30 Easy Main Dishes That Will Stop Your Reliance on Frozen Meals

Frozen dinners might be convenient, but they lose their charm after night three. If you're tired of microwaving something beige and calling it dinner, it’s time for a new plan. A good, easy main dish doesn’t need to eat up your whole evening or leave you with a mountain of dishes. These meals are simple enough to pull off on a weekday and way more interesting than whatever’s in the back of the freezer. Plus, once you find a few that actually work, you won’t miss the boxed stuff.

Plate of sliced teriyaki chicken over white rice, topped with sesame seeds, served with snap peas and carrot slices. — Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes

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Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Sauce being poured over a bowl of beef and bell pepper stir-fry served on white rice. — Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This easy main dish is built for busy days when you want dinner to take care of itself. The beef turns tender while simmering in a savory sauce that pairs well with rice or noodles. It’s a dependable recipe that takes minimal hands-on work and uses simple ingredients. You can skip the frozen dinner aisle when this one’s ready to go in the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange-Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

This easy main dish keeps things simple without losing flavor. The sweet and sticky glaze pairs well with the ham and doesn’t require a lot of prep. It’s a practical way to get a hearty meal on the table without heating up the whole kitchen. You won’t have to rely on frozen options when something this straightforward is an option.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken nuggets make an easy main dish that works just as well for dinner as they do for lunch. They’re quick to prep, even faster to cook, and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for nights when you need something hot without the fuss. Having these in your rotation means fewer frozen meals and more home-cooked wins.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

This air fryer teriyaki chicken is an easy main dish that’s both fast and flavorful. The sauce brings everything together without requiring a long list of ingredients. It’s a reliable choice for weeknights when you’re short on time. You won’t need to rely on frozen meals when this comes together so quickly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions. — Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Frito chili pie is an easy main dish built for comfort and convenience. It’s layered with hearty chili, crunchy chips, and melty cheese, making it a go-to when you want something warm without the wait. Everything comes together fast with pantry staples. It’s a better option than microwaving another frozen tray.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd's pie in a red ceramic dish with a spoon, showcasing layers of mashed potatoes and minced meat with vegetables on a white tablecloth. — Individual Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These individual shepherd’s pies make for an easy main dish that’s great when everyone’s on a different schedule. They’re pre-portioned, freezer-friendly, and packed with classic meat and potato flavors. You can reheat one or more without relying on boxed dinners. It’s a practical way to get a warm meal on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Chicken Pot Pie

This chicken pot pie is a hearty and easy main dish that keeps dinnertime running smoothly. It’s full of familiar ingredients and bakes up golden on top. Perfect for cold nights or when you want comfort without pulling out a dozen pans. You won’t be reaching for frozen dinners when you’ve got this on standby.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

A bowl of shrimp pasta salad garnished with lemon slices and diced vegetables. — Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp macaroni salad is an easy main dish that works well for warm days and light dinners. It comes together quickly and holds up well in the fridge. The mix of pasta, shrimp, and a creamy dressing makes it filling without being heavy. You can skip pre-packaged meals when something this simple hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is an easy main dish that doesn’t take long to prep or cook. It’s great when you want something crunchy and hot in a short amount of time. Pair it with a dipping sauce or keep it plain—it works either way. No need to turn to frozen options when you can get these on the table so quickly.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

This baked lemon butter fish is an easy main dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great way to make fish feel less intimidating and more approachable on a weeknight. The flavor is simple and mild, making it a hit with most eaters. Choosing this over a frozen meal is an easy decision.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

A plate of baked salmon garnished with herbs, served alongside asparagus, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers. — Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan salmon and vegetables is an easy main dish that’s all about minimal cleanup and maximum payoff. Everything cooks together in one pan, saving both time and dishes. It’s a solid go-to for weeknights when energy is low. This gives you a full meal without reaching into the freezer.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Ground Pork Stir Fry

Ground meat and vegetables served over mashed potatoes. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This ground pork stir fry is an easy main dish that’s both fast and flexible. You can use whatever vegetables you’ve got on hand and get dinner done in less than 30 minutes. It’s a useful recipe for weeknights when the clock is against you. Choosing this over frozen meals saves time without sacrificing a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white platter, garnished with rosemary. — Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

A whole chicken in the air fryer is an easy main dish that doesn’t need much effort to come out crispy and juicy. It’s a practical way to feed several people or have leftovers for the next day. You can season it however you like without needing a complicated recipe. It beats frozen chicken any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

A plate with roasted pork, sliced carrots, and potatoes on a woven mat, with a fork and knife beside the dish. A slow cooker is partially visible in the background. — Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow cooker pork roast is an easy main dish that practically handles itself. It cooks low and slow while you go about your day. The meat turns tender and can be used in different ways across a couple of meals. You’ll find yourself skipping frozen dinners more often with this one in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Shrimp Scampi

Grilled shrimp with garlic and herbs served with slices of toasted bread. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp scampi makes an easy main dish that feels a bit more special without taking much work. The ingredients are simple, and the cook time is short. It’s a strong choice for busy nights or when you’re low on energy. This is quicker than waiting on the oven for something frozen.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Oven baked pork steak on a plate with green beans and a fork on the side. — Oven Baked Pork Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Oven baked pork steaks are an easy main dish that delivers on flavor with hardly any hands-on time. A basic seasoning blend is all it takes to get them ready for the oven. They cook evenly and stay tender without needing much oversight. Meals like this make it easier to skip frozen standbys.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Easy Beef Stew

A close-up of a stew with beef chunks, carrots, peas, and potatoes, garnished with herbs. — Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This beef stew is an easy main dish that’s built for slow days and cooler nights. It’s a one-pot solution that doesn’t require hovering over the stove. It’s hearty, comforting, and practical for making ahead. This kind of recipe helps cut down on microwave dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Close-up of a spoonful of beef stew with chunks of meat, onions, and parsley in a rich brown broth. — Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Slow cooker beef tips are an easy main dish that turns budget-friendly cuts into something warm and tender. It’s great for meal prep or for feeding a group without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Choosing this over a freezer meal is an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Panko Crusted Cod

Breaded fish fillet served with green beans and lemon slices on a white plate. — Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko crusted cod is an easy main dish that brings some crunch to your dinner routine. It bakes quickly and doesn’t need a bunch of extras. The breading gives the fish a nice texture without deep frying. This is the kind of meal that helps phase out boxed dinners.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A plate of cheesy baked pasta and chicken casserole served with chopped scallions, accompanied by a baking dish and fork. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This buffalo chicken pasta bake is an easy main dish that’s hot, cheesy, and great for feeding a crowd. It comes together with simple ingredients and reheats well for leftovers. It’s the kind of dish that earns a spot in your regular meal lineup. You won’t miss frozen meals with this in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Wet Burrito

Two chicken enchiladas topped with red sauce and sour cream, garnished with cilantro, served with a side of corn and black beans. — Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A wet burrito is an easy main dish that works when you want something hearty without the fuss. It’s filling and full of bold flavors that come together with pantry basics. The oven does most of the work. It’s a solid swap when you’re trying to rely less on freezer food.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Air Fryer Steak Tips

A bowl of seasoned meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side. — Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Air fryer steak tips are an easy main dish that cooks up fast and doesn’t leave a mess behind. You get tender bites of meat with hardly any effort. It’s a good option when you’re short on time but still want something hot. These make frozen meals feel like a backup plan, not the first pick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A roasted sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, and green onions, garnished with lime wedges on a white plate. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are an easy main dish that comes together with a short list of ingredients. They’re filling, colorful, and flexible enough to use up leftovers. You can make them ahead or prep them fresh—either way, they beat frozen dinners. It’s a reliable choice when you want something simple and warm.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Grilled salmon fillet garnished with lemon slices and grated cheese on a white plate, accompanied by a red and white striped napkin. — Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This lemon butter sauce for salmon turns a basic fillet into an easy main dish that feels more complete. It’s quick to prepare and brings a light, rich flavor to the table. Great for nights when you want fish without overthinking it. Meals like this help you rely less on frozen options.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe casserole is an easy main dish that pulls together fast with pantry staples. It’s got all the classic flavors in a baked form that’s easy to serve. You can make it ahead or reheat leftovers without hassle. Choosing this over something frozen is a practical move.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

A slice of lasagna on a white plate, garnished with basil leaves, and a fork beside it. — Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken lasagna with broccoli is an easy main dish that bakes into something warm and filling. It’s a good way to get everything in one pan—protein, veggies, and pasta. It’s a smart way to stretch ingredients across a full meal. You’ll find fewer reasons to grab frozen meals when this is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

Marinated Lamb Chops

Plate of grilled lamb chops with asparagus, onions, parsley garnish, and a lemon wedge. A fork holds a piece of lamb. — Marinated Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Marinated lamb chops are an easy main dish that cook up fast after a short soak in the fridge. They’re a strong option when you want something different that doesn’t take hours to make. You can pair them with simple sides and still have dinner ready in no time. This kind of recipe makes frozen dinners easier to skip.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Lamb Chops

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

A plate of spaghetti with ground meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. A black skillet containing more of the dish is partially visible in the background. — Taco Spaghetti Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Taco spaghetti skillet is an easy main dish that combines two familiar favorites in one pan. It’s fast to cook and easy to clean up. Great for nights when you don’t have the energy to make separate dishes. With this kind of meal, frozen options get pushed to the back of the freezer.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Breaded panko pork chops are an easy main dish that cooks evenly and brings good crunch. They go from prep to plate quickly and don’t need special equipment. Pair them with simple sides for a full dinner. Meals like this keep the freezer closed.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket. — Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer pork belly bites are an easy main dish that bring crispy texture without a lot of oil. They’re fast to cook and rich enough to pair with basic sides. Perfect for when you want something different without hours of prep. You won’t be thinking about frozen meals when these are on the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)