17 Easy Dinners That Never Let You Down

17 Easy Dinners That Never Let You Down

Tired of the dinner dance, trying to figure out what to cook after a long day? We’ve got you covered with a list of go-to recipes that won’t let you down. From one-pan wonders to slow cooker favorites, these dishes are all about making your life easier.

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Vegetable Bean Skillet

A skillet filled with beans and vegetables.A skillet filled with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This veggie-packed skillet is as nutritious as it is easy to make. With two types of beans for protein, it’s a great choice for a no-fuss meatless meal that still feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Chicken and sweet potatoes with pecans on a plate.Chicken and sweet potatoes with pecans on a plate.
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Throw chicken and sweet potatoes on a pan, and you’ve got dinner without the drama. It’s straightforward, delicious, and perfect for when you’re after something good with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef sweet potato skillet.Ground beef sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A skillet that mixes flavors perfectly, this meal is easy to toss together and even easier to love. It’s great for meal prep or for those nights when you need a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas with spinach and cheese.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For those nights you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours cooking, these quesadillas come to the rescue. Packed with beans and kale, they’re a tasty twist on the classic that’s both easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Two bowls of pasta with tomatoes and basil.Two bowls of pasta with tomatoes and basil.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick, fresh, and full of flavor, this pasta is a no-brainer for a busy night. It’s the perfect pick for when you want something light yet fulfilling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef in a skillet with tortilla chips.Mexican ground beef in a skillet with tortilla chips.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spice up dinner with this one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great shortcut to flavorful, fuss-free eating, perfect for a weeknight fiesta without the long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A skillet full of vegetables and beef on a wooden table.A skillet full of vegetables and beef on a wooden table.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stir fry that’s as simple as it is good. With fresh veggies and a homemade sauce, this one-pan wonder is the answer to your what’s-for-dinner woes, blending speed with flavor seamlessly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry with rice and chopsticks.Beef and broccoli stir fry with rice and chopsticks.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick and loaded with flavor, this stir fry gets dinner on the table in minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something fast but don’t want to compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Garlic Shrimp Bucatini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pasta dish is a game-changer for weeknights. With garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes, it’s a straightforward way to bring a bit of indulgence to your dinner table without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A bowl of beef and cabbage stir fry.A bowl of beef and cabbage stir fry.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mix it up with this skillet, where beef and cabbage come together in a surprisingly easy, flavorful way. It’s a great choice for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Bomb Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf is a knockout, easy to whip up with a glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of dinner that comes through when you need a hit without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Red cabbage and pork chops with potatoes in a baking pan.Red cabbage and pork chops with potatoes in a baking pan.
Sheet Pan Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With everything on one pan, this pork chop meal is a lifesaver on busy evenings. You get your veggies and protein all at once, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the perfect solution for a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Two fajitas with shrimp and peppers on a plate.Two fajitas with shrimp and peppers on a plate.
Steak and Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fajitas without the fuss, this steak and shrimp combo cooks up on one pan in less than 20 minutes. It’s the perfect way to do surf and turf at home, easily and without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pasta in a white bowl on a striped towel.Pasta in a white bowl on a striped towel.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simplicity at its best, this pasta dish uses just a few ingredients for a meal that’s effortlessly luxurious. It’s a great go-to for a comforting dinner that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Burger Bowls

Two burger bowls of salad with lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.Two burger bowls of salad with lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.
Burger Bowl. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Think of your favorite burger, but better for you and just as easy to put together. These burger bowls are a great go-to for a filling meal without the usual prep time.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Pasta with meat and tomatoes in a white dish with a wooden spoon.Pasta with meat and tomatoes in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef pasta is your answer to a quick, hearty meal that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s a fantastic way to whip up dinner on the fly, proving that fast can still be fantastic.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A bowl of asian chicken and rice with chopsticks.A bowl of asian chicken and rice with chopsticks.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget takeout, this honey garlic chicken is the real deal and it practically makes itself in the slow cooker. With a sauce that beats any restaurant, it’s a great pick for a hands-off dinner that delivers big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken


Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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