Some nights call for food that doesn’t demand a culinary degree. These dinners are straightforward, flavor-packed, and designed to keep stress out of the kitchen. They’re meals that taste big without trying hard. Simplicity never looked this good.

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

A plate with cottage pie casserole and a side of mixed greens on a white surface, accompanied by an orange-patterned cloth in the background.
Traditional Irish Cottage Pie. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Irish shepherd’s pie has a close cousin made with ground beef versus ground lamb, a delicious fare known as Traditional Irish Cottage Pie!
Get the Recipe: Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Close-up of a stack of medium-rare, seasoned steak slices, showcasing a pink and juicy interior with a seared crust.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

One of the reasons we love the idea of cooking ribeye steak in the air fryer is how fast you can get it done. Prep time is about 10 minutes, primarily because, except for the steak, you’re working with four ingredients only.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

A sliced meatloaf topped with creamy gravy sits on a plate with mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh rosemary and herbs—perfect for easy cooking and simple meals.
Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Enjoy a hearty slice of warm meatloaf with mashed potatoes and rich homemade gravy. This recipe makes two loaves—one for now, one for later!
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

A plate of breaded chicken topped with brown gravy, served over herb rice with a side of parsley garnish—perfect for those seeking simple dinner inspiration from easy cooking dinner recipes.
Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

There’s nothing more comforting than golden-fried breaded cutlets topped with rich, savory pan gravy. Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy delivers cozy, down-home flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Close-up of tortellini pasta cooking in a creamy yellow sauce with pieces of chicken, stirred by a wooden spoon.
Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When I made this Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini, I cooked the chicken thighs in the alfredo sauce first, using evaporated milk. Then I added heavy cream and, finally, the tortellini, turning this into a delicious, easy one-pot meal that tastes just like the restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with sausages and caramelized onions in a rich brown gravy. A sprig of fresh thyme garnishes the dish. The plate sits on a green patterned cloth.
Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy is the kind of hearty pub classic that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day—or anytime you’re craving something cozy and satisfying. For those new to it, this beloved British and Irish dish pairs sausages with creamy mashed potatoes, all topped with a deep, rich onion gravy made even better with a splash of Guinness.
Get the Recipe: Bangers & Mash with Guinness Gravy

Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Slices of grilled meat, medium rare, arranged on a plate.
Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

My tender and juicy Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction is brimming with both savory and sweet notes and rich with fall flavor!
Get the Recipe: Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole

A plate of baked chicken with yellow rice, garnished with chopped parsley, sits on an orange cloth next to a wooden spoon, fork, and a small bowl of shredded cheese—a perfect choice for simple dinner or easy cooking.
Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole is such an easy weeknight dinner. It includes cheesy, yummy broccoli with seasoned chicken on top, served on a bed of a rice and pasta blend. Bake it in the oven and, voila, the tastiest casserole ever!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with parsley.
Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This sausage and pepper pasta dish is a hearty, one-dish dinner that allows you to get supper on the table in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

A whole chicken seasoned with herbs and spices in a slow cooker, ready to be cooked.
Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When I talk about making fried chicken in my slow cooker, the word “fried” is a euphemism. I’m not really frying anything. However, the end result tastes like fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

A plate with sweet and spicy glazed chicken topped with cranberries, served with green beans and a side of yellow rice.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

One of the reasons I love this Crock Pot recipe for chicken with cranberries is it has four ingredients only. That’s not a typo — just four ingredients. And with three of them, you’re opening a seasoning packet, a can of cranberry sauce or a bottle of Catalina dressing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Country Captain Chicken Is the Curry the South Claimed

A plate of white rice topped with tender Country Captain chicken in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and slivered almonds, served with a gold fork on the side.
Country Captain Chicken Is the Curry the South Claimed. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Meet Country Captain Chicken, the dish that sailed from the Indian subcontinent to the American South, docking deliciously in kitchens from Savannah to Charleston! It’s like your favorite Southern comfort food took a semester abroad and came back with stories—and spices.
Get the Recipe: Country Captain Chicken Is the Curry the South Claimed

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Close-up of a roasted chicken with crispy, golden-brown skin seasoned with herbs and coarse salt, on a wooden cutting board.
Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This recipe for how to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer will change your mind about supermarket rotisserie chicken forever. It is far cheaper and far more delicious.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Chicken-Fried Chicken with Creamy Country Gravy

A classic Southern comfort food, this Chicken Fried Chicken features a breaded and fried cutlet topped with rich gravy, served with mashed potatoes on a decorative green and white plate beside a gold fork and knife.
Chicken-Fried Chicken with Creamy Country Gravy. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

If you’ve ever been to the South (or if you just have good taste), you’ve probably encountered Chicken-Fried Chicken with Gravy. A crispy, golden brown, tender chicken breast smothered in a creamy, country-style gravy; yeah, that’s comfort food at its finest!
Get the Recipe: Chicken-Fried Chicken with Creamy Country Gravy

Lobster Rolls

A Maine lobster roll in a red and white striped container sits on a weathered red picnic table with a coastal scene visible in the background.
Lobster Rolls. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Lobster rolls are a classic summer treat along the eastern seaboard, especially in New England. Here’s how to make them at home.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Rolls

Salmon in the Air Fryer

A fork holds a piece of cooked salmon above a plate with more salmon fillets, lemon slices, and salt and pepper shakers nearby—perfect for those seeking easy dinner ideas and simple cooking inspiration.
Salmon in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

One of the beauties of cooking salmon or any seafood in the air fryer is that it is pretty difficult to do it wrong. Many air fryers have a seafood setting that you can select.
Get the Recipe: Salmon in the Air Fryer

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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