Introduction
It should be hassle-free when hunger strikes after the sun goes down and it’s time to decide what’s for dinner. Whether you’re feeding yourself, a family or a house full of guests, the following dinner ideas are as delicious as they are simple.
Here are 25 of our favorite dinner ideas to keep your nights stress-free and your taste buds satisfied.
Quick & Easy Dinner Ideas
- One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies Garlicky buttered chicken breast, carrots and broccoli cooked in one pan. That’s it! Clean up is a breeze and the flavor is insane!
- 15-Minute Shrimp Tacos A hot-chicken-inspired taco in the I-don’t-want-to-spend-more-than-10-minutes-in-the-kitchen category: Succulent shrimp meets tangy slaw and spicy mayo in a flash.
- Pasta Primavera A vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables, combined with pasta and olive oil. Mix in some Parmesan if you like at the end.
Healthy Dinner Ideas
4. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
This grilled salmon is loaded with omega 3s and is a delicious flaky fish that you can have on your dinner table in less than 20 minutes.
5. Quinoa Filled Bell Peppers
Full of protein and fiber, these stuffed peppers are an entire meatless dinner.
6. Zucchini Noodles in Pesto
Substitute regular pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles and finish with homemade basil pesto.
Family Dinner Inspiration
7. Spaghetti Bolognese Made From Scratch
A go-to classic — red, meaty sauce on top of spaghetti that you can’t ever go wrong with. Good for kids and adults.
8. Cheese Chicken Quesadilla Sparse Cheese
Chewy outside, molten inside. Served with sour cream and a side of salsa for dipping.
9. Sheet-Pan Sausage and Potatoes
Roast the root and the squashes together, dressed with olive oil and herbs. A meal in one pan and barely more effort than that.
Cheap Dinner Ideas
10. Chili Con Carne
I love its hearty, spicy goodness and the fact that it is perfect for leftovers. No more then a pot of beans, some beef and finally some tomatoes, low and slow.
11. Fried Rice with Veggies and Egg Makes 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes 1 cup long grain rice 2 cups water 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 carrots, diced small 2 small zucchini, diced small 1 red pepper, diced small 1 cooked chicken breast (or a handful of nice shrimp, or leftovers of your favorite protein) 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 eggs salt, to taste 1.
Just use that leftover rice and whatever veggies in the fridge. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, if desired.
12. Baked Potato Bar
Top baked potatoes with cheese, sour cream, beans, or even leftover chili.
Vegetarian Dinner Ideas
13. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This comforting, meat-free dish has the indulgence of a very naughty, but not heavy, sauce.
14. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Yield 4 to 6 servings Time 30 minutes 2tablespoons coconut oil or melted unrefined coconut oil 1large onion, chopped 2large garlic cloves, minced 3tablespoons finely minced peeled fresh ginger 1teaspoon black mustard seeds 1teaspoon cumin seeds 3cardamom pods 2coriander, seeds crushed with a mortar and pestle 2teaspoons ground cumin 2teaspoons ground coriander 1teaspoon ground turmeric ¼teaspoon cayenne 1cup crushed tomatoes 4cups cooked chickpeas, or two 15-ounce cans, drained 1¼cups coconut milk (mix in a shaker or stir to combine the white cream and yellowish liquid) 8cups spinach leaves, left whole if small, cut in chiffonade if large Salt to taste 1teaspoon garam masala 1cup chopped cilantro, plus additional for garnish.
You only need a few spices and some canned chickpeas to make this tasty, healthy dish.
15. Eggplant Parmesan
Baked, Not Fried — This is an all-time classic in Italian homes, that’s satisfying and delicious.
International Dinner Ideas
16. Thai Red Curry Chicken
Delicately tender chicken cooked in creamy coconut milk and red curry paste in less than 30 minutes.
17. Stir Fry Beef with Broccoli
There’s a savory sauce, and there’s that salting of just-sautéed beef, and it’s better-than-takeout good.
18. Greek Chicken Gyros
Marinated chicken, zesty tzatziki, and crisp veggies nestled in soft pita bread.
Comfort Food Dinner Ideas
19. Classic Mac and Cheese
Cheesy, delicious, pure comfort. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a little crunchy crust.
20. Beef and Bean Enchiladas
Covered in enchilada sauce and cheese — this is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
21. Chicken Pot Pie
Tender, flaky crust with a creamy chicken and veggie filling. A timeless favorite.
Weekend Treats
22. BBQ Ribs in the Oven
Fall off the bone, sticky ribs with from-scratch BBQ sauce — no grill needed.
23. Homemade Pizza Night
Put out your own toppings for everyone to add what they like. Exciting, interactive fun for the entire family.
24. Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Spinach
Marinara and mozzarella bake up for hearty, satisfying Italian fare.
25. Steak and Garlic Butter Mushrooms
A restaurant-style dinner in your home. Serve with mashed potatoes or a side salad.
Final Thoughts
You’ll never be at a loss for what to make for dinner with this collection of recipes. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, save money or just, you know, get something on the table, there’s a recipe for you here.
HINT: Bookmark this page and return here the next time you need dinner inspiration — fast!
