a quick and flavorful choice for dinner. These are small bites loaded with big taste that you can whip up with ease. Ideal for feeding the family or saving leftovers for later. It’s comfort food made incredibly easy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Creamy and bold, Bang Bang Shrimp makes dinner feel a bit more exciting without much effort. With minimal prep, these shrimp bring a punch of flavor that works well alongside rice or veggies. It’s a quick option that adds variety to your usual meals. Perfect for when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

French Onion Soup

A savory dish of French Onion Soup, topped with melted cheese and garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

French Onion Soup is ideal for that simple yet hearty meal at home. Melted cheese and the flavor packed broth make it the kind of dinner people won’t forget anytime soon. Serve it up small or as an all out main dish, and it’s always a hit. It’s great for those nights where cozy is all you want.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Marry Me Butter Beans

A cast iron skillet with creamy pasta mixed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with cheese, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Marry Me Butter Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Filling and tasty, Marry Me Butter Beans offers a simple way to bring comfort food to the dinner table. The creamy texture is paired perfectly with a balance of rich flavor. Choose it if you’re looking for something that takes almost zero effort to pull together. Just grab your plate, and it’s ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Close-up of a cheeseburger with a sesame bun, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and beef patty.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Build a quick meal with Grilled Chicken Sandwich, a classic option that never gets old. Juicy chicken and crisp toppings make it feel fresh without requiring much prep. Perfect for a low-maintenance dinner that hits the spot. Let’s keep things simple and delicious tonight.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You’re not working hard when Cattle Drive Casserole is on the menu it’s comforting and simple. Layers come together in a dish that’s delicious and takes very little to perfect. Great for those busy evenings when you just need food fast. One bite and it speaks for itself.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pair Garlic Knots with your favorite main dish to make dinner extra easy and more enjoyable. Light, fluffy bread with a hint of garlic is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re sharing with family or eating solo, it’s a quick add on you won’t regret. Sometimes, simple sides make all the difference.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Avocado Toast

Various avocado toasts with toppings including cherry tomatoes, fried eggs, black olives, and feta cheese on a parchment-lined surface.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Keep it fresh yet filling with Avocado Toast, a versatile choice for an easy weeknight dinner or snack. Packed with creaminess and crunch, it pairs well with whatever you’ve got handy. No major prep required, just throw it together and enjoy. It’s simple food that feels effortless.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Baked Chicken Thighs

Roasted chicken thighs with sliced potatoes garnished with herbs.
Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Juicy and tender, Baked Chicken Thighs are perfect for when dinner needs to be fast and flavorful. With the kind of seasoning that feels like a win, it’s hard to go wrong here. Pair with simple veggies or potatoes, and you’re good to go. This one’s all about keeping things stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Comfort food turns effortless with Hashbrown Casserole, a dish that’s filling and easy to serve. It’s the kind of fusion that just works, combining creamy textures with a bit of crunch. No stressing over fancy techniques; it’s straightforward and tasty. Why complicate dinner when this option is right there?
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Dubai Chocolate

Close-up of sliced dessert bars with layers of chocolate, crumbly filling, and green topping, garnished with chopped pistachios.
Dubai Chocolate. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert after dinner is easy with Dubai Chocolate, offering bold and smooth richness in every bite. Now that the day is winding down, something sweet helps bring it all together. You’ll find that no effort feels wasted here. Simple treats like this always leave people happy.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate

Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded Tater Tots close-up topped with crumbled bacon, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with sliced green onions on a white plate.
Loaded Tater Tots. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dinner becomes fun with Loaded Tater Tots, a recipe that makes you smile while still keeping things simple. Crispy yet packed with layers of flavor, they’re easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Toss this into your rotation for something quick everyone can dig into. No fuss, no stress; just good food.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Nothing beats a quick meal like Ravioli Casserole, a mix of pasta and rich flavors that feels like it took ages to make. But it’s ridiculously easy no long prep and perfect for busy evenings. Bring it to the table hot, and everyone gets their fill. Pasta dinners don’t get easier than this.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Make dinner neat with Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, which hits the table with both sweetness and simplicity. It’s quick to pull together, giving you restaurant-style results with no headache. Serve up with rice or veggies for an easy combo everyone can try. Dinner ideas don’t always need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Rhubarb Pie

Slice of strawberry pie on a plate with two black spoons beside it.
Rhubarb Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

There’s something comforting about putting together a dessert that everyone loves. Rhubarb Pie brings that slightly tangy flavor wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. It’s easy to bake and makes dinner feel complete with a touch of sweetness at the end. Perfect for sharing around the table after the main course.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

Egg Casserole

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Wrapping up a busy day with something hearty feels just right, especially when it’s Egg Casserole. Soft, baked eggs paired with simple, warming ingredients come together effortlessly. It’s a comforting dish to have for dinner, leaving everyone happily satisfied without too much effort. Definitely something to keep in rotation on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Salmon Caesar Salad

Close-up of a Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, shredded chicken, grated cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Salmon Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Putting together a fresh and easy option for dinner can make the evening less stressful. Salmon Caesar Salad combines rich, flaky salmon with crisp flavors for a balanced and light meal. It’s a straightforward option that pleases everyone without making dinner a chore. Great when you want something simple but fulfilling at the end of the day.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad

Pasta alla Norma

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

After a long day, preparing something hearty like Pasta alla Norma feels just right. With its mix of bold flavors and a sauce, it’s a dish that doesn’t take too much effort and hits the mark every time. Perfect for sitting down and enjoying a quiet meal with family. Its simplicity makes it a favorite for dinner nights.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Making dinner can feel easy when you throw together something warm and hearty like Hamburger Casserole. It’s a crowd pleasing dish that brings familiar flavors into one tasty bite. Without much prep, it fits perfectly into busy evenings while still feeling homemade. From start to finish, it’s a meal everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Some nights you just want something quick yet fulfilling, and Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos deliver exactly that. They’re assembled in minutes and pack bold flavors into every bite. Perfect for enjoying with loved ones, especially on days you don’t feel like diving into complicated recipes. It’s a dinner you’ll be glad you made without any extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dinner can be both easy and heartwarming when you go with something like Asparagus Casserole. It’s simple to make and brings together comforting flavors, perfect for filling up the table. No fancy techniques or hard prep work; just a dish that feels like you’re doing dinner right. Ideal for keeping things relaxed but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Wrapping up the evening with something flavorful feels better when it’s quick to prepare like Orange Chicken. Its familiar combination of bold flavors makes it fun to whip up, leaving no stress involved. Great for busy nights when you want to keep dinner simple but fulfilling. It’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

On busy nights, cooking something warm and easy hits just perfectly like Mac and Cheese. It’s a dish everyone knows and loves, and it comes together without much hassle. Dinner feels a bit more enjoyable when it’s made simple and packed with comforting flavors. Perfect for those nights when you just want something dependable.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

French Onion Dip

Bowl of creamy dip topped with chopped chives and black pepper, next to pieces of toasted bread.
French Onion Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Preparing something smooth and flavorful can be relaxing, especially when you make French Onion Dip. It’s quick to put together and complements the end of a full day wonderfully. Kept simple but tasty, it pairs well with other dishes you may have. A solid addition to dinner that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Putting together something filling after a long day feels just right with Easy Tater Tot Casserole. It’s a warm, baked dish that requires little prep but satisfies with every bite. Dinner feels more approachable when you can make something this straightforward. A great addition to your meal rotation without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Cheese Quesadilla

A person lifts a cheesy quesadilla slice from a wooden board. Nearby are bowls of guacamole and salsa on a light-colored table.
Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some nights deserve something simple yet enjoyable, and Cheese Quesadilla delivers without effort. It’s quick to make and perfect to share, whether you pair it with other dishes or have it as the main course. Light, cheesy, and comforting with every bite, it’s a go to option for easy dinners. No stress, just good food at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Ice Cream Cake

Close-up of strawberry shortcake slices topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Layers of cake, cream, and strawberries are visible.
Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ending dinner with a touch of sweetness becomes easy when you bring out Ice Cream Cake. It’s a dessert that feels fun yet requires almost no effort to put together. Great for finishing off the night on a chilled note without doing extra work. Everyone will love this cool and simple treat.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dinner feels fun when you throw together something like Crunchwrap Supreme. It’s packed with layers of flavor while remaining surprisingly easy to assemble. Great for mixing things up and enjoying something a little different without much work. Perfect for ending the day with a meal everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

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.

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