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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    26 Easy 5-Star Recipes That Will Save Your Dinners

    Published: Nov 21, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    These 26 easy 5-star recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Each recipe is simple to follow and packed with flavor, making dinner a breeze. From hearty mains to satisfying sides, these dishes will impress your family and friends.

    French Potato Salad

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This potato salad is a tasty and easy dish that leaves out mayo, eggs, and dairy. It uses a classic French-style dressing with Dijon mustard to create a creamy texture. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone wanting a vegan and gluten-free side.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzla mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This mac and cheese is super cheesy and can be prepared in just one dish, so there's no need for any pre-cooking. Just mix all the ingredients together, pop it in the oven, and you'll have a cozy meal filled with mozzarella and gorgonzola. It's a simple and satisfying option for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Rice

    Creamy rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy rice turns a basic ingredient into something really special. The combination of butter and chicken stock adds a rich flavor that makes it a standout side dish. This is a great addition to any dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends.

    Get the recipe

    The Best Buffalo Cauliflower

    Buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Spicy and crispy buffalo cauliflower bites are a delicious vegetarian choice that everyone can enjoy, even meat lovers. They come together quickly in just 10 minutes and are perfect for dipping in blue cheese sauce or tossing into tacos and pizza.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken thighs and broccoli come together in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger paste. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and is a great option for busy nights. It's a satisfying dish that brings together delicious ingredients without requiring a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken

    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken thighs get a tasty boost from a simple homemade jerk seasoning. This dish adds some excitement to your dinner routine without requiring a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Cranberry chicken is a straightforward dish that combines just four ingredients: chicken breasts, French onion soup mix, French onion dressing, and cranberry sauce. It's a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious dinner with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a favorite for everyone, whether you're cooking for kids or food enthusiasts. Packed with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these delicious wraps are quick to make and only take about 20 minutes. They're easy to put together and perfect for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Shrimp

    Buffalo shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo shrimp is a quick and tasty appetizer that you can prepare in less than 10 minutes. With only a few ingredients, it's a healthy choice that you'll find yourself making again and again.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole combines all the tasty elements of tacos into one simple meal. With ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese, it's a great choice for a potluck or a quick dinner during the week.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Potatoes with Lemon & Feta Cheese

    Greek potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Lemon and feta cheese go really well together, bringing a fresh and zesty flavor to your meals. This combo is easy to work with and can really enhance your dishes, making them feel special without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish puts a fun spin on the classic Mississippi Pot Roast by using chicken instead. It combines ranch seasoning, gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter to create a flavorful meal. The chicken turns out tangy and delicious, especially when served over a bed of plain white rice.

    Get the Recipe

    Buffalo Dipping Sauce

    Buffalo Dipping Sauce.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This easy sauce is great for satisfying your buffalo cravings and can be made in just 2 minutes with only 2 ingredients. It's creamy and spicy with a nice tang, making it perfect for dipping a variety of snacks.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

    Air fryer hasselback potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes offer a simple twist on the traditional Swedish side dish, and they come together in just 30 minutes. With a delicious topping of garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, these potatoes are sure to become a go-to favorite for your meals.

    Get the recipe

    Smashed Potatoes

    Smashed potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smashed Potatoes are a fantastic addition to any dinner. They are easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, resulting in a crispy and cheesy side that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish brings together chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and spinach with pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce. It's a great option for family dinners or when you have friends over. Once you try it, you'll probably want to add it to your regular meal lineup.

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoked salmon is a quick and delicious option that you can prepare in just a few minutes. It adds a nice touch to your meals, making them feel a bit more special. This is a great choice when you want something easy yet impressive.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Ranch Sandwich

    A buffalo chicken ranch sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo chicken ranch sandwiches are a quick and delicious meal that you can have on the table in just 30 minutes. Using simple ingredients, this dish brings together a nice kick of spice with creamy ranch flavor. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker recipe brings the flavors of Tuscany straight to your kitchen. It's a straightforward way to enjoy a cozy meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish allows you to savor a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Spicy sausage combined with pasta and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese creates a tasty meal. This dish is easy to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a satisfying choice for dinner that doesn't require much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    Lamb meatballs are easy to make and full of fresh lemon and cilantro flavor. They go great with creamy mashed potatoes, can be served as a delicious appetizer, or enjoyed at a buffet. This dish has been a favorite in my kitchen for years.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew is a hearty dish that combines tender meat with flavorful vegetables. The hint of smokiness adds a nice touch, making it a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. This stew is perfect for cozy dinners and is sure to be a hit with your family.

    Get the Recipe

    Salmon Risotto with Leeks & Lemon

    Salmon Ristotto with Leeks & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    Salmon Risotto is a quick dish that you can whip up in under 40 minutes, and it doesn't require you to stir it constantly. The fresh flavors of lemon, leeks, and parsley come together to create a simple yet classy meal. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or just a regular weeknight when you want something special without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Duck With Orange Sauce

    Duck Breasts with Orange Sauce
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Duck breasts with orange sauce are a fantastic choice for dinner that's easy to prepare yet feels special. The combination of the sweet and tangy sauce with the duck creates a delicious meal that you'll find yourself wanting to make over and over.

    Get the recipe

    Puff Pastry Pizza with Blue Cheese & Apples

    Puff Pastry Pizza with Blue Cheese & Apples.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Puff Pastry Pizza is an easy and delicious choice for pizza night, combining salty, savory, and a hint of sweetness. With toppings like mild blue cheese, fresh red apples, green asparagus, and crunchy kale chips, it's perfect for dinner, a snack, or even as an appetizer. This dish brings together a variety of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    brussel sprouts with bacon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Brussels sprouts are a quick and tasty side dish that can be ready in just 20 minutes. They offer a great mix of salty, crunchy, and sweet flavors, with a touch of tanginess from balsamic vinegar. This dish is perfect for adding some variety to your meals.

    Get the recipe

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    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.

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