i wish I did this before the re-entry update. I can do it again though, I accidentally ejectet my main heat shield.
Yes, reentry made things harder. To avoid losing too much time you can specifically test your reentry vehicle before doing your Moon mission: send it to orbit, and make it reenter. If it works, then you are go for the Moon mission.
Make sure you protect your ship with a shield large enough (or make your ship thinner...), and avoid too large ships, they tend to flip and burn during reentry.
Also, place the parachutes close to the top of your ship, that way it won't turn upside down and you'll be able to control the end of the descent with your engine.
Overall, a single capsule with a parachute and a heat shield is still the simplest and one of the safest reentry vehicle.