Using React with an API back-end is only 1 of many choices.

There's tools like Hotwire[0] and htmx[1] (both are back-end agnostic) that will let you create good old boring web apps with any back-end language where you don't need to write a ton of JS. You can sprinkle in front-end quality of life enhancements as needed to make nice feeling web apps with reasonably minimal complexity.

[0]: https://hotwired.dev/

[1]: https://htmx.org/

Don't forget Unpoly: https://demo.unpoly.com/