Some recipes make a great meal, but at what cost? These 35 entrees skip the unnecessary steps and extra dishes, so dinner is done without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone. Whether it’s a skillet meal, a sheet pan dinner, or a simple one-pot fix, each recipe is built for maximum efficiency. Because the only thing worse than a sink full of dishes is the regret of making them in the first place.
Chicken Paprikash
Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and Chicken Paprikash proves it. This dish brings plenty of warmth without requiring every dish in the cupboard. A simple method keeps things moving, so there’s no getting stuck washing five different pans. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or just a no-fuss meal, this one keeps things easy. Big on flavor, light on cleanup—that’s how dinner should be.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
A solid pasta dish doesn’t need a complicated sauce or a million steps. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce keeps things simple with big flavors and minimal cleanup. Everything comes together without extra pots, extra mess, or extra stress. It’s a meal that works for any night of the week without taking over the kitchen. Dinner should be easy, and this one keeps it that way.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Chicken Tinga
There’s no reason dinner needs to take up the whole evening. Chicken Tinga keeps things simple with bold flavors and a no-fuss approach. It’s all about making a meal that feels like a treat without wrecking the kitchen in the process. No endless chopping, no complicated steps—just a straightforward dish that gets the job done. Less time cleaning means more time actually enjoying what’s on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Salmon Gnocchi Bake
Some meals taste like they took hours, but Salmon Gnocchi Bake skips the hassle while keeping all the flavor. It’s a simple way to serve something filling without juggling multiple pots and pans. No unnecessary steps, no extra dishes—just a straightforward meal that works. Everything comes together in one dish, leaving less to scrub and more to enjoy. Because a great dinner doesn’t have to mean a full sink.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Gnocchi Bake
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Takeout is great until you realize how many containers and dishes pile up. Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken delivers the same bold flavors without the extra packaging or cleanup. A simple, all-in-one approach keeps things easy while still hitting every flavor note. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like a guilty pleasure but leaves no mess behind. All the satisfaction, none of the regret.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Oven Baked Ribs
Good ribs don’t have to mean a full day of grilling or a kitchen full of dishes. Oven Baked Ribs bring slow-cooked tenderness without the extra work. The hands-off approach means more time doing literally anything else besides washing up. No messy grill, no complicated prep—just a straightforward way to get a flavorful meal on the table. When dinner is this easy, there’s no reason to wait for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Chicken Stir Fry
Quick, easy, and no pile of dishes? Chicken Stir Fry checks all the right boxes. It’s a one-pan solution that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it perfect for busy nights. No juggling multiple burners, no need for endless prep—just straightforward cooking that works. Less time cleaning means more time actually enjoying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
A creamy, satisfying meal doesn’t have to mean a kitchen disaster. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo brings that restaurant-style comfort without requiring a team to clean up after. It’s a simple way to enjoy a rich, flavorful dish with just one pan to handle. The kind of meal that looks fancy but takes no effort once it’s time to clean. A restaurant-worthy dinner, minus the mess.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Some nights, cooking just isn’t on the agenda. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken takes care of that by doing all the work while you handle everything else. No complicated prep, no endless stirring—just a meal that’s ready when you need it. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving barely any cleanup behind. When dinner practically makes itself, there’s no reason not to enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Pastitsio
A good baked pasta dish doesn’t need to mean every pot and pan gets involved. Pastitsio delivers layers of flavor with just one dish, keeping things simple. No extra prep bowls, no juggling multiple burners—just an easy way to make something satisfying. It’s all about getting the most out of dinner without spending the rest of the night cleaning up. Because a great meal shouldn’t leave you regretting the effort.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio
Vintage Chicken Divan
Classic flavors don’t have to come with old-school kitchen cleanup. Vintage Chicken Divan keeps things simple with an all-in-one approach that skips the mess. No extra dishes, no complicated steps—just a straightforward way to serve up a hearty meal. It’s a go-to option for nights when dinner needs to be easy but still feels homemade. Because the only thing better than a good meal is not having to clean up after it.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan
John Wayne Casserole
Hearty, satisfying, and made in just one dish, John Wayne Casserole is as easy as it gets. No need to hover over multiple pots or juggle extra pans—everything happens in one spot. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without leaving a kitchen full of dirty dishes. Simple steps, big flavors, and zero stress make this a solid go-to. Because dinner should be easy, not an endurance test.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole
Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl
Some meals look impressive but take way too much effort. Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl keeps things simple with a mix of satisfying flavors that don’t require a full kitchen crew. No long prep, no extra dishes, just a meal that works. It’s balanced, filling, and easy to pull off without leaving behind a mess. A great meal should be enjoyed, not regretted once it’s time to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Comfort food is great until you see the pile of dishes it leaves behind. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins bring that home-cooked feel without turning the kitchen into a mess. No need for multiple pots, complicated steps, or extra cleanup—just a simple way to enjoy a classic dish. It’s all about getting the best parts of a homemade meal without the hassle. Because a great dinner shouldn’t come with a side of dishwashing duty.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Shipwreck Casserole
Some meals practically make themselves, and Shipwreck Casserole is one of them. Everything comes together in one dish, which means no extra pots, no extra work, and no extra mess. It’s a reliable, no-fuss way to get dinner on the table without wrecking the kitchen. The only thing left to do afterward is enjoy it—because that’s what dinner is actually about. A full meal with almost no cleanup? That’s always a win.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Fast food flavor doesn’t have to come in a paper bag. Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos deliver the same bold taste without the drive-thru. Everything comes together in just a few simple steps, leaving barely any dishes to clean. No need for extra prep, extra pans, or extra hassle—just a solid meal that works. Because good tacos don’t need to make a mess.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Some sandwiches feel like a full project, but Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak keeps things easy. Everything comes together in one pan, so there’s no need for extra mess. It’s the kind of meal that delivers big flavor without requiring a full cleanup crew. No complicated prep, no unnecessary steps—just a solid, satisfying meal. Because dinner should be good, not exhausting.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Fast-food cravings meet home-cooked convenience with Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. It’s all about getting those bold flavors without the extra mess. No need for multiple pans or unnecessary steps—just a straightforward way to make a satisfying meal. Everything comes together easily, leaving less to clean and more to enjoy. Because a good burrito should be easy, not exhausting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Wild Rice Salad
A solid salad doesn’t need to be complicated. Wild Rice Salad keeps things fresh and satisfying with minimal effort. No excessive chopping, no need for multiple bowls—just a simple dish that works. It’s perfect as a meal or a side without adding to the cleanup list. Because a good salad should be easy to make and even easier to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken
A great grilled meal should be simple, and Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken gets it right. No need for complicated marinades or a mess of dishes—just a straightforward way to bring big flavor. It’s an easy, go-to option that doesn’t require extra work. Cleanup is just as effortless as the cooking, making this an ideal dinner any night of the week. Because great meals don’t need to be high-maintenance.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Some dishes just get the job done, and Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is one of them. Everything bakes in one dish, meaning minimal effort and even less cleanup. It’s a no-fuss way to serve a filling meal without turning dinner into a project. No extra steps, no unnecessary work—just a solid meal that doesn’t leave a disaster behind. When a meal is this easy, it deserves a spot on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Chicken Cacciatore
A good, hearty meal shouldn’t require a full kitchen cleanup. Chicken Cacciatore keeps things simple by sticking to just one pan. No juggling multiple burners, no extra mess—just a meal that works without the hassle. It’s a great way to enjoy bold flavors without regretting it when it’s time to clean up. Because a great meal is one that’s easy from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Side dishes don’t need to be a production, and Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots proves it. No extra pots, no extra mess—just a quick and easy way to round out dinner. Everything comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a simple way to add something satisfying to any meal without extra effort. Because good food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork
Slow-cooked perfection doesn’t have to mean a sink full of dishes. Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork brings big flavor without the kitchen chaos. A low-maintenance approach keeps things easy, letting the cooking do the work. No complicated prep, no extra cleanup—just a meal that delivers without the hassle. Because some of the best meals don’t need extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Some meals handle themselves, and Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs is one of them. Just a few simple steps and the slow cooker does the rest. No standing over the stove, no unnecessary mess—just a meal that works while you do something else. Cleanup is just as easy, making it a perfect option for busy days. Because dinner should be simple, not a second job.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
A solid sandwich doesn’t need a complicated process. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich keeps it simple with big flavor and minimal mess. Everything cooks in one pan, so there’s no pile of dishes waiting at the end. It’s an easy, no-fuss meal that works for any night of the week. Because dinner should be satisfying, not a cleanup marathon.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Mexican Chicken Casserole
Casseroles are the easiest way to get a full meal without the extra mess. Mexican Chicken Casserole does exactly that, bringing big flavor with just one dish. No need for multiple pans, no complicated prep—just a meal that works. It’s perfect for busy nights when dinner needs to be quick but still satisfying. Because one-dish meals make life a whole lot easier.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Casserole
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
A hearty, satisfying meal doesn’t have to take all night. Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers comes together in one pan with zero extra fuss. No messy prep stations, no pile of dishes—just a straightforward way to bring restaurant-style flavor to the table. It’s a great option for when you want something filling but don’t want to spend the evening cleaning up. Because good food should be simple.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl
Some meals feel fancy but take almost no effort. Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl is one of those dishes that comes together quickly without leaving a mess behind. No need for multiple pots or extra cleanup—just a straightforward meal that works. It’s a simple way to enjoy something balanced and satisfying without extra steps. Because great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
A meal that practically makes itself is always a win. Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken delivers bold flavor without any of the extra work. No constant stirring, no sink full of dishes—just a straightforward meal that works. The hands-off approach means more time for everything else and less time spent cleaning. Because great meals don’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Some side dishes steal the show, and Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots is one of them. No multiple pots, no unnecessary mess—just a simple way to bring a little extra to the table. Everything bakes in one dish, so there’s no complicated cleanup. It’s the kind of easy, satisfying food that works with any meal. Because sometimes, the sides are just as important as the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Horiatiki Salad
A fresh, satisfying salad doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. Horiatiki Salad keeps things simple with bold flavors and no extra prep work. No need for a dozen ingredients or multiple mixing bowls—just a straightforward dish that works. It’s great on its own or as a side without adding to the cleanup pile. Because good food should be easy from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
All the flavor of a takeout favorite without the extra packaging. Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl is a simple, satisfying meal with no complicated steps. Everything comes together easily, keeping cleanup to a minimum. No unnecessary prep, no extra mess—just a meal that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. Because a good bowl should be as effortless as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
Turkey Divan
Comfort food doesn’t have to mean a messy kitchen. Turkey Divan is a one-dish meal that brings big flavor without the hassle. No juggling multiple pans, no endless steps—just a straightforward way to make something satisfying. Cleanup is just as easy, making this an ideal choice for busy nights. Because a great meal should be enjoyed, not regretted.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Divan
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
A good steak dinner doesn’t need a full kitchen setup. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter keeps things simple with big flavor and minimal effort. No complicated sides, no unnecessary prep—just a straightforward way to enjoy a classic meal. It’s the kind of dinner that works for any occasion without making a mess. Because sometimes, simple is the best way to go.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter