15 Easy Entree Ideas So Simple, You’ll Always Have Energy to Cook

So, consider this your official invitation to break up with takeout and those frozen dinners that have become all too familiar. These entree ideas are about to inject some much-needed excitement back into your dinner routine. No more staring into the abyss of your fridge, wondering what to whip up. With these entrees, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen so fast you might surprise yourself. And who knows, you might even become the hero of the dinner table, cape and all.

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A classic with a twist that packs a punch of flavor, Chicken Piccata brings a zing of lemon to the table. Its simplicity is its secret weapon, requiring little effort for a light yet filling meal. Capers add a pop of tang while the dish keeps you energized. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for a midweek pick-me-up. You’ll sigh in relief, knowing this entree can be served in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Revamp leftover turkey with the comfort classic Turkey à la King. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a cozy dinner in no time. A hearty mix enveloped in a flavorful sauce warms you up from the inside out. It’s convenient on a plate, giving more time to unwind after dinner. Even the pickiest of eaters can’t resist the homestyle appeal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a breezy meal, turn to Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. It’s a light option with fresh flavors that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. This dish effortlessly combines orzo and shrimp for a seaside escape on a plate. Quick to cook and even faster to impress, it’s the answer to a fuss-free dinner. Each forkful promises a mini vacation for your palate.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Say hello to a dish with grit, Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Loaded with flavors and requiring minimal prep, it’s a tribute to simplicity. The heartiness of beef melds with a medley of ingredients for a robust meal. Throw together this casserole and await the nods of approval at the dinner table. In your evening, you just got a touch more rugged yet relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew elegance could be so easy? Roast Pork with Apples offers a seamless combination for a meal that seems more complicated than it is. The apples lend a natural sweetness that beautifully complements the flavor-filled pork. It’s a no-stress path to a nourishing and uplifting meal. End the day on a high note, with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This vibrant flair of Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is undeniable. It’s a straightforward yet richly flavored staple perfect for various meals. The ground beef sizzles into a feast, infusing your dinner with warmth. This staple cooks quickly, leaving you with energy to spare and smiles. Getting a taste of Mexico has never been so easy.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring simplicity back to dinner with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. A single pan is all it takes to meld the citrusy tang of lemon with aromatic rosemary. This dish is a hands-off winner that frees up your evening. As it roasts to perfection, kick back and relax. Your meal is a sheet pan away from being effortlessly served.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seize the flavor of the coast with Baja Fish Tacos without breaking a sweat. These tacos resemble a mini seaside retreat, comprising flaky fish and vibrant toppings. They’re lightning-quick to make, keeping your energy levels high. You’ll have them ready before you can say, “Surf’s up!” Welcome a wave of freshness to your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Unlock your inner grill master with Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. This dish is where simplicity meets bold flavor, proving that minimal ingredients can lead to a standout meal. The steaks cook up swiftly, allowing more time to enjoy the evening. Top with the rich cowboy butter, and it’s an instant hit. Your dining companions will think you’ve been out on the range perfecting your craft.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Effortlessly achieve dinner bliss with 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Drop the ingredients into the slow cooker and let time work its magic. This dish is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, freeing you to tend to life’s other demands. As it slowly cooks, anticipate the tender, juicy reward. It’s the epitome of hands-off home cooking.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy, crunchy, and utterly enjoyable, Tacos Dorados may be the weeknight hero everyone needs. It’s a no-frills route to a Mexican street food favorite that’s quick and easy to prepare. They fry up in an instant, making them perfect for a quick fix. Plus, they’re bound to spark joy around the dining table. Gear up for a fuss-free fiesta tonight.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform yesterday’s brisket into today’s sensational Brisket Fried Rice. This dish is a clever way to repurpose leftovers while tantalizing your palate. Quick to toss together, it infuses your mealtime with an Asian-inspired flair. The brisket and rice combo promises a filling dish that won’t bog you down. Watch it become a repeat request for dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Stir Fry flies to the rescue for those nights when time isn’t on your side. It’s a vibrant mix of flavors that cooks up in minutes, fueling you without the fuss. The sizzle of fresh ingredients in the pan is mesmerizing and restorative. This meal is a quick ticket to flavor town that keeps you light on your feet. Say goodbye to dinner prep dread with this quick fix.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If the thought of a hot kitchen exhausts you, Steak & Pasta Salad is the cool alternative. A straightforward combination where steak meets chilled pasta, it strikes a lovely balance. It’s a refreshing escape that’s as easy to assemble as fulfilling. Prepped in a flash, it offers a well-rounded meal that won’t disappoint. Here’s to a no-cook dinner hero.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embrace the Italian charm with Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. This one-pan wonder cooks up with the ease of a seasoned chef, minus the hard work. Sausage sizzles alongside gnocchi for a heartwarming combination. The broccoli rabe cuts through with a slightly bitter bite, adding balance. It’s bound to become a weekday favorite for its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

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