35 Easy Meals to Cook While Helping with Homework and Doing Laundry

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Weeknights don’t leave much room for complicated dinners. Between checking math homework and flipping laundry, you need meals that don’t fall apart if you step away for a few minutes. Easy meals give you that breathing room—they’re quick to prep, hard to mess up, and still worth sitting down for. The goal is to eat something real without turning the evening into a juggling act. These kinds of recipes help you get it done without losing your mind.

Chicken Minestrone Soup

A bowl of minestrone soup with pasta, beans, and vegetables, topped with shaved cheese and parsley. Two spoons and a pot are nearby on a light-colored surface.
Chicken Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Valerie’s Kitchen.

Packed with veggies and chicken, this soup comes together quickly without drama. It’s a solid pick when you want easy meals that don’t feel like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Minestrone Soup

The Best Quick and Easy Air Fryer Cheeseburger Recipe

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onions, and melted cheese on a bun, placed on a clear plate.
The Best Quick and Easy Air Fryer Cheeseburger Recipe. Photo credit: Thrive at Home.

Air fryer burgers that come together fast and clean up faster. This recipe is a go-to for easy meals that actually feel special.
Get the Recipe: The Best Quick and Easy Air Fryer Cheeseburger Recipe

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

A bowl of pasta spirals mixed with ground meat, topped with chopped green onions, on a striped cloth.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Hamburger and cheese team up with pantry staples for a quick fix. It slides right into easy meals with little fuss and plenty of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan

A plate with a serving of meatloaf topped with red sauce, accompanied by green beans and mashed potatoes.
Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Mini meatloafs mean less time cooking and more time eating. This recipe makes easy meals that feel like home with a shortcut.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A bowl of cooked shrimp, sausage slices, baby corn, and potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: LikeHotKeto.

Throw shrimp and fixings on one sheet pan and forget the mess. This easy meal cuts corners on cleanup but never on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo Recipe

Two pieces of cooked salmon fillets stacked on a striped plate, garnished with herbs, with a lemon wedge in the background.
Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo Recipe. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Slather salmon with mayo, bake, and done. This easy meal keeps dinner simple without skimping on the good stuff.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo Recipe

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

A plate of golden-brown fried shrimp garnished with chopped parsley.
Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crunchy shrimp hits the table fast and with minimal hassle. Perfect for an easy meal when you want a little crisp and a lot of yum.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Baked Cauliflower Gnocchi

Pan with lasagna rolls, ground meat, potato chunks in tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Baked Cauliflower Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ready in a flash, these baked bites bring comfort to the plate with very little effort. A perfect easy meal when time’s tight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Gnocchi

Easy Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Kale

A plate of roasted acorn squash filled with quinoa, kale, and shredded cheese, set on a woven placemat.
Easy Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Kale. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Acorn squash and sausage team up in one dish that cooks itself. This easy meal earns points for simplicity and big flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Kale

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Grilled chicken pieces on a white plate with herbs, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a bowl of red dip in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken gets a quick hit of spice and pressure cooking speed. It’s a winner in the easy meals category when you want something different without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds

A piece of almond-crusted fish garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge on a blue patterned plate.
Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

This fish bakes with a simple lemon and almond combo that’s quick and fuss-free. It fits right into easy meals with a little bit of style.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds

Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

A white plate with barbecue chicken wings, a bowl of sauce, and a brush coated in sauce on a yellow surface.
Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Toss three ingredients in a pot and call it dinner. These wings are a hassle-free option for anyone aiming for easy meals with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

Kung Pao Shrimp

A white plate with rice and shrimp in a dark sauce, garnished with peanuts and chopped green onions.
Kung Pao Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stir-fry shrimp meets quick sauce for a fast dinner fix. This easy meal wins when the clock is ticking but cravings aren’t backing down.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Shrimp

30-Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

A bowl of stir-fried beef with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds and green onions, served over rice. The dish includes red bell peppers and a glossy sauce.
30-Minute Mongolian Tenderloin. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Sear the tenderloin and whip up the sauce in no time. This dish fits the easy meals list with flavors that don’t take forever.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing

Close-up of a creamy chicken casserole topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, garnished with herbs, served on a dark plate with a gold fork.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Four ingredients, one pot, and dinner’s done. This recipe nails easy meals with almost no thinking involved.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing

Easy Italian Minestrone Soup

Close-up of a ladle holding a soup with shell pasta, zucchini, meat, and diced vegetables in a tomato-based broth.
Easy Italian Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Loaded with veggies and beans, this soup comes together quickly for a no-stress meal. It’s a great example of easy meals that fill you up fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Italian Minestrone Soup

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup

A slice of pot pie on a green plate, filled with vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and pieces of chicken, next to a baking dish with the remaining pie.
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Turn leftovers into a cozy pot pie with very little work. It’s an easy meal shortcut that still hits the comfort zone.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup

Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

A plate with a cooked salmon fillet on a bed of grains, accompanied by asparagus spears, a lemon wedge, and a sprig of dill.
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roast salmon and asparagus with lemon and dill for a dinner that’s quick to prep. This easy meal keeps things fresh and simple.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Chicken Black Beans Salsa Corn Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy nacho dish topped with melted cheese, black olives, and diced vegetables.
Chicken Black Beans Salsa Corn Casserole. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Mix chicken, beans, salsa, and corn for a casserole that’s ready before you know it. A no-fail pick for easy meals with some punch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Black Beans Salsa Corn Casserole

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

A pot of creamy white soup with visible chunks of vegetables and herbs. A spoon is submerged in the soup. Slices of bread are placed beside the pot.
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

Creamy, warm, and ready in a snap—this soup hits the easy meals spot with smooth flavors and little work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Alfredo Steak Pasta

A skillet with creamy pasta topped with sliced mushrooms and parsley, with a wooden spoon resting inside. A checkered cloth and sprigs of parsley are nearby.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak and pasta team up in a creamy sauce that doesn’t take hours. This recipe fits easy meals when you want something hearty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of pasta soup with tortellini, shredded chicken, carrots, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheese-filled tortellini meets chicken in a broth that comes together fast. This easy meal keeps things comforting but light on the effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe

A spoonful of creamy pasta with visible ground meat, cheese, and small bits of tomatoes.
Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Leftover taco meat gets a cheesy upgrade with pasta for a quick dinner fix. It’s a clever choice for easy meals that stretch ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe

Easy Tomato Fritters

A plate of vegetable fritters is served with a small bowl of creamy sauce and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Easy Tomato Fritters. Photo credit: A Virtual Vegan.

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these fritters don’t demand much time or skill. They slide nicely into easy meals that still feel homemade.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Fritters

Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

A bowl of creamy potato salad with ham and vegetables next to a split bread roll on a cloth napkin.
Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Ham and potatoes blend into a cheesy soup that warms without weighing you down. This recipe is a simple pick for easy meals on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe

A creamy orange soup in a white bowl with chunks of vegetables and pieces of red garnish, placed on a dark napkin. A spoon rests in the bowl.
Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Sweet potatoes and black beans get cozy in a soup that’s ready fast. This easy meal fills you up without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup Recipe

Enchilada Meatballs

Meatballs topped with melted cheese and garnished with cilantro in a cast-iron skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Meatballs take a saucy, spicy spin that’s quick to cook and easy to plate. They make for easy meals with a bit of kick.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Close-up of baked white fish fillets topped with herbs and a lemon wedge, served with green beans on the side.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A quick bake with lemon and butter keeps this fish simple and fresh. This recipe fits the easy meals list with a touch of brightness.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Easy Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

Plate of sliced stuffed crepes topped with whole cherry tomatoes, garnished with dill, and accompanied by fork and kitchen utensils on a textured surface.
Easy Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Roll tortillas with filling, heat, and serve—that’s it. This recipe earns its place in easy meals for fast, handheld dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Grilled skewers with chicken, pineapple, and green peppers on a round plate. Bowl of grilled pineapple and green leaves on the side.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Simple & Fraiche.

Skewers with chicken and pineapple come together quickly and pack flavor without extra work. A solid pick for easy meals that don’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Easy Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks topped with pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and fresh herbs.
Easy Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cauliflower steaks roast up fast with minimal prep. This recipe is an easy meal option that doesn’t require fancy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Cooked fish fillets in a pan, topped with lemon slices and herbs, with a striped cloth beside the pan.
Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Mahi Mahi gets a quick roast and simple sauce for a fresh and fast dinner. It’s a great easy meal when you want seafood without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, sliced bell pepper, diced avocado, and cilantro. Served with tortilla chips on the side.
Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beans, veggies, and spices slow cook themselves into chili that warms the soul. This recipe is a top contender in the easy meals category for meatless nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Chicken Divan Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy pasta topped with melted cheese. It sits on a white cloth beside a bowl of grated cheese and a serving spoon.
Chicken Divan Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken and broccoli blend with a cheesy sauce that bakes quickly. This casserole is a great example of easy meals that satisfy without a lot of steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan Casserole

Easy Tomato Carpaccio

A colorful salad with sliced tomatoes, red onions, basil leaves, herbs, and dollops of cheese or cream, drizzled with balsamic glaze, on a white plate.
Easy Tomato Carpaccio. Photo credit: The Fruity Jem.

Thinly sliced tomatoes dress up quickly with olive oil and herbs. It’s an easy meal option when you want something light but still put together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Carpaccio

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