Cooking Doesn’t Have to Be Hard: 17 Recipes That Prove It

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. This collection of recipes is perfect for those who want to create simple, delicious meals without the fuss. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your friends, these recipes will make you wonder why you ever thought cooking was hard. You’ll find a variety of dishes that are easy to follow and will have you enjoying homemade meals in no time. So, let’s get cooking and discover just how effortless making great food can be!

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

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Looking for a quick way to use up leftovers? This quesadilla is a perfect weeknight solution, transforming last night’s steak into a flavorful, satisfying meal in minutes. It’s an effortless dish that’s ready in a snap and is sure to become a family favorite. You’ll love how easy and delicious it is.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Tacos Dorados

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

If you’re craving something crunchy and delicious, these tacos dorados are just what you need. They come together quickly and offer a satisfying bite that’s perfect for busy evenings. This dish is a great way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how simple and tasty these tacos are.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Want to recreate a restaurant favorite at home? This chicken recipe brings the flavors of your favorite eatery right to your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a comforting meal without the hassle. You’ll appreciate how straightforward and delicious this dish is.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Creamy and comforting, this alfredo sauce is a breeze to whip up for a weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy restaurant-style pasta at home without much fuss. This recipe makes it easy to indulge in a rich, flavorful meal without spending all evening cooking. You’ll find it hard to believe how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

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.

This classic dish is perfect for a quick and hearty meal. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey and create something warm and comforting with little effort. The creamy sauce and tender meat make for a delicious dinner that’s ready in no time. You’ll love how simple and satisfying it is.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving a taste of Cuba without leaving your home? This casserole brings together the flavors of a Cuban sandwich in an easy, oven-baked dish. It’s a convenient option for a weeknight dinner that packs a lot of flavor with minimal preparation. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to bring this vibrant taste to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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

This casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its beefy goodness and simple preparation, it’s a great way to feed the family without a lot of effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and easily. You’ll be amazed at how effortless and delicious this casserole is.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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.

Looking for a one-pan dinner that’s both easy and flavorful? This sheet pan chicken is a great choice, combining simple ingredients with a hint of lemon and rosemary. It’s a perfect option for a quick, hands-off meal that’s ready in a flash. You’ll appreciate how little time it takes to create such a tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For a quick and refreshing meal, this salad is a fantastic option. It’s packed with flavor and comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. This recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a light and delicious dinner without much effort. You’ll love how quickly and easily it comes together.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

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.

When you’re in the mood for a hearty, grilled meal, these steaks are an easy go-to. The cowboy butter adds a rich and flavorful touch that makes this dish feel special without the fuss. It’s a simple yet satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. You’ll enjoy how quick and delicious it is to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bringing the taste of an Italian favorite into your home has never been easier. This sausage and peppers dish is straightforward to make and offers all the flavors you love. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. You’ll find it’s a quick and delicious solution for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This crispy pork dish brings the convenience of a meal kit right into your kitchen. It’s an easy recipe that delivers great flavor without requiring much time or effort. You’ll enjoy how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a simple and tasty option for a homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For a light and refreshing side, this salad is a great choice. It’s quick to prepare and adds a nice touch to any meal with its crisp texture and simple flavors. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something easy and delicious. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Chicken Stir Fry

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Stir fry is a fantastic option for a quick and nutritious dinner. This chicken stir fry is simple to make and packs a lot of flavor into each bite. It’s an easy way to get a wholesome meal on the table without spending much time. You’ll appreciate how fast and tasty this dish is to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a fresh and vibrant dish? This orzo salad is a wonderful option, combining shrimp and Mediterranean flavors in a simple, quick recipe. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a light and delicious meal without a lot of fuss. You’ll find it’s a refreshing and easy-to-make dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Combining the best of pizza and pasta, this salad is a fun and easy dish to whip up. It’s a great way to enjoy those familiar flavors in a new and refreshing format that’s perfect for busy evenings. This recipe is quick to prepare and makes a great dinner or side dish. You’ll love how simple and flavorful it is.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This comforting chicken soup brings the taste of a beloved restaurant dish right to your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick, hearty dinner on busy nights. This recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a warm, homemade meal with minimal effort. You’ll be impressed by how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Leave a Comment