15 Great Meals Without The Stress

Without the stress, great meals feel a lot more doable. These recipes are all about keeping things simple while still making food you’re excited to eat. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something special for the weekend, you’ll find plenty of options that come together easily and taste great. With the right recipes, you can save time and still enjoy something homemade. These ideas are perfect for anyone looking to skip the hassle and focus on what matters—great flavors and time well spent.

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.

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These Cast Iron Skillet Burgers are incredibly easy to prepare and full of flavor. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a simple recipe that guarantees satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Grilled chicken flatbread pizzas on a marble countertop. — BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a quick and tasty option for busy weeknights. Whether you use leftover chicken or cook it fresh, this easy recipe is always a family favorite. Enjoy a flavorful meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Tomato Basil Soup

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

This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is an easy recipe that bursts with fresh summer flavors. It’s an ideal choice for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, and it comes together in no time. Enjoy a no-stress meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Soup

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.

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner is simple and easy, packed with savory flavors. It’s ready in a flash, making it perfect for those hectic evenings. A no-stress meal that the entire family will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

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 Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders are a simple and satisfying option. Juicy chicken served on Hawaiian rolls with coleslaw makes for an easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a no-fuss meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

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

Your family will adore this creamy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. It’s comforting, easy to make, and consistently a crowd-pleaser. Serve it up for a hassle-free dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Meatball Pasta Bake

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

Simplify dinner with this Meatball Pasta Bake. Just combine the ingredients in a pan and bake for a cheesy, flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy. It’s an easy recipe that brings everyone together at the table.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Quick Skillet Pizza

Margherita pizza on a white cutting board. — Quick Skillet Pizza. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Quick Skillet Pizza is perfect for a weekday dinner, and it’s incredibly easy to make. With a beer dough base and your favorite toppings, it ensures a no-fail pizza night. Enjoy a delightful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Quick Skillet Pizza

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 a breeze to prepare. Juicy and zesty, it’s an ideal choice for a family dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy a flavorful meal with no stress involved.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

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.

Experience hassle-free cooking with these Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops. Cooked in a creamy mushroom and onion gravy, this easy recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Uncover the secret to a delicious black pepper chicken with this easy recipe. You’ll be making a classic Chinese dish in no time, perfect for a family dinner. Enjoy a flavorful meal that requires little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

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.

Sheet pan meals are great for busy weeknights, and this easy baked salmon is no exception! Glazed with a sesame soy maple sauce and roasted with your favorite veggies, it’s a flavorful and stress-free dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Salmon with Veggies

Italian Drunken Noodles

This 30-minute Italian Drunken Noodles dish is both quick and delicious. Made with pappardelle pasta, fresh veggies, herbs, wine, and spicy sausage, it’s an easy recipe that will impress the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Italian Drunken Noodles

Pasta al Forno

A white casserole with a baked pasta recipe. — Pasta al Forno. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This meaty, cheesy Pasta al Forno is perfect for a midweek dinner that everyone will enjoy. It’s super-easy to prepare and the flavors are fantastic. Serve this family favorite for a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Pasta al Forno

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.

Crispy and tender, these Cast Iron Chicken Thighs are ready in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that the family will appreciate. Enjoy this easy recipe on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs