21 Main Dishes That Are Too Simple to Skip This Week

If you're searching for main dishes that won't just get you through the week but also make your life easier, you've come to the right place. I've rounded up some incredibly simple recipes that are perfect for busy schedules but still pack plenty of flavor. These meals are designed to be easy on both your time and your taste buds, making them essential for any hectic week.

A close-up of a serving spoon lifting a portion of sloppy joe casserole showing layers of ground meat, vegetables, and golden-brown hashbrown potatoes. — Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Braised Short Ribs

Braised short ribs offer a hearty meal that's perfect for when you need something comforting and satisfying. With a rich, savory flavor, this dish makes a great main course for any weeknight. The slow cooking process ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that pairs well with various sides. This is a go-to choice when you need a meal that's simple yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

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 a great option for a crispy, flavorful main dish that's easy to make. Using the air fryer cuts down on cooking time while still delivering that satisfying crunch. This dish is perfect for when you need a quick yet indulgent meal. It's an excellent choice for busy nights when you still want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Close-up of a golden, breaded pork chop cut into slices. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Breaded panko pork chops are a delicious and easy-to-make option for a quick dinner. The panko breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch, making this dish both flavorful and enjoyable. It's a great pick for those busy days when you want something that's both simple and satisfying. This recipe ensures you get a delicious meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Shrimp Scampi

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

Shrimp scampi offers a delightful, flavorful meal that's quick to prepare and perfect for any busy week. The garlic butter sauce complements the shrimp beautifully, making it a go-to choice when you need a meal with minimal effort. It's a great option for an easy yet impressive main dish. Enjoy a taste of sophistication in a time-efficient meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and stuffing casserole provides a comforting and easy-to-make main dish for any hectic week. The combination of chicken and stuffing creates a hearty meal that's both simple and satisfying. This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need something filling without a lot of prep. It's a reliable choice for a quick and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Sliced flank steak stuffed with spinach and cheese on a plate. — Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Stuffed flank steak pinwheels are a flavorful and impressive meal that's surprisingly simple to make. The flank steak is filled with delicious ingredients and rolled up for a dish that's both elegant and easy. It's perfect for when you want to serve something special without a lot of extra work. This recipe is a great choice for those looking to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is a fun and simple dish that makes a great main course or snack. The bite-sized pieces are crispy and flavorful, making them perfect for busy days. This recipe is ideal when you need a quick, satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and sure to please. It's a great option for those hectic nights when you need something both quick and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy joe casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for busy weeks. The classic sloppy joe flavors are baked into a convenient casserole form, making it a hearty and satisfying choice. It's a great option when you need a filling meal without a lot of effort. Enjoy a simple, enjoyable dinner that's sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Panko Chicken Breast

A close-up of a breaded, baked chicken breast cutlet garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko chicken breast offers a crispy, flavorful option that's quick and easy to prepare. The panko breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch, making this a go-to choice for a fast meal that doesn't sacrifice taste. It's perfect for busy nights when you need a reliable and enjoyable main dish. This recipe ensures you get a delicious meal with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Cream Cheese Chicken

A fork cutting into a piece of chicken served with green beans and pine nuts on a white plate. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese chicken is a creamy and comforting dish that's simple to make and perfect for busy days. The rich cream cheese sauce adds a delightful touch to the chicken, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. It's easy to prepare and pairs well with various sides, making it a versatile choice for any hectic week. Enjoy a hearty, hassle-free dinner that's sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Creamy baked pasta with melted cheese and bacon bits garnished with herbs in a white ceramic dish. — Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken bacon ranch casserole combines the rich flavors of bacon and ranch with tender chicken in a convenient casserole form. It's a great choice for a filling meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights. The combination of flavors makes it a standout dish that's both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is ideal when you need a quick yet hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Ground Pork Burgers

Close-up of grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate. — Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork burgers are a flavorful and easy-to-make option for a quick meal. The juicy pork patties are perfect for when you want a hearty and satisfying burger without much effort. These burgers are great for busy weeknights when you need something simple and delicious. Enjoy a classic meal with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

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 a fantastic choice for a comforting meal with minimal prep time. The slow cooking process ensures tender, flavorful beef that pairs well with a variety of sides. It's an excellent option for busy weeks when you need a hearty dish that's easy to prepare. Enjoy a stress-free dinner that's both simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Sautéed diced meat with green peppers and herbs in a pan. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter steak bites provide a quick and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy nights. The rich garlic butter sauce enhances the steak, making it a great choice for a simple yet impressive dish. It's easy to make and pairs well with various sides, making it a versatile option for any week. Enjoy a meal that's both delicious and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich on a plate, cut in half, with melted cheese and fillings visible, accompanied by pickles and parsley. — Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer tuna melt is a convenient and tasty meal that's easy to prepare. The air fryer provides a crispy texture while keeping the tuna melt flavorful and satisfying. It's a great option for when you need a quick meal that doesn't skimp on taste. Enjoy a classic dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Filipino Spaghetti

A bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce placed on a red and white checkered tablecloth. — Filipino Spaghetti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Filipino spaghetti is a unique and flavorful option that's easy to make and perfect for busy weeks. The sweet and savory sauce creates a satisfying dish that's both comforting and enjoyable. It's a great choice for when you want a filling meal with minimal preparation. Enjoy a tasty dinner that's both simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Spaghetti

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Grilled shrimp served over spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and tomato pasta offers a light and flavorful meal that's easy to prepare. The combination of shrimp and tomato sauce creates a dish that's both satisfying and quick to make. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a simple yet enjoyable main course. Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Bacon wrapped salmon bites provide a flavorful and easy-to-make option for a quick meal. The bacon adds a delicious crunch to the salmon, making it a standout choice for any weeknight. This dish is perfect for when you want something simple yet impressive. Enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cracker barrel meatloaf offers a hearty and comforting meal that's simple to make. This classic dish is perfect for busy weeks when you need something filling and easy to prepare. The meatloaf is both satisfying and enjoyable, making it a great choice for any night of the week. Enjoy a delicious and hassle-free dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for busy nights. The savory filling and flaky crust create a satisfying meal that doesn't require a lot of preparation. This recipe is ideal for when you need a hearty, filling dinner without much hassle. Enjoy a classic comfort food that's both simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate. — Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak pizzaiola provides a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for busy nights. The steak is cooked in a rich tomato sauce, making it a satisfying main course. This dish is ideal for when you want something hearty and flavorful without a lot of prep work. Enjoy a delicious meal that's both simple and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Facebook X Pinterest Flipboard