8 Easy Weeknight Meals

Weeknight cooking doesn’t have to feel like a chore when you have the right collection of recipes that actually work for real life. These easy weeknight meals are perfect when you need something simple to make without the stress (not to mention yummy).

From slow cooker dishes that cook while you’re busy doing other things to quick skillet meals that come together fast, these recipes prove that delicious dinners are totally doable even on the busiest nights. You’ll have a variety of crowd-pleasing options that make weeknight cooking feel manageable and enjoyable again.

1. Mexican Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with pulled cheese. — Photo Credit: Blackberry Babe

This hearty casserole is basically a fiesta in a baking dish, with layers of chips, chicken, beans, and cheese that please even the pickiest eaters. You can easily customize it by leaving out ingredients that certain family members don’t enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Casserole

2. Hamburger Bowls

Hamburger bowl close up shot. — Photo Credit: The Recipe Well

When you’re craving burger flavors but want something lighter, these bowls hit the spot with all your favorite toppings piled over fresh lettuce. The homemade special sauce ties everything together and tastes way better than anything from a bottle.

Get the Recipe: Hamburger Bowls

3. Shrimp Stir Fry

A bowl of shrimp stir fry. — Photo Credit: Cooking with Curls

This stir-fry proves that weeknight dinners can be both healthy and satisfying when you have the right recipe. This will be your new go-to weeknight dinner.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Stir Fry

4. Lemon Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata with sliced lemons. — Photo Credit: Simply Stacie

This restaurant-style dish feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make at home. The bright lemon sauce with capers creates an elegant flavor that makes ordinary chicken breasts feel like something special.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata

5. Mushroom Pork Chops

A close up shot of mushroom pork chops. — Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo

These pork chops are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce that makes them incredibly satisfying. Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is minimal while flavor is anything but.

Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pork Chops

6. Broccoli Pasta

A spoonful of broccoli pasta. — Photo Credit: Amanda’s Cookin

Sometimes the simplest dinners are the most satisfying, and this pasta proves that. The combination of broccoli and melty Parmesan creates a filling meal that comes together in just 25 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pasta

7. Crockpot Garlic Pot Roast

Garlic pot roast in a bowl. — Photo Credit: I Heart Eating

Your slow cooker does all the work for this incredibly tender garlic-infused roast that practically falls apart. All of the cooking juices make the best gravy!

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Pot Roast

8. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo in a white deep bowl. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook

This foolproof recipe cooks the pasta right in the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce, so it absorbs all those rich flavors while you’re doing other things. It takes only 15 minutes to prep, which is perfect for busy nights.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Alfredo