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17 Favorite Dinner Recipes That Are So Easy, You’ll Wonder Why You Ever Thought Cooking Was Hard

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This list features 17 of my favorite dinner recipes, each one bursting with flavor yet requiring minimal effort. From one-pan wonders to quick and creative pastas, get ready to ditch the delivery apps and unveil your inner chef.

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos with cabbage and lettuce on a white plate.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Conquer weeknights with these Blackened Shrimp Tacos, featuring tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp and a creamy garlic aioli. This easy, weeknight-friendly dish bursts with flavor and comes together in under 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Sausage & Red Pepper Pasta

A close-up image of a fork lifting a piece of macaroni, over a plate full of macaroni in a creamy sauce.
Sausage & Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This one-pot sausage and red pepper pasta is a creamy, flavorful alternative to marinara that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Red Pepper Pasta

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With minimal prep, these Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs transform into a succulent meal perfect for family dinners. The combination of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone clamoring for more.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Rice Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that combines all the great taco flavors your family loves. Ready in a flash, this dinner solution is perfect for busy nights and sure to be a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the trip to Panera and make their famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home. This creamy, cheesy soup is perfect for a comforting family meal and is sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

A wooden spoon is being lifted out of a stuffed bell pepper casserole dish.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole combines classic flavors with the convenience of a casserole, resulting in a family-friendly dish perfect for any night of the week. This reliable and filling crowd-pleaser is surprisingly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker Pork Chops, smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, are the perfect comfort food for a delicious and easy dinner. Set your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a meal your family will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Walking Taco Casserole brings the fun and festivity of street food to your dinner table. This easy-to-prepare dish is a perfect choice for an enjoyable family meal.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate the Olive Garden favorite at home with this simple slow cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This creamy and comforting meal is perfect for cozy nights in and is sure to be a hit with your family.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

A dish of creamy baked chicken casserole and cheese topped with golden, crispy crackers, garnished with parsley, served on a glass dish with a fork.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy cracker topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, your whole family will love this dish.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Taco Meatloaf

A slice of taco meatloaf topped with melted cheese and sliced jalapeños, served on a white plate with diced tomatoes and avocado slices nearby.
Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker taco meatloaf is a fun twist on classic comfort food, combining juicy taco meat with hearty meatloaf. Customize it with your favorite taco toppings for an easy, family-pleasing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is a comforting and effortless meal that’s ready to welcome you home. This rich and flavorful dinner is simple to prepare and a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Cajun Chicken Orzo

A wooden spoon scoops up a serving of creamy chicken and vegetable orzo from a large pot.
Cajun Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When you’re craving an easy weeknight meal, look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo. This flavorful dish comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken Orzo

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into an unbeatable dinner. This comforting and flavorful dish is sure to become a staple in your family’s meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar

A shredded beef sandwich with melted cheese on a bun, served with curly fries on a tray.
Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the drive-thru and make a copycat Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar recipe in your slow cooker for effortless, delicious sandwiches. With tender roast beef, creamy cheese sauce, and toasted buns, this budget-friendly comfort food will be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the taste of Italy to your table with Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, a slow cooker dish that’s perfect for family dinners. This simple yet delicious meal is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and sesame seeds.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Infused with a medley of spices and sauces, these Asian Spare Ribs are a slow cooker sensation that will become the star of your meal planning. Your family will adore this irresistible and unbeatable dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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