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Effortless Dinners: 36 Recipes That Make Mealtime a Breeze

June 6, 2024 by Iryna Bychkiv Leave a Comment

Who has time for complicated meals after a long day? This collection is your new best friend. It’s got 36 tasty recipes that are quick and easy to make.

Simple ingredients, easy steps – dinner will be on the table in no time! So forget about takeout and surprise yourself (and your family) with delicious homemade meals. This recipe collection makes cooking fun and stress-free! Enjoy! ‍‍‍

Finnish Salmon Soup

Finnish Salmon Soup in a white bowl sprinkled with dill.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

Tired of baked salmon dishes? Try my Lohikeitto recipe – delicious and the easiest ever salmon soup that is so popular in Finland. Made in just under 40 minutes, this cozy and hearty fish soup is sure to warm you on chilly winter nights. Get the recipe.

All Beef Chili

Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday

This one-pot all beef chili is rich with flavors from smoked paprika, oregano, onion infused olive oil and cumin and spicy from chipotle chile peppers and cayenne chili peppers. The one-pot, spicy wonder! Pull out your Dutch Oven and go! Get the recipe.

Salmon Risotto 

Salmon Risotto with Leeks and Lemon in a pan.
Photo credit: Always Use Butter

Make this Salmon Risotto in under 40 minutes, without constant stirring. With lemon, leeks and parsley it’s loaded with flavor and an easy dish that seems fancy. Perfect for dinner parties, and quick & easy enough for a weeknight! Get the recipe.

Fried Mushrooms and Potatoes

Fried Mushrooms and Potatoes in a pan.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Fried Mushrooms and Potatoes Recipe is an easy and delicious comfort food that never fails! Made in one pan and with just 5 ingredients, this cozy and flavorful dish is sure to become a hit. Get the recipe.

Cozy and Easy Mussels Pasta

Shelled Mussels pasta in a stainless steel pan.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Mussels Pasta with Garlic and Fennel is a culinary trip to Tuscany. This recipe tastes and looks like a luxury but comes together simply and in less than half an hour. It’s the best mussels recipe for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal but still want a deliciously inspired one. Get the recipe.

Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom Stroganoff over mashed potatoes in a white bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This creamy and one-pot Mushroom Stroganoff is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that gets along nicely with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. What’s even better? It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients. Get the recipe.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Up-close image of Bourbon chicken with rice in a white bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This easy bourbon chicken recipe is a classic dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes and combines delicious tangy and sweet flavors. With tender, juicy chicken smothered in a savory Bourbon sauce, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, hearty meal. Get the recipe.

Turkish Lentil Soup

Creamy Turkish Lentil Soup in a grey bowl on a dark blue background.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This traditional Turkish Lentil Soup also called Mercimek çorbası is a uniquely fragrant, cozy and satisfying soup perfect for chilly days. You can make it in no time and enjoy for lunch or hearty dinner. Get the recipe.

4-Ingredient Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on a baking sheet.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

So easy and delicious, these Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes With Garlic And Dill are a comfort side dish that never disappoints. Made with just 4 simple ingredients, these crushed red potatoes are great for any occasion. Get the recipe.

Mushroom Shawarma

Shawarma with mushroom, fresh veggies and some sauce on a wooden board.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

Mushroom shawarma with fresh vegetables and homemade garlic yogurt sauce is a real crowd-pleaser. This tradiitonal Middle Eastern recipe is quick, easy and perfect for dinner or a party. Get the recipe.

Mussels In Sour Cream and Garlic Sauce

Creamy sour cream mussels in a pan sprinkled with parsley.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

Ridiculously quick and easy recipe for dinner that requires just a handful of ingredients. These Garlic Mussels In Sour Cream Sauce are such a comforting seafood dish, perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t feel like cooking. Get the recipe.

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Vegetables

Sheet pan Greek chicken and vegetables on a white plate with a blue rim and a grey napkin on the side.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Vegetables recipe is the perfect example of delicious flavors and easy cooking. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, delivering tender, juicy chicken and perfectly crisp veggies with minimal cleanup. Get the recipe.

Cod Piccata

Cod Piccata with a sauce.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Easy Cod Piccata in a creamy Picatta sauce makes a quick 30-minute dinner recipe your family will love. Creamy, a bit briny and so so good! Get the recipe.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Thick Ukrainian Mushroom Soup in a bowl with a brown rim.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

It’s a Ukrainian Mushroom Soup. After you take the first sip, you’ll instantly feel cozy and warm. Easy and hearty creamy soup with a ton of flavor. Get the recipe.

Homemade Pork and Bean recipe

Homemade Pork and Beans in a pan.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

Craving a delicious dish that’s quick and easy to make? This Homemade Pork and Beans recipe is the one for you! With tender chunks of pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and soft navy beans, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it looks! What’s best is that it’s ready from scratch in just 35 minutes! Get the recipe.

Easy Pesto Pasta

Vegan pesto pasta in a bowl.
Photo credit: My Pure Plants

Try this recipe for pesto pasta, made with homemade basil pesto. It can be ready in just 15 minutes, even if you prepare all the ingredients from scratch. Serve it with cherry tomatoes and garnish it with parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor. Get the recipe.

Salmon Oreganata

Salmon Oreganata on a foil-lined pan.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Sheet Pan Salmon Oreganata with green beans and potatoes is a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner. Everyone will love the flaky, crispy coating and zesty flavors; this easy-baked salmon recipe is bound to become a new family favorite. Get the recipe.

Chicken Thighs with Bell Peppers

Chicken thighs with bell peppers close up.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This chicken thighs with bell peppers recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a dish that’s wonderfully flavorful, with a crispy, golden brown exterior and a juicy, tender interior. Get the recipe.

30-Minute Asian Stir Fry Noodles

Stir Fry Noodles and chopsticks in a bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

These Stir Fry Noodles are incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect recipe for busy weeknights! It features perfectly stir-fried veggies, tasty tofu, and delicious noodles coated in a simple, flavorful homemade stir-fry sauce! Get the recipe.

Kielbasa and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Kielbasa, potatoes and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies is a quick and fuss-free dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Just dump all of the ingredients on a cooking tray and bake. This recipe can be made with regular sausages and any vegetables you have in your fridge. Get the recipe.

Easy Dorito Taco Salad Recipe

Dorito Taco Salad in a bowl. An overhead view.
Photo credit: My Everyday Table

This Dorito taco salad is a meal that never fails to go over well. No matter the season or the mood, we are all happy when this is on the dinner menu. And there’s a lot to love. This taco salad recipe is quick and easy (about 30 minutes!), easily customizable (let everyone make their own!), nutritious (it’s got protein, fat, fresh vegetables, fiber, flavor), and definitely, delicious. Get the recipe.

Easy Penne Pomodoro

Penne Pomodoro Pasta in a bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring a delicious, flavor-packed red tomato sauce with hints of basil and garlic. This easy pasta recipe is quick and easy to make, and you can have it ready at the dinner table in under 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

One Pot Pork Vegetable Stew

Pork Vegetable Stew in a plate.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

Easy to prepare One Pot Pork Vegetable Stew is a delicious and comforting weeknight meal your family will enjoy. Get the recipe.

Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Cajun Shrimp with lemon on a plate.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Cajun shrimp is made with bold Cajun spices, the richness of butter, the tanginess of lemon juice, and a savory hint of garlic. It’s absolutely delicious, and you know the best part? You only need 5 ingredients to make it from scratch in 10 minutes! Get the recipe.

Honey-Mustard Chicken

Honey mustard chicken in a skillet.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Honey Mustard Chicken is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a flavor-packed, one-pan dinner meal that can be made in just 30 minutes! And the creamy honey mustard cream sauce is amazing on rice, potatoes, and roasted veggies, too! Get the recipe.

Chicken Rice Pilaf

Chicken Rice Pilaf in a pan.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This Chicken Rice Pilaf is one-pot comforting meal, perfect for busy weekdays. Get the recipe.

Easy Taco Meat 

Taco Meat in a bowl.
Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

This easy Taco Meat recipe is the secret to the absolute BEST tacos you’ll ever make at home! With a homemade blend of taco seasonings and tomato sauce, this recipe delivers the most flavorful taco meat in just 20 minutes. Get the recipe.

Spicy Sausage Pasta 

Spicy Sausage Pasta in a big bowl.
Photo credit: Always Use Butter

Make this Spicy Sausage Pasta recipe in under 15 minutes with just 6 ingredients. Packed with flavor from fresh sausage, garlic, parmesan and bacon – with a lighter touch from spinach. Get the recipe.

Cabbage and Ground Beef

Cabbage and Ground Beef in a pan. Close up.
Photo credit: Low Carb Africa

If you need an easy way to use a lot of cabbage, try this super tasty cabbage and ground beef recipe. This quick dinner will make an excellent addition to your weekly rotation! Get the recipe.

Easy Ham Fried Rice Recipe 

Ham Fried Rice in a pan close up.
Photo credit: My Everyday Table

Let’s make ham fried rice with those ham leftovers! This recipe comes together really easily, utilizing a few leftovers and shortcuts and is the perfect weeknight dinner with protein, produce, energy (carbs), and flavor! This easy main dish is my favorite way to use up holiday leftovers and quickly turned into a family favorite. Get the recipe.

Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta in a Skillet with a spatula.
Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen

This ground beef pasta recipe can be made in under 30 minutes with any pasta you have and tastes like it’s been simmered all day long on the stove. A true weeknight dinner superstar! Get the recipe.

Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-Fry

Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-Fry in a pan.
Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks

If you’re looking for a delicious and classic combination of flavors, then this Chinese Tomato Egg stir fry recipe is for you! It features a sweet and savory sauce made with tomato paste for more umami, fresh tomatoes and fluffy scrambled eggs. This is the ultimate Asian comfort food! Get the recipe.

American Chop Suey (American Goulash)

American Goulash with a crouton on a plate.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This mouthwatering blend of beef, vegetables, garlic, and macaroni noodles is a classic comfort food that the whole family will love. Get the recipe.

Mongolian Lamb Stir-Fry

Mongolian Lamb Stir-Fry in a pan.
Photo credit: Greedy Gourmet

Need a healthy, quick meal that tastes fantastic? This Mongolian lamb recipe is the real deal.

Tender strips of lamb in a mouth-watering marinade and a spicy sauce to die for, all sizzled up in a flash. This is fast food done properly. Get the recipe.

Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp Lo Mein in a bowl.
Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen

Make delicious shrimp lo mein at home and skip the takeout with this simple recipe. Featuring Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp and vegetables tossed in a restaurant-worthy sauce, this 20 minute meal will become a dinner time favorite. Get the recipe.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun chicken pasta in a pan. An overhead view.
Photo credit: Nibble And Dine

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish is easy to make in only about 35 minutes. This is the perfect indulgent dinner recipe for a date night at home! Get the recipe.

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I'm Iryna, a food writer, photographer, and taster behind Not Enough Garlic. Here, you'll find easy and delicious recipes your whole family will enjoy.

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