Dinner tonight is…chicken? Again? Sure, it is it’s versatile, and it cooks quickly but it also gets pretty darn boring, night after night. Sometimes you need something with more oomph, a deeper flavor profile, a texture that doesn’t resemble yesterday’s leftovers!
These 15 hearty meals are anything but boring. I’m talking about satisfying dishes that come together fast, perfect for those evenings when time is precious.
From easy slow cooker favorite to comforting vegetarian soups to robust one-pan wonders with ground beef, sausage, or pork, these recipes are here to ignite some dinner time excitement. So, skip chicken and explore a world of delicious possibilities!
Italian Beef Sandwiches
Ditch the chicken and dive into these Italian Beef Sandwiches. Slow-cooked beef topped with gooey provolone makes for a great switch-up that’s both hearty and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef Sandwiches
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Perfect for those nights when chicken just won’t cut it, this air fryer pork tenderloin comes out with a great crisp outside and a tender inside every time. It’s a simple way to shake up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe
When chicken boredom strikes, this Chili Cornbread Casserole is here to save the day. It’s a perfect mix of spicy chili and soft cornbread, all in one dish that’s great for any family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ready for something different? These Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a perfect choice. Tender beef soaked in au jus piled onto a roll makes a great alternative to your usual chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Air Fryer Italian Sausages
Give chicken the night off and go for these Air Fryer Italian Sausages. They’re a perfect pick for a hearty meal that’s easy to prep and even easier to clean up after.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Italian Sausages
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Break away from the usual with Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. They’re a great option when you’re looking for something hearty that’s packed with flavor and requires almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Mushroom Stew
This Mushroom Stew is a great comfort food when you’ve had enough chicken. It’s a hearty pork stew from upstate New York that’s perfect over a slice of Italian bread.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stew
Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Switch out your chicken dinner for these Slow Cooker Beef Tips. They’re ideal when you need something hearty and comforting, and they practically cook themselves in the gravy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
These Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops are a great choice when you’re over chicken. They come out juicy on the inside with a perfect crispy coat, and they’re super easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Asian Spare Ribs
For a change from your boring weeknight meals, try these Asian Spare Ribs. They’re slow-cooked to perfection, soaking up a rich blend of spices and sauces for a hearty meal that’s far from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs
Taco Rice Skillet
This Taco Rice Skillet is perfect for a hearty meal without the chicken. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s ready in 20 minutes, with all the flavors you love in a taco.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet
Air Fryer Cod
If you’re looking for a hearty meal but want to skip the chicken, this Air Fryer Cod is a great choice. You’ll get tender, flaky fish in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod
Instant Pot Dirty Rice
Tired of chicken? This Instant Pot Dirty Rice is a great way to mix things up. It’s a hearty one-pot meal with beef and rice, seasoned with a little Cajun spice for an extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
When you’re looking for something hearty but chicken isn’t appealing, these Slow Cooker Pork Chops are a perfect pick. They cook up in a creamy mushroom sauce and are super easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Minestrone Soup
Say goodbye to chicken with this hearty Instant Pot Minestrone Soup. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s packed with veggies and flavor, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
