Effortless Weeknight Recipes

13 Effortless Weeknight Dinners to Keep You Inspired (and Out of the Drive-Thru Line)

Between early evening walks, end-of-summer gatherings, and those last golden hours spent in the garden, dinner should be the least stressful part of your day. At Sandstone, we believe a well-fed home is a happy one—but we also know that your weeknights are sacred. That’s why we’ve gathered 13 of our favorite effortless, flavor-forward dinners that come together in one pot, on one sheet pan, or with the help of a trusted slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Each dish is warm, nourishing, and just a touch elevated—perfect for breezy California evenings and family meals around a sun-drenched table.

So light that candle, turn on your favorite playlist, and let’s cook something beautiful.

1. One Sheet Lemon Balsamic Chicken & Potatoes
Zesty, rustic, and deeply satisfying. This Mediterranean-inspired dish roasts chicken thighs and baby potatoes in a lemony balsamic glaze—leaving you with golden caramelized edges and very little cleanup.

2. 10-Minute Sheet Pan Steak
Yes, really—just 10 minutes. With a hot oven and a quick marinade, this weeknight steak is seared to perfection alongside seasonal veggies. Add a glass of red and it’s practically a date night.

3. Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
A takeout favorite reimagined for your own kitchen. Roasted instead of stir-fried, it’s crunchy, savory, and tossed in a glossy ginger-garlic sauce with a generous handful of roasted cashews.

4. One Pot Sweet Potato Curry
Cozy up with this plant-based bowl of comfort. Sweet potatoes simmer with coconut milk, ginger, and curry spices, creating a dish that’s as vibrant as it is soothing.

5. One Pot Black Beans & Rice with Sausage
A pantry-friendly classic that feels anything but basic. Smoked sausage adds depth, while the beans and rice soak up every last bit of flavor. It’s hearty, humble, and ideal for busy nights.

6. One Pot Shawarma Chicken & Rice
Inspired by your favorite market stand, this Middle Eastern–inflected dish features warm spices, juicy chicken, and fragrant rice cooked all in one pot. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki if you’d like.

7. Crockpot Chicken Ramen
Because who says ramen is just for takeout? With a rich, garlicky broth and tender noodles, this slow cooker version is surprisingly simple and endlessly comforting.

8. Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles
A Midwest classic with a West Coast twist. Think buttery egg noodles, slow-cooked beef, and a splash of California red wine for depth. Toss everything in before your morning walk—dinner’s ready when you are.

9. Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
This version stays true to the takeout staple—savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly tender—but skips the wok and goes straight to the slow cooker. Serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter spin.

10. Slow Cooker Enchilada Soup
Everything you love about enchiladas, reimagined as a soul-warming soup. Layered with shredded chicken, black beans, and a touch of spice, it’s perfect for chilly beach nights or cozy mountain getaways.

11. Instant Pot Pho
Delicate, aromatic, and made in a fraction of the time. This shortcut version of the beloved Vietnamese soup delivers all the flavor, minus the hours over the stove.

12. Instant Pot Tortellini
Cheesy tortellini meets a creamy tomato broth in this 20-minute crowd-pleaser. It’s indulgent, easy, and just right with a slice of warm sourdough and a simple green salad.

13. Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Smoky, tender, and ready in under an hour. Pile it onto brioche buns, serve it taco-style, or spoon it over polenta. However you serve it, the compliments will roll in.

Our Final Thoughts...
At Sandstone Goods, we believe that good living starts at home—around the table, with the people you love. These dinners are here to take the stress out of your evenings, so you can focus on what really matters: connection, conversation, and a little magic in the everyday.

Visit us in-store or online for hand-picked kitchen essentials, elevated pantry staples, and beautiful things for your home.

Dinner’s on, 
Welcome home!

Your Friends at Sandstone