30 Mains So Easy You’ll Wonder Why You Waited

I’m always on the lookout for meals that come together fast but still feel like something I want to eat. These are the kinds of mains that don’t take much effort but make dinner feel taken care of. If your weeknights are busy or you’re just tired of overthinking what to make, this list will come in handy.

Grilled lamb chops with herbs on a plate, alongside asparagus, onions, and a lemon wedge. A fork holds a piece of meat above the plate. — Marinated Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Ground Pork Tacos

An easy dish to look forward to cooking every night: a colorful taco with ground meat, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a slice of lime on the side. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tacos come together fast and use ingredients you probably already have on hand. They’re a good pick for nights when you need something filling without much effort. The flavor holds up well, even if you’re not adding a lot of extras. It’s a great example of how weeknight meals don’t have to be boring. You’ll be glad to have this one ready to go when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

A plate of creamy salmon pasta garnished with lemon slices and parsley. — Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta checks all the boxes for a quick dinner that feels like it took longer than it did. The salmon adds enough richness to keep it from feeling too light. It’s a good choice when you want something balanced and warm without hovering over the stove. The sauce brings everything together in a way that feels intentional. It proves that easy dinners can still feel like something you really wanted to make.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

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.

This fish cooks quickly and gives you a crisp finish without needing much cleanup. It’s simple but still feels like a full meal when paired with something light. The panko adds texture that makes it feel a bit more complete. It’s great for weeknights when you want something homemade without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. Meals like this are why it’s worth keeping cod on hand.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A partially eaten pot pie with a golden crust, showing mixed vegetables and creamy filling inside a white dish on a plate, with a fork beside it—one of those mains so easy you'll wonder why you waited. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cook up fast and come out with a great texture every time. The air fryer takes care of most of the work, which is helpful on busy days. They go with just about anything, from rice to roasted vegetables. This is one of those meals that gets on the table quickly without feeling rushed. It’s a great reminder that easy doesn’t have to mean plain.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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.

This casserole is packed with familiar flavors that make dinner feel taken care of. It’s easy to throw together and bakes all in one dish. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make it feel complete. The leftovers reheat well too, which is a bonus. It’s a no-fuss meal that’s great for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Filipino Chicken Adobo

Two pieces of braised meat in a dark, rich sauce, seasoned with whole peppercorns and a bay leaf, in a pan. — Filipino Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish comes together with pantry staples and doesn’t need much hands-on time. The chicken cooks until tender and the sauce packs a lot of flavor without being complicated. It’s an easy way to bring something different to the table without extra stress. You can pair it with rice or vegetables and call it done. It’s one of those meals that feels like more than the effort it took.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Chicken Adobo

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.

This is a quick meal that works well for lunch or dinner. The air fryer gets everything crisp without needing to turn on the oven. It’s easy to make in batches if you're feeding more than one. It’s a helpful go-to when you want something warm and filling but don’t want to spend time prepping. This is the kind of recipe that stays in regular rotation for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Fork lifting a shrimp and pasta dish, with more food in the background. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta cooks fast and still feels like something special. The shrimp pairs well with the sauce without needing a lot of extras. It’s a smart option when dinner needs to be quick but not dull. The garlic butter brings it all together in a way that’s hard to skip. It’s a good reminder that dinner can feel like a win even when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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.

These bites crisp up in the air fryer with hardly any cleanup. The flavor is bold enough to carry the whole meal. You can serve them with rice or vegetables for a simple but satisfying plate. It’s a quick way to get something hearty on the table without a lot of prep. This one shows that some of the best meals are also the easiest.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Grilled salmon fillet on a white plate garnished with lemon slices and dill, next to a red checkered cloth and a fork. — Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Starting from frozen makes this meal even easier to plan last-minute. The air fryer keeps the texture on point with very little effort. It’s a good way to keep dinner moving on nights when time is short. Pair it with a simple side and it’s done. Meals like this are helpful to have in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

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 come together fast and don’t need much to make them feel complete. The filling is hearty and pairs well with the soft sweet potatoes. It’s a good choice for when you want something warm and filling without a lot of fuss. You can prep them ahead or pull them together last minute. This one proves that easy meals don’t have to be basic.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Personal Pizza

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. — Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cook fast and let everyone customize their own without much effort. They’re great for busy evenings when you want something fun but simple. The small size means quick bake times and minimal cleanup. You can change up the toppings with whatever you have on hand. It’s one of those meals you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Shrimp Scampi

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

This cooks in minutes and uses just a few simple ingredients. The shrimp cook fast and carry enough flavor to fill out the meal. You can make it for one or double it easily. It’s perfect for days when you want something quick that still feels like dinner. This is exactly the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you waited to try it.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

This fish cooks in under 30 minutes and uses a few pantry staples. The lemon and butter keep it light and balanced without overcomplicating things. It’s an easy way to serve fish without relying on frozen options. You can pair it with grains or greens and call it a full meal. It’s a helpful reminder that good dinners don’t have to take all evening.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Individual Lasagna

Two square ceramic dishes of baked lasagna with melted cheese on top, next to a red and white checkered napkin, on a light textured surface. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bake up quickly and don’t require a whole pan to feed everyone. The smaller portions are easier to handle and make serving simpler. You still get all the layers and flavor without the time commitment of a big dish. They reheat well too, which makes them great for lunches. Meals like this are perfect when you want comfort food without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

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.

This pasta is quick, light, and works well for warm evenings or busy nights. The shrimp and tomatoes bring enough flavor to keep it interesting. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make it feel like a full meal. It comes together fast but still feels planned. It’s a great example of how simple can still be worth looking forward to.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A blue bowl of cooked chicken breasts garnished with chopped herbs on a light fabric backdrop. — Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cook all day while you do something else, which makes dinner feel easier already. The meat stays tender and goes with just about anything. You can keep the sides simple and still have a full meal. It’s great for busy weeks when you don’t want to think about dinner at the end of the day. This one proves that effort isn’t always the most important ingredient.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole makes use of leftovers or fresh ingredients in a way that still feels like a full meal. It bakes all in one dish and keeps cleanup to a minimum. The mix of chicken, broccoli, and sauce makes it easy to pair with rice or bread. You can prep it ahead and reheat without losing texture. Meals like this make dinnertime feel more doable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

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 cook fast and work well for both kids and adults. You can make a batch in the oven or air fryer with very little cleanup. They pair with anything from veggies to simple grains. It’s a dependable dinner when everything else feels like too much work. This one reminds you how helpful simple favorites can be.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Bang Bang Shrimp

Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce. — Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp cooks fast and brings in a bold flavor that’s easy to match with rice or salad. The sauce is quick to make and doesn’t need fancy ingredients. You can make it as mild or strong as you want. It’s a good choice for nights when you want something that stands out without taking forever. This is one of those dishes that makes you wish you had tried it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Seafood Pot Pie

This pot pie feels cozy but doesn’t take a ton of time to pull together. The seafood adds variety without adding difficulty. It bakes all in one dish, making cleanup easier. You can prep it ahead and bake when you’re ready. It’s a solid reminder that comfort food doesn’t always have to take all day.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

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.

This chicken cooks in one pan and brings in flavor without needing a long list of ingredients. The cream cheese keeps it rich but simple. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or bread for a complete meal. It’s easy enough for weeknights and flexible enough for guests. This one proves that simple meals can still feel put together.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

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.

These cook fast and feel like something special without being difficult. The marinade adds enough flavor that you don’t need much else on the side. They work well on the grill or stovetop, depending on your setup. You can prep them ahead and cook in minutes. It’s one of those meals that feels planned even when it wasn’t.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Lamb Chops

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.

This burrito bakes in the oven and comes out ready to serve with no extra steps. The filling is flexible, so you can use what you already have. It’s hearty enough to stand alone without needing sides. It’s a good choice for busy nights when you want something warm and filling. This one is worth keeping in the meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Three chicken tacos with cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes on a white plate. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These come together with hardly any prep and stay warm until you're ready to eat. The slow cooker handles the hard part, so you can focus on other things. The chicken stays tender and soaks up flavor without any extra steps. It’s a reliable way to make dinner easier without sacrificing the meal. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll be glad to have around.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

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

These cook until tender with very little effort on your part. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. They pair easily with rice, potatoes, or noodles. You can serve them as a quick weeknight dinner or something more formal. This one shows how hands-off meals can still be worth looking forward to.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

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

This cooks faster than the oven and still gives you crisp skin and juicy meat. The air fryer makes it easy to manage even on a weekday. You can use the leftovers for other meals without extra cooking. It’s a great way to make a full dinner feel less stressful. This is one of those tricks that makes dinner come together quicker than expected.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Crock Pot Cube Steak

Plate with mashed potatoes topped with beef and mushroom gravy, alongside diced tomatoes. A bowl of extra gravy is in the background, with a fork and knife beside the plate. — Crock Pot Cube Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe cooks all day and stays tender without needing much attention. It’s easy to pair with simple sides like rice or potatoes. The slow cooker keeps things easy and cleanup simple. You can set it and forget it without worrying about the results. It’s a good reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be hard.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cube Steak

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.

These bake up tender with little prep and hardly any cleanup. They work well with almost any side and don’t need a sauce to carry the flavor. You can get them in the oven and focus on everything else. They’re a solid option when you want a home-cooked meal without much planning. Meals like this are why having pork on hand is always smart.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked pork chop garnished with rosemary and pepper, showing a thick slice resting on top of another piece on a white plate. — Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cook fast on the stovetop and don’t need anything fancy to make them work. The sear adds flavor that pairs well with simple sides. You can season them how you like and keep the rest of the meal straightforward. It’s a dependable choice for nights when time is tight. This one is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops