Dinner shouldn’t feel like a chore, and these recipes get that. Forget slaving away for hours — these meals are all about maximum flavor with minimum effort. Whether you’re just too busy or flat-out can’t be bothered, these dishes make it ridiculously easy to whip up something that tastes way better than it should. You’ll be amazed at how little work it takes to create a dinner that feels like you actually tried.

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

Blackened mahi mahi over white rice.
Blackened Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blackened mahi mahi comes together in minutes with a simple homemade seasoning and a quick broil. It’s a great dinner option when you want something both quick and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf is easy to make, tender, and juicy, with a sweet and tangy glaze that coats each slice perfectly. It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel special without all the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans are cooked together on one sheet pan. This is a dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples are roasted together on a single sheet pan. It’s an easy, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for hectic weeknights when you need something simple but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These steak and shrimp fajitas are the easiest way to enjoy surf and turf at home. Simply season, bake, and enjoy—all in under 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip the takeout and make this honey garlic chicken right at home in your slow cooker. With a sticky-sweet sauce and chunks of pineapple, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas are packed with melted cheddar and topped with a creamy BBQ sauce. It’s a simple meatless dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor and can be made in no time.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lightened-up spaghetti alfredo with broccoli is creamy and cheesy while being a bit healthier than the original. It’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly and is perfect for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, these air fryer salmon bites cook to tender perfection. They’re served with a flavorful dipping sauce, making this a quick, tasty dinner for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thinly sliced shaved beef is ideal for a quick stir-fry dinner that you can whip up in minutes. Paired with broccoli and a crave-worthy sauce, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This easy bucatini pasta recipe with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights when you want dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 20-minute, one-pan dinner featuring garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, and red peppers. This meal is packed with flavor and perfect for nights when you need something quick and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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

This southwestern-inspired ground beef and sweet potato skillet is an easy, one-pan meal that’s great for dinner and even better for meal prepping. The leftovers are just as good, making it a practical choice for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef pasta recipe can be made in under 30 minutes with any pasta you have on hand. It’s a quick dinner option that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef stir fry recipe is made in one pan with a mix of fresh vegetables. It features a garlic ginger sauce that’s both quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick and easy stir fry using ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms in a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for dinner when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These baked pretzel-crusted pork chops are served with a simple maple dijon sauce. It’s a crunchy, flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with lean protein.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cabbage come together in this easy skillet dinner that’s loosely inspired by an Asian stir fry. With aromatic spices and a light savory sauce, this 30-minute meal is perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple, classic Italian dish made with just five ingredients. The creamy pasta uses Pecorino Romano cheese and starchy pasta water to create a rich, satisfying meal that’s easy to make any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pecan-crusted chicken served with a honey dijon yogurt sauce makes for a crunchy, flavorful dinner. This easy weeknight meal is one that everyone will ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This tangy, bright cod piccata is a seafood take on the classic piccata recipe. Dredged in almond flour and pan-fried, the cod is finished with capers, lemon juice, and shallots, making it a flavorful and easy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

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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