Some nights you just need dinner on the table without a lot of fuss. These 15 Southern dinners are the ones I come back to over and over again when time is short and everybody’s hungry. They’re simple, satisfying, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

From skillet suppers to quick stovetop meals, these recipes prove that good Southern cooking doesn’t have to take all day. Whether you’ve got 20 minutes or closer to 45, there’s something here for every kind of weeknight.

1
Canned Salmon Patties Recipe
A classic Southern staple that comes together in minutes with pantry ingredients. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and always a hit.
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2
Burger Bowl
All the flavors of your favorite burger without the bun. This one comes together fast and is easy to customize with whatever toppings you have in the fridge.
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3
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
Salty prosciutto and juicy chicken are a combination that always delivers. It looks impressive but takes barely any effort to pull together.
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4
Cheeseburger Soup
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger. This soup is a family favorite on cool weeknights.
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5
BBQ Pork Pizza
A quick homemade pizza loaded with barbecue pork that's perfect for using up leftover pulled pork. It's a fun change of pace for pizza night.
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6
Muffin Pan Meatloaf Recipe
All the comfort of meatloaf in a fraction of the time. These individual portions cook faster and are great for kids and adults alike.
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7
Soy Garlic Chicken
A simple soy and garlic marinade turns ordinary chicken into something you'll want to make on repeat. It's quick, flavorful, and pairs well with just about any side.
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8
Baked Shrimp Scampi
Buttery, garlicky shrimp baked right in the oven. No standing over the stove required, and it's ready in about 20 minutes.
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9
Rosemary Lemon Roast Chicken
Bright lemon and fragrant rosemary make this roast chicken feel special without any extra work. Let the oven do the heavy lifting on this one.
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10
California Skillet
Ground beef and rice come together in one skillet for a filling, no-fuss dinner. It's the kind of meal the whole family will clean their plates for.
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11
Broiled Shrimp and Vegetables
A light and easy dinner that comes together under the broiler in minutes. It's a great option when you want something on the lighter side.
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12
Orange-Braised Chicken and Prosciutto
A savory and slightly sweet braise that sounds fancy but couldn't be easier. The orange adds a brightness that makes this one stand out.
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13
Chili Mac and Cheese
Two comfort food favorites in one dish. This one is warm, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser on busy nights.
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14
Arugula Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Chicken
A hearty salad with warm roasted sweet potatoes, tender chicken, and crunchy pecans. It's filling enough to stand on its own as a main course.
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15
Skillet Pork Chops with Vegetables
Pork chops and vegetables in a tangy sauce all in one skillet, a one-dish meal that works for a busy weeknight.
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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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