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20 Easy Dinners For When You Have No Time To Spare

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Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Chicken Chipotle Pasta brings together tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables in a rich, smoky cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Every bite delivers just the right amount of spice, making it a satisfying meal for anyone who loves a little heat. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests, and the creamy sauce ties everything together in a way that keeps you coming back for more. Quick to make and full of bold, comforting flavors, this pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These tender bell peppers are filled with a rich, savory mixture that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Thanks to the slow cooker, all the hard work is taken care of for you—there’s no need to brown meat or cook rice separately. The peppers come out perfectly soft while the filling stays moist and satisfying, making this a comforting meal that’s effortless to prepare. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that still feels hearty and homemade, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

Instant Pot Crack Chicken

Instant Pot Crack Chicken. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This Instant Pot Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender, creamy ranch chicken with savory smoky bacon and a generous layer of melted cheese. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in just 15 minutes, so you can have a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for serving over rice, in sandwiches, or alongside your favorite sides, it’s a dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Crack Chicken

Instant Pot Pot Roast

Instant Pot Pot Roast. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This Instant Pot pot roast is packed with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly tender vegetables, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. It’s the kind of comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, without hours of waiting. Made with busy weeknights in mind, this recipe comes together quickly while still delivering that homemade, hearty flavor everyone loves. Perfect for family dinners or whenever you crave a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pot Roast

Turkey Chorizo Sliders

Turkey Chorizo Sliders. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Sink your teeth into these juicy burgers, perfectly cooked and topped with gooey, melty cheese and a generous scoop of creamy guacamole. Each bite is bursting with rich, savory flavors that make weeknight dinners feel extra special. Simple to prepare yet full of personality, this summer supper is a crowd-pleaser everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s the kind of meal that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chorizo Sliders

Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters

Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters in a white casserole dish.
Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters make dinner both simple and flavorful! They’re seasoned with a zesty combination of garlic and fresh lemon juice, giving each bite a bright and savory taste. In just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal on the table that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone following paleo or keto diets, so you don’t have to compromise on your healthy eating goals. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this dish is a reliable go-to.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters

Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Plums & Rosemary

A display of Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Plums & Rosemary.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Plums & Rosemary. Photo credit: Chef's Pencil.

This Pork Chops with Plums and Rosemary recipe turns a simple weeknight dinner into something memorable. The pork chops are cooked until tender and juicy, seared in butter and garlic for a beautifully golden, flavorful crust. Juicy plums bring a sweet and slightly tart pop of flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the meat. Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, savory note that ties the dish together. It’s a quick, effortless meal that feels thoughtfully prepared and full of layered flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Plums & Rosemary

Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup

Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Spaghetti and meatballs, already a beloved comfort food, get a delightful twist when transformed into a hearty soup. This simple dinner idea brings all the flavors you love—tender meatballs, savory tomato broth, and perfectly cooked pasta—together in one cozy bowl. It’s a fun way to enjoy a classic meal with a fresh, comforting spin, perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. Everyone at the table will appreciate the warmth and familiarity of this easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Green bean casserole being served with wooden spoon.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This Philly cheesesteak casserole is a simple, flavorful dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with the classic combination of tender beef, melty cheese, and sautéed peppers, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love. With only five main ingredients plus a pinch of salt and pepper, it’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Serve it straight from the oven for a warm, hearty meal that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

Side shot of three pork chops on a black plate garnished with fresh parsley with a black fork on the side.
Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops. Photo credit: Dizzy Busy & Hungry.

These Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops are a simple yet delicious dinner you can have on the table in no time. Each chop is seasoned with a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic salt, and pepper, giving every bite a perfect balance of savory goodness. Cooking in the air fryer keeps the inside tender and juicy while creating a crispy, golden crust on the outside. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. They’re a dinner that both kids and adults are sure to enjoy, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

One-Pot Homemade Alfredo Rigatoni

One-Pot Homemade Alfredo Rigatoni. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this Alfredo rigatoni is the kind of pasta that makes dinner feel special without a lot of effort. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for busy nights. The tender rigatoni soaks up the velvety sauce, creating a comforting dish that’s satisfying and easy to serve. Perfect for a weeknight meal or whenever you want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Homemade Alfredo Rigatoni

Ground Beef Fajitas

Ground beef fajitas topped with cheese avocado and jalapeno on a flour tortilla.
Ground Beef Fajitas. Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

Ground beef fajitas are a fast and flavorful dinner option that can be on the table in just 30 minutes. Tender, seasoned ground beef is cooked with vibrant bell peppers and onions, creating a colorful and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making weeknight cooking easier than ever. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish brings all the classic fajita flavors together in one skillet.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fajitas

Steakhouse Cheesy Bacon Chicken

A display of Steakhouse Cheesy Bacon Chicken.
Steakhouse Cheesy Bacon Chicken. Photo credit: Stef's Eats And Sweets.

Steakhouse Cheesy Bacon Chicken is the kind of dinner that comes together in no time, using just five simple ingredients. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are smothered in melted cheese and topped with crispy, savory bacon for a flavor that rivals your favorite restaurant. With only about 15 minutes of prep and cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying. The combination of cheesy goodness and smoky bacon makes it a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love. It’s easy, flavorful, and likely to become a regular on your dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Cheesy Bacon Chicken

Traeger Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Traeger Brown Sugar Pork Chops. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These pork chops are coated in a rich brown sugar glaze that balances sweetness with a hint of spice, then smoked until tender and flavorful. The smoky aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to wait until they’re ready to eat. This straightforward recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. Even with minimal prep, the result is juicy, flavorful pork chops that feel special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Air Fryer Chicken Burger

A tray of chicken fajitas with bell peppers, onions, lime slices, and cilantro garnish.
Air Fryer Chicken Burger. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

These Air Fryer Chicken Burgers are the perfect go-to for a quick and satisfying dinner. The homemade chicken patties stay juicy and flavorful, and they cook up in just 10 minutes—making them a lifesaver on busy nights. Using simple ingredients, you can create a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers without sacrificing taste. Crisped to perfection in the air fryer, they’re ready to be piled onto buns with your favorite toppings for a hearty, comforting meal the whole family will love. Quick, easy, and delicious, these burgers are sure to become a regular on your weeknight rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Burger

Crack Chicken Casserole

Baked crack chicken with golden gooey melted cheese on top in a large oval baking dish.
Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This Crack Chicken Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory bacon, all layered over tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it a dish that both kids and adults will reach for again and again. It’s the kind of comforting dinner that warms you from the inside out, especially on busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your weekly meal rotation. Even first-time cooks will find it easy to throw together, making dinner time a little less stressful and a lot more delicious.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Baked Burritos

Overhead view of Baked Burritos.
Baked Burritos. Photo credit: Princess Pinky Girl.

These Baked Burritos are a warm and comforting meal that combines savory ground beef, hearty black beans, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Topped with a rich red sauce and extra cheese, they bake to perfection, creating a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. They’re great for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or simply having a quick dinner ready on busy nights. You can even make them ahead of time and freeze them, so you always have a homemade meal on hand. Each bite is packed with familiar, satisfying flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Burritos

Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Treat someone special to a homemade dinner that’s simple to prepare but full of flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you still want to show you care. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a meal that feels thoughtful and comforting. It’s the kind of dinner that brings people together around the table and leaves everyone smiling.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl

Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This spicy beef and red pepper rice bowl is packed with bold flavors from dried red chili peppers, giving each bite a satisfying kick. Tender, seasoned beef pairs perfectly with sweet, roasted red peppers, creating a hearty and comforting meal. Topped with a runny egg that adds richness and creaminess, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners. The combination of spice, savory beef, and soft egg creates a balanced, flavorful bowl that’s both filling and exciting to eat.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Slow Cooker Italian Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker Italian beef is the perfect solution for a stress-free weeknight dinner. Using just a handful of simple ingredients, you can transform a basic beef roast into flavorful, tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. It’s ideal for piling high on fresh rolls to make hearty, satisfying sandwiches that everyone will love. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors develop while you go about your day. Simple, comforting, and packed with savory goodness, this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef

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