Short on Time? These Easy Family Dinners Are Great for Busy Weeknights
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Life can get pretty hectic for The Pioneer Woman. With her Food Network show, Walmart collection, and life on the ranch, it’s no wonder Ree often reaches for the easiest recipes to get her through the dinnertime rush. "I find myself gravitating toward recipes that are delicious but don't require a lot of prep or fuss," she says. In other words, she puts some of her best sheet pan suppers, one-pot meals, and quick 30-minute dinners to good use. And you will, too! With these easy dinner recipes, you’ll be able to take on even the busiest weeknights.
When deciding what to make for dinner, you can choose from recipes for steak, pork, salmon, and chicken, not to mention some outside-the-box pasta recipes and other imaginative ideas to ensure you'll never be stuck in a cooking rut again. For instance, you can try the pretzel-crusted chicken with broccoli, the skillet lasagna, or the sloppy joe casserole for an updated take on a comfort food classic. There are also several air fryer recipes like the crispy air fryer pork chops served with mashed potatoes—it comes together in just 12 minutes! So whether you're cooking for a crowd or just dinner for two, these easy recipes will become your weeknight heroes—because take-out just isn't the same as a home-cooked dinner.
Beef Noodle Casserole
A cheesy baked pasta dish is a no brainer for the Drummond family—especially when it involves beef. The one-pan marvel is incredibly comforting and even the pasta is cooked in the same dish. Talk about easy clean-up!
Get Ree's Beef Noodle Casserole recipe.
Salmon Tacos
Taco night has never been easier thanks to these fish tacos topped with street corn-inspired slaw. The spiced salmon is roasted in the oven so it's practically hands-free!
Get the Salmon Tacos recipe.
Broccoli Chicken Casserole
What's the best way to get your family to eat their broccoli? Just add buttery crackers and plenty of creamy cheese sauce. The chicken and rice make the dish complete.
Get the Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe.
Slow Cooker Bolognese
This hearty meat sauce tastes just like the kind that cooks low and slow for hours on a Sunday afternoon. But here's the kicker, it's made in a slow cooker so you don't have to do any of the work! Just toss it with pasta and dinner is served.
Get the Slow Cooker Bolognese recipe.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
No more grease splatters on the stove! This easy pork recipe is made entirely in the air fryer. It has a flavorful rub and a moist interior that comes out perfect every time.
Get the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Creamy Lemon Chicken
This chicken thigh recipe looks impressive with it's bright and creamy sauce that's packed with fresh herbs. But surprisingly it only takes 25 minutes to make!
Get the Creamy Lemon Chicken recipe.
Pierogi and Meatball Skillet
Creamy Swedish meatballs meets potato-stuffed pierogi in this comforting dish. The one skillet dinner will quickly become a new favorite.
Get the Pierogi and Meatball Skillet recipe.
Beef Stroganoff Stuffed Peppers
Here's a fun way to switch up a classic dish! The recipe includes everything you love about beef stroganoff (noodles and all) stuffed into colorful bell peppers and served with sour cream.
Get Ree's Beef Stroganoff Stuffed Peppers recipe.
Marry Me Chicken
Your family will fall head over heels for this recipe every time you make it! It's just an easy boneless, skinless chicken breast recipe that's smothered in a delicious sun-dried tomato sauce.
Get the Marry Me Chicken recipe.
Eggplant Rollatini
This vegetarian casserole is just like the kind you might find at an Italian restaurant. It's cheesy and saucy, but best of all, you can make it ahead and stash it in the freezer!
Get the Eggplant Rollatini recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Whip up a big batch of this BBQ chicken to use throughout the week. It can be made three days in advance, then scooped onto rolls for easy sandwiches or piled onto salad bowls for a healthy dinner.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Honey Soy Salmon
This recipe comes together quicker than you can say "dinner is ready!" It's sticky, flavorful, and served over a fluffy bed of rice, which means everyone will love it.
Get Ree's Honey Soy Salmon recipe.
White Chicken Enchiladas
With just a few supermarket shortcuts, like using a rotisserie chicken and a carton of chicken broth, anyone can make these easy enchiladas. It's no wonder it's one of Ree's favorite family meals!
Get Ree's White Chicken Enchiladas recipe.
Arroz con Pollo
Chicken and rice makes everything nice—especially when it's packed with adobo seasonings! Add in some veggies, like bell pepper and green peas, for the perfect one pot meal.
Get the Arroz con Pollo recipe.
Pasta Alla Vodka
There are tons of pasta recipes out there, but none are as creamy as this restaurant-worthy dish! The classic sauce is made with vodka, but it cooks off as it simmers, so you can serve it to the whole family. Just don't forget the garlic bread on the side!
Get the Pasta Alla Vodka recipe.
Grilled Sesame Pork Kebabs
Stick your pork in the marinade the night before so you can whip up this kebab recipe in a matter of minutes. They can be made on an outdoor grill or using a grill pan.
Get Ree's Grilled Sesame Pork Kebabs recipe.
Smothered Chicken
The key to this down-home chicken dish is in the gravy! It's a luscious combination of mushrooms, onion, and red bell pepper all cooked in bacon drippings, then finished with heavy cream.
Get the Smothered Chicken recipe.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Tacos
There are so many different ways to do taco night, but this one is always a favorite. The shredded BBQ chicken comes together quickly thanks to your Instant Pot.
Get Ree's Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Tacos recipe.
Turkey Meatballs
Put a healthy spin on spaghetti and meatballs with this easy recipe that's made with ground turkey. You can also serve the meatballs up on subs or with dipping sauces for a fun weekday appetizer.
Get the Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful, comforting, and easy to make—these stuffed peppers are filled with rice, beef, veggies, and cheese. They're simply delicious!
Get Ree's Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe.
Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi
In just 35 minutes, you can have the creamy gnocchi on the table for your family to enjoy. It's loaded with Italian sausage, a creamy tomato-based sauce, spinach, and toasted garlic breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top.
Get the Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi recipe.
Manicotti
Manicotti are tube-shaped pasta noodles that are best made when filled with cheese! Each noodle gets stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan. Then, it's layered with a hearty meat sauce and covered in more melty cheese.
Get the Manicotti recipe.
Baked Salmon
This simple, healthy salmon is drizzled with a flavorful marinade and ready to serve in just 20 minutes! Add a fluffy bed of rice, a pile of mashed potatoes, or a side salad to make the dinner complete.
Get the Baked Salmon recipe.
Chicken Teriyaki
A sticky, shiny homemade teriyaki sauce is the key to making this popular dish right at home. It's just like the kind you might find at a restaurant—with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Get the Chicken Teriyaki recipe.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
You can whip up a big batch of this saucy, tender pulled pork in your slow cooker to enjoy throughout the week. Pile it onto a plate of nachos, or serve on pretzel buns with a smear of mustard.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
You'll want to keep a jar of sun-dried tomatoes in your pantry at all times, just so you can make this tasty pasta recipe! It's packed with flavor, hearty chicken, and plenty of grated parmesan cheese.
Get the Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe.
Air Fryer Fish
Each tender piece of fish is coated in a spicy breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture that gets extra-crispy thanks to the air fryer. Serve it up with lemon wedges for squeezing, homemade tartar sauce, and french fries.
Get the Air Fryer Fish recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Here's a fun way to serve up chicken for dinner again: Wrap it in bacon! Add garlicky broccoli and you won't believe how quickly your family comes to the table.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Chicken recipe.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi
This is a genius method for making gnocchi that doesn't require you to boil a separate pot of pasta! Simply toss the gnocchi with veggies, spices, and oil, then bake on a sheet pan!
Get the Sheet Pan Gnocchi recipe.
Chicken Fajita Pasta
It can be easy to get stuck in a dinnertime rut, but this recipe will help keep things interesting. It's a mash-up of two family favorites: pasta and chicken fajitas.
Get Ree's Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe.
Coconut Chicken Curry
Skip the takeout and try making chicken curry at home instead! This one has a creamy sauce made from ginger, garlic, curry powder, and coconut milk that's even better when served over rice.
Get the Coconut Chicken Curry recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon
Making salmon at home is easy when you have a handy air fryer. It only takes 10 minutes to cook and it comes out perfectly flaky and tender every time. Serve it up with rice, veggies, or salad!
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
One-Pot Lemon Pasta
In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this dreamy, cheesy, citrusy lemon pasta. Serve it up with a hunk of garlic bread or add grilled chicken on top for a heartier dish.
Get the One-Pot Lemon Pasta recipe.
Pierogi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner
With it's tender potato dumplings, perfectly braised cabbage, and sizzling sausage, this dish is certainly impressive. The best part? You only need one sheet pan to make it!
Get the Pierogi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner recipe.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Even picky eaters can get behind this cheesy casserole. It's almost like a mac and cheese but with the hearty addition of ground beef!
Get the Cheeseburger Casserole recipe.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Take your classic chicken soup up a notch by swapping the noodles for hearty, cheese-filled tortellini instead. Thanks to a rotisserie chicken, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes.
Get the Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe.
Feta Pasta
There's a reason this cheesy pasta went viral on the internet. It's almost like mac and cheese, but with salty feta and bursts of bright tomatoes. Oh, and it'll be on the table in less than an hour!
Get the Feta Pasta recipe.
French Bread Pizza
Ree's supermarket hack will change the way you think about making pizza at home! She uses French bread and jarred marinara for these easy, individual pizzas. Then, you can get as creative as you want with the toppings.
Get Ree's French Bread Pizza recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Skip the messy splatter of hot oil in a pan and make you chicken in an air fryer instead! Italian seasoning and paprika give the dish plenty of flavor, but you can also use any spice rub that you like best.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.
Lo Mein
If you're family loves takeout, they'll appreciate this homemade version of lo mein! Having all your ingredients prepped ahead so all you have to do is toss it altogether in the skillet.
Get the Lo Mein recipe.
Beef Enchiladas
Homemade enchilada sauce is delicious, but store-bought works just as well! Add a spiced ground beef filling and plenty of melty cheese for the ultimate enchilada recipe.
Get the Beef Enchiladas recipe.
PIzza Casserole
This dish is everything you love about a big pizza pie—in casserole form! There's hearty noodles, sauce, cheese, and plenty of pizza toppings.
Get the Pizza Casserole recipe.
Meatball Subs
A combination of ground beef and pork makes these homemade meatballs extra flavorful. Just add your favorite jarred sauce and let your family build their own subs!
Get the Meatball Subs recipe.
Bowtie Pasta
This sausage and broccoli pasta recipe is not just fast, but it's also made in one pot. That means less time cleaning up and more time eating!
Get the Bowtie Pasta recipe.
Instant Pot Taco Soup
This fun twist on taco night is cozier than ever. It'll warm you up and keep you satisfied thanks to the many taco toppings.
Get Ree's Instant Pot Taco Soup recipe.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Skip the packaged variety and try making your own hamburger helper from scratch. It's easier than you might think!
Get the Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe is a Drummond family favorite! Ree has made it hundreds of times for her hungry crew.
Get the Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
Turkey Meatloaf
Adding some healthy recipes to your repertoire doesn't mean you need to miss out on your favorite comfort foods. This meatloaf is made with lean turkey but it still has that delicious ketchup glaze.
Get the Turkey Meatloaf recipe.
Bourbon Chicken
Sticky-sweet chicken served over rice and ready in just 25 minutes. Sounds like a winning recipe, if you ask us!
Get the Bourbon Chicken recipe.
Baked Ravioli
Everything about this dish is comforting—from the meaty sauce to the cheesy ravioli. It's just like a lasagna but with even less fuss.
Get the Baked Ravioli recipe.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
This nostalgic casserole uses two shortcut ingredients to make it easy as ever: Leftover rotisserie chicken and cream of chicken soup!
Get the Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters can get behind this crunchy favorite, especially when served with honey mustard!
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.
Lasagna Soup
A classic lasagna is often saved for Sunday supper when you have more time on your hands. During the week, make this easy soup version instead.
Get Ree's Lasagna Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker Chili
You don't have to stand over a hot stove stirring chili all day when you're armed with this easy recipe. The slow cooker does all the work!
Get the Slow Cooker Chili recipe.
Taco Casserole
Everything you love about taco Tuesday—in one casserole dish! It even has your favorite taco toppings, like avocado, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
Get the Taco Casserole recipe.
Pepper Steak
This pepper steak is smothered in a sweet and savory sauce. It only takes 30 minutes to make, which is probably quicker than ordering take out!
Get the Pepper Steak recipe.
Chicken Alfredo Soup
Switch things up tonight with this fun twist on a classic pasta recipe. It's creamy, comforting, and perfectly hearty.
Get Ree's Chicken Alfredo Soup recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This recipe combines everyone's love for chicken, bacon, and ranch in one easy dish. Plus, it uses supermarket staples like a packet of ranch seasoning mix and rotisserie chicken so it's easy to prepare.
Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole recipe.
Black Bean Chili
There are so many reasons to love one-pot recipes—not only do they make prepping and cooking dinner easy, but they also make clean-up a breeze! This recipe combines ground turkey, black beans, and plenty of seasonings into one hearty dutch oven dish.
Get the Black Bean Chili recipe.
Shrimp Scampi
This recipe goes way back in Ree's arsenal of favorite dishes (we're talking back to the 1980's). But it's a classic for a reason—it's garlicky, lemon-y, and ready in 15 minutes!
Get Ree's Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
For an easy twist on a classic Italian dish, this recipe takes chicken parm and turns it into an air fryer favorite. You'll definitely want a pile of spaghetti to serve it with.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.
Chicken Primavera
This recipe has everything you need for a complete dinner—including the veggies, protein, and hearty pasta—in one single pot. Garlic bread on the side is optional but highly encouraged.
Get the Chicken Primavera recipe.
Air Fryer Steak
Steak in an air fryer is the surprising new recipe you're going to want to try. The kitchen appliance will deliver perfectly cooked steak without having to turn on the oven.
Get the Air Fryer Steak recipe.
Goulash
Whether you call it goulash or beefaroni, this chili meets mac and cheese is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It's so comforting!
Get the Goulash recipe.
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Take the effort out of searing and cooking bone-in chicken thighs and let your Instant Pot do all the work. It's a new method you'll turn to time-and-time again.
Get the Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
This family-friendly meal is just like the kind you ate as a kid. It's a little less messy and easier to serve, but just as delicious!
Get the Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe.
Cowboy Casserole
This comforting casserole recipe has it all—hearty beef, veggies, and the ultimate crispy tater tot topping. It'll put a smile on everyone's faces!
Get the Cowboy Casserole recipe.
Homemade Chicken Burgers
Not only are these chicken burgers ready in just 20 minutes but they're a healthy dinner idea that you can feel good about serving to your family.
Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.
Taco Salad
This taco salad is a crunchy and satisfying variation on the family fave. Don't forget to serve it with classic guacamole (and maybe a Marg-a-Ree-ta for the adults!).
Get the Taco Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
A dinner that's homemade, tasty, and ready in less than 15 minutes—now that's an easy dinner we can get behind! Serve these crispy air-fried pork chops with your favorite mashed potatoes or side salad for a family-friendly meal.
Get the Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe.
Grilled Sausage and Peppers
Few dinners are easier than sausage and peppers. This version can be made on the grill or on the stove with a cast-iron skillet.
Get the Grilled Sausage and Peppers recipe.
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
It doesn't get easier than throwing everything in a slow cooker, setting it, and forgetting it. To make this a complete meal, serve with a good crusty or your favorite sandwich.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Make this restaurant-quality dinner in just 30 minutes and everyone in the family will be impressed. It's simple, creamy, and so cheesy!
Get Ree's Fettuccine Alfredo recipe.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This chili recipe is made with fire-roasted tomatoes for a slightly smoky flavor and frozen corn kernels for a pop of sweetness.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Take a hands-free approach by using your slow cooker to make these pork chops. They're smothered with a rich onion gravy that's so good!
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe.
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