From slow-simmered classics and sheet pan meals to baked seafood and globally inspired dishes, this list covers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re reaching for your slow cooker, tossing together a quick stovetop dinner, or sliding a tray into the oven, these recipes bring bold flavor without making things complicated. With options for chicken, pork, beef, seafood, tofu, and even tempeh and squash, there’s something here for every appetite, every day of the week.

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

Five pieces of baked chicken breast covered with melted cheese on a silicone baking mat—perfect for easy dinner recipes and simple dinners.
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Thin prosciutto slices wrap around chicken breasts, locking in moisture and crisping up as they bake. The salty meat balances the mild chicken and gives a savory finish. Serve it with greens, roasted vegetables, or risotto. Crisp outside, juicy inside.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

Shredded Crockpot Chicken

Shredded Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chicken thighs or breasts slow cook with broth, garlic, and spices until they fall apart easily. Use it in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls. It’s low effort and endlessly flexible. Great to make in batches and freeze.
Get the Recipe: Shredded Crockpot Chicken

Baked Trout Fillets

A baked, herb-crusted fish fillet is served on a white plate with a fork, fresh rosemary sprigs, and lemon wedges—perfect for dinner and ideal for fans of simple recipes.
Baked Trout Fillets. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These fillets bake quickly with olive oil, lemon, and herbs for a clean, simple main. The skin crisps up while the flesh stays soft and flaky. Serve with roasted potatoes or greens. A no-fuss dinner that’s done in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Trout Fillets

Baked Shrimp Scampi

Baked Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Shrimp bake in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce until just tender, with breadcrumbs adding texture on top. It’s light but rich, and great over pasta or rice. Everything comes together fast in one dish. Simple, with strong flavor payoff.
Get the Recipe: Baked Shrimp Scampi

Oven Pulled Pork

Oven Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Pork shoulder bakes low and slow until it pulls apart with a fork. The rub and juices concentrate into a deeply savory mix. Serve it on buns, bowls, or with slaw. Big flavor, no smoker required.
Get the Recipe: Oven Pulled Pork

Apricot-Chili Glazed Fish

Apricot-Chili Glazed Fish. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A sticky glaze made from apricot preserves and chili paste coats fish fillets before baking. The sugars caramelize into crisp edges with a sweet-spicy bite. Great with rice and steamed vegetables. Bold flavor with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Apricot-Chili Glazed Fish

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

Teriyaki beef served on top of a bed of white rice.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Beef simmers in a homemade or bottled teriyaki sauce until tender and richly flavored. The sauce thickens slightly, perfect for spooning over rice. Add bell peppers or broccoli at the end if you want. A slow cooker favorite that always hits.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

Yellow Tempeh Curry

Yellow Tempeh Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Tempeh simmers in a coconut milk-based yellow curry with vegetables like carrots or potatoes. The curry is rich and earthy with just enough heat. Serve over rice or noodles. A solid plant-based option that doesn’t feel like a swap.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Tempeh Curry

Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken

Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken in a skillet.
Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Chicken simmers in a lemon-dill sauce until juicy and well-coated. The flavor is bright and sharp, good for pairing with potatoes, grains, or veggies. It’s quick to make and feels light but satisfying. Serve hot or chilled.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Lemon Dill Chicken

Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast

Classic Yankee pot roast cooked slowly with vegetables.
Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Chuck roast cooks low and slow with onions, carrots, potatoes, and herbs until everything is fork-tender. The broth turns into a rich gravy that pulls it all together. Classic comfort food with almost no hands-on time. Ideal for cold nights or feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast

Ravioli Pomodoro

A plate of ravioli topped with red tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil, placed on a gray tablecloth next to a fork and basil leaves.
Ravioli Pomodoro. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Cheese or meat ravioli gets tossed in a fresh tomato sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and basil. The sauce is quick and light, letting the pasta shine. Add parmesan or chili flakes to finish. A weeknight-friendly pasta that doesn’t taste rushed.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Pomodoro

Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Tofu cubes are baked until crisp, then tossed with noodles and a spicy sesame or chili sauce. The outside of the tofu stays firm while the inside is soft. Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables to round it out. Great hot or cold.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

Best Crock Pot Ham

Best Crock Pot Ham. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Ham slow cooks in a glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, or pineapple juice until deeply flavored and tender. It’s juicy, rich, and needs minimal attention. Slice and serve warm, or use leftovers in sandwiches or soups. A holiday and meal-prep staple.
Get the Recipe: Best Crock Pot Ham

Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

Mexican casserole with ground beef and cheese.
Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Ground beef simmers with beans, corn, salsa, and spices in one pot until thick and scoopable. Top with cheese near the end for a melted finish. Serve it over rice, with chips, or straight from the bowl. Easy, filling, and flexible.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

Sausage Egg Roll Skillet

A spoonful of meat and cabbage in a pan.
Sausage Egg Roll Skillet. Photo credit: Call Me Pmc.

Ground sausage cooks with cabbage, carrots, and garlic for a fast, one-pan meal with big flavor. It tastes like an egg roll without the wrapping or deep fry. Add soy sauce or sesame oil to finish. Good on its own or over rice.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Egg Roll Skillet

The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style

Sticky and flavorful Peking-style spare ribs on a plate.
The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These ribs bake until tender, coated in a sweet-savory glaze with hints of vinegar, soy sauce, and Chinese five spice. The edges caramelize while the inside stays juicy. Serve with rice and simple greens. Bold, sticky, and hard to mess up.
Get the Recipe: The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A cast iron skillet with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: .

Chicken simmers in a thick garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rich but not heavy, with just a bit of sharpness from the garlic. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. One-pan, fast, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a mix of quinoa, nuts, dried fruit, and herbs. The squash stays soft and sweet while the filling brings contrast and crunch. A meatless main that still feels hearty. Great for fall and winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Slices of seasoned brisket topped with onion rings are served alongside sliced pickles and two pieces of white bread on a sheet of parchment paper.
Beer Braised Beef Brisket. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Brisket cooks low and slow in a beer-spiked broth until it slices like butter. The liquid reduces into a sauce that works over potatoes or bread. It’s rich, warm, and perfect for prepping ahead. Slice thick and serve with bold sides.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Creamy Barbecue Shrimp

Barbecue Shrimp in a white bowl.
Creamy Barbecue Shrimp. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Shrimp cook in a buttery, smoky barbecue sauce that’s finished with a splash of cream. The result is bold, savory, and just spicy enough. Best served with bread for soaking up the sauce. A New Orleans-inspired dish that comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Barbecue Shrimp

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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