21 Dinners That Are Easier Than Deciding What to Make

Weeknight dinners get a lot easier when the decision itself stops being the hardest part. These 21 dinners are built for moments when you want something reliable, filling, and low-effort without standing in the kitchen overthinking every step. Each recipe leans on simple cooking methods like the air fryer or slow cooker so dinner practically takes care of itself. When energy is low and hunger is real, these are the meals that make choosing feel effortless.

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with pieces of chicken, topped with a drizzle of brown sauce, sits on a white surface beside a fork and sprigs of parsley. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Four grilled salmon fillets garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices are arranged on a white oval platter. The fillets are seasoned with herbs and pepper. The edge of a striped cloth and a serving of broccoli are partially visible. — Lemon Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon is a quick seafood dinner with flaky texture and bright citrus flavor. It takes about 15 minutes using salmon fillets, lemon, olive oil, and simple seasonings. The taste is clean, savory, and lightly tangy without feeling heavy. This recipe makes weeknight fish feel low-stress and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup is placed on a black plate, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprig of herb. A spoon rests inside the bowl. Small sprigs of thyme are scattered on the marble surface nearby. — Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup is a smooth, comforting dinner that simmers gently while you do other things. It takes about 6 hours using kabocha squash, broth, and warm spices. The flavor is mildly sweet, earthy, and balanced. This soup feels filling without requiring active cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

Slow Cooker Carrot Soup

A black bowl filled with creamy orange soup, garnished with herbs, pepper, and a drizzle of oil. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl. A textured brown cloth and a cup are in the background. — Slow Cooker Carrot Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Carrot Soup is a simple, vegetable-based dinner that cooks itself over the day. It takes around 6 hours using carrots, broth, and basic seasoning. The taste is lightly sweet, savory, and smooth. It works well when you want something easy but still homemade.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carrot Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

A dish filled with mashed sweet potatoes topped with chopped nuts, a pat of butter, and a sprig of thyme. The dish is placed on a wooden board, with a few thyme sprigs scattered around. — Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash is a low-effort dinner option that leans on natural sweetness and soft texture. It takes about 5 hours using butternut squash and pantry seasonings. The flavor is gentle, slightly sweet, and comforting. This dish pairs easily with proteins or stands alone on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Close-up of a plate of seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with herbs. Lemon wedges are visible in the background, adding a hint of color. The wings appear crispy and well-cooked, resting on a dark plate. — Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning is a fast dinner with minimal prep and bold flavor. It takes about 25 minutes using chicken wings and dried Italian seasoning. The taste is savory, crispy, and well-seasoned without extra sauces. This recipe works when you want something filling without thinking too hard.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

A slow cooker filled with mac and cheese with a gooey, cheesy topping. — Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe is a hands-off comfort dinner that stays creamy and rich. It takes about 3 hours using pasta, cheese, milk, and butter. The flavor is classic, cheesy, and satisfying. This is an easy choice when everyone wants something familiar.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a quick dinner that combines creamy pasta with smoky chicken. It takes about 30 minutes using cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, pasta, and cheese. The taste is savory, slightly smoky, and rich. This recipe feels indulgent without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Four seasoned and cooked chicken breasts are arranged on a gray plate, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and lemon wedges. The plate is set on a white marble surface. — Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia is a light dinner that cooks quickly with very little prep. It takes about 12 minutes using tilapia fillets, oil, and spices. The flavor is mildly spiced, clean, and flaky. This recipe works well when you want dinner done fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken

Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken is a simple protein-forward dinner with crisp texture. It takes about 20 minutes using chicken breasts, almond coating, and seasoning. The taste is savory with a light nutty crunch. This meal feels complete without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken

Slow Cooker Osso Buco

A plate of cooked lamb chops sits on a bed of sliced, cooked carrots. The dish is garnished with chopped green onions. Utensils, a wooden spoon with spices, and a small bowl of more green onions are nearby on a burlap cloth surface. — Slow Cooker Osso Buco. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Osso Buco is a slow-simmered dinner that develops deep flavor with no babysitting. It takes about 8 hours using veal shanks, vegetables, and broth. The taste is rich, savory, and comforting. This is the kind of meal that feels impressive but requires little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Osso Buco

Want to save this?

Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

A white bowl filled with a red kidney bean stew, including visible pieces of meat or vegetables, sits on a dark cloth napkin with a fork and spoon beside it. A small bunch of parsley is on the table nearby. — Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon is a hearty dinner-side option that cooks steadily all day. It takes around 7 hours using beans, bacon, and seasonings. The flavor is smoky, savory, and slightly sweet. This recipe works well when dinner needs to feel substantial without much planning.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

Plate of mashed potatoes topped with chicken, mushrooms, and creamy gravy, garnished with chopped herbs. — Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala is a hands-off dinner with tender chicken and savory sauce. It takes about 6 hours using chicken, mushrooms, Marsala wine, and seasoning. The flavor is rich and slightly sweet. This recipe makes a busy night feel easier without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

A bowl of rice with meat and peppers in front of a slow cooker. — Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a simple dinner built around tender beef and vegetables. It takes about 6 hours using beef strips, bell peppers, soy sauce, and garlic. The taste is savory with a mild sweetness. This is a reliable choice when you want something filling and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

A stack of crepes topped with crumbled feta cheese and drizzled with balsamic glaze, served on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze is a vegetable-forward dinner with bold contrast. It takes about 20 minutes using cabbage, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze. The flavor is savory, tangy, and slightly sweet. This recipe works when you want something easy but different.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A black bowl filled with creamy pasta coated in a thick sauce, topped with a fresh basil leaf. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl. The background is a light-colored surface. — Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich dinner that cooks itself while you focus elsewhere. It takes about 6 hours using chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and seasoning. The taste is savory with a light tang. This meal feels comforting without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Bacon wrapped chicken strips on a white plate. — Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders is a fast dinner that balances crisp bacon and juicy chicken. It takes about 20 minutes using chicken tenders and bacon. The flavor is savory and smoky. This recipe works well when dinner needs to feel satisfying with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Two roasted chicken thighs on a white plate garnished with sprigs of thyme. A ceramic jar is partially visible in the background on the left. — Air Fryer Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs is a simple dinner option with crispy skin and juicy meat. It takes about 30 minutes using turkey thighs and seasoning. The taste is savory and well-balanced. This recipe delivers a full dinner feel without long cook times.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions. — Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Barbacoa is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner with bold, slow-cooked flavor. It takes about 8 hours using beef, spices, and broth. The taste is savory, rich, and deeply seasoned. This meal works well for busy days when dinner still needs to feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Two grilled wraps are cut in half, showing fillings of grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, and other vegetables. The wraps have visible grill marks and are stacked on a plate with a blurred background. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma is a quick dinner with warm spices and tender texture. It takes about 25 minutes using chicken, shawarma spices, and oil. The flavor is savory and aromatic. This recipe keeps dinner simple without feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce is a low-effort dinner that cooks until tender. It takes about 8 hours using pork shoulder, mustard-based sauce, and seasoning. The taste is tangy, savory, and rich. This meal is easy to rely on when decision fatigue hits.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby. — Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara is a straightforward dinner that simmers gently all day. It takes about 6 hours using chicken, marinara sauce, and seasoning. The flavor is savory and lightly tangy. This recipe works when you want dinner handled without extra thinking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara