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  4. 30+ Quick & Easy Main Dishes to Add to This Week's Meal Plan

30+ Quick & Easy Main Dishes to Add to This Week's Meal Plan

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors Updated April 04, 2022
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Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
Credit: Jennifer Causey

Even if you're short on time you can still sit down to a comforting home-cooked dinner any night of the week. The key is choosing the right recipe. To help you get started, we gathered our best easy dinner ideas in one place. These simple but satisfying easy dinner recipes don't require much advance prep or a long cooking time, so you'll be sitting down to eat before you know it. Choose from Southern favorites like Fried Pork Chops, Smothered Chicken, and Fresh Salmon Cakes. Or try something new like Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce, Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon, or Quesadillas al Pastor. On the hunt for a meatless Monday supper? Try our Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake. We also have several creative ground beef recipes, like our Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls and our Ravioli Lasagna. Whatever you choose, you're sure to find a new favorite weeknight dinner. 

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Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Recipe: Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

If you're on dish duty tonight, cook your main and sides all in one sheet pan. Two spice rack staples—cinnamon and nutmeg—give this simple chicken recipe a wonderful depth of flavor. 

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Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes

Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes

This speedy fried dinner has all the flavors of the classic dish without so much fat.

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Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Pasta Primavera with Shrimp​​​​​​​

Loaded with healthy vegetables, fresh shrimp, and a light sauce, this 30-minute pasta is a colorful as it is good for you.

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Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

Remember the canned salmon cakes from your childhood? They're all grown up and we're serving them a homemade Buttermilk Dressing that you'll want to add to everything. 

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Supreme Pizza

Supreme Pizza
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Recipe: Supreme Pizza

Fresh prepared pizza dough from the grocery store and jarred marinara make this Supreme Pizza recipe almost as easy as ordering delivery, but a whole lot more fun. 

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Fish Tacos and Topping Bar

Fish Tacos and Topping Bar
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Fish Tacos and Topping Bar

A new twist for taco Tuesday, this recipes amps up the fun for family meals with a simple topping bar for your table.

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Shrimp with Honey-Garlic Sauce

Shrimp with Honey-Garlic Sauce
Credit: Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Recipe: Shrimp with Honey-Garlic Sauce

It's hard to believe that this elegant supper comes together in just 15 minutes. Our secret? It's all in the sauce. 

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Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce

Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce
Credit: Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Recipe: Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce

Requiring just 30 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe proves that even a steak dinner can be weeknight friendly. 

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Ravioli Lasagna

Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

Recipe: Ravioli Lasagna

With a little help from store-bought ravioli, this 30-minute supper combines two of our Italian favorites for one cozy weeknight meal. 

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Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

This meat-free casserole is one delicious way to enjoy your veggies this week. 

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Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy

Ground Beef Recipes: Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy

This ground beef recipe helps you make the most of your busy weeknights. You can make the patties ahead, then simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before using. You'll love how the gravy keeps these moist and tender, while the onion adds just the right hint of sweetness and the garlic adds that little bit of spice. Mushrooms make this burger even richer, and sop up that gravy to make your burger even better. We love ground round for this burger. So get your skillet ready to brown this burger and cover it in sweet onion-mushroom gravy. You'll love how good this burger tastes.

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Oven-Fried Pork Chops With Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

Oven-Fried Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Oven-Fried Pork Chops With Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

When it comes to easy weeknight recipes, it's hard to beat a sheet pan supper. Preheat the oven and cook delicious pork chops and nutritious sides all in one dish. 

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Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken
Credit: Easy Catfish Tacos Recipe with Slaw

Recipe: Lemon Chicken

A reader-favorite main with a short ingredient list, this easy dish pairs well with crisp veggies and a side of rice for a delicious dinner.

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Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Sausage

Equal parts easy and cheesy, our Baked Ziti with Sausage is a guaranteed crowd pleaser that's ready in under an hour.

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Turkey Cheeseburgers with Grilled Vidalia Onion Rings

Turkey Cheeseburgers with Grilled Vidalia Onion Rings
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Turkey Cheeseburgers with Grilled Vidalia Onion Rings

Dry turkey burgers are officially a thing of the past. This recipe's secret to a delicious grill every time? Grated butter, of course

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Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon and Vegetables

Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon and Vegetables
Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food styling: Karen Rankin

Recipe: Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon and Vegetables

Salmon, sugar snap peas, and yellow bell peppers, combine to create a good-for-you supper in just 35 minutes. Even your little ones will rave about the tangy sauce on this new weeknight standard. 

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Italian Sausage Spaghetti

Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Credit: William Dickey

Recipe: Italian Sausage Spaghetti

Mix together spaghetti with sausage and peppers for a quick Italian meal that's sure to please the entire family.

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Quesadillas al Pastor Recipe

Quesadillas al Pastor Recipe
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Quesadillas al Pastor Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes, this quesadilla recipe is the perfect crowd pleaser. For an easy side, melt a few tablespoons of butter with minced garlic and a dash of chili powder in a microwave-safe bowl; pour over boiled or grilled corn on the cob.

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Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls

A ground beef casserole topped with sweet, buttery rolls is a weeknight wonder that even the pickiest eaters will request again and again. 

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Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Instead of getting takeout, make this easy at-home version complete with scrambled eggs.

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Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce

Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Recipe: Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce

Bring a taste of the coast to your kitchen table in just 25 minutes. We recommend using fresh shrimp, not frozen, for the best flavor.

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Muffin Tin Meatloaf

Muffin Tin Meatloaf
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Prissy Lee

Recipe: Muffin Tin Meatloaf

With a little help from our trusty muffin tins, we gave this nostalgic dish a weeknight update. Our rendition includes all the ingredients of  Mama's favorite recipe, including Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, thyme, allspice, and—of course—ketchup

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Snappy Smothered Chicken

Snappy Smothered Chicken
Credit: William Dickey

Recipe: Snappy Smothered Chicken

A speedy dinner is as close as your grocery store's deli. Take advantage of this delectable dish to feed your hungry brood.

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Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad

Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad
Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad

Your family and guests will love these flavorful pork chops with a crunchy almond topping. It's simple to make and highly flavorful. Lemons, sugar snap peas, and garlic make it perfect for summer, and the spices make a chop so flavorful that you won't even need to marinate it prior to cooking. If you plan on serving it alongside a salad, double the vinaigrette recipe and use it to compliment the flavors found in the pork, quinoa, and snap beans. For perfectly fluffy quinoa, make sure that after simmering it, you let it stand, covered, to steam. After 10 minutes, fluff it with a fork.

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Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Cheese Sauce over Cauliflower
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling; Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Roasted Beef Tenderloin

This tender cut of beef is quick enough for everyday, but pretty enough for a party platter, too.

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Chicken Caprese Pasta

Chicken Caprese Pasta
Credit: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Chicken Caprese Pasta

With a little help from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, you can turn this beloved summer salad into a hearty weeknight supper. 

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Chicken Chili

Chicken Chili image
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Chicken Chili

Who says beef has to be the starring attraction in homemade chili? Use leftover chicken or pick up a rotisserie from the store and make this hearty supper with just 15 minutes of hands-on time. 

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Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Everything's better with bacon, and this pork tenderloin recipe is no exception! Go ahead and season the other tenderloin in the package with your favorite spice blend. Wrap and freeze to jump-start another meal.

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Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage

Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage

If you're looking to get dinner on the table in a hurry, quick-cooking shrimp is your best friend. We love the cajun flavors in these crowd-pleasing kabobs. 

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Cast-Iron Chicken Piccata

Cast-Iron Chicken Piccata
Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Cast-Iron Chicken Piccata

Serve this Italian restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home. Be sure to add the fresh ingredients like lemon juice and parsley just before serving. This will help maintain the bold flavors of this quick and easy dish. 

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Simple Salmon Croquettes

Basic Salmon Croquettes Recipes
Credit: William Dickey / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Angela Sellersc

Recipes: Simple Salmon Croquettes

No buttermilk on hand? Make your own by combining 1 cup milk with 1 Tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice. The results are the same.

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    1 of 31 Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
    2 of 31 Fried Pork Chops with Peas and Potatoes
    3 of 31 Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
    4 of 31 Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing
    5 of 31 Supreme Pizza
    6 of 31 Fish Tacos and Topping Bar
    7 of 31 Shrimp with Honey-Garlic Sauce
    8 of 31 Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce
    9 of 31 Ravioli Lasagna
    10 of 31 Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake
    11 of 31 Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy
    12 of 31 Oven-Fried Pork Chops With Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
    13 of 31 Lemon Chicken
    14 of 31 Baked Ziti with Sausage
    15 of 31 Turkey Cheeseburgers with Grilled Vidalia Onion Rings
    16 of 31 Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon and Vegetables
    17 of 31 Italian Sausage Spaghetti
    18 of 31 Quesadillas al Pastor Recipe
    19 of 31 Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls
    20 of 31 Easy Chicken Fried Rice
    21 of 31 Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce
    22 of 31 Muffin Tin Meatloaf
    23 of 31 Snappy Smothered Chicken
    24 of 31 Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad
    25 of 31 Roasted Beef Tenderloin
    26 of 31 Chicken Caprese Pasta
    27 of 31 Chicken Chili
    28 of 31 Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
    29 of 31 Grilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs with Sausage
    30 of 31 Cast-Iron Chicken Piccata
    31 of 31 Simple Salmon Croquettes

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