20 Easy Main Dish Recipes That Get Dinner Done

When dinner needs to happen but time, energy, or patience is running low, these easy main dishes step in. Each one brings solid flavor without asking for complicated prep, long cook times, or a ton of cleanup. From slow-cooked favorites to quick stovetop meals and oven bakes, this group covers chicken, beef, seafood, and meatless options that are anything but bland. These are the kinds of recipes that stay in the rotation because they work, simple as that

Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza

Image shows a close up of an Asparagus and Goat Cheese Pizza on a pizza peel sitting on a black counter. — Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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A thin crust is topped with tender asparagus, creamy goat cheese, and a light drizzle of olive oil. The asparagus roasts as the crust bakes, and the cheese melts into soft, tangy pockets. It’s crisp, fresh, and easy to slice. Great for a lighter dinner that still feels satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza

Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe

Cajun smothered chicken served with rice and vegetables. — Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Boneless chicken is seared then simmered in a bold Cajun sauce with onions and peppers. The result is juicy meat in a thick, spicy gravy. Serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. Big flavor with just one pan.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Slow-cooked chicken tacos in a crockpot. — Crockpot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Chicken slow cooks until it falls apart, flavored with taco seasoning, salsa, or broth. Shred it and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings. It’s simple, flexible, and great for meal prep. Freeze extras for another day.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Chicken Marsala

Roasted chicken with mushrooms and potatoes in a cast iron skillet. — Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: .

Thin chicken cutlets are pan-seared and simmered in a mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. The result is rich without being heavy. Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta. A restaurant-style dish you can make at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Chicken Goulash

A white bowl of macaroni pasta in tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese and herbs, placed on a white cloth. A fork rests on the side of the bowl. — Chicken Goulash. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken pieces simmer with paprika, onions, and bell peppers until tender and coated in a red, savory sauce. This Hungarian-style dish is flavorful without being too spicy. Serve with noodles or crusty bread. It’s comforting and bold.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Goulash

Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini

A white plate with creamy tortellini, shredded chicken, spinach, and diced tomatoes. A fork and a small bowl of grated cheese are on the side. — Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken and cheese tortellini cook slowly in a creamy sauce, with spinach or mushrooms added near the end. The pasta softens and soaks up the flavor. It’s rich, simple, and perfect for chilly nights. One pot, minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini

Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin

Sliced roasted pork tenderloin garnished with parsley on a white plate, with a striped cloth in the background. — Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

A whole pork tenderloin sears then roasts in a Dutch oven with garlic, herbs, and broth. The meat stays juicy and slices cleanly. Use the pan juices for spooning on top. A great choice for Sunday dinner or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin

Baked Ham with Honey, Bourbon, and Orange Glaze

This ham bakes with a thick glaze that’s sweet, citrusy, and spiked with bourbon. The edges caramelize while the inside stays moist. Great for holidays or feeding a crowd. Leftovers are even better.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham with Honey, Bourbon, and Orange Glaze

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 slowly with vegetables, herbs, and broth until it’s fork-tender. The liquid turns into a rich, savory gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes or bread. Classic comfort food, no stove required.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

A plate of cheesy beef and potato casserole garnished with herbs, served with a fork. A potato, greenery, and a slow cooker are visible in the background. — Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Thin potato slices and seasoned ground beef layer together in a cheesy sauce that cooks low and slow. The top gets bubbly while the potatoes go soft. Great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead. One pot, big payoff.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

Three beef tacos topped with chopped onions and cilantro served on a white plate with lime halves on the side. — Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chuck roast simmers in spices, broth, and tomato until it pulls apart easily. Use it for tacos, burritos, bowls, or sandwiches. The flavor deepens over time. Freeze portions for later meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Avocados blend with basil, garlic, and lemon into a creamy pesto tossed with pasta. It’s fresh, vibrant, and comes together in minutes. Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu if you want more protein. A lighter take that doesn’t miss the mark.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background. — Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shrimp cooks quickly in a spicy red chili sauce that’s bold and smoky. The heat is balanced with tomato and garlic. Serve with rice or tortillas. Fast, fiery, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

A bowl of rice with corn and herbs on a striped cloth with garnishes on the side. — Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Chicken, rice, cheese, and enchilada sauce bake into one easy dish that slices clean and feeds a group. Add beans or corn for extra texture. Great for leftovers or making ahead. Just layer and bake.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Baked Salmon with Chile-Caper Vinaigrette

Salmon fillets roast simply while a tangy vinaigrette of capers, herbs, and chiles gets spooned on top. The sauce cuts through the richness of the fish. Serve with rice or greens. Fast, elegant, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salmon with Chile-Caper Vinaigrette

Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

A bowl of rice mixed with mushrooms, spinach, and herbs. — Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Spinach and mushrooms cook down with rice, garlic, and herbs in a simple skillet meal. It’s light, filling, and works well hot or cold. Add beans or tofu if you want more bulk. A solid plant-based dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

Tofu bakes until firm and golden, then gets tossed with noodles and a chili-garlic sauce. It’s chewy, spicy, and full of texture. Add greens or vegetables to round it out. Great served warm or chilled.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

Yellow Tempeh Curry

Tempeh cubes simmer in a thick, spiced coconut curry with vegetables. The sauce is warming and rich without being too heavy. Serve with rice or flatbread. A strong choice for plant-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Tempeh Curry

Browned Butter Honey Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp with lemon wedges in a red sauce in a white casserole dish. — Browned Butter Honey Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Shrimp cooks fast in a skillet of browned butter, garlic, and honey that turns into a sticky glaze. It’s sweet, savory, and bold. Great over rice, noodles, or tucked into tacos. Dinner in minutes, no shortcuts on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Honey Garlic Shrimp

Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken

White platter of cooked bacon wrapped chicken thighs. — Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: The Foodie Affiar.

Chicken breasts are wrapped in bacon and coated in barbecue sauce, then baked until the bacon crisps. The sauce thickens into a glaze while the bacon adds salt and crunch. It’s simple and crowd-friendly. Serve with corn or potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken