When Nothing but a Great Meal Will Do, Try 15 Easy Dinner Recipes

Some nights call for something fast, but that doesn’t mean it has to be plain or forgettable. A lineup of 15 simple yet flavorful meals makes dinner planning effortless. Whether it’s comfort food or a fresh twist on a favorite, these recipes get the job done without extra hassle. Everyone at the table gets a meal they’ll enjoy, and there’s no long prep involved. The best part? Less time cooking means more time relaxing.

Close-up of a stir-fry dish with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and sesame seeds, coated in a soy-based sauce. — Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top. — Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re craving something easy yet comforting, Ravioli Casserole is your solution. It’s like a lasagna, but with ravioli instead of noodles, making it quicker and just as delicious. This dish layers ravioli with melted cheese and tasty sauce, turning it into the perfect meal when you’re short on time but still want something hearty. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike and is always ready to go in less than an hour.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Beef Bourguignon

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes. — Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A classic French dish, Beef Bourguignon is rich, tender, and full of flavor. This slow-cooked beef dish brings together hearty vegetables and a robust wine-based sauce that you’ll want to taste with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. You can serve it over mashed potatoes or crusty bread for an extra layer of comfort. If you want a meal that impresses without too much effort, this one will definitely do the trick.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Hamburger Casserole

When you’re looking for a quick dinner that everyone can enjoy, Hamburger Casserole is a no-brainer. It combines all the flavors you love in a hamburger, minus the bun, making it a great low-carb option. This casserole is loaded with beef, cheese, and a comforting sauce that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s easy to throw together and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for busy families. You’ll be surprised by how simple and delicious it is.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken takes chicken to the next level with a crispy, cheesy crust. It’s cooked on a single sheet pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. The golden, crispy coating seals in the juiciness of the chicken, making each bite perfect. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that’s great for busy nights when you want something healthy but packed with flavor. You can even toss in some veggies on the pan for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Kimchi Stew

For something a little different, Kimchi Stew brings a unique, spicy kick to your dinner table. This flavorful Korean dish combines fermented kimchi with a rich broth to create a comforting yet bold meal. It’s packed with vegetables and can be made as spicy or mild as you prefer. If you’re into trying new flavors or want something to warm you up, this stew is a great choice. It’s a quick fix that delivers deep, gratifying flavors without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves. — Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cheese Ravioli is a simple yet fulfilling dish that’s perfect for any night. The tender pasta is stuffed with rich cheese, and when you add a sauce, you have a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s easy to prepare and works well as a main dish or a side. This dish is all about gratifying your craving for something hearty, cheesy, and comforting. You can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Roast Beef

With its tender, juicy meat and tasty flavors, this dish is a great option for special occasions or just a nice weeknight meal. Roast Beef is a classic dinner choice that never goes out of style. This meal can be served with roasted vegetables or potatoes, and it’s an easy way to make something that feels like a real treat. If you want a meal that everyone will love, you can’t go wrong with a beautifully roasted piece of beef.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley. — Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For something with a little heat, Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta delivers bold flavors in every bite. The smoky chipotle adds a rich depth to the sauce, while the chicken and pasta provide a hearty base. It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly, making it a great choice when you’re pressed for time but still want something exciting. If you love a bit of spice, this dish will hit the spot. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese. — Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This one-pot meal is quick to make and easy to customize based on what you have in the pantry. Taco Soup is a great go-to when you want something warm and comforting. It combines all the flavors of tacos in a hearty soup form, making it perfect for colder nights or when you want something filling.It’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Serve it with tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream to make it even more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Roasted chicken thigh with herbs, served on a bed of roasted vegetables. — Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is a sweet and tasty option that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Roasted chicken with a hint of maple syrup creates a juicy, tender dish that’s both easy and impressive. Plus, everything cooks on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. You can toss in vegetables to roast along with the chicken for a complete meal. It’s an excellent choice when you want something that feels like a treat without all the effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden. — Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re a fan of Italian flavors, Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara brings the restaurant experience straight to your home. Creamy and rich, this dish uses ravioli as the base and is covered in a velvety carbonara sauce. It’s indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. With the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and tasty flavors, it’s a comfort meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce. — Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Easy Bibimbap is a great way to get a filling, flavorful meal on the table in no time. This Korean dish is packed with rice, vegetables, and tasty meat, all topped with a fried egg. The sauce adds a bit of heat and depth to bring everything together. It’s a balanced meal that’s quick to assemble and a fun way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one bowl. It’s perfect for when you want something healthy, filling, and gratifying, without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Chicken Tamale Pie

This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to serve and doesn’t require too much prep work. Chicken Tamale Pie brings the flavors of tamales together in a convenient, casserole-style dish. The base is made from cornmeal, and it’s topped with seasoned chicken and cheese, making it a hearty and delicious meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, it’s a great meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Taco Casserole

Taco Casserole is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings together everything you love about tacos. With layers of seasoned meat, cheese, and a crispy topping, it’s a dish that’s easy to assemble and bake. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, from sour cream to salsa, to make it your own. This casserole makes taco night even easier and is great for busy evenings. It’s always a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s easy to prep in advance.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

If you’re looking for something quick and healthy, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a great option. This simple stir fry combines juicy chicken with crunchy broccoli, all coated in a tasty sauce. It’s a balanced meal that’s light yet filling and comes together in just a few minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this dish offers a tasty alternative to heavier meals. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants something quick, healthy, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry