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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Stupid Simple Recipes That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 10, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Weeknight dinners can often feel like a chore, but they don’t have to be complicated. With these 23 simple recipes, you can whip up satisfying meals in no time, using ingredients you probably already have on hand. From quick pastas to easy tacos, these dishes will make your evenings more enjoyable and stress-free.

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    Steak bites on a black skillet.
    Photo Credit: The Art of Food and Wine.

    Seared steak bites are a simple and tasty dish that works well as a main course or an appetizer. They come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for a quick meal. Whether you're looking for something hearty for dinner or a snack to share, these bites are sure to satisfy.

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    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai curry and spaghetti come together in a dish that's so good you'll want to have it regularly. This easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

    Chicken broccoli alfredo with wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

    This one-pot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is simple to prepare and great for family dinners. With chicken and broccoli mixed in, this pasta dish is a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a hit with everyone, from kids to food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are full of flavor. They come together in just 20 minutes and are really simple to prepare, making them a great option for a quick meal.

    Get the recipe

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    Cold bruschetta pasta salad combines juicy cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil for a refreshing dish. The addition of homemade sourdough breadcrumbs gives it a nice crunch and a flavor reminiscent of classic bruschetta. This salad is perfect for a dinner party, a barbecue, or even as a tasty packed lunch.

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    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Tuna pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Homemade Interest.

    Tuna pasta salad is loaded with fresh vegetables and vibrant flavors. This version skips the mayo, making it a lighter option that's perfect for sharing. It's a simple dish that can easily fit into your weeknight meals.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is simple to make with just a few ingredients and can cook all day long. It's creamy without using any cream, and it's both vegetarian and gluten-free. Enjoy this light yet filling soup in bread bowls, topped with your favorite taco fixings.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burgers

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

    Halloumi cheese, tender lamb, and fresh herbs come together in a delicious dish, all topped with sweet, grilled red onions and a rich layer of sun-dried tomato pesto. This combination is sure to brighten up any weeknight dinner. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Southern Baked Chicken Thighs

    SOUTHERN BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    This chicken dish is simple and tasty, using just three ingredients to create a satisfying meal. It turns out crispy and flavorful, making it a great option for dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and will fit right into your routine.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Parm Casserole

    Chicken Parm Casserole.
    Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

    This easy casserole brings the flavors of a classic Italian dinner into one hearty dish. Packed with tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into any weeknight. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Steak Bites

    Mexican Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Steak adds a rich flavor to any meal, and these steak bites take it up a notch. Seasoned with taco spices, they bring a fun twist to your dinner. Paired with a creamy queso sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit on your weeknight menu.

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    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon

    Sweet & Spicy Glazed Salmon.
    Photo credit: Cassidy's Craveable Creations.

    This easy keto salmon is coated in a tasty sweet and spicy sauce. It comes together in just 20 minutes and only needs one pan, so there's no flipping involved. It's a simple and quick option for dinner that fits right into a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

    Instant Pot Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are a fast and easy weeknight dinner for the family when you’ve had a long day. Cook chicken from fresh or frozen!

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup

    30 Minute One Pot Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This creamy vegan mushroom soup comes together in just 30 minutes using only one pot. It's a simple, dairy-free, and nut-free choice for a warm weeknight meal that everyone will love. Perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili

    Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili
    Photo Credit: This Healthy Ttable.

    This chili is a comforting dish perfect for cool evenings. It's hearty and satisfying, making it a great choice for dinner. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it fits right into a busy weeknight routine.

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    Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp

    Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp served with dip.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This easy recipe features crispy buffalo shrimp that are cooked in the air fryer and tossed in a spicy homemade buffalo sauce. It's a simple way to enjoy a flavorful dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal brings a bit of excitement to your dinner routine.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Stir Fry

    Stir fried snow peas on a pan.
    Photo Credit: Healing Tomato.

    This vegan stir fry features fresh vegetables and basic spices, creating a quick and easy dinner option. It's a healthy choice that packs in nutrition while being delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be whipped up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is full of flavor, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a mix of dried herbs. It’s a simple yet satisfying dinner option that uses basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it brings a tasty twist to your usual routine.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This vegan alfredo sauce is super simple to make, using just 5 ingredients. It’s creamy and tasty, and you can whip it up in just 15 minutes without any real cooking. Perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    This dish features tender chicken paired with butternut squash, purple potatoes, and broccoli, all roasted together on a single pan. It's a simple and healthy meal that brings a variety of flavors and nutrients to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe keeps things easy and delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Kimchi Sloppy Joes

    Kimchi Sloppy Joe.
    Photo credit: Served From Scratch.

    This classic dish gets a fun twist with some Korean flavors. It's a simple way to spice up your weeknight meals and bring something new to the table. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe is easy to prepare and will keep everyone satisfied.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

    Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup.
    Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

    This creamy tomato tortellini soup is quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes. It's a warm and comforting vegetarian dish featuring cheese tortellini, canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spinach. Topping it with parmesan cheese and pairing it with some crusty bread makes for a satisfying meal, perfect for chilly evenings.

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    Chicken and Rice

    15-Minute Chicken and Rice
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    A quick chicken and rice dish is always a winner. This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and is packed with flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Sour cream chicken enchilada casserole.
      23 Hearty Crockpot Meals That Cook While You Relax
    • 21 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep
    • Baked ham pasta.
      23 Simple Pasta Recipes That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine
    • Irish beef stew.
      17 Dump-and-Go Beef Dinners for the Busiest Weeknights

    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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