Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (2024)

In the hustle of daily life, finding the time to prepare a meal can be a daunting task. That’s where the beauty of easy dinners comes into play. These meals are designed to minimize your time in the kitchen while still providing a fulfilling and enjoyable dining experience. Perfect for busy individuals and families, these recipes ensure that a delicious meal is always within reach, without the need for extensive preparation or clean-up.

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (1)

Meatball Casserole

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (2)

This dish masterfully blends meatballs with a rich sauce and gooey cheese, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for a comforting meal that is both hearty and warming. Its make-ahead potential is particularly appealing for those busy nights, offering a fulfilling meal ready to enjoy with family, minimizing stress in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (3)

The teriyaki chicken skewers present a combination of sweet and savory flavors in a meal that’s straightforward to prepare, making them a top pick for a hassle-free dining experience. Their simple preparation process ensures a meal that brings joy and flavor to the table without complicating your evening.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Chicken Fricassee

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (4)

Chicken fricassee offers a touch of sophistication with its creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it an attractive option for those evenings when you’re looking for something a bit more refined without the hassle. This dish combines ease with a sense of special occasion, suitable for a delightful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fricassee

Chicken Meatballs

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (5)

Starting the week with chicken meatballs can be a simple yet pleasurable experience. Their easy preparation and hearty taste ensure a comforting meal that seamlessly fits into any dinner plan, making them a wise choice for a straightforward evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Paprikash

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (6)

With its comforting warmth and flavorful sauce, chicken paprikash introduces a Hungarian flair to your dinner, offering a simple way to enjoy a meal rich in taste. This dish is perfect for those seeking a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, bringing both warmth and flavor to your table with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chili

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (7)

A bowl of chili is perfect for cooler evenings, offering a comforting and hearty meal that can be prepared ahead of time. Its ease and warmth make it an ideal choice for simplifying the dinner process, ensuring a fulfilling and comforting meal that resonates with a desire for both simplicity and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chili

Chicken Cheesy Skillet

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (8)

Featuring a mix of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and melting cheese, the chicken cheesy skillet is a perfect example of an easy-to-prepare meal that reduces cleanup time. Ideal for any weekday, this dish ensures a flavorful dinner experience with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cheesy Skillet

Tex Mex Chicken

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (9)

Tex Mex chicken introduces a burst of lively spices and colorful vegetables to your dinner, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet flavor-packed meal. Its ease of preparation offers a stress-free solution for those evenings when you’re short on time but still crave a meal that’s both bold and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Chicken

Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (10)

This recipe brings sophistication to your table with its combination of creamy chicken, sage, and spinach, offering a luxurious dining experience without complex preparation. It’s a superb option for incorporating gourmet flavors into your regular meal rotation effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

Pizza Bowls

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (11)

Pizza bowls transform the classic pizza flavors into a novel and straightforward dinner option, perfect for adding a playful twist to your meal routine. Their simplicity and customizable nature make them an excellent choice for a quick and enjoyable meal on those nights when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bowls

Taco Casserole

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (12)

The taco casserole merges the vibrant flavors of tacos with the convenience of a casserole, providing a dish that’s sure to please everyone. Its straightforward preparation and enjoyable taste make it a go-to for anyone looking for an uncomplicated yet delicious dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Chicken Baklava

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (13)

Chicken baklava offers an inventive mix of savory and sweet, standing out as an exceptional choice for those eager to add variety to their dinner options without complex procedures. This dish is ideal for introducing an innovative flavor combination to the dinner table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Baklava

Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (14)

The brown sugar crockpot pork is the epitome of an effortless dinner, slow-cooked to perfection with a hint of sweetness. Setting it up in the morning means you can return to a meal that’s ready to serve, highlighting convenience for a relaxed evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Burrito Bowls

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (15)

Burrito bowls provide a quick and customizable dinner option, allowing each person to create their perfect meal. This approach to dinner is engaging and straightforward, ensuring a fulfilling meal experience that accommodates different tastes with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Burrito Bowls

Butter Chicken

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (16)

Butter chicken brings the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine into your home without requiring extensive kitchen work. This creamy and flavorful dish is an excellent choice for an uncomplicated yet comforting dinner, perfect for any evening.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Cook Smarter, Not Harder: 15 Easy Dinners to Save Your Evening (2024)

FAQs

What's good and cheap for dinner? ›

68 Easy And Cheap Dinner Ideas That You'll Want To Make On Repeat
  • Buffalo Chickpea Wraps. ...
  • 3-Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken. ...
  • Garlic Veggie Rotini Pasta. ...
  • Sweet Potato And Black Bean Burritos. ...
  • Chili Lime Baked Tilapia With Avocado Crema. ...
  • Barbecue Beer Can Chicken. ...
  • Energy-Boosting Buddha Bowl. ...
  • Zucchini Noodles with Kale Pesto.
May 3, 2024

What to make for dinner when you have no food? ›

Quick Pantry Dinners
  • 1 / 10. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. ...
  • 2 / 10. Classic Tomato Soup. ...
  • 3 / 10. Frittata. ...
  • 4 / 10. Sheet Pan Quesadillas. ...
  • 5 / 10. Garlic Butter Shrimp. ...
  • 6 / 10. One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. ...
  • 7 / 10. One-Pot Tomato Chickpeas and Orzo. ...
  • 8 / 10. Salmon Patties.
Nov 30, 2023

What is the best dinner at night? ›

13 Simple Dinners to Cook Up Better Sleep
  • Veggie Marinara + Pasta. Photo courtesy of Bare Feet in the Kitchen. ...
  • Seared Cod + Kale Orzo. Photo courtesy of Bigstockphoto. ...
  • Taco Rice Bowls. ...
  • Deli Turkey Wrap. ...
  • Roasted Salmon + Veggies. ...
  • Turkey Burgers + Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup. ...
  • Quinoa Salad + Walnuts.
Aug 22, 2023

How to make food in 5 minutes? ›

5-minute meals recipes
  1. Storecupboard pasta salad. A star rating of 4.4 out of 5. ...
  2. Pan-fried camembert sandwich. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  3. Prawn & coconut soup. ...
  4. Classic French omelette. ...
  5. Chicken wrap with sticky sweet potato, salad leaves & tomatoes. ...
  6. Creamy tomato courgetti. ...
  7. Speedy tuna pasta salad. ...
  8. Easy pea & mint soup.

What is the cheapest meal you can live by? ›

Cheapest Foods to Live On:
  • Oatmeal.
  • Eggs.
  • Bread.
  • Rice.
  • Bananas.
  • Beans.
  • Apples.
  • Pasta.

What is the cheapest meal you can make at home? ›

Cheap Family Meals Under $10
  • Spanish Rice Soup. ...
  • Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables. ...
  • Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole. ...
  • Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli. ...
  • Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta. ...
  • Easy Cheese Manicotti. ...
  • White Bean and Spinach Soup. ...
  • Black Bean Enchilada Casserole.
Apr 2, 2023

How to feed 4 people with $10? ›

5 Meals To Feed A Family Of 4 Under $10
  1. 1/ BEEF TACOS. Who doesn't love tacos, am I right? ...
  2. 2/ CHICKEN MOLE WITH RICE. A Mexican classic that never goes out of style. ...
  3. 3/ TALLARINES VERDES WITH FLANK STEAK. ...
  4. 4/ ENCHILADAS. ...
  5. 5/ CHICKEN AND RICE BOWLS.

What to cook when you're broke? ›

  • Creamy pasta carbonara. A lovely, creamy version of a well-known favourite.
  • Best Spaghetti and Meatballs. ...
  • Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry. ...
  • Devilled sausages. ...
  • Potato and leek soup. ...
  • Lemon chicken. ...
  • Salt and pepper chicken. ...
  • Chicken and bacon carbonara.

What to eat when you don t have much money? ›

Canned fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as the more expensive fresh fruits and vegetables. Buying cheap foods that you can add to other foods, like beans and lettuce, can help fill you up and save money.

How can I eat if I have no money? ›

Free Food and Grocery Programs
  • BackPack Program.
  • Mobile Food Pantry.
  • School Breakfast Program.
  • School Pantry Program.
  • Senior Food Programs.
  • SNAP Application Assistance.
  • WIC.
  • Assistance Programs.

What to make when you have no time to cook? ›

27 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For People With Literally No Time
  1. Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles. ...
  2. Bacon Avocado Caesar Salad. ...
  3. Cacio e Pepe. ...
  4. 5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce. ...
  5. Italian Chopped Salad. ...
  6. Easiest Garlic Bread Pizza. ...
  7. Easy Korean Beef Rice Bowls. ...
  8. Chicken Cucumber Avocado Salad.
Nov 8, 2023

What to cook when you're bored easy? ›

25 Fun & Easy Dinners to Make If You're Bored With Cooking at...
  1. Chickpea Tacos Recipe. ...
  2. Smoky Beans & Greens Tacos with Aji Verde. ...
  3. Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey "Nachos" ...
  4. Stuffed Peppers. ...
  5. 15 Seriously Filling Salads You Can Meal Prep This Week. ...
  6. Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Sunset Slaw. ...
  7. Sweet and Sour Chickpeas.
Jun 20, 2020

What to make for supper when you don t want to cook? ›

You can fill in with salads or fruit or cooked frozen vegetables to make a somewhat balanced meal.
  1. Pasta with Butter and Parmesan Cheese. ...
  2. Rotisserie Chicken. ...
  3. Embellished Baked Potatoes. ...
  4. French Bread Pizza. ...
  5. Bertolli Frozen Penne Pasta with Chicken. ...
  6. Quesadillas. ...
  7. Fried Rice. ...
  8. Amy's Frozen Cheese Enchiladas.
Jan 29, 2023

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