15 Homemade Meals That Are Surprisingly Simple to Make

These 15 homemade meals are perfect for anyone looking to make cooking at home easier. Each recipe is designed to be simple, without sacrificing the flavors you love. Whether you’re short on time or just want something straightforward, these meals take the stress out of dinner. Get ready to enjoy home-cooked dishes that are both satisfying and surprisingly easy to whip up.

A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad. — Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Closeup of chicken pot pie in a black bowl. — Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A comforting dish filled with tender chicken, peas, and carrots all wrapped in a flaky crust, this recipe takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. The addition of tarragon in the gravy gives it a subtle herbal flavor that balances out the rich creaminess. Each bite is a satisfying combination of savory chicken and vegetables with a buttery crust. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners when you want something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Close up of chicken shawarma. — Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A flavorful plate that features seasoned chicken served with rice, this shawarma dish comes together in about 45 minutes. The marinade combines garlic, cumin, and coriander, giving the chicken a vibrant, spiced taste. Paired with a fresh salad or flatbread, it offers a great balance of flavors. The juicy chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

This meal pairs bright lemon-dill flavors with flaky salmon and roasted asparagus, ready in just 30 minutes. The zesty lemon and fresh dill highlight the natural sweetness of the salmon, while the asparagus adds a slight crunch. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that feels light but satisfying. Serve it as a quick, healthy dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Two lasagna roll-ups filled with spinach and ricotta cheese, topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, garnished with a fresh basil leaf—dishes every foodie should try before you die. — Spinach Lasagna Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These lasagna rolls are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, making for a flavorful, easy-to-eat meal that takes about an hour. The marinara sauce provides a tangy contrast to the rich filling, creating a comforting, cheesy dish. It’s a fun twist on traditional lasagna that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. The rolls also freeze well, making leftovers easy to enjoy later.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed pasta shells in a plate. — Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A classic Italian-inspired dish, these stuffed shells feature a creamy spinach and ricotta filling, baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. They take around 50 minutes to prepare, making them a good option for a hearty weeknight meal. The ricotta and spinach mixture adds a rich, satisfying taste that pairs well with the bright tomato sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

With warm garam masala seasoning, this cedar plank salmon has a smoky, spiced flavor that’s ready in about 45 minutes. The salmon stays moist and tender, while the cedar plank adds a subtle woodsy aroma. It’s a unique take on a simple grilled salmon dish that works well for both casual dinners and special occasions. Serve it with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Roast Rack of Lamb

Roasted rack of lamb on a cutting board. — Roast Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This roasted rack of lamb, coated with garlic and fennel, takes about 60 minutes to prepare and roast to perfection. The fennel and garlic crust creates a savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the rich taste of the lamb. Each bite is tender, with a balanced combination of herbs and meat. It’s an impressive dish to serve at gatherings, offering a touch of elegance without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Roast Rack of Lamb

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

Turkey breast gets a nutty upgrade with this hazelnut crust, a recipe that takes just over an hour from start to finish. The hazelnuts add a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the tender, juicy turkey. A hint of herbs rounds out the flavor, making it a satisfying alternative to more traditional turkey preparations. It’s a great option for special dinners or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

A plate of chicken enchiladas garnished with avocado slices, cilantro, and lime wedges, served over a bed of rice on a colorful decorative plate—this is one of those dishes to try before you die if you're a true foodie. — Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A quick and flavorful meal, this cilantro lime chicken with rice is ready in about 35 minutes. The chicken is marinated with fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, giving it a bright, zesty taste that pairs well with the fluffy rice. It’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a side of vegetables or avocado for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans. — Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Featuring a juicy grilled pork chop paired with shrimp, this surf and turf meal comes together in about 30 minutes. The pork chop is seasoned with garlic and herbs, while the shrimp adds a light, sweet contrast. It’s a hearty yet balanced dish that’s ideal for summer grilling or any night you want something a little special. Pair it with a salad or grilled vegetables for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

A white plate with a serving of shredded meat topped with sauce and garnished with herbs, perfect for movie night snacks. A fork rests on top, and a blurred dish is in the background. — Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A savory and tangy dish, this slow-cooked pork shoulder takes several hours but rewards you with tender, flavorful meat. The mustard BBQ sauce adds a bright, slightly sharp taste that complements the richness of the pork. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days when you want something comforting. Serve it with coleslaw or a side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

This roasted chicken and vegetable dish takes about an hour to prepare and roast, making it a simple yet hearty dinner option. The garlic and herb seasoning gives the chicken a savory, aromatic flavor, while the vegetables soak up all the juices. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly roasted vegetables on the side. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to clean up, too.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

A grilled chicken breast served with a side of mixed greens on a dark plate that tastes like a million bucks. — Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled chicken gets a sweet and tangy twist with a maple mustard glaze, ready in just 30 minutes. The combination of maple syrup and mustard creates a balanced flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that works well for casual dinners or meal prep. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A buttermilk brined roasted surrounded by festive holiday side dishes. — Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This buttermilk-brined turkey breast takes about 4 hours to prepare, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat. The brining process infuses the turkey with moisture and a subtle tang from the buttermilk. It’s a great option for special occasions or when you want a turkey that stands out. The crispy skin and tender meat will make this a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

A rich and creamy dish, this balsamic chicken skillet is ready in about 35 minutes and combines tender chicken with a tangy balsamic sauce. The sauce, made with balsamic vinegar and cream, gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that feels indulgent yet light. Pair it with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet