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15 Weeknight Winners That Cook While You Binge Watch

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Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This beef stew is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, with melt-in-your-mouth tender beef and hearty vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s old-fashioned comfort food at its best, bringing together simple ingredients that create a deeply satisfying dish. The best part is that it comes together much faster than traditional stews, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and comforting. Serve it with warm bread or over rice, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This hearty and wholesome chili is packed to the brim with tender beans and not just one, but two kinds of flavorful meat, making every bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd. Thanks to the slow cooker, all the flavors have plenty of time to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. With minimal effort and maximum comfort, this is a go-to dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This comforting casserole is the ultimate blend of savory and satisfying, with crispy, smoky bacon and tender chicken all brought together by the irresistible flavor of ranch. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—hearty, flavorful, and oh-so easy to make. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a meal that feels special. Every bite is rich, creamy, and packed with that crave-worthy crunch you’ll keep going back for.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

A serving of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan.
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Photo credit: Pam's Daily Dish.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that warms you from the inside out. The beef is slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all the rich, savory flavors of the au jus. It’s served over a bed of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, with slices of crispy garlic bread on the side to soak up every last drop of that delicious gravy. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this dish is pure comfort food that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Sheet Pan Steak And Veggies

Overhead view of Sheet Pan Steak And Veggies.
Sheet Pan Steak And Veggies. Photo credit: Princess Pinky Girl.

The Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies recipe is a quick and fuss-free way to get a hearty dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. It takes the classic comfort of steak and potatoes and gives it a lighter, healthier twist by pairing them with fresh, colorful vegetables. Everything cooks together on a single pan, making prep and cleanup a breeze—perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still crave a wholesome, satisfying meal. With tender, juicy steak and perfectly roasted veggies, it’s a dish that feels special without demanding much effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak And Veggies

Pizza Chicken Bake

Pizza chicken in a black skillet.
Pizza Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Pumpkin 'N Spice.

This Pizza Chicken Bake is the perfect mash-up for anyone who loves both pizza night and a hearty chicken dinner. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are seasoned with savory spices, then baked until perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Just when you think it can’t get any better, they’re smothered in rich pizza sauce, layered with a melty blend of cheeses, and topped generously with pepperoni. The result is a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying dish that feels indulgent but is still easy enough for a busy weeknight. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings all the comfort of pizza with the wholesome goodness of baked chicken.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Chicken Bake

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Indian-inspired Instant Pot Butter Chicken is bursting with rich, layered flavors thanks to a flavorful marinade and a creamy, aromatic sauce. Using tender chicken thighs, this dish is both low-carb and gluten-free, making it a delicious option for a variety of diets. The best part is its flexibility—you can prepare the ingredients the night before for easy cooking the next day, or whip it all together on the spot. With the Instant Pot, it all comes together in under 40 minutes, giving you a comforting, restaurant-quality meal without the long wait. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Baked Turkey Meatballs

Top down view of the completed baked turkey meatballs recipe.
Baked Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

Baked turkey meatballs are the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or stress-free meal prep. The oven does all the work, leaving you with juicy, tender meatballs that are both healthy and satisfying. Whether you serve them with pasta, rice, or fresh veggies, they’re a versatile dish you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Meatballs

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cozy and flavorful dinner brings together tender maple mustard chicken breasts with a colorful medley of Brussels sprouts, squash, and tart cranberries. Everything bakes together on a single sheet pan, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully while keeping cleanup to a minimum. The sweet and tangy maple mustard glaze pairs perfectly with the roasted vegetables, creating a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and slightly tart notes in every bite. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that feels just right for a busy weeknight or a cozy fall evening at home.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Bowl of slow cooker salsa chicken surrounded by tortillas, rice and condiments.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

Make weeknight dinners a breeze with this Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken that’s as effortless as it is delicious. With just two simple ingredients, you can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that’s bursting with zesty salsa goodness. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile—you can pile it into tacos, serve it over fluffy rice, or toss it on top of a crisp salad for a fresh twist. It’s the ultimate no-fuss recipe that proves quick meals can still be full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini is the kind of meal that wraps you up in warmth and comfort with every bite. Soft, cheesy tortellini are smothered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s full of flavor, then finished with a hearty blanket of gooey, golden mozzarella cheese. It’s simple enough to whip up on a hectic weeknight, yet satisfying enough to enjoy on a slow, relaxing weekend. Whether served with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad, it’s a dish the whole family will be asking for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Honey Balsamic Chicken

Sheet pan with broccoli, tomatoes, red onions and glazed chicken breasts.
Honey Balsamic Chicken. Photo credit: Sidewalk Shoes.

This honey balsamic glazed chicken with roasted vegetables is the kind of meal that makes weeknight dinners feel special without all the fuss. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, coated in a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs beautifully with the caramelized edges of perfectly roasted broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and red onion. Every bite is a delicious mix of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors that’s bound to win over even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, it’s a wholesome dish that comes together on a single sheet pan, making prep and cleanup an absolute breeze. It’s comfort, convenience, and flavor all in one.
Get the Recipe: Honey Balsamic Chicken

Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Beef

Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Beef. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This Instant Pot beef dish is the perfect balance of quick convenience and bold flavor. Tender beef is infused with the rich, nutty aroma of sesame and the warm, zesty kick of fresh ginger, creating a mouthwatering combination that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Thanks to the pressure cooker, you can have this Asian-inspired favorite on the table in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Beef

Chorizo Pasta Bake

Baking dish full of golden brown pasta and chorizo bake with tomatoes and mozzarella.
Chorizo Pasta Bake. Photo credit: The Fast Recipe.

This flavorful and easy chorizo pasta bake has a way of winning over everyone at the table, making it a true family favorite. Packed with hearty ingredients and bold flavors, it’s the kind of dish that feels comforting yet comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes the stress out of cooking while still delivering a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The best part? The flavors only get better by the next day, so the leftovers are just as satisfying—if not more!
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Pasta Bake

Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

Three bowls of chili filled with toppings, featuring beans and meaty steak.
Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell.

Slow Cooker Steak Chili is the kind of comforting, hearty meal that makes chilly evenings feel a little warmer. As it slowly simmers throughout the day, budget-friendly cuts of beef turn irresistibly tender, soaking up all the rich, smoky, and savory flavors in the pot. Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, especially when topped with a sprinkle of cheese and a handful of fresh onions. Pair it with a slice of golden cornbread or a pile of crunchy tortilla chips, and you’ve got a cozy, soul-satisfying dinner that everyone will want seconds of. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas all day long.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili

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