19 Easy Entrees That Won’t Let Your Weeknights Become a Hassle

Have you ever felt like weeknights are just puzzles of what to cook next? You’re not alone. Everyone’s been in a spot where the thought of fixing dinner feels more daunting than doing your taxes. But, hey, it doesn’t have to be that way. Enter the scene: a collection of these easy entrees meant to take the hassle out of your meal prep, leaving you nothing but satisfaction and more time to binge-watch your favorite series.

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

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.

Making dinner doesn’t get much easier than with 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Just set it in the morning and come home to a meal that’s ready to serve. It’s ideal for those days when time is a scarce resource. This dish promises tenderness in every bite without the fuss. It shows that sometimes, the most straightforward recipes are the ones that resonate most at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Tacos Dorados

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

With Tacos Dorados, you’re biting into the crunchiness and deliciousness of a meal that everyone will adore. Quickly preparing, they promise an exciting evening with less cooking and more enjoyment. Perfect for a fun twist on taco night, they introduce an engaging texture to your dinner rotation. It’s the meal that turns any regular evening into a mini fiesta at your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Tinga is the way to go if you’re aiming to spice things up. Its bold flavors are guaranteed to break the monotony of weeknight meals. It’s straightforward, requiring minimal prep but delivering maximum taste. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also keeps the kitchen mess to a minimum. Let this be the highlight of your week, bringing a bit of spice into your dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Baja Fish Tacos bring a wave of freshness to your weeknight routine. They are light, flavorful, and effortless to assemble, making them an ideal quick fix. With each bite, these tacos promise a brief escape to the seaside. They’re perfect for when you want to infuse a bit of sunshine into a busy schedule. It’s all about the joy of mixing simplicity with freshness here.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Chicken Stir Fry

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

A Chicken Stir Fry is your go-to for a quick, nourishing meal that packs a variety of flavors. It’s a versatile dish that lets you use whatever veggies you have. This quick cook-up saves time and energizes your mealtime with vibrant colors and textures. It’s a testament to how fast and fabulous dinner can turn an ordinary night into something special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Brisket Fried Rice

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

Brisket Fried Rice transforms leftovers into a star dish with minimal effort. This recipe is a genius way to give brisket a second life, combining it with the comforting familiarity of fried rice. Quick to whip up, it becomes an instant favorite for its heartiness and flavor. It’s the dish that comes to the rescue when you’re unsure what to make, subtly blending creativity with convenience.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

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.

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a one-pan wonder that brings comfort to any weeknight. Easy to prepare, it fills your kitchen with aromas that promise a heartening meal ahead. The combination of flavors here ensures that every forkful is a discovery. It’s the perfect recipe for wanting something special without spending hours at the stove. With this dish, sophistication meets simplicity on your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu proves that elegant dinners don’t require all-day prep. Thanks to the air fryer, this recipe delivers all the classic flavors you love in less time. It’s a hassle-free approach to a dish that seems complicated but isn’t. Transform your weeknight with something that feels gourmet but is utterly straightforward. This approach brings a touch of fancy to the dinner table without the usual effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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

For a hearty meal that’s bound to be a hit, Beefy John Wayne Casserole is your go-to. It’s as robust and enjoyable as its namesake suggests, offering layers of flavors that meld beautifully in the oven. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and the oven does the rest. This dish is a testament to baked layers’ power to work in harmony. It’s the equivalent of a warm hug, perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings a dash of sophistication to weeknight dining. Light, flavorful, and incredibly simple to assemble, it’s like a mini-vacation in a bowl. The combination of shrimp and orzo with a Mediterranean twist offers a fresh take on salad. It’s the recipe you use when looking for something refreshing yet fulfilling. With its ease and quick preparation, dinner feels like a breeze by the sea.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

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

Inviting Chicken Piccata to your table means enjoying a zingy and comforting dish. The preparation is straightforward, allowing the bright flavors to shine without much work. It’s the perfect balance between hearty and light, making it an ideal meal for any night. This dish reminds you that there’s room for both simplicity and elegance in your weeknight repertoire. Let this meal be a fresh addition that’s eagerly anticipated.
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.

Turkey à la King is all about transforming simple ingredients into something sublime. It is a creamy, comforting dish that speaks directly to the soul—ideal for using leftover turkey. The preparation is straightforward, leaving you with a creamy, dreamy result. It’s a classic that always pleases, making it a welcome change from the routine. Bring this into your meal rotation for a tasty nod to nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Roast Pork with Apples

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

Roast Pork with Apples marries the delicious with the sweet in an undeniably lovely dish. It’s an easy entree filling the home with an enticing aroma, promising a delicious meal. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you crave something warm and inviting yet easy to prepare. It showcases how a few ingredients can create a meal worth remembering. This recipe is all about enjoying the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals.
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.

With Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef, bring the flavors of Mexico to your table without the complexity. This dish is a straightforward way to spice up dinner, using ingredients that pack a punch. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile, serving as the perfect base for various meals. Turn to this recipe when you want a dinner that’s as easy as it is exciting. It’s a simple way to add some flair to your weeknight meals.
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.

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is the epitome of fuss-free gourmet. With everything roasted in one pan, cleanup is a breeze, and the flavors are anything but simple. The lemon and rosemary work together to create a fragrant, inviting dish. It’s an ideal choice for those nights when you want something unique but not time-consuming. Let this dish bring a touch of elegance to your table with the least amount of effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Think of all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a refreshing salad form. That’s what Pizza Pasta Salad offers. It’s a fun, no-bake meal that’s perfect for warm evenings or when you want a lighter dinner option. The preparation is as easy as it gets, mixing all the beloved pizza toppings with pasta. This dish is a surefire way to bring a smile to the dinner table, offering a twist on tradition that’s both playful and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta 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.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter mixes the robust flavor of grilled meat with the richness of flavored butter, creating a mouth-watering combination. It’s a straightforward approach to a luxurious meal, perfect for when you want to treat yourself. The aroma of steak on the grill is a universal sign of a fantastic meal ahead. This dish proves that indulging in a steak dinner doesn’t have to be a weekend-only affair. It brings the steakhouse vibe right into your home any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries is a lighter dinner option that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s quick, nutritious, and offers a lovely blend of textures and flavors. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something simple yet pleasurable. It’s a modern take on toast, proving that dinner can be both easy and out of the ordinary. Let this meal introduce a refreshing twist to your dining routine, one that’s as aesthetically pleasing as delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge in the freshness of Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce, a dish that celebrates the simplicity of summer flavors. The sauce requires minimal cooking, letting the taste of ripe tomatoes shine through. It’s a recipe that comes together quickly, ideal for rushed weeknight dinners. This dish is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can produce a meal that’s both easy and incredibly flavorful. It’s the kind of dinner that reminds you of the joys of homemade meals.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

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