10 Cozy Dinners for Nights You Just Can’t Anymore

When the to-do list wins and the motivation to cook has completely vanished, it is time for a solid backup plan. There is no need to resort to another night of cold cereal or expensive takeout when these easy dinner ideas are on hand. Each dish is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for recovering from a day that did not go quite as planned. So take a deep breath and let these simple meals handle all the heavy lifting for a change!

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta

white bowl with chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic and a light linen around the bowl — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Save time in the kitchen and enjoy a classic comfort with this slow cooker chicken alfredo! Made with a creamy, dairy-free alfredo sauce this crockpot chicken recipe is a staple for busy weeknights.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Dairy-Free Beef Casserole

Beef and zucchini casserole topped with zucchinis in a baking dish. — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Weeknight dinners just got better with this veggie-packed, high-protein, beef and zucchini casserole. Lean ground beef coated in a rich and creamy tomato sauce spread of zucchini and sweet potato noodles. You can make this dairy-free casserole in advance as well making busy weeknights that much easier. To learn more: Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Paleo Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie

Wooden spoon pulling out some sweet potato shepherds pie from a baking dish. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Easy to make in advance, this paleo Shepherds pie has a comforting, lean ground beef base topped with rich, mashed sweet potatoes. As a family-friendly meal, it’s a recipe you’ll make over and over again.

Get the recipe: Paleo Shepherds Pie with Sweet Potato

Veggie-Loaded Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and cauliflower rice soup with carrots in a white bowl on a wooden cutting board. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Embrace the cool weather and cozy up with a bowl of this gluten-free chicken and rice soup! Loaded with vegetables, warming broth, and fueling chicken this fall soup recipe is made in just half an hour and warms you up from the inside out. To learn more: Gluten-Free Chicken and Rice Soup

Dairy-Free Chicken Pesto

Creamy pesto pasta in a white bowl with ingredients around it — Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

An easy, flavorful dinner recipe made in just 15-minutes. Made with homemade pesto and gluten-free noodles, this creamy chicken pesto pasta makes the perfect weeknight meal.

Get the recipe:Chicken Pesto Pasta

Thai Chicken Pineapple Curry

Green chicken curry with pineapple and peppers in a skillet with a wooden spoon beside it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Tender and juicy bites of chicken simmered in a rich and creamy sauce; this Thai chicken pineapple curry is a comforting weeknight dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, this green curry uses pineapple for a punch of tropical flavor. To learn more: Thai Chicken Pineapple Curry

Crockpot Hunters Chicken

Hunters chicken thighs on a black plate with red onions on it and a slow cooker behind it. — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Tender, juicy chicken simmered to perfection in a savory medley of tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs. This slow cooker hunters chicken recipe is a fail-safe staple for busy weeknights!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Hunters Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup with carrots in a white mug with lemon and a spoon beside it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Made from scratch in the slow cooker this gluten-free chicken noodle soup is a comforting blend of ingredients perfect for chilly nights. To learn more: Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf with Veggies

Sheet pan barbecue meat loaves with roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

A delicious weeknight dinner you can meal prep in advance! This gluten-free mini meatloaf and veggies recipe is the perfect sheet pan dinner to whip up for busy nights. Roasted sweet potatoes, crisp broccoli and savory meatloaf all in one bite.

Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Mini Meatloaf Sheet Pan Dinner

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

White plate with salisbury steak on it and a mushroom on top of them. — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Deliciously seasoned ground beef patties cooked in the slow cooker and then smothered in a savory mushroom gravy. This gluten-free Salisbury steak recipe makes for a tasty Sunday night dinner. To learn more: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak