Mondays don’t have to be a struggle with these 17 recipes that come to the rescue every week. They each bring a different flair to the table, keeping dinner exciting without draining your energy. Say goodbye to the stress of meal planning for the first day of the workweek. These dishes are easy to whip up and will make you feel like a winner when the day is done.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
When you’re in the mood for something hearty, giving yourself a treat with some juicy steaks is always a good call. These Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter not only hit the spot but the buttery sauce adds an extra layer of yum. Your meal prep is minimal, making it ideal for a busy Monday night. The flavor from grilling complements the rich, savory butter mix. It’s a quick, satisfying choice when you want something robust. Plus, cleanup is easy — perfect for ending your day on a high.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Craving some takeout but not the wait time? You can whip up this Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken in hardly any time at all. It brings that balance of savory and slightly spicy that you love from takeout. Mondays feel less of a drag when you know this is waiting for you. Just a quick toss in the skillet, and you’re set. Skip the delivery fees and enjoy a fresh take on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Imagine coming home to a pleasing plate of gnocchi. With Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe, you get a meal that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s so simple that you won’t need to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. The mix of sausage and vegetables makes it a well-rounded meal. Plus, this dish ensures you’re not sacrificing taste for convenience after a long Monday. It’s a straightforward, hearty option that delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Chinese Chicken Salad
If you’re leaning towards something fresh and light, a Chinese Chicken Salad is a great go-to. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and packed with flavors. Perfect for a busy night, this meal requires minimal prep and cooking time. You get a blend of textures that makes each bite interesting. It’s much more exciting than your typical salad. Plus, it’s a great way to keep things healthy without feeling like you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
When you need a quick fix of comfort food, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo should be your pick. The creamy sauce with succulent shrimp turns your Monday night into a mini-feast. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make. This dish delivers a rich and creamy experience without a lot of fuss. Perfect for when you want a bit of indulgence to start your week. It’s like dining out, right at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
For those nights when you want something light yet filling, go for a Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. It’s got that combination of freshness and plump shrimp that makes it a superstar dinner. Easy to make, it’s perfect for when you’re short on time. A few simple steps and you’ve got a meal that feels both healthy and hearty. The flavors all work together to leave you feeling satisfied. It’s ideal for keeping things interesting during a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Chicken Piccata
Need something quick that doesn’t sacrifice taste? Whip up some Chicken Piccata for an easy yet impressive dinner. This meal’s got that excellent balance of savory and tangy. You’ll love how easy it is to get everything together. It cooks quickly, which means less time in the kitchen and more time to relax. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a range of sides. It’s a great way to start your week without feeling rushed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Beefy John Wayne Casserole
When you’re looking for a one-pan wonder, Beefy John Wayne Casserole is your answer. It’s hearty, filling, and can feed a crowd if needed. This casserole packs in layers of flavor from meat and cheese, making each bite something to look forward to. An ideal Monday meal, it requires minimal prep. Just assemble, bake, and you’re good to go. Serve it up, and watch it disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Turkey à la King
Craving something creamy and comforting? Turkey à la King is a fantastic choice. It’s creamy, packed with turkey, and super quick to pull together. Ideal for busy nights, it simplifies your dinner routine without compromising on flavor. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this comes together in no time. A few simple steps and you’ve got a comforting meal ready to serve. Great for when you’re in need of comfort food without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Roast Pork with Apples
For a cozy yet quick meal, try Roast Pork with Apples. The contrast of savory pork and sweet apples is both balanced and inviting. Mondays can often feel like a drag, but the quick prep and cook time for this meal can turn things around. It feels special but isn’t demanding in terms of effort or ingredients. You get an enjoyable mix of flavors that keep things interesting. Perfect for a dinner that’s both easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
If you’re in the mood for a simple side that feels like a treat, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots work perfectly. They are sweet, tender, and can be thrown together with little fuss. This dish adds a touch of warmth and sweet to your meal. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Quick to prepare, they’re perfect for adding a touch of home-cooked quality on a busy Monday. A super easy way to add some veggies to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Want minimal cleanup but maximum flavor? Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is your go-to. Just pop everything onto one pan and let the oven do the work. The lemon and rosemary combo keeps it fresh and light. Even on busy nights, you can enjoy a meal that feels well-thought-out. It’s a straightforward way to get a delicious and balanced meal on the table. That’s less hassle and more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
For a quick and flavorful meal, you can’t go wrong with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. This dish packs enough punch to keep your weeknights interesting. Quick to prepare, it goes well with a variety of sides. Whether you make tacos or a rice dish, it’s versatile enough to fit your needs. No need to spend tons of time cooking; this comes together fast. A go-to for when you want something hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
On nights when you’re after something light, Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries hits the right note. It’s quick, easy, and brings a touch of sweetness. Perfect when you’re short on time but still want something refreshing. The combination of cottage cheese and blueberries is both creamy and juicy. Simple ingredients, big payoff. Prepare it in minutes, and enjoy a no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
For a comforting meal, few things compete with Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. This dish is warm, hearty, and feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for a Monday night when you need a pick-me-up. It doesn’t take long to prepare, which makes it a convenient choice. Plus, you’re getting that home-cooked vibe without much effort. Serve it up, and enjoy a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Got some steak from the weekend? Turn it into a delicious Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It’s an excellent way to avoid waste while enjoying a tasty meal. Quick to throw together, it transforms your leftovers into something special. Super easy and efficient, perfect for busy nights. Tasty, filling, and minimal effort required—what more could you want?
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
When you’re craving a pasta dish, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is an exceptional choice. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together more quickly than you’d think. This recipe allows you to experience restaurant-quality food at home. Ideal for those busy nights when you still want something a bit indulgent. The creamy, vodka-infused sauce pairs so well with the rigatoni. A sure-fire crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka