Tired of the Same Old? These Dinners Will Do the Trick (no wand, just great ingredients)

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Tired of the same old weeknight dinners that feel as exciting as a soggy noodle? It’s time to throw some flavor into the mix with dishes that are easy, unexpected, and will have you wondering why you never tried them at home before. Cast Iron Ribeye with Shiitake and Shallot? Yes, please—because who needs a steakhouse when you’ve got a skillet? Or how about Mongolian Chicken in 10 minutes—take that, takeout! Get your hands dirty with Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Roll Ups (they’ll never know you didn’t spend hours making it). If you’re in the mood to feel fancy, Chicken Piccata has your back, and Creamy Cajun Chicken will spice up your life without breaking a sweat. From Traditional Beef Rouladen to White Beans and Greens with Sausage, these easy recipes are your ticket to breaking free from the dinner rut. Let’s get cooking, folks—your taste buds will thank you!

Cast Iron Ribeye with Shiitake and Shallot

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Steak topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions, garnished with fresh chives, served in a creamy sauce. Served with
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Get your skillet hot and peel those spuds—Cast Iron Ribeye with Shiitake and Shallot Steak is here to make your date night a five-star affair without leaving the house. Perfectly seared ribeye meets earthy shiitakes and sweet shallots, making every bite feel like a celebration. No reservations required—just a sizzling skillet!
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Ribeye with Shiitake and Shallot

Sausage and Peppers

A skillet filled with cooked sausages nestled among sliced bell peppers in green, red, and yellow, and onions. A pair of tongs rests on the edge of the skillet, which sits on a marble countertop.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Sausage and Peppers with Onions is a speedy stove-top dinner that’s big on flavor and guaranteed to please the whole family. Juicy sausages, sweet peppers, and onions create the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again—no fancy ingredients, just pure comfort!
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

Mongolian Chicken

A skillet filled with glazed chicken pieces topped with sesame seeds and garnished with fresh green onions. The skillet has a white interior and is set on a marble surface. A striped cloth and a small bowl of sesame seeds are nearby.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Homemade Mongolian Chicken is the quick, 10-minute dinner that beats takeout any day. Tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce—this dish packs all the flavor of your favorite Chinese spot without the delivery fee. Ready in a flash, and way more satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Chicken Vesuvio

A bowl filled with roasted red potatoes, green peas, and chicken pieces garnished with rosemary. A lemon wedge is placed on the side. It’s placed on a light-colored table with a hint of another dish in the background.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill

One-Skillet Chicken Vesuvio brings all the comfort of meat and potatoes with a dash of Italian flair, all in just 30 minutes. This easy weeknight dinner is a nod to Chicago’s culinary roots, combining tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and a flavorful sauce that’s as quick as it is tasty. It’s the weeknight win you’ve been waiting for!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Vesuvio

Chicken Piccata

Plate of chicken piccata garnished with lemon slices, capers, and parsley. A spoon is placed on the plate, next to a fork and knife. Striped napkin on the side.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

Chicken Piccata is the Italian-American dish that turns any weeknight into something special. Tender chicken breasts, seared to golden perfection, are drenched in a zesty lemon butter sauce with capers and parsley, creating a meal that’s quick, delicious, and totally impressive. Who knew weeknight dinners could taste this fancy?

Get The Recipe: Chicken Piccata

White Beans and Greens with Sausage

A bowl of pasta with sausage, beans, and greens, garnished with a rosemary sprig. A drizzle of balsamic glaze covers the dish. A small pitcher is in the background on a textured surface. A striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

White Beans & Greens Bowl with Sausage is your go-to for a meal that’s as quick as it is satisfying. Packed with hearty white beans, vibrant greens, and savory sausage, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious, delicious, and hassle-free. A bowl of goodness in no time!

Get The Recipe: White Beans and Greens with Sausage

Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk

A bowl of orange curry with chunks of chicken, garnished with cilantro, and served with a portion of white rice. A lemon wedge and a sprig of cilantro are nearby on a textured grey surface.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk is your new go-to for a quick, one-pot dinner that’s as simple as it is delicious. Creamy coconut milk and tender chicken come together in perfect harmony—just serve it with naan or rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s both easy and packed with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Roll Ups

Close-up of baked lasagna rolls with visible layers of pasta, spinach, ricotta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a white baking dish. The rolls are topped with a generous amount of cheese and tomato sauce.
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Roll-Ups take the classic lasagna and roll it up into bite-sized fun! Stuffed with creamy spinach, artichokes, and cheese, and topped with marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and crowd-pleasing. No messy layers—just pure, cheesy goodness!

Get The Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Roll Ups

Creamy Cajun Chicken

A white plate with creamy mashed potatoes and a piece of seasoned grilled chicken topped with a creamy sauce and chopped green herbs. A fork rests on the plate. A bowl and some parsley are visible in the background.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Creamy Cajun Chicken is the dinner you’ll crave on repeat. Tender, spiced chicken simmers in a creamy sauce packed with veggies—it’s like a flavor-packed party in your mouth that you won’t want to end! One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Chicken

Traditional Beef Rouladen

Close-up of beef rouladen topped with a rich brown sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and sliced mushrooms. The dish appears savory and well-cooked, with fresh parsley leaves providing a pop of green color.
Image Credit: Noshing with The Nolands

Traditional Beef Rouladen Recipe is the ultimate German comfort food—tender beef stuffed with all the goodness you can imagine. Pair it with potato dumplings, spaetzle, or some tangy red cabbage, and you’ve got a Sunday supper that’ll make everyone feel like they’re sitting at Oma’s table.

Get the Recipe: Traditional Beef Rouladen

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!

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