24 Favorites That Prove Dinnertime Can Be Simple

Favorite recipes make dinner time easy, and that’s exactly what these are. No stress, no overcomplicated steps—just easy, great meals that come together without a hassle. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed evening, these recipes keep things simple while still hitting the spot. Good food doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. With the right recipes, you get great flavors without all the extra work. If you’re looking for dinner ideas that make life easier (and taste great), you’re in the right place.

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

A skillet filled with beef, rice and vegetables. — Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner is a favorite because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Ground beef, rice, and peppers are cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Dinnertime shouldn’t be complicated, and this recipe proves it!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

A cheeseburger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion on a wood board. — Cast Iron Skillet Burgers. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Cast Iron Skillet Burgers are juicy, cheesy, and easy to make at home. You get all the flavors you love without the hassle of takeout. When you want a simple dinner, this burger recipe is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

Tomato Basil Soup

Two bowls of soup with sour cream on top. — Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This easy-to-make Tomato Basil Soup is fresh and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick, cozy dinner. When you want something simple, this soup hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Soup

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Pork chop topped with onion gravy on a white plate. — Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops are the definition of easy cooking. They simmer in a rich mushroom and onion gravy while you go about your day. Dinnertime shouldn’t be complicated, and this recipe keeps things simple.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown and hamburger casserole in white pan. — Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and easy to make. It’s a family favorite that comes together without much fuss. Simple dinners like this make mealtime better.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta. — Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Meatball Pasta Bake makes dinner easy—just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without the extra work. Easy recipes like this keep dinnertime stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

Roasted chicken seasoned with herbs in a cast iron skillet, with lemon slices in the background. — Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken is easy to make and full of flavor. The zesty seasoning brings out the juicy goodness in every bite. When dinnertime shouldn’t be complicated, this recipe delivers.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

Chicken and Biscuits Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy sauce, with a wooden spoon resting inside. — Chicken and Biscuits Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Chicken and Biscuits Casserole is hearty, comforting, and easy to make. It’s a one-dish dinner that comes together fast, perfect for busy nights. Simple recipes like this are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits Casserole

BBQ Chicken Sliders

A wooden plate holds six sliders filled with shredded chicken and coleslaw, arranged neatly on a surface. — BBQ Chicken Sliders. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are easy to make and loaded with flavor. Juicy chicken on sweet rolls makes for a no-fuss dinner. When you want something simple, these sliders get the job done.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders

Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker. — Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Slow Cooker Pork Loin is as easy as it gets—just toss it in and let it cook. The result is tender, juicy meat that’s full of flavor. Simple dinners like this are always a win.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A skillet with vegetables and chicken in it. — Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This Chicken Stir Fry is easy to make and loaded with fresh veggies. It’s a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. When you want a simple, healthy meal, this recipe is a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Four stuffed peppers with melted cheese on top sitting in a white oval baking dish. — Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

These Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers are quick, easy to make, and full of flavor. Ground turkey and veggies cook to perfection in just 25 minutes. It’s the perfect no-fuss dinner for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Tortellini alla Panna

A bowl of creamy tortellini. — Tortellini alla Panna. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Tortellini alla Panna is a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s easy to make. It’s a simple dinner that feels a little fancy without the extra work. When you want comfort food fast, this recipe is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini alla Panna

Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

A plate of pasta with shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, and a garnish of fresh herbs. A skillet with more pasta and additional tomatoes and asparagus can be seen in the background. — Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta is easy to make and full of fresh flavors. Juicy shrimp and tomatoes are cooked in a creamy garlic sauce for a simple dinner. It’s the perfect quick meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

Italian Meatloaf

A meatloaf with a red sauce in a casserole dish. — Italian Meatloaf. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Italian Meatloaf is cheesy, saucy, and easy to make. It’s like a giant meatball that’s perfect for a simple dinner. When you want a big flavor without the fuss, this recipe delivers.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf

Air Fryer Mexican Casserole

Casserole dish with tortilla cihps on top, with sour cream, and bright and colorful toppings. — Air Fryer Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Fork To Spoon.

This Air Fryer Mexican Casserole is easy to make and packed with bold flavors. It’s a one-pot meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. Simple dinners like this make weeknights a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mexican Casserole

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Three cooked chicken thighs with crispy skin in a black cast-iron skillet on a marble surface. — Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Cast Iron Chicken Thighs are easy to make and full of savory goodness. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they’re a simple dinner favorite. When you want bold flavors without the hassle, this recipe delivers.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple, flavorful side dish. It’s easy to make and perfect for rounding out any meal. No complicated steps—just classic, comforting goodness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

A picture of Alice Springs chicken on white plate. — Copycat Alice Springs Chicken. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This Copycat Alice Springs Chicken is easy to make and loaded with flavor. Juicy chicken with a savory mustard sauce, bacon, and cheese is a dinnertime favorite. Who needs takeout when simple recipes like this taste so good?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken

This Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken is quick, easy to make, and full of fresh flavors. The lemon-dill sauce takes juicy chicken to the next level. When you want a simple, flavorful dinner, this recipe delivers.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is easy to make and tastes just like the classic. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a tasty glaze. Simple recipes like this bring comfort to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Pineapple Glazed Ham

A ham cooked with pineapple and cherries on the outside. — Pineapple Glazed Ham. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Pineapple Glazed Ham is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Sweet and savory flavors come together in a simple recipe that’s always a hit. When dinnertime shouldn’t be complicated, this ham fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Glazed Ham

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are easy to make and packed with smoky flavor. The chicken comes out tender and juicy every time. Simple, no-fuss recipes like this make dinner a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Maple Glazed Salmon with Veggies

A baked salmon filet sitting on top of roasted asparagus, red peppers, and brown rice on a white plate. — Maple Glazed Salmon with Veggies. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This Maple Glazed Salmon is an easy sheet pan dinner that’s packed with flavor. A sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with roasted veggies. Dinnertime shouldn’t be complicated, and this meal proves it.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Salmon with Veggies