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Can’t Handle Complicated? 17 Meals That Keep It Simple, Silly

If you can’t handle complicated recipes, these 17 meals are perfect for you. They keep it simple, silly, with easy-to-follow steps and minimal ingredients, making cooking a breeze. Each dish is designed to be fuss-free while still delivering great taste, perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something quick and delicious. You’ll find yourself whipping up these meals with ease and enjoying the satisfying results without the stress. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to simple, tasty meals!

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fire up the grill and get ready for Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter to liven up your dinner. It’s just a matter of some good seasoning and that mouth-watering butter melting right on top. No need to dress up and hit a steakhouse when you can create magic right in your backyard. And don’t worry, this kind of fancy doesn’t mean fiddly – it’s as honest and down-to-earth as it gets. Steak night just got a whole lot easier and a whole lot better.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget spending hours in the kitchen – with Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, you get elegance without the effort. Pop them in the air fryer, and you’re on your way to a delicious main dish. It’s as tender and tasty inside as it is crisp outside. This meal is a solid choice when you want to impress without the pressure. Just simple ingredients and a few steps, you’ll have a dish that’s all comfort with none of the complexity.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re short on time but craving something from the sea, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is spot on. Just toss them on the grill, and you’ll have a savory, no-nonsense meal before you know it. It’s the kind of dish that brings you coastal flavors without any complicated steps. Plus, it’s healthy and quick, making it ideal for those busy evenings. You’ll appreciate how it adds variety to your dinner lineup without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dig into a hearty Beefy John Wayne Casserole without diving into a pile of dishes afterwards. It’s beef, cheese, and a biscuit-y topping that’ll fill you up and keep things undeniably easy. This is the kind of casserole that makes you glad for simple recipes with big flavors. It’s great for when the crew’s coming over, or just when you want leftovers that’ll make you happy all week. Get ready to serve up some comfort that doesn’t overcomplicate your life.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s talk about throwing together an easy, satisfying dinner – Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe does just that. A single skillet, and you’re combining hearty flavors with the nutrients of greens. Who said quick dinners can’t be filling and flavorful? This dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, and you smiling because it was a breeze to make. Get ready for your weeknight dinners to level up with zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With Chicken Piccata, you’re dishing out something special without locking yourself away in the kitchen. This meal brings flavor to your dinner table with its punchy caper sauce. It’s a straightforward task, creating a blend of tangy and tasty that works any night of the week. No need to dress up or sweat over the stove – this dish keeps the ‘fancy’ to your plate, not your prep time. And yes, it goes great with nearly everything.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A swift mix of pasta, seafood, and fresh veggies, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is simplicity done right. It’s all about minimal effort for a mix of tastes that scream summertime. Quick to put together and a hit for any meal, this salad is a favorite when time is not on your side. It won’t tie you up in the kitchen, making it perfect for those who’d rather eat than cook. Plus, it’s light on the belly but full on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re after a meal that’s simple yet feels a bit fancy, Roast Pork with Apples should be on your list. With just a few ingredients and a hot oven, you’re well on your way to a dinner that’s both sweet and savory. It won’t have you checking a recipe every two minutes, either. This is the dish you want when you’re looking to impress, minus the kitchen stress. And that combo of pork and apples? Always a winner.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Use up that leftover turkey in a dish that’s as straightforward as it is delicious – Turkey à la King. It’s just a few steps to a creamy, comforting meal that’ll warm you through and through. Serve it over whatever’s handy – pasta, rice, or toast – and you’ve got a dinner that solves problems, doesn’t create them. It’s also a great way to make that holiday turkey stretch a bit further. So keep things easy and tasty, just like your evenings should be.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those nights when even setting the table feels like a chore, Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is a lifesaver. Just throw it all on one pan and let the oven do its thing. You’ve got chicken, you’ve got herbs, and a lemon kick to keep things interesting. It’s fuss-free from start to finish – including clean-up. So relax, reach for the pantry, and know dinner’s going to be all sorts of tasty without the drama.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want bold flavors without a ton of work, whip up some Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. It brings the heat and the heartiness, all while keeping things simple on the stove. Serve it up in tacos, burritos, or just by itself for a meal that delivers without the hassle. You’ll wonder why you ever thought flavor this good had to be hard to make. It’s all about spice, ease, and everything nice.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Fancy something a bit indulgent without the big time investment? Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka makes gourmet possible in your own kitchen. It’s a rich, tomato vodka sauce that clings to every tube of rigatoni, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Perfect for date night, or any night you want to dial up the dish but not the difficulty. Who says you can’t do special without doing complicated?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Got a picnic coming up? Pizza Pasta Salad will be your go-to, turning a classic dish into a picnic-worthy star. It’s pasta tossed up with all the pizza toppings you love, no oven needed. It’s easy to make a big bowl to share or just save some for your own lunches during the week. And the best part? It’s as tasty as it is hassle-free, making it the perfect easy meal for any outdoor event.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Dreaming of creamy pasta? Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo brings the restaurant experience to your table with minimal fuss. Just a pot for the pasta, a pan for the sauce, and you’re all set for a creamy treat. No need for reservations or dress codes – you’ve got this dish covered. Just a few ingredients, and you’ll be dishing up comfort by the forkful.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Treat yourself with Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp without the drive-thru. It’s a sweet and crunchy hit that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. You’ll nail that takeout taste, and your kitchen will smell amazing. Who knew creating a restaurant favorite could be this easy? Dig in, get that honey goodness going, and watch everyone come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Got some steak left over from last night? Turn it into a Leftover Steak Quesadilla and keep things interesting. Just chop it up, toss it in with cheese between tortillas, and grill to golden perfection. It’s resourceful, it’s cheesy, and it brings yesterday’s dinner back to life in the best way. Next time you think leftovers are boring, remember this easy, cheesy fix.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Craving something different but don’t want a full-on kitchen project? Try Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. They might sound posh, but they’re actually pretty straightforward to prepare. Mix, form, fry, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels fancy but is actually just plain fun. And with a crispy shallot twist, you’ll have a meal that’s both new and comforting – and all yours.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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