23 Easy Weeknight Entrees and Sides Even the Busiest People Can Make
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Hectic nights don’t have to mean boring dinners, and these easy weeknight entrees and sides prove it. Packed with flavor, and easy prep, perfect for those evenings when time is tight, but you still want great food. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, these dishes will make dinner feel effortless without sacrificing taste.
Parmesan and Garlic Wings
When you’re short on time but still want something full of flavor, these parmesan and garlic wings are a game-changer. They’re buttery, crispy, and coated with just the right amount of cheesy garlic goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even as a snack, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan and Garlic Wings
Easy Cheeseburger Pie
For those hectic evenings when you just need dinner fast, this cheeseburger pie is the perfect solution. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s cheesy, beefy, and loaded with comforting flavors the whole family will love. It’s budget-friendly and so easy to throw together, ideal for a no-fuss weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Herb-Crusted Chicken
When you want something tasty but can’t spend all evening in the kitchen, this herb-crusted chicken has you covered. With a crispy, flavorful coating of herbs and pepper, it’s an easy yet impressive dinner that’s ready fast. It’s perfect for those weeknights when you need something reliable but still crave big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
For a one-pan meal that’s both filling and fast, this Italian beef and cauliflower rice skillet is a must. Ground beef is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley for a dish that’s simple yet satisfying. With only 30 minutes of prep and cook time, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short but dinner still needs to deliver.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Copycat Alice Springs Chicken
This copycat Alice Springs chicken is an easy way to bring restaurant-quality comfort food to your table. Juicy chicken is smothered in a rich mustard sauce, loaded with savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s packed with flavor and simple enough to make on even your busiest weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Busy or not, this Chicken Cordon Bleu makes dinner feel special without the stress. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with smoky ham and Swiss cheese, then baked in a rich creamy sauce that takes minimal effort. It’s a fuss-free way to impress the family or level up an ordinary weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Popeyes Coleslaw
When you need an easy side that pairs with anything, Popeyes coleslaw is a go-to. Crisp cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing come together in minutes for a simple yet crowd-pleasing dish. Whether it’s for a barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or a potluck, this no-fuss coleslaw is a winner every time.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
For a dinner that feels special without a ton of effort, this Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken is a must-try. Cream cheese, cheddar, and savory seasoning make the perfect filling for tender chicken breasts baked to golden perfection. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
When you’re craving comfort food but need something simple and easy, this cauliflower mac and cheese delivers. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this oven-baked dish is ready in no time. It’s perfect for hectic weeknight evenings when you want a cozy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
This deconstructed egg roll soup is packed with flavor yet comes together in one pot for the ultimate no-fuss dinner. Loaded with seasoned meat, tender veggies, and bold spices, it’s hearty and delicious without a lot of prep. It’s the kind of meal that makes a busy weeknight feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
For a dump-and-go dinner that’s full of flavor, salsa chicken in the slow cooker is a lifesaver. Toss chicken breast and your favorite salsa into the crockpot, and let it cook to tender, tangy perfection. It’s an easy weeknight solution that works great for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This quick and easy ground beef and cabbage stir fry is the kind of meal you can whip up in no time. Packed with seasoned beef and tender cabbage, it’s filling yet simple to make. With only one pan and 20 minutes needed, this is exactly the kind of recipe busy weeknights call for.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse rice is an easy and flavorful side that pairs with just about anything. Fluffy rice is cooked with onions, bell peppers, and savory chicken broth, creating a simple yet filling dish. It’s the perfect weeknight side when you need something tasty but don’t have extra time to spare.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
When you want a creamy, comforting side without the carbs, mashed cauliflower potatoes are the way to go. Smooth, buttery, and full of flavor, this dish is the perfect alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s easy to make and pairs beautifully with your favorite entrees for a stress-free weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Blackened Pork Chops
When you need an easy and hearty dinner, these blackened pork chops are a total win. With a crispy, flavorful crust and juicy interior, they’re ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight. Pair them with a quick garden salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got an effortless meal that’s big on flavor with barely any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Pork Chops
Cauliflower Rice
For a simple yet versatile side, cauliflower rice is a weeknight must. It’s light, fluffy, and ready in minutes, making it an ideal choice when you’re juggling a busy schedule. Whether you’re serving it with stir fry, tacos, or grilled meats, this easy recipe is a reliable go-to that fits into your busiest evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice
Homemade Sauerkraut
Homemade sauerkraut may sound fancy, but it’s actually one of the easiest sides you can make. With just cabbage and salt, you can whip up a tangy, refreshing dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or hearty dinners. It’s low-effort, and ideal for adding a punch of flavor to any weeknight meal without complicating your evening.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut
Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
For an easy side that goes with everything, this creamy coleslaw is a winner. Crunchy cabbage and carrots are tossed in a simple dairy-free dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that fits seamlessly into a busy evening, making dinner feel fresh without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
When you need a simple side that feels indulgent, these bacon and cheddar biscuits are the answer. Made with coconut flour dough, they’re cheesy, savory, and loaded with crispy bacon, perfect for rounding out your weeknight dinner. They’re so easy to whip up, that they’ll quickly become your go-to for busy nights when you want big flavor without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Hectic weeknights call for sides that deliver comfort without the hassle, and these garlic mashed potatoes hit the spot. Creamy, buttery, and full of rich garlic flavor, they’re simple enough for a casual dinner yet special enough to impress. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, these mashed potatoes are a no-brainer addition to your weeknight meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Chicken Paprikash
For a hearty, one-pot dinner that feels cozy yet simple, chicken paprikash is perfect. Tender chicken simmers in a rich paprika sauce that’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly delicious. Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a no-fuss meal that’s ready in no time, ideal for those weeknights when you need something warm and comforting without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Braised Cabbage
If you’re craving something warm and cozy but don’t have much time, this braised cabbage is exactly what you need. Slow-cooked until tender and packed with rich, savory flavors, it’s a simple yet comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled chicken. Perfect for hectic weeknights, this fuss-free recipe will save the day.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage
Chicken à la King
For a no-fuss yet comforting meal that’s easy to pull together, Chicken à la King is always a hit. Juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and tender mushrooms simmer in a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect over rice or biscuits. It’s the kind of filling dinner you can make in no time, ideal for those weeknight dinners when you need something simple yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken à la King
