Because You Deserve Dinner Even On Tired Nights, Here Are 29 Easy Recipes

Some nights, cooking feels like a chore, but skipping dinner isn’t an option. That’s where easy recipes come in handy. These 29 dishes keep things simple without sacrificing flavor, so you can enjoy a real meal without spending all night in the kitchen.

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When your day has been far from easy, slide into comfort with a dish that wraps cheese in a warm embrace. With Three Cheese Manicotti, you’ve got an end-of-day treat that brings a touch of Italian love to your table without the need to step outside. It’s like a hug for your hunger, ready without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted sweet potato wedges sprinkled with herbs on parchment paper.
Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tired feet deserve a break and a snack that doesn’t demand too much from you. That’s where oven-crisped bites with a hint of sweetness come into play, capturing coziness and ease in every crunch. Easy to pop into the oven, Sweet Potato Wedges turn out to be an ideal pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’ve hit that point in the day where comfort is king, and simplicity reigns. Enter a dish that transforms a humble veggie into a star, chock-full of cheesy goodness. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is your go-to for those moments when you need soul-warming food that asks next to nothing from you.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, a bowl of something warm is all it takes to soothe a day’s worth of exhaustion. Here’s a meal that combines a medley of ingredients into something that’s both nourishing and straightforward. With Minestrone Soup, ease into a meal that feels like it’s been simmering all day, just for you.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ever feel like turning mealtime into fun time with minimal effort? Roll up your sleeves for a playful twist on the usual sandwich that’s as entertaining to make as it is to munch. Pinwheel Sandwiches are the answer when you want to add a spin to your dinner without spinning out from tiredness.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On nights when your energy is dipping, here’s a creamy creation that brings a bistro vibe straight to your couch. Dip into a bit of indulgence that’s all about the comfort, with just enough greens to nod at nutrition. Dip your favorite chips or veggies into Spinach Artichoke Dip for an easy and delectable snack.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

After a day that’s been all take and no give, it’s time to give yourself back a little with a meal that’s generous in heartiness. A dish that stacks layers of warmth and flavor, prepped for the oven in no time, can be the highlight of your evening. Slide a Ravioli Casserole into the oven, and before you know it, dinner serves itself.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Copycat Impossible Burger

Close-up of a burger with a plant-based patty, lettuce, and sauce in a bun.
Copycat Impossible Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving something plant-based that hits all the right tasty notes without complicating your evening plans? Here’s a way to enjoy a burger, sans the meat, with all the satisfaction of its beefy counterpart. Break into a Copycat Impossible Burger, and let the simplicity resonate with every mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re seeking solace in spuds but want something that stands out with minimal effort, this dish delivers. Welcome a meal that brings together creaminess and comfort, thinly sliced to perfection. Dauphinoise Potatoes emerge from the oven as your effortless answer to what’s for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re in the mood for something that feels fancy without the fuss, this dish delivers. Enjoy a pasta dish that fuses simple ingredients into an impressive plateful with scarcely any toil. Penne Alla Vodka is perfect when you want to dine ‘out’ right in the comfort of your home. A quiet night in can still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with visible black pepper seasoning.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

How about transforming a classic favorite with a twist, minus the labor of a full-blown meal? Picture creamy, cozy, and all sorts of easy with a bit of veggie goodness snuck in. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese challenges the conventional, offering solace to both belly and soul. It’s all about maximum taste with minimal standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Every now and then, all you need is the perfect fluffy companion to pair with whatever else you’ve managed to whip up. Uncomplicated and unfussy, here’s a staple that forms the ideal base for numerous easy add-ons. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice sits quietly by, ready to support whatever you’re in the mood for.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Pea and Mint Soup

A bowl of creamy green pea soup garnished with mint leaves, black pepper, and pieces of crusty bread.
Pea and Mint Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On days when all you crave is something light and refreshing, there’s a soup that fits the bill without stirring up a storm in your kitchen. Find solace in a bowl that’s bright in color and light on the palate, quick to prepare, and even quicker to satisfy. With Pea and Mint Soup, it’s about flavor without the fluff.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seeking an escape to the Italian countryside without actually having to pack your bags? Here’s a dinner solution that brings it to your table with a few simple steps. Enjoy a taste of Tuscany with Tuscan Pasta, bringing you flavors of Italy with no need for a passport.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

French Onion Dip

Bowl of creamy dip topped with chopped chives and black pepper, next to pieces of toasted bread.
French Onion Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes it’s the small bites that make a tired night feel worthwhile, especially when they require next to no effort. A spread that’s rich, oniony, and perfect for dipping can turn your snack into a mini feast. Scoop into French Onion Dip for a lazy yet lush eating experience. It’s the casual way to cater to your cravings without the culinary commotion.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Picture digging into a spoonful of sweet and flavorful with just enough substance to call it dinner. There’s a dish that meshes corn’s natural sweetness with a heartiness that fits the bill for an easy meal. Reach for Corn Casserole when you want something homey, without actually having to go all out. It’s a scoop of simple satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Transform an everyday ingredient into an eye-catching treat; all it takes is a few clever cuts. What you get are spuds that have a fancy feel with almost none of the effort. Hasselback Potatoes stand out on any plate, making them a night’s winner. They’re your ticket to a touch of class on your dinner table, with barely any extra work.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’ve been dreaming of a hearty spoonful that’s as nutritious as it is no-nonsense, here’s a quick solution. Take comfort in a bowl brimming with wholesomeness that’s been waiting for you to say ‘enough’ to a busy day. The warm, homely embrace of Lentil Soup is just what’s needed when you want to fill up without feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a side that’s rich, earthy, and ready without reinventing the wheel. This simple dish can either stand alone or complement any main with a rich, hearty texture. Refried Beans might just be the stress-free staple you need to round out your meal. It’s proof that simple can be more than enough.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a zingy twist to your carb comfort without the extra hassle? This dish blends tangy with easy, creating a comforting yet fresh finish to a long day. Best Lemon Pasta could be your go-to when life gives you lemons, but you don’t want to make lemonade. It’s the culinary equivalent of a refreshing breeze in the evening’s ease.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s no secret that a buttery pile of mashed goodness can make even the wearisome nights bearable. Here’s a dish that requires nothing more than the basics but gives back so much more in taste and texture. Mashed Potatoes are the quintessential comfort companion, always there to pad out your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sneak in some green without making a big deal about it. This dish takes a veggie and dresses it up in a way that’s essentially effortless yet utterly worthwhile. Asparagus Casserole might just be your one-dish wonder, bringing a bit of elegance to the evening with zero drama. It’s comfort with a side of sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs.
Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fire-up a simple side that’s as vivid in color as it is in flavor, with very little standing over a hot stove. Here’s a side dish that comes together on autopilot, leaving you free to tend to other after-work shutdown routines. Try Grilled Peppers for that perfect pop of sweetness and char. They’re a simple way to brighten up any plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Invoke the vibrant vibes of the Caribbean with a straightforward one-pot dish that doesn’t skimp on heartiness. It’s laid back, no-stress cooking that delivers a meal seeming like it’s from a beachside eatery. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice is how you add an island beat to your dinner routine. No fuss, all the rhythm.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Give in to a dish that’s a cross between breakfast-for-dinner comfort and casserole convenience. It’s a crusty, golden-browned solution for those nights when you’re craving something pleasing yet simple. Hashbrown Casserole comes out of the oven as a dish that pleases without the need for culinary gymnastics.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On evenings when the energy to cook is less than your craving for something bright and veggie-packed, here’s your lifeline. Here’s a pasta that tosses together color and taste in an effortlessly appealing way. Pasta Primavera gives you that refreshing bite, ideal for when you’re seeking simplicity with a side of vibrancy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy a side with a bit of kick to zap away the day’s drudgery without making your kitchen a battleground? A simple, snappy salad infused with a fiery edge could be just what your dinner agenda needs. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad hits that hot spot with just the right level of spice.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Settle into an evening with a dish that feels like a gastronomic embrace, mixing pasta with the simplicity of a light broth. It’s about finding that middle ground between hearty and hassle-free. For those times, Tortellini Soup is there to serve as your dinner rescue. A bowl of this is all about getting cozy without complicating things.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Short on time but still want a hint of gourmet in your meal? Look no further than bite-sized morsels that pack a punch of taste in a convenient form. Egg Bites offer you a customizable, almost effortless dining option. Grab a batch and settle into your evening; they’re little mouthfuls of ‘you made it through the day’.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

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