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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    15 Simple Dinners That Make the Whole Week Feel Easier

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated June 3, 2026 · Published June 8, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking during the week can feel like a chore, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Here are 15 simple meals that are not only easy to prepare but also satisfying and full of flavor. These recipes will help you enjoy your week with less stress in the kitchen and more time to relax.

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This meal features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta baked with a cheesy topping. It's a comforting and classy dinner that you can whip up in just 45 minutes, all in one pan to keep cleanup easy.

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    Thai Red Curry Fried Rice

    Fried rice with curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai Curry Fried Rice comes together in just 15 minutes and is packed with authentic Thai flavors like fish sauce, curry paste, cashews, lime, and cilantro. If you like a little spice, adding some Sriracha gives it a nice kick.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it in the oven in just 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

    Caprese salad with cashews.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This caprese dish is a simple and tasty option for a busy weeknight dinner. Using fresh ingredients and requiring little preparation, it adds a touch of Italian flavor to your meal.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer T-Bone Steak with Homemade Garlic Butter

    T-bone steak with garlic butter.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Air fryer T-bone steaks are a fast and simple dinner choice. Pair them with garlic butter or your favorite sauce for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Enjoy a deliciously citrusy dinner any night of the week. These well-seasoned salmon bites are a delight in every bite and will be a treat for your whole family!

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    Creamy Coconut Lentil Soup

    A bowl of coconut lentil soup topped with chili flakes and cilantro.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple soup is creamy, warming, and ready in under 30 minutes - whether made on the stove top or in your instant pot. Despite being so simple to make, it has amazing flavor from coconut milk, ginger and garlic, and is perfect for quick and cozy weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry in a skillet.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Curries can really add some excitement to your week. This simple Shrimp Curry mixes fragrant Thai red curry paste with rich coconut milk, creating a tasty dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Cheese Salad

    A plate of sweet potato salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sweet potato salad makes for a healthy and satisfying meal. It's warm and filling, and it gets even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.

    Get the recipe

    Beef and Barley Stew

    Beef and Barley Stew.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    This Beef and Barley Stew is a hearty dish that cooks slowly to bring out rich flavors and tender meat. It's a simple meal that makes dinner a breeze.

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    Apple Risotto with Marcona Almonds

    Apple risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Apple Risotto brings together sweet apples and creamy rice in a comforting dish that you can whip up in just 35 minutes. It's perfect as a side or a hearty meal, especially when you sprinkle on some crunchy Marcona almonds for added flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Feta Cheese Frittata

    Frittata.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A stovetop frittata is a quick and filling dish that works well for any meal. Packed with Feta cheese, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil, it can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Make a tasty slow cooker meatloaf without using the oven. With just a few basic ingredients, this simple recipe is perfect for your weeknight meals.

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    Air Fryer Skirt Steak

    Sliced air fryer skirt steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make perfectly tender Air Fryer Skirt Steak with just 6-10 minutes of cooking. With a flavor-packed marinade to tenderize the meat, so you end up with a juicy steak without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Soup

    CHEESEBURGER SOUP.
    Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

    Cheeseburger soup combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a hearty bowl. It's easy to prepare, full of nutritious ingredients, and makes for a great meal on any evening.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake.
      18 Gourmet Dinners You'd Never Guess Just Got Dumped and Baked
    • 25 Easy Summer Pasta Dinners Made for Warm Evenings
    • 19 Family Friendly Slow Cooker Meals That Are Perfect for Meal Prep
    • Beef and noodles.
      23 Easy Dinners That Prove Great Food Doesn't Have to Cost a Fortune

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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