19 Fork-First Meals for the Midweek Grind

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

No one said weeknights had to taste like beige sadness. When the clock’s ticking and your brain’s already in sweatpants, that’s when you whip out something bold—like Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta, or a pan of School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (because grown-up nostalgia is a valid food group). Maybe you’re in the mood for a little flair? Cue the Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas or Four Cheese Stuffed Shells—zero effort, maximum applause. And if you’re really looking to flex on a Tuesday, go all in with How To Make the Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf. From Marry Me Chicken Orzo to Cheese Bread with Spinach Pesto, these weeknight wonders are ready to rescue your dinner hour from the blahs.

Ham and Swiss Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A fork lifts a cheesy, croissant-based casserole with ham and sliced apples, emphasizing its gooey, delicious texture.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Ham and Swiss Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to make breakfast for dinner ahead. Flaky croissants, savory ham, and melted Swiss come together in a delicious, easy-to-make casserole that’s bound to become a favorite.

To learn more: Ham and Swiss Croissant Breakfast Casserole

School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese (A Lunch Lady Throwback)

A fork holds a portion of baked macaroni and cheese with golden breadcrumbs. In the background, there is a blurred baking dish containing more macaroni.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This throwback School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese favorite brings all the nostalgic creamy, cheesy goodness from the lunch lines of the ’70s and ’80s—just like the lunch ladies used to make.

Get the Recipe: School Cafeteria Mac and Cheese

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

In the image, a cast iron skillet contains sautéed peppers, onions, avocado slices, and crumbled cheese. Nearby are tortillas, lime wedges in a bowl, and a bowl of sliced cherry tomatoes.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Sliced tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and avocado make this sizzling skillet of Shaved Beef Fajitas feel like the best kind of DIY takeout night.
Get the Recipe: Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

How To Make the Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf

A serving of meatloaf drizzled with tomato sauce, with a slice cut, accompanied by a colorful salad on a side plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Not your average ground beef loaf, but instead Wagyu Meatloaf—this ultra-rich, flavor-packed version made with Wagyu beef is just as delicious cold as it is hot.

To learn more: How to Make the Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf

Cheese Bread Recipe with Spinach Pesto

A freshly baked loaf of bread, topped with herbs, sliced to reveal a soft, fluffy interior flecked with green.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This golden, braided Cheese Bread loaf is soft like focaccia, bursting with garlic, herbs, and a spinach-feta pesto that makes every bite crave-worthy.

To learn more: Cheese Bread Recipe with Spinach Pesto

Four Cheese Stuffed Shells

Baked pasta shells topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Overflowing with Italian cheeses, herbs, and creamy béchamel, this meatless Four Cheese Stuffed Shells pasta bake gives restaurant dishes a run for their money.

Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Stuffed Shells

Horseradish Crusted Salmon with Asparagus

Baked salmon fillets topped with a crispy crumb crust, served alongside fresh asparagus on a white plate.
Image Credit: Art of Natural Living

Horseradish Crusted Salmon with Asparagus brings a punch of zesty flavor to your plate. This bold and savory dish pairs perfectly with tender asparagus, creating a meal that’s as delicious as it is impressive.

To learn more: Horseradish Crusted Salmon with Asparagus

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A bowl of orzo pasta with sautéed greens, topped with slices of grilled chicken and garnished with lemon wedges.
Image Credit: Maplevine Kitchen

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta is the ultimate fusion of tangy and creamy in every bite. With juicy chicken and tender orzo, this dish brings a refreshing twist to your dinner routine.

To learn more: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Macarronada: Venezuelan Macaroni Casserole

A bowl of cheesy chicken pasta with colorful vegetables, topped with fresh cilantro, on a textured cloth with a fork beside it.
Image Credit: Chef’s Pencil

Macarronada: Venezuelan Macaroni Casserole is a vibrant, hearty dish full of flavor. This unique casserole combines savory ingredients, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.

To learn more: Macarronada: Venezuelan Macaroni Casserole

Easy Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

A plate of juicy roasted chicken thighs with golden potatoes and caramelized peaches, garnished with fresh herbs, on a light background.
Image Credit: In The Kitch

Easy Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your table in no time. The tangy lemon and aromatic herbs make this chicken a quick, mouthwatering dinner option everyone will love.

To learn more: Easy Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

A plate of cheesy enchiladas topped with jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, accompanied by a glass of refreshing orange drink.
Image Credit: My Rad Kitchen

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a fiesta of flavor wrapped in a warm tortilla. Overflowing with gooey cheese and tender chicken, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser that’ll spice up your dinner routine.

To learn more: Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba Recipe

A plate of chicken and vegetables garnished with cilantro and almonds, with a gold fork and an orange napkin beside it.
Image Credit: Immigrant’s Table

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba Recipe takes the classic Middle Eastern dish to a whole new level of convenience. With tender chicken and a blend of spices, this dish delivers authentic flavors in a fraction of the time.

To learn more: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A wooden spoon lifts creamy orzo pasta mixed with chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes from a stainless steel pot.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is so delicious, it might just make you propose! Tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo, all smothered in a creamy sauce—this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

To learn more: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Loaded German Potato Bake

Baked casserole topped with crispy bacon, green onions, and melted cheese in a rustic dish, set against a colorful patterned cloth.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Loaded German Potato Bake is the hearty, cheesy comfort food you never knew you needed. Packed with crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!

To learn more: Loaded German Potato Bake

Chicken Quesadillas

A stack of sliced quesadillas filled with chicken, melted cheese, diced green bell peppers, and chopped tomatoes is arranged on a plate. Fresh cilantro leaves are used as garnish.
Image Credit: Living Chirpy

Chicken Quesadillas turn up the heat with golden, crispy tortillas stuffed full of melty cheese and juicy chicken—quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

To learn more: Chicken Quesadillas

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

A close-up of cheesy baked zucchini with meat, parsley, and golden-brown melted cheese, served in a dish with a fork.
Image Credit: Thermo Cookery

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole sneaks in the veggies without skimping on flavor—hearty, cheesy, and just the kind of dish that makes leftovers exciting.

To learn more: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Squash & Grapes

Sliced roasted pork tenderloin with roasted butternut squash, grapes, and fresh herbs arranged on a platter.
Image Credit: Mary’s Whole Life

Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Squash & Grapes roasts together tender pork, sweet squash, and juicy grapes for a one-pan wonder that’s as easy as it is flavorful.

To learn more: Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin with Squash & Grapes

The Best Italian Meatballs

A white bowl containing spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, three meatballs, and grated cheese, with a fork placed on the edge.
Image Credit: Flavorful Eats

The Best Italian Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor—perfectly seasoned and ready to steal the spotlight on any plate.

To learn more: The Best Italian Meatballs

Creamy Tuna Macaroni Casserole (With Sun-Dried Tomatoes)

A baked pasta casserole topped with melted cheese and chopped parsley in a white ceramic dish, on a marble countertop. Flowers and stacked plates are visible in the background.
Image Credit: In The Kitch

Creamy Tuna Macaroni Casserole (With Sun-Dried Tomatoes) by In The Kitch is your go-to comfort dish when you want a cozy meal with a twist. Packed with creamy goodness and a pop of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

To learn more: Creamy Tuna Macaroni Casserole (With Sun-Dried Tomatoes)

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *