• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Air Fryer Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Weeknight Dinners

    21 Stupid Simple Dinner Recipes That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals

    Published: Sep 8, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

    • Facebook
    • Email

    Weeknight dinners can often feel like a chore, but they don't have to be complicated. Here are 21 easy recipes that will make your evenings stress-free and delicious. With simple ingredients and quick prep times, these meals will help you enjoy more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal. It's a rich and hearty pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors, but you can whip it up quickly using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe lets you enjoy a comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Pasta with Corn and Basil

    Bacon pasta with corn and basil.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This bacon pasta dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It's packed with creamy corn, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes, all mixed together in a simple white wine cream sauce. Crispy, pan-fried bacon adds a delicious crunch on top, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    Creamy tomato basil chicken is full of flavor and uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together easily. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. The slow cooking brings out the best in the ingredients, making a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Black Bean Soup

    A bowl of vegan black bean soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This soup is packed with beans and vegetables, making it a filling meal for everyone. The flavors are reminiscent of classic Mexican dishes, bringing a sense of comfort to the table. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner that you can whip up in just over an hour. It's creamy with a hint of spice, offering a warm and satisfying meal. This soup is just what you need to feel comforted after a long day.

    Get the recipe

    Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole

    Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This dish is a satisfying mix of hamburger flavors, green beans, and your choice of potatoes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can prepare it in advance to make mealtime even easier.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

    Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup.
    Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

    This creamy vegetarian soup is perfect for a cozy night in. It features cheese tortellini, canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spinach, all simmered together for a warm and satisfying dish. Top it off with some parmesan cheese and enjoy it with crusty bread for a filling meal on chilly evenings.

    Get the Recipe

    Thai Salmon Curry

    A bowl of thai salmon curry with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai Salmon Curry brings rich and authentic flavors right to your table in no time. With pan-seared salmon swimming in a creamy coconut milk sauce, it's a comforting dish that's ready in just 30 minutes. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stew

    A bowl of salmon stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Salmon Stew is a warm and satisfying dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Using simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. This stew is a great way to enjoy fish and will likely become a favorite in your home.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a comforting mix of creamy steak and mushroom pasta baked into a cheesy casserole. It's a cozy yet classy dinner that you can whip up in just 45 minutes. Using an oven-safe skillet means you can prepare everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Korean Beef Bowls

    Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
    Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

    This Korean ground beef bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It features ground beef cooked in a delicious sweet and savory sauce, making it both tasty and easy on the wallet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It combines two delicious cheeses, with a nice kick from Gorgonzola, and adds a satisfying crunch from walnuts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a simple and quick meal option for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili is a simple and hearty dish that you can throw together with minimal effort. It uses healthy ingredients and cooks in the crock pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This meal is satisfying and full of flavor, ideal for when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders are a tasty choice that combines the zesty flavor of barbecue chicken with the ease of using a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, these sliders are simple to prepare and satisfying to eat. They offer a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken
    Photo credit: Always use butter

    Sundried Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce is rich with flavors from crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a mix of dried herbs. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Burritos

    Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burrito Filling.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chicken burrito filling combines fresh veggies, salsa, Tex-Mex spices, and quick-cooking rice. It's simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a hit for everyone at the table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both satisfying and easy to whip up.

    Get the Recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese combine to create this super-tasty dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, perfect for a tasty dinner on any weeknight. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's an easy dish that you'll want to add to your regular rotation.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in just 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. This dish combines tender, garlic-flavored chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, all smothered in melted cheese and a delicious green chile sauce. Whether you want to make everything from scratch or take a shortcut, it's a flexible recipe that fits perfectly into any busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    More Weeknight Dinners

    • Air fryer kielbasa and potatoes.
      19 Cozy Dinners That Come Together in Just 15 Minutes
    • Baked lamb chops with veggies.
      22 Weeknight Dinners Your Family Will Actually Get Excited About
    • Spicy sausage pasta.
      50 Insanely Good Recipes for Busy Weeknights
    • Cottage pie.
      23 Kid-Approved Beef Dinners Made for the Chilly Months
    • Facebook
    • Email

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • Chicken and rice soup.
      22 Revolutionary Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners
    • Cauliflower beef taco skillet.
      17 Quick and Elegant Ground Beef Meals You Need to Try
    • Chicken adobo.
      23 Deliciously Simple Crockpot Meals for Stress-Free Cooking
    • Crockpot lasagna.
      14 Crockpot Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    Latest Articles

    • Steak tacos or fajitas.
      20 Simple Steak Dinners You Can Start Right Now
    • Mac and cheese.
      26 Rich Pasta Recipes Perfect for This Week's Menu
    • Vegan gnocchi soup.
      28 Dump-and-Cook Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love
    • Fajita casserole.
      22 Hearty Toss-and-Bake Meals You Can Make Real Quick

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • [email protected]
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden

    Copyright © 2026 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB