Long days can make cooking feel like one more thing on an endless list, but dinner doesn’t have to be hard. These simple suppers were made for nights when time is short and energy is even shorter. Every recipe helps you eat well without stress. When there’s no time to cook, these easy dinners make sure you still end the day with something satisfying.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Pork simmers slowly with chili spices until tender and full of deep flavor that feels like comfort in a bowl. The slow cooker takes care of the cooking, so you can focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself. This is one of those easy dinner recipes that busy people love because it’s hearty, bold, and ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Pasta, tuna, and tomato sauce come together fast for a meal that feels rich and filling without much effort. It tastes like it took hours to make, but it only takes a few minutes on the stove. This is a simple dinner recipe that works perfectly for busy people who want something quick but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmer in a tomato sauce that’s hearty and full of flavor, all made in the Instant Pot. The flavors blend perfectly with hardly any hands-on time, making dinner easy and stress-free. This is one of those reliable dinner recipes that busy people can turn to for a warm, homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Bacon Egg Salad
Crispy bacon adds flavor and crunch to creamy egg salad for a fast meal that still feels complete. It works great in sandwiches, wraps, or on its own when you need something filling in minutes. This is a simple supper that busy people can make without turning on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Pulled Pork
Pork cooks low and slow until tender and flavorful, ready for tacos, sliders, or sandwiches. Prep takes just minutes before the slow cooker takes over, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that helps busy people serve something tasty with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Chicken Paprikash
Tender chicken cooks in a creamy paprika sauce that’s comforting and full of rich flavor. The Instant Pot handles most of the work, so you can enjoy a hearty dinner without much prep. This is a great dinner recipe for busy people who want something warm and satisfying at the end of a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken mixes with a creamy dressing for a light yet filling dinner that’s ready in minutes. There’s no cooking required, just a few quick stirs before you can sit down and eat. It’s one of those simple dinner recipes busy people appreciate when time is short and hunger hits.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy risotto cooks in the Instant Pot with peas and a touch of lemon for a bright, easy meal. The pot does the stirring, giving you a smooth, comforting dinner without the work. This is a great choice for busy people who want something rich and flavorful without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Tender beef slow-cooks with spices until full of flavor, then gets tucked into crisp masa cups for a fun twist on dinner. The prep is quick and simple, while the crockpot takes care of the rest. This is a flavorful dinner recipe that makes life easier for busy people who still want something exciting to eat.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey mixed with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce makes juicy burgers that cook fast on the stovetop. They’re full of flavor and take very little time to prepare. This is an easy dinner recipe for busy people who want something tasty without slowing down their evening.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Garlic and tender pork cook together in the slow cooker, filling the kitchen with a rich, savory aroma. With almost no prep, the slow cooker takes care of the hard part while the flavors deepen. This is one of those simple dinner recipes busy people can count on for something hearty and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Perfect Pot Roast
Beef cooks slowly until it’s tender while vegetables soak up a rich, savory broth that makes every bite comforting. The slow cooker does most of the work, giving you a hearty dinner with little effort. This is an easy dinner recipe for busy people who want something that feels homemade without the time commitment.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken cooks in a tangy barbecue sauce until it’s tender enough to shred for sandwiches, salads, or wraps. The Instant Pot keeps things simple and gives big flavor in little time. This is a go-to dinner recipe for busy people who need something fast and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Tomato Lime Chicken
Bright tomatoes, lime, and spices simmer together for a one-pot dinner that’s fresh and full of flavor. The dump-and-go prep makes it easy to get on the table fast without a mess. This is one of those simple suppers that helps busy people eat well without slowing down.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Chicken, herbs, and orzo cook together in one pan for a meal that’s both filling and full of flavor. It’s quick to make, yet feels like something special when you sit down to eat. This is an easy dinner recipe for busy people who want a complete meal without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Creamy Pea Pasta
A creamy sauce coats pasta and peas for a dinner that’s both simple and satisfying. It comes together quickly with basic ingredients that might already be in your kitchen. This is one of those quick and delicious recipes busy people keep on hand for nights when cooking feels like too much.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Honey Habanero Tacos
Ground beef cooks with honey, habanero, and spices for a bold taco filling that’s smoky, sweet, and spicy. It’s fast to make and adds excitement to any weeknight meal. This is a great recipe for busy people who want flavor and fun without the work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Orange Chicken
Crispy chicken gets coated in a sticky orange glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and easy to make at home. Prep is quick, and the dish cooks fast, so dinner’s ready before takeout could arrive. This is a delicious dinner recipe that busy people love for its flavor and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Pesto Salmon
Salmon topped with pesto cooks fast for a fresh, flavorful dinner that feels special but takes little effort. It’s ready in minutes and pairs easily with rice or salad for a complete meal. This is an easy dinner recipe for busy people who want something quick yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce cook together in one pan for a simple, hearty dinner. It’s fast, flavorful, and ready before you know it. This is a delicious dinner recipe busy people count on when they need something satisfying with little cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Layers of chicken, beans, and cheese bake together for a dinner that’s hearty and full of flavor. Prep takes minutes, and the oven does the rest while you get other things done. This is one of those easy dinner recipes that helps busy people feed everyone fast.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken, noodles, and broth cook in the Instant Pot for a comforting dinner that feels homemade. The flavors blend while the pot handles the work, making it fast and hands-free. This is a reliable recipe for busy people who want warmth and flavor in every bowl.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Rotisserie chicken, cheesy tortellini, and broth come together for a soup that’s hearty, rich, and quick to make. It tastes like it simmered for hours, but takes only minutes to prepare. This is a simple supper that busy people can count on for comfort without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup