17 Dinner Recipes That Won’t Keep You Stuck in the Kitchen All Night

Photo of author

| Published:

17 Dinner Recipes That Won’t Keep You Stuck in the Kitchen All Night

If you’re hunting for dinner recipes that won’t chain you to the kitchen for hours, you’ve hit the jackpot. These 17 picks are designed to be quick and straightforward, perfect for those evenings when you want a good meal without the long prep time. They’re all about making dinner easy, so you can focus more on eating and less on cooking.

In our fast-moving lives, finding recipes that save time without sacrificing quality is key. That’s what these meals offer. They’re simple, they’re quick, and they use ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for just yourself or for a crowd, these recipes are great for anyone looking to make dinner a breeze and still enjoy what they’re eating.

Chicken bites with garlic butter sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This straightforward one-pan meal with chicken, cheese, and spinach is great for a quick family dinner. It’s a no-fuss option for busy evenings — a nutritious meal that comes together in only 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Fajita Baked Chicken

A simple combination of chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, this dish is perfect for a hassle-free family meal. It allows for the use of pre-cut veggies, saving time and effort on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is great for a family dinner without spending much time cooking. It’s a practical choice for evenings when you want a hearty meal quickly and with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 20 minutes, these chicken bites are a quick and flavorful meal. They are perfect for evenings when you need something easy and delicious, with chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This one-pot recipe creates a hearty, creamy soup. It’s easy to make with common ingredients and yields a comforting meal that’s great for family dinners, all made and ready within an hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Meatza

A quick and simple twist on traditional pizza, this recipe uses seasoned pork for a protein-packed crust. With common toppings like pizza sauce, mozzarella, and mushrooms, it’s a convenient meal that comes together in 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole combines frozen veggies with cheese and bacon for a memorable and easy family meal. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a great choice for evenings when you need a hearty dish without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With minimal prep and just one sheet pan, this meal is a time-saver, perfect for a nutritious family dinner. It’s especially good for those nights when you want a straightforward, filling meal with the bonus of leftovers for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A cozy one-skillet meal that comes together in an hour, this dish combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. It’s a great pick for a comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Canned Chicken Patties

These patties, made from canned chicken, are quick to prepare and take only 20 minutes. They’re a great choice for a fast and effortless family meal. Serve them with your favorite vegetables or as a sandwich for a versatile dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a breeze to prepare, taking just 30 minutes. It’s a wonderful choice for busy family evenings, providing a flavorful meal without the long hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A warm and hearty dish that’s ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for a relaxed family meal. It’s easy to make on the stovetop with just a few ingredients, making it a practical choice for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

In just 30 minutes, this dish features tender chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a great option for a warm, effortless family dinner that seems like it took hours to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is simple and comforting, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family weekend dinners. It requires minimal effort, making it a great option for lazy evenings when you want a cozy meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole is a comforting and filling option. It’s perfect for evenings when you’re looking for an easy yet hearty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken Corn Soup

This soup is straightforward to make and comes together in about an hour. It’s a great pick for relaxed dinner nights when you want a light and cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Italian Sausage Soup

This one-pot meal is warm, simple, and comforting, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for relaxed family dinners, providing a flavorful and hearty soup without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.