When the day’s been long and dinner feels like an afterthought, these 17 recipes come to the rescue. They’re the answer to “What’s for dinner?” without requiring hours of prep or a lot of brainpower. Just straightforward dishes that let you reclaim your evening without sacrificing flavor. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be a kitchen hero every night, but these recipes make it look easy.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Weeknights can be hectic, but throwing together a salad should help, not add to the stress. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is a swift lifesaver for a light meal. Crunchy walnuts and the sweet kick of cranberries add a spin to the comforting classic. It’s convenient, especially when you’re aiming for something satisfying without spending ages in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
If you enjoy a bit of nostalgia with dinner, here’s a nostalgic bite. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich takes you back in time with its simple yet flavorful profile. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty but not too heavy. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone at your table reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers
Outdoor cooking enthusiasts, here’s one for your Blackstone griddle. This Blackstone Sausage & Peppers recipe is quick to make and packed with flavor. It’s a reliable go-to when you want something casual yet fulfilling. Gather around the griddle; it’s a great way to turn dinner prep into an impromptu gathering!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Some dishes remind us of eating out even when we’re cooking at dinner. Diner Style Salisbury Steak encapsulates that cozy diner feel in a dish that’s done before you know it. It’s hearty in a way that’s just right for winding down after a long day. A bonus is that cleanup is a breeze, allowing for more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Steak & Pasta Salad
Let’s speak on multifaceted dishes – ones that hit the spot for any occasion. Busy weeknights call for something like Steak & Pasta Salad. It marries richness with the freshness of a salad, and it’s a super way to use up any leftovers. It ticks the box for a well-rounded meal that’s a snap to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Sometimes, a dish comes along that’s a real conversation starter. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka brings a restaurant favorite right into your home with minimal fuss. It’s the type of entrée that feels special without the need for special occasion. It’s here for those moments when you desire a little indulgence on a dime.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
There’s magic in transforming leftovers into a new meal. Leftover Steak Quesadilla does just that, turning last night’s dinner into today’s whirlwind of a dish. It’s casual for a fun movie night yet packs plenty for a fulfilling meal. What’s not to love about a dish that minimizes waste and maximizes flavor in record time?
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala
Even on a low-carb diet, there’s no need to skimp on flavor. Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala answers the call for a creamy, comforting meal that keeps carbs in check. It’s a surefire way to enjoy a classic without straying from your dietary goals. And it’s quick enough to avoid all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Low Carb Chicken Marsala
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Introducing bold flavors to weeknights has never been simpler. Whipping up Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle transforms your outdoor cooking appliance into a Thai street food stall. It’s sizzle, spice, and everything nice, without the need for a passport. This dish is proof positive that adventurous eating doesn’t require endless time.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Who doesn’t love a good restaurant remakes? Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken brings home the flavors of a popular eatery with none of the waiting. It’s ideal when you’re craving something with a bit more flair without the hassle. This recipe will become a go-to for its ease and the joy it brings to the weeknight table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Salmon Pasta Salad
Brighten up your dinner spread with a dish that’s equal parts hearty and fresh. Salmon Pasta Salad is a complement to many sides or splendid all on its own. It serves as a wonderful backdrop for conversations at dinner time. Plus, it’s a foolproof pick when you’re aiming to please a variety of palates with little time to spare.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Everyone yearns for a bit of Italian charm on their dinner plates. Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers delivers that rustic vibe without the need for a reservation. It’s homey, filled with flavor, and whisks you to a trattoria in no time. Perfect for a weeknight when you want warmth from your meal, pronto.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Chinese Chicken Salad
Ever wish you could jet off to an exotic location at a moment’s notice? Chinese Chicken Salad brings an element of global cuisine to your kitchen swiftly. It’s fresh, lively, and a wonderful break from the mundane. You’ll marvel at how quickly a salad can take you away from the day-to-day bustle.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup
Warm yourself up with a bowl of Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. This comforting soup mimics the original favorite, offering a homemade feel without requiring hours by the stove. It’s ideal for chilly evenings when all you want is something soothing. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a cozy meal ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup
Reuben Sliders
Who says quick meals can’t be fun and a bit fancy? Reuben Sliders offer a miniature twist on a beloved sandwich that’s straightforward to make. They’re just right for a small gathering or a simple family meal with a spin. You’ll appreciate the ease of prep as much as the thumbs-up from everyone who tastes them.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Bring the hearty flavors of a steakhouse to your dining table with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. This dish is a savior on days when you crave something hearty yet straightforward. It requires minimal prep and cooks up quickly, making it an ideal choice for a robust weeknight dinner. Fill up your home with the smell of cooked beef and watch everyone hurry to the table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
For a dish that combines convenience with flavor, Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a must-try. Using an air fryer, this meal comes together with little mess and effort but delivers a big taste. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something a bit different from the usual yet still longing for a comforting meal. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, making it all the more appealing for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs