15 Weeknight Recipes Because Cooking Shouldn’t Be Harder Than Your Day Job
There’s nothing worse than a recipe that looks easy and then hits you with a step that requires a degree in advanced engineering. No surprises here—just meals that keep things straightforward so you can eat without stress. This lineup keeps things simple, so the hardest part of the night is deciding what to watch after dinner.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Some things just make sense after a long day, and crispy, golden Buttermilk Fried Chicken is one of them. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a reward without requiring a lot of effort. Serve it up with whatever sides you have, and suddenly, dinner feels like it came straight from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Sweet And Sour Pork
A little tang, a little sweetness, and just the right amount of bite make Sweet And Sour Pork a go-to for weeknights. It’s quick, fulfilling, and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. You can throw it over rice or eat it straight from the pan—no judgment here. Either way, it’s a solid option when you don’t have time for kitchen experiments.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Sour Pork
Cheese Ravioli
Some nights, dinner needs to be easy, cheesy, and borderline foolproof, which is why Cheese Ravioli exists. Toss it in sauce, sprinkle something on top, and you’re basically done. No need to stress over making homemade pasta like an Italian grandma. This is the weeknight dinner that lets you put in minimal effort while still feeling fancy.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli
Mississippi Pot Roast
If you need a meal that practically cooks itself, Mississippi Pot Roast has you covered. Just set it, forget it, and let it do its thing while you deal with everything else in life. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ve got something tender and full of flavor with almost zero work. That’s the kind of energy we all need on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast
Orange Chicken
Some days call for takeout, and other days call for pretending you made takeout—Orange Chicken is perfect for that. It’s got that familiar sticky-sweet coating, but you can actually control how much goes on. Throw it over some rice, and suddenly, you’ve outsmarted your delivery app. Bonus points if you serve it in a fancy bowl.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Birria Ramen
When classic comfort food meets bold flavors, you get Birria Ramen, and it’s nothing short of a weeknight win. It’s warm, rich, and feels like something you should’ve spent hours on, even though you didn’t. Perfect for when you need something fulfilling without standing in the kitchen forever. Slurping is totally acceptable with this one.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
You know those nights when dinner is basically just a bunch of snacks? That’s when Smoky Bacon Pig Shots come in handy. They’re bite-sized, full of flavor, and don’t require a formal plate. Just grab a napkin and call it a meal—no one’s judging.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Beef Pot Pie
Some meals are just warm hugs in food form, and Beef Pot Pie is one of them. It’s rich, comforting, and has that perfect flaky topping that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something. Bonus points because it all comes together without much effort. This is the kind of meal that makes weeknights a little less chaotic.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie
Raising Cane Tenders
If there’s one thing you should never be too tired for, it’s crispy, golden Raising Cane Tenders. They’re simple, they’re quick, and they make dinner feel like a treat. Just throw them on a plate with a dipping sauce, and suddenly, you’re winning at life. Who needs drive-thru lines when you’ve got this at home?
Get the Recipe: Raising Cane Tenders
Hawaiian Baked Beans
Sometimes, you just need a side dish that steals the show, and Hawaiian Baked Beans do exactly that. They’re sweet, smoky, and go with pretty much anything. Honestly, they might even be the main event if you’re too tired to cook anything else. No shame in scooping these straight from the pot.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
Mozzarella Sticks
If dinner takes longer than 15 minutes, it’s probably too complicated for a weeknight—thankfully, Mozzarella Sticks get that. They’re crispy, cheesy, and basically made for those “I forgot to plan dinner” nights. A little dip on the side, and you’ve got a meal that’s way more fun than whatever you were supposed to make.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
If regular lasagna feels like too much effort, Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is here to save the day. It’s creamy, cheesy, and somehow feels fancy without actually being hard to make. Just layer, bake, and pretend you planned this all along. No one needs to know you threw it together in record time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Cowboy Casserole
Some meals are made for busy weeknights, and Cowboy Casserole is definitely one of them. It’s hearty, comforting, and requires almost no thought to put together. One dish, minimal cleanup, and you’re done. That’s the kind of low-effort cooking that actually makes weeknights bearable.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole
Spaghetti Marinara
Classic, simple, and always a win, Spaghetti Marinara is the kind of meal that never lets you down. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it feels like something you could eat every single week. Whether you dress it up or keep it basic, it always gets the job done. Plus, who doesn’t love twirling noodles at the end of a long day?
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Sesame Chicken
If you want something fast that still tastes like real effort went into it, Sesame Chicken is a solid choice. It’s got that perfect balance of crispy and saucy without being complicated. Toss it on a plate, add a side if you’re feeling ambitious, and dinner is officially handled. No takeout regrets necessary.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken
