One week of easy dinner recipes

​Easy dinner recipes are popular for individuals and families who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious meal. These recipes typically require minimal preparation and cooking time, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Many easy dinner recipes utilize simple ingredients and techniques, such as one-pot meals or sheet pan dinners, to create flavorful and satisfying meals without a lot of fuss. From classic dishes like meatloaf to creative options like customized homemade pizzas, there are endless possibilities when it comes to easy dinner recipes.

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Monday

​Here's an easy crockpot chicken recipe that is both delicious and simple to make:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth.
3. Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot and pour the soup mixture over the top.
4. Add the diced onion to the crockpot.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice or vegetables.

This crockpot chicken recipe is a great option for busy weeknights, as you can set it and forget it. The chicken will turn out tender and flavorful, and the creamy mushroom sauce is the perfect complement to the dish. If you don't own a crockpot yet, I highly recommend that you treat yourself to one! I love cooking in my 7 qt Crock-Pot for the whole family! Enjoy!

Taco Tuesday

Here's a simple and tasty easy taco salad recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 head of lettuce, chopped
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Tortilla chips, crushed

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the taco seasoning to the skillet with the ground beef, along with the amount of water indicated on the seasoning packet. Mix well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss to combine.
4. To serve, place a layer of the lettuce mixture in the bottom of each serving bowl. Top with seasoned ground beef.
5. Drizzle salsa and sour cream over the top of the ground beef, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top.
6. Serve immediately.

This easy taco salad recipe is a delicious and colorful option for a quick and satisfying dinner. The seasoned ground beef adds a bold flavor to the dish, while the combination of lettuce, black beans, and cherry tomatoes creates a refreshing and nutritious salad. Top it off with salsa, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips for a perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!

Wednesday

​Here's a simple and delicious easy meatloaf recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9x5 inch loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread the mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

This easy meatloaf recipe is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a hearty and satisfying dinner. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices creates a tender and flavorful meatloaf, while the sweet and tangy glaze on top adds a delicious finishing touch. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, for a complete meal.

Thursday

Here's an easy and tasty ground beef casserole recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the cream of mushroom soup, corn, rice, water, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, and return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

This easy casserole recipe is a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner. The combination of ground beef, rice, and corn creates a hearty and filling dish, while the creamy mushroom soup adds a delicious flavor. Top it off with melted cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish that everyone will love. Enjoy with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Friday

Here's a simple and delicious easy homemade pizza recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it is about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
5. Top with pepperoni, green bell pepper, and onion.
6. Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder over the top, and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

This easy homemade pizza recipe is a classic and customizable option for a fun and delicious dinner. The combination of pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings creates a flavorful and satisfying pizza, while the homemade crust makes it extra special. Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, or sausage, to make it your own. Enjoy!

Saturday

Here's a simple and flavorful easy fried rice recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked white rice, cooled
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Push the vegetable mixture to the side of the skillet, making room in the center for the beaten eggs.
5. Pour the eggs into the center of the skillet and let them cook for about 1 minute, or until just set. Then, scramble the eggs with a spatula until they are cooked through.
6. Add the cooked white rice to the skillet, along with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss to combine everything evenly.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
8. Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds, if desired.

This easy fried rice recipe is a quick and delicious option for a satisfying dinner. The combination of cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and scrambled eggs creates a balanced and flavorful dish, while the soy sauce and sesame oil add a classic and irresistible taste. Serve it as a main dish or as a side dish with your favorite protein, such as chicken or shrimp. Enjoy!

Wrapping up our week, let's get cozy! ​Homemade soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that can warm you up on a cold day or provide comfort when you're feeling under the weather. The aroma of simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, while the rich and flavorful broth can soothe and satisfy your taste buds. Unlike canned or prepackaged soup, homemade soup allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking.

​Additionally, making soup at home is a cost-effective and healthy option, as you can use fresh, wholesome ingredients and avoid preservatives or excess sodium. Ultimately, the comfort of having homemade soup goes beyond the physical benefits of the meal, as it can also provide a sense of nostalgia and connection to family traditions or memories.

Sunday

Here's a simple and comforting easy soup recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, water, diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, chili powder, and ground cumin to the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
5. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

This easy soup recipe is a comforting and satisfying option for a cozy dinner. The combination of onion, garlic, tomatoes, and beans creates a hearty and nutritious soup, while the spices add a warm and flavorful touch. Customize it with your favorite toppings and serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

​Cooking easy meals at home is an excellent way to save money, eat healthier, and have control over the ingredients in your food. With a few basic cooking skills and some simple recipes, anyone can prepare delicious and satisfying meals at home. From crockpot chicken to fried rice and soup, there are many easy recipes that require minimal time and effort. By cooking at home, you can also experiment with different flavors and ingredients, making your meals more interesting and varied. Overall, cooking easy meals at home is a great way to improve your health, save money, and have fun in the kitchen.

One week of easy dinner recipes