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These easy dinner recipes are perfect if you want delicious food on the table fast. Skip the delivery because you deserve meals as tasty as spicy shrimp tacos and sofritas, even on a busy weeknight.
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Long days call for comfort food.
But when I say comfort food, I don’t mean fast food—though these dishes are quick to prepare!
With recipes like skillet bacon mac and cheese and sheet pan tofu, you can spend more time unwinding and less time stressing in the kitchen!
Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies
The last thing anyone wants after a tiring day is a sink full of things to wash! This sheet pan tofu is tastier than Asian-style takeout, and guess what? Everything is cooked in the same pan, so clean-up is a breeze!
Get The Recipe: Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies
Vegan Stir Fry
Filling, delicious, and nourishing, this vegan stir fry is the best dish to refuel in the evening. It’s also ready in just 35 minutes!
Get The Recipe: Vegan Stir Fry
Sofritas Recipe
Packed with protein but completely plant-based, this sofritas recipe is a guilt-free way to enjoy the Mexican classic. Pair sofritas with rice and beans, and you got yourself an easy, hearty meal!
Get The Recipe: Sofritas Recipe
Baked Salmon with Mayonnaise
Looking for easy dinner recipes? Add this salmon recipe to your dinner plans. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients, like mayo, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Even picky eaters will love this. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy seafood with the entire family.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salmon with Mayonnaise
Sushi Bake Cups
Sushi bake might not immediately come to mind when you’re looking for easy dinner recipes. But this particular dish simplifies things with just 15 minutes of bake time.
These bite-sized versions are bursting with bold flavors and are a complete meal in themselves. You can even skip the utensils – grab them from the table and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake Cups
TikTok Egg Boil
This egg boil is one of the best 30-minute dinners you can prepare during busy weeknights. It boasts a delicious savory sauce crafted from pantry staples such as unsalted butter, paprika, seafood seasoning, and brown sugar.
Making family meals has never been easier, all thanks to these easy dinner recipes.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Egg Boil
Juicy Chicken 101
Many busy parents swear by easy dinner recipes to keep weeknights manageable. Searching for more kid-friendly dinners?
This chicken dinner only requires boneless chicken breasts, sunflower oil, and a blend of seasonings. Then, pair it with a mixed green salad for an added nutritional boost.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Chicken 101
Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken
Got unexpected guests? No need to panic! There are countless easy dinner recipes that can impress in no time. Why not go for a couple of breakfast staples? These red velvet waffles and fried chicken wings are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken
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Vegan Stuffed Eggplant
The best dinner ideas include healthy recipes that only require around 30 minutes of preparation time. I love everything with roasted eggplants, so I’m sure this will be an instant comfort food for me. Trust me, even meat lovers will adore this simple meal with a flavorful Mediterranean stuffing!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Eggplant
Nigerian Tomato Stew
Try out new, easy dinner recipes and explore the wonders of international cuisine. This Nigerian tomato stew has all the makings of a family favorite.
It includes fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, and curry powder. While it might seem complex, this recipe offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Tomato Stew
Copycat Chili’s Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Spontaneous taco nights with friends call for delicious, easy dinner recipes! These shrimp tacos with cilantro-lime crema comes together in just 25 minutes.
Everyone will enjoy its assertive flavors, featuring avocados, purple cabbage, Greek yogurt, and a mix of seasonings and spices. Say farewell to boring meals during lively get-togethers!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chili’s Spicy Shrimp Tacos
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Vegan Pasta Puttanesca
I always enjoy a bowl of pasta with a blanket of cheese. But the more I learn about other delectable pasta recipes, the more I want to try new flavors. This pasta puttanesca is not only easy to make, it’s also nutritious, with gluten-free pasta and chopped tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Puttanesca
Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese
Improve your weeknight dinners with these easy dinner recipes. Mac and cheese, a beloved comfort food classic, is simply irresistible.
You’ll adore its delicious cheesy flavor, showcasing cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, whole milk, and chicken broth. Cheap meals with shredded cheese are the way to go!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity; some easy dinner recipes pack a surprising depth of flavor. Once you’ve savored these garlic butter steak bites, you’d want to prepare them countless times over! Thanks to the Instant Pot, we can whip this up anytime we want.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Cooking for one? There’s no need to compromise on taste with tailor-made easy dinner recipes. Opt for convenient one-pot meals like this stir-fry starring cabbage and ground beef.
Ground beef recipes are always a hit. This tasty dish has a cooking time of just 20 minutes. It’s also among the most mouthwatering cabbage recipes I’ve come across!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
No more mealtime stress – these easy dinner recipes will save the day. Do you love beef enchiladas and black bean tostadas? This cheesy, creamy ground beef casserole brimming with Mexican flavors will win your heart and tummy!
It’s loaded with black beans, canned corn, chili powder, Mexican blend cheese, and a blend of seasonings, all baked to perfection in just 35 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
I’ll never get tired of chicken dinner recipes, especially casserole dishes. They’re some of the simplest to make after a long day.
This chicken with rice meal features creamy mushroom sauce, sour cream, and chicken soup. You can use chicken thighs or any available part, as long as it’s shredded or diced.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Pesto Chicken, Kale and White Bean Soup
Chicken recipes are a breeze and among your top choices for quick dinners. This 30-minute pesto soup offers a fresh twist on the classic chicken noodle soup. It’s quick, wholesome, and includes pine nuts and parmesan cheese for added crunch and cheesiness.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken, Kale and White Bean Soup
Peach and Goat Cheese Quesadilla
Enjoy restaurant-quality dishes at home with these easy dinner recipes. We used to order quesadillas at our local Mexican spot, but now we’re starting to make them at home, though we have yet to try them with goat cheese.
This peach and goat cheese quesadilla is wonderfully unique and simple to prepare. Plus, there’s a two-ingredient ranch dip for amplified flavors.
Get the Recipe: Peach and Goat Cheese Quesadilla
Lemon Pepper Salmon
If you’re mindful of calories, opt for healthier, easy dinner recipes. These salmon fillets are easy to prepare and packed with flavor! You’ll only need lemon, kosher salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and olive oil. Stay healthy even when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Salmon
Tuna & Sun-Dried Tomato Casserole
This tuna casserole with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta is a delightful make-ahead dish you’ll want to enjoy regularly. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. The tomato pesto Alfredo sauce is simply delicious.
Get the Recipe: Tuna & Sun-Dried Tomato Casserole
Chili Cauliflower and Tofu
These easy dinner recipes will keep you feeling good and full. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, you should definitely try this Chinese-inspired dish.
The combo of tofu and cauliflower, seasoned with low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup, creates a mix of savory and spicy flavors that’s truly unbeatable!
Get the Recipe: Chili Cauliflower and Tofu
Easy & Protein-Packed Lentil Stew
I love satisfying, protein-packed easy dinner recipes. I can’t even remember the last time I had a light dinner. This lentil stew is perfect for me. It’s a warm meal that pairs well with rice, green salad, or bread slices. Herbs like thyme and rosemary really kick up the flavors!
Get the Recipe: Protein-Packed Lentil Stew
Chicago Hot Dog Recipe
Kid-friendly dinners don’t need to be fancy. As long as it’s fun to eat and satisfies their cravings, go for it. This Chicago hot dog recipe is perfect anytime, even for parties. This recipe delivers the authentic flavors of Chicago right to your home.
Get the Recipe: Chicago Hot Dog Recipe
Vegan Kale Chickpea Salad
Salads are super convenient for those rush-hour meals because you can just toss everything in, right? But remember to pick the best flavor mix for a fun dinner!
This 10-minute salad has nutrient-packed chickpeas and kale, with a tasty tahini maple dressing. If you like, you can also throw in some cranberries and sesame seeds.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Kale Chickpea Salad
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Make these easy dinner recipes and wave goodbye to takeout for good. Skip the store-bought pizza and craft your own with an extraordinary twist.
This homemade pizza features rotisserie chicken, BBQ sauce, mozzarella cheese, Gouda cheese, and red onions. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have six delicious servings!
Get the Recipe: Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
With just a few basic ingredients, you can dive into easy dinner recipes that’ll put a smile on your face and fill your tummy. Give this peanut butter and jelly sandwich a shot.
You only need a few slices of sourdough bread, jelly, peanut butter, and your favorite plant-based butter. It’s not the best make-ahead meal, so savor it fresh, or it might get soggy.
Get the Recipe: Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Meatballs, Brown Gravy and Rice
Easy dinner recipes with just three ingredients? Your quest for the most flavorful and speedy dishes is over. Just make sure you have pre-made meatballs, a store-bought gravy packet, and rice.
I’d personally choose red rice, but you can go with whatever makes you happy and satisfied. You deserve it after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs, Brown Gravy and Rice
Finger-Licking Veggie Fajitas
Enjoy delicious Mexican food with these easy dinner recipes! These veggie fajitas are a breeze to make and packed with nutritious ingredients like portobello mushrooms, black beans, and avocados.
You’ll love creating the remarkable homemade fajita seasoning recipe – it’s the heart of this meal with its perfect blend of spices and seasonings.
Get the Recipe: Finger-Licking Veggie Fajitas
Jamaican Style Pepper Steak
This pepper steak is brimming with rich Caribbean spices, seasonings, and sweet bell peppers, along with beef strips for a protein boost. Even if you’re in a hurry, it’s best not to skip marinating the beef for 30 minutes to two hours to let the flavors soak into the meat.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Style Pepper Steak
Chickpea Egg Salad
My favorite easy dinner recipes always include eggs. I often turn to eggs when I need a fast, satisfying meal at home. While I’m not a big fan of chickpeas, I’m willing to give this salad recipe a shot because it has my other favorites.
Alongside hard-boiled eggs, it features cucumbers, cabbage, and a refreshing touch of orange juice.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Egg Salad
Hearts of Palm Tostadas
I’m really intrigued by the amazing ingredient, hearts of palm. After some research, I’ve discovered it’s a top choice for plant-based meals!
This recipe combines it with lettuce, refried beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and vegan sour cream. I think it’s time to figure out where I can buy hearts of palm locally.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Tostadas
Healthy Lasagna Soup
Hold on, there’s such a thing as lasagna soup? When I think of lasagna, I usually imagine cheesy goodness without any broth.
This dish includes mozzarella and parmesan cheese, along with tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, turkey sausage, and chicken broth. It’s a fresh and comforting take on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Lasagna Soup
Ham Delights
Looking for easy dinner recipes you can whip up while tackling some overtime work at home? Try giving the classic sandwich a Southern twist. It features a Dijon butter spread, sliced ham, sweet dinner rolls, and a blend of cheddar and Swiss cheese.
Get the Recipe: Ham Delights
Shrimp Chop Suey
Seafood lovers, get ready to celebrate! There are plenty of easy dinner recipes to explore. This chop suey features an umami-packed sauce, crunchy veggies, and succulent shrimp.
We often whip up something similar at home, and let me tell you, it’s so easy and full of flavor that you can effortlessly make it on weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Chop Suey
Truffle Mushroom Flatbread
Even if you’re on a tight budget, there are tasty and easy dinner recipes to savor. For a twist on pizza, give this truffle mushroom flatbread a try.
It’s loaded with savory mushrooms, mozzarella, arugula, and topped with parmesan cheese, plus a drizzle of truffle oil. Feel free to use white truffle oil if you prefer it over the black variety.
Get the Recipe: Truffle Mushroom Flatbread
Pork Chops with Salsa Verde
No need for takeout tonight. These easy dinner recipes are faster than delivery. These no-fuss pork chops can be prepared in just 20 minutes; no need to marinate them when you’re in a rush. Simply cook the meat in a skillet with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Salsa Verde
Sardine Pasta
Craft easy dinner recipes using your favorite canned goods! When you’re in the mood for pasta but unsure what to make, reach for those canned sardines in the pantry and conjure up some kitchen magic.
Sardine pasta is a go-to dish in our home, and I always enjoy mine with plenty of black pepper, chili flakes, and black olives.
Get the Recipe: Sardine Pasta
FAQ About Easy Dinner Recipes
What are some easy recipes for dinner?
There are several easy dinner recipes to explore, including Instant Pot garlic butter steak bites, sushi bake cups, and Nigerian tomato stew.
What should I eat for dinner when I’m lazy?
When you’re feeling lazy, there are plenty of convenient meal options to choose from.
The easiest ones often involve using an Instant Pot for quick and effortless preparation.
What is a depression meal?
A depression meal is a simple dish often associated with emotional distress.
These meals usually include cost-effective ingredients such as beans, rice, canned vegetables, and affordable protein sources, designed to offer nourishment during difficult times.
Conclusion
For dinner, my parents and I usually opt for simple yet satisfying meals that pair perfectly with bread or rice. We take dinner seriously because it feels like a well-deserved reward after a long day. We love hearty, delicious dishes!
But here’s the thing. We don’t spend hours on preparation. And you can do it, too. You just need to find easy recipes that can guide you through the process, using what’s available in your pantry and considering your preferences.
Tired of meal planning stress? Save time, savor variety, and explore culinary creativity with our top 3 meal kit picks! 🍽️ Why not try Hello Fresh for diverse, exciting recipes, Blue Apron for gourmet cooking made easy, or Green Chef for eco-conscious dining?
25+ Last-Minute Dinner Ideas for When You Want to Chill and Just Eat!
These last-minute dinner ideas prove delicious meals are just minutes away! Spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing after a busy day.
Read it here: 25+ Last-Minute Dinner Ideas for When You Want to Chill and Just Eat!
25+ Monday Dinner Ideas That Will Change How You Feel About Mondays
These Monday dinner ideas will take the stress off your week with meals that come together quickly and dishes you can make in advance. Delicious dinner is possible, even on a busy weeknight!
Read it here: 25+ Monday Dinner Ideas That Will Change How You Feel About Mondays
25+ Friday Dinner Ideas That Will Make You Say, “TGIF!” with Every Bite!
These Friday dinner ideas are just what you need after a long week! Enjoy your Friday evenings with dishes like shrimp sushi bowl and chili baked potato!
Read it here: 25+ Friday Dinner Ideas That Will Make You Say, “TGIF!” with Every Bite!
You deserve tasty dinners, even when you’re tired and feeling lazy. Check out these yummy savory recipes, perfect for solo dining or sharing with family and friends.
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