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Home » Dinner

These 30 Dinners Are Too Easy Not to Try

Published: Jul 1, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When dinner feels like a chore, these are the kinds of meals that change the game—they’re dinners too easy not to try. No long prep, no confusing steps, just solid, great meals you can pull together without overthinking it. Whether you're short on time or just don’t want to deal with a ton of cleanup, these are the kinds of dishes that make life a little simpler. You'll wonder why you ever made it harder.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Chipotle-Grilled-Chicken.jpg

Eggplant Casserole

An eggplant casserole in a baking dish, accompanied by a wooden spoon.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegetables, herbs, and cheese make this eggplant casserole a strong, filling option. It’s a clear fit when you want a no-hassle dinner that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

An overhead view of gomen wat in a white bowl.
Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gomen Wat is bold and quick, with collard greens and spices that come together fast. It’s one of those easy dishes that proves clean meals don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These grilled shrimp cook in minutes and bring in lemon and herbs without overcomplicating dinner. Perfect when you need something that tastes fresh and comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This grilled lamb burger with halloumi and sun-dried tomato pesto is packed with bold flavors. It’s an easy grilling recipe that brings something new without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chipotle grilled chicken brings bold flavor and barely takes any time to prep. It’s great for nights when you want something simple that still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

A close up view of a cooked asparagus casserole in a baking dish.
Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This asparagus casserole bakes into something hearty with cheese and crisp breadcrumbs. It’s a smart way to eat clean and still get a meal that sticks with you.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun

Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gorgonzola buffalo burgers come together quickly and pack serious flavor. They’re a fast grilling go-to that works when dinner needs to feel like more than just basic.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers in a Pretzel Bun

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With just three ingredients, this broccoli cheese casserole is quick to make and big on comfort. It checks every box for nights when you want clean and simple.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This creamy chicken salad uses rotisserie meat and comes together in no time. It's a good call for when you want a no-cook meal that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

An overhead image of serving stuffed shells with ricotta.
Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These stuffed shells bake in marinara and mozzarella for a cozy, simple dinner. They're easy to prep and great when you want something hearty without the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

Chopped Italian Sandwich

Chopped Italian Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chopped meats, provolone, and peppers stack fast on soft bread. These make for a no-wait lunch that’s strong enough to be the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Ninja Grilled Tomahawk Pork Chops on a white plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tomahawk pork chops hit big on flavor without a lot of prep. They’re a grilling go-to when you want maximum impact with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Chickpeas and pickles make a quick, tangy filling that holds up well in a sandwich. This one’s a smart move for fast, filling meals that don’t need reheating.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

An overhead image of the vegan efo niro in a pot.
Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan efo riro uses mushrooms and spinach in a rich stew that’s easy to pull together. It’s a good fit when you want a clean meal that doesn’t repeat the usual lineup.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Sliced Tajín Grilled Chicken sits on a white plate surrounded by Tajín seasoning, a sliced lime, a white linen, and a small glass of beer.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chile lime chicken brings bold flavor fast and doesn’t need much more than the grill. It’s perfect for when dinner needs to happen without dragging it out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled chicken with cilantro crema on a white plate surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a glass of beer.
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This grilled chicken with cilantro crema is simple to prep and big on flavor. It’s a go-to recipe when you want to keep things easy but still impress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This spicy vodka pasta works with or without vodka and can be made vegetarian. It’s one of those quick weeknight meals that hits all the marks.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tater tot casserole comes packed with veggies and finishes with golden crispy tops. Make extra—it’s an easy win for nights when time’s tight.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These chicken thighs grill fast and get a quick coat of bang bang sauce for a little heat and sweet. It's a strong choice when dinner needs to be both easy and bold.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Carrot Casserole

An overhead image of baked carrot casserole.
Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Carrot casserole bakes up cheesy and crisp on top with no complicated steps. It works well when you’re keeping things clean but want something beyond salad.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

A bowl of Sheet Pan Bibimbap with a pair of chopsticks.
Sheet Pan Bibimbap. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sheet pan bibimbap brings crispy tofu and roasted veggies with bold Korean flavor in under 40 minutes. It’s easy to prep and perfect for nights when you need a no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken on a white plate with lemon slices.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Greek chicken is marinated, fast to cook, and great for hot-weather meals. It’s one of those simple recipes that makes weeknight grilling worth it.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Elote corn ribs bring in big flavor and take barely any time to prep. These make a strong case for adding something quick and fun to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

An overhead image of baked cauliflower with cheese with a serving missing at the bottom.
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked cauliflower cheese gets golden and crisp on top with a creamy inside. It’s great when you’re eating clean but want something that feels like comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of creamy mushroom pasta on a serving plate.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy mushroom pasta comes together quickly with a short ingredient list. It’s a strong choice for when you want something rich without spending all night on it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Pasta Fresca

An overhead image of pasta fresca in a white plate with cheese and tomatoes in the background.
Pasta Fresca. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta fresca uses fresh ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes from start to plate. It’s a simple weeknight dinner that keeps things light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This seasoning-forward recipe needs just a few pantry staples and a grill. A solid pick when you want something good without a lot of back and forth.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Mushroom Masala

An image of cooked mushroom masala in a skillet.
Mushroom Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom masala uses a creamy tomato-coconut sauce and is ready in 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to build a full meal around rice or flatbread with no hassle.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops glazed with peach honey and paired with grilled peaches come together quickly. Grilling brings out the flavor in both, making this a smart choice when you want to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Greek Chickpea Soup

An image of greek chickpea soup in a bowl with utensils beside it.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Greek chickpea soup takes about 45 minutes and holds up well for leftovers. It’s a clean, easy dinner you can make once and eat again.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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