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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    15 Easy Dinners That Basically Cook While You Relax

    Published: May 27, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Cooking dinner can sometimes feel like a chore, especially after a long day. Luckily, there are plenty of simple recipes that require minimal effort and time, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without the hassle. From sheet pan wonders to instant pot favorites, these easy dinners are perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious with little fuss.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry

    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry is a simple and delicious dinner option for busy evenings. Enjoy a tasty stir fry without needing to stand over the stove and stir constantly.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chili

    Instant pot chili.
    Photo Credit: Fresh off The Grid.

    Instant Pot Chili is a great option for a filling meal that requires minimal effort. It's perfect for making in advance and just warming up when it's time to eat.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Chili With Red Wine & Black Beans

    Ground beef chili.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This chili is rich, hearty, and packed full of flavor - all done in just 40 minutes on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. Red wine and beef bouillon creates a slow-simmered depth of taste without the wait, and black beans fill you up. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro for the perfect cozy dinner!

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

    Cheesy Baked Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This baked spaghetti is a fun take on the classic dish, mixing cheesy noodles with a hearty meat sauce and lots of melted cheese. It's an easy and tasty choice to change up your weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Portobello Fajitas

    Tacos on a plate.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Enjoy a tasty vegan fajita dish loaded with vibrant veggies, guacamole, salsa, and more. This is a simple and satisfying meal that's great for any day of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy bacon-wrapped salmon with garlic butter is a great way to make dinner simpler. It's a dish that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is an easy option with chicken and broccoli that's both delicious and satisfying. It's perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a simple dish that brings great flavor to your table. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a cheesy and tasty meal ready in under an hour.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chickpea Fajita Bowls

    Vegan fajita bowls.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    These easy Fajita Bowls are a great way to simplify your week. Packed with zucchini, peppers, cauliflower, spicy chickpeas, and a delicious chipotle-lime cashew cream, they offer a satisfying and healthy meal.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
    Photo Credit: Busy Day Dinners.

    This easy sheet pan dinner combines delicious Greek ingredients for a satisfying meal. Every bite is packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casserole brings together all your favorite flavors in one easy dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for serving at a get-together.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Use store-bought teriyaki sauce or make it yourself - either way, you'll love this easy salmon recipe.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Gnocchi Bake

    Baked gnocchi.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This is a great option for a warm and comforting meal that doesn't take much effort. It's simple to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Steak & Potatoes

    Sheet pan steak and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Sheet Pan Steak and Potatoes is an easy dinner option that helps you simplify your week. Just roast the potatoes until they're soft, then broil them for a nice golden finish, all while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is all done in under an hour. It's loaded with spicy buffalo sauce and hidden spinach, and so cheesy and delicious. An indulgent and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight!

    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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