When life gets busy, getting a tasty and nutritious dinner on the table can become extra difficult. Calendars can fill up, schedules can become more demanding, but you still have to eat. That’s why we’re sharing these easy weeknight dinners that can be prepped by the time your oven preheats. With one recipe for every night of the week, this article is a great resource for when life gets just a little too busy.
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Best Tuna Casserole
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
This recipe has an astounding amount of reviews, and over 1,500 5-star ratings. It’s a nostalgic classic that tastes like home.
“I made the recipe just as is, the reaction was great,” said one reviewer. “‘Tasty’ is the compliment I heard. Definitely will make again. What I liked the most was getting all my ingredients together and just dumping in a large bowl and mixing with a spoon. I only had to leave half of the cheese and then the crumpled potato chips to cover the top before it went into the oven. Then 20 minutes to heat. Couldn’t get any easier.”
Big Mac Casserole
Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck
This big mac casserole combines all the flavors from your favorite burger: tasty ground beef, cheese, and mayo topped with lettuce. Hash brown patties stand in for the buns.
“I couldn’t believe how much this actually tastes like a Big Mac,” said one Allrecipes member. “Such a fun change to a weeknight dinner. The sauce was the star of the show for me – I feel like I’ll be putting that on everything from now on.”
Crunchy Tex-Mex Casserole with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
Photography: Carson Downing / Food Styling: Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Dera Burreson
This 10-minute Crunchy Tex-Mex Casserole with Spicy Ranch Drizzle just won our “World Casserole Day” competition, beating out more than 100 other recipes that our editors cooked in their own kitchens, judging for taste, texture, convenience, and creativity. It’s tasty, fast, and easy—and sure to be a new favorite in your household.
“I made it yesterday and it was everything I hoped for,” shared one reviewer. “It is so flavorful and so special, and easy to prepare. My whole family flipped out over at how light and delicious it was! It is surprising how such an easy meal can be this good! I prepared it exactly as directed and wouldn’t change a thing.”
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a classic for a reason. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and chicken. You can make it even easier by using leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken. Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy on its own!
“We really enjoyed this recipe,” said one Allrecipes reviewer. “I added a bit more chicken than called for, and it was still a good balance. Just as tasty for leftovers. I would definitely make again!”
No-Peek Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
In this simple recipe, the chicken, rice, and vegetables cook under a tight sheet of aluminum foil—so don’t peek! All that steam gently cooks your dinner, resulting in a tasty and comforting meal that comes together in no time.
“I followed the recipe exactly and it came out just like the picture,” shared one Allrecipes member. “My husband, who is an impossible person to cook for, said ‘this is a keeper, make it again.'”
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Piccata Casserole
Peyton Beckwith
Don’t be intimidated by this ingredient list—you truly just layer everything in a casserole dish and cook. The result is a bright and tasty casserole that rivals your favorite restaurant pasta dish.
“I made this for Sunday dinner, it was great!,” shares a reviewer. “I used 5 boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, just my own preference. Had a guest for dinner and she loved it. Will be added to my regular meal rotation for ease, taste and comfort appeal.”
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
This chicken and stuffing casserole is creamy and comforting on a cool winter evening—the whole family will love it! The crispy topping on this old-fashioned casserole is easy to make with a quick-cooking stuffing mix. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is required, but if you have leftover chicken on hand, use it! Leftovers are yummy, too.
“Made this recipe yesterday for our monthly meeting at the club house,” shared an Allrecipes member. “It was a huge success and there wasn’t any to take home. I also received several requests for the recipe!”
