25 Weeknight Recipes Inspo for When You’re Out of Ideas

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Whether you’re in a dinner rut or just want to try something new, these weeknight recipes inspo are packed with flavor and come together easily. From new salad ideas to meaty mains and unique takes on the classics, these recipes have you covered with new ideas.

Recipe Ideas Turkey Salad with Grapes by Sweet and Savory Meals
Recipe Ideas. Turkey Salad with Grapes. Photo Credit: Sweet and Savory Meals

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If you ever get tired of making the same meals over and over, switch it up and give these tasty weeknight recipes inspo a try.

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Slow Cooker Beef Short RIbs
Crockpot Beef Short Ribs. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Slow cooking these beef short ribs brings out rich flavor that feels restaurant worthy without the effort. It is the kind of comfort dinner you look forward to all day.

Get The Recipe: Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Nigerian Meat Pie

ground beef recipes for dinner
NIGERIAN MEAT PIE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Tucked inside these meat pies is a hearty seasoned meat filling that’s nothing short of delicious and perfect for a weeknight snack or dinner idea.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Meat Pie

Dutch Oven Prime Rib Roast

step 7b prime rib roast in dutch oven
Dutch Oven Prime Rib Roast. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This Dutch oven prime rib roast turns out juicy and flavorful. It’s perfect for dinners, holidays, and special occasions.

Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Prime Rib Roast

Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

step 5 Bourbon cranberry sauce
Bourbon Cranberry Sauce. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This bourbon cranberry sauce adds a fun twist to a classic holiday side and makes the classic cranberry sauce even more delicious. It’ll go great with your meaty main dishes.

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Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers served on a plate, with a forkful of the filling lifted out to show the texture.
GROUND TURKEY STUFFED BELL PEPPERS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These turkey stuffed bell peppers are a lighter take on a classic comfort meal. They are filled with seasoned turkey, veggies, seasonings, and sauce.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Pancetta Hash (Apple and Sweet Potato Hash Browns)

fall recipes
SWEET POTATO, APPLE & PANCETTA HASH. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This pancetta hash brings together sweet potatoes, apples, and pancetta for a mix of sweet and savory flavors. It is hearty, warm, and perfect as a breakfast or brunch dish.

Get The Recipe: Pancetta Hash (Apple and Sweet Potato Hash Browns)

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Dill pickle pasta salad is tangy, creamy, and delicious. It’s a side dish that’s great for summer and potlucks.

Get The Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Spicy Kani Salad

step 5 spicy kani salad recipe
Spicy Kani Salad. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This spicy kani salad is refreshing with a little kick from the creamy dressing. It is light but still satisfying and makes a tasty lunch.

Get The Recipe: Spicy Kani Salad

Easy Ogbono Soup

ogbono soup and eba
Easy Ogbono Soup. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

A hearty soup that’s made with spinach and a nutty paste made from ground Ogbono seeds, this dinner idea is one that’s great for introducing new flavors.

Get The Recipe: Easy Ogbono Soup

Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

ham and scalloped potatoes crockpot
Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

These scalloped potatoes with ham come together in the crockpot for an easy comfort meal that you can enjoy any night of the week.

Get The Recipe: Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Crispy Accordion Potatoes

accordion-potatoes
Crispy Accordion Potatoes. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

With crispy edges and tender centers these accordion potatoes are a fun appetizer or side dish to serve with your next meal.

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Easy Keto Big Mac Sauce

keto big mac sauce
Easy Keto Big Mac Sauce. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This keto Big Mac sauce is creamy, tangy, and great on burgers, salads, or even as a dipping sauce. It tastes just like the classic version and is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Get The Recipe: Easy Keto Big Mac Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola

easy summer pasta dishes
THE CLOSEST COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN STEAK GORGONZOLA. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

No need to head out to the restaurant to enjoy a cozy meal that’s flavorful, this steak gorgonzola is a copycat recipe that’s easy to make at home.

Get The Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola

Chicken Laksa Curry

CHICKEN LAKSA CURRY
CUSTARD YOGURT TOAST. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this curry dish is a spicy, comforting, and cozy dinner idea that you can pull together any night of the week.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Laksa Curry

Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate Mousse

Two mugs with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.
MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

A fun twist on classic chocolate mousse and perfect for chocolate lovers, this treat is silky, sweet, and easy to make. Enjoy it as a dessert with your weeknight recipes.

Get The Recipe: Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate Mousse

Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

A bowl of noodles with sauce and chopsticks.
INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

A rich and hearty meal idea that’s easy to make in the instant pot. This spaghetti dish is packed with flavor thanks to the meaty red sauce.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Easy Vegan Baked Beans

Easy Vegan Baked Beans HFHL
Easy Vegan Baked Beans. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

These vegan baked beans are sweet, smoky, and comforting. They cook down into a thick, flavorful dish that pairs well with anything from barbecue to simple weeknight meals.

Get The Recipe: Easy Vegan Baked Beans

Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms

Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms by Happy Food Healthy Life
Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Super easy to make, this gnocchi with mushrooms is a hearty vegan meal that will have the family requesting it week after week.

Get The Recipe: Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms

Vegan Cauliflower Wings

Close-up of buffalo cauliflower bites topped with chopped chives, served with a side of dipping sauce and celery sticks on a white plate—perfect game day snacks for football fans!.
Vegan Cauliflower Wings. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

These cauliflower wings turn crispy on the outside and stay tender inside. They are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce so they taste just as delicious as classic wings.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Wings

Easy Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Bowl of quinoa with cilantro and lime slices on a green cloth, surrounded by more lime wedges and cilantro sprigs.
Easy Cilantro Lime Quinoa. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Serve as a side dish or light lunch and you have a flavor packed meal the family won’t be able to get enough of. This cilantro lime quinoa is easy to make.

Get The Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Vegan Street Corn Salad

A vibrant bowl of corn salad with diced red onions, green peppers, and lime slices sits ready as a perfect soup side. Cilantro and a bowl of seasoning add flavor in the background, while a spoon waits eagerly in the salad.
Vegan Street Corn Salad. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

This vegan street corn salad is creamy, zesty, and full of flavor. It has the same great taste as classic elote but in a lighter, dairy free version.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Street Corn Salad

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American Chop Suey

American Chop Suey by Sugar and Soul
American Chop Suey. Photo Credit: Erica’s Recipes

Ready in just 30 minutes and made with simple ingredients, this dinner idea is bursting with flavor and gives you a unique dish to try.

Get The Recipe: American Chop Suey

Sloppy Joe Pasta

Sloppy Joe Pasta by Ericas Recipes
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls. Photo Credit: Christina’s Cucina.

Need something cheap that’s filling? This sloppy joe pasta might just become your new go to dinner idea for weeknight meals.

Get The Recipe: Sloppy Joe Pasta

Turkey Salad with Grapes

Turkey Salad with Grapes by Sweet and Savory Meals
Turkey Salad with Grapes. Photo Credit: Sweet and Savory Meals

This turkey salad is creamy and refreshing. The grapes give the salad a burst of sweetness and it turns into a turkey salad that’s perfect for making sandwiches or serving with crackers.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Salad with Grapes

Steak Sheet Pan Dinner

leftover steak recipes
Steak Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo Credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

With tender steak and crisp veggies, this sheet pan dinner is simple, easy to prep, and delicious. Use your favorite veggies for a filling weeknight dinner.

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Whether you’re interested in trying a new sweet treat or need to change up your dinner routine, these weeknight recipes inspo always turn out great.

25 Blender Recipes That Make Cooking So Much Easier

Blender Recipes
Blender Recipes. Whipped Feta With Honey & Chili Crisp. Photo Credit: Kelly Neil

If you love recipes that come together fast with almost no cleanup, you’re going to love these tasty blender recipes. A good blender can handle everything from smoothies and sauces to soups and desserts, and it makes kitchen prep so much easier.

Read it here: 25 Blender Recipes That Make Cooking So Much Easier

25 Stand Mixer Recipes to Try If You Love Baking at Home

Stand Mixer Recipes.
Stand Mixer Recipes. Sheet Pan Pizza. Photo Credit: On My Kids Plate

These stand mixer recipes prove that a stand mixer can do so much more than whip frosting or mix cookie dough. From bread and dinner rolls to shredded chicken and easy desserts, a stand mixer can be a versatile addition to your kitchen.

Read it here: 25 Stand Mixer Recipes to Try If You Love Baking at Home

Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

A woman in a kitchen writes on a notepad beside a grocery bag with a Walmart logo and various groceries on the counter.
Photo Credit: La Passion Voutee.

Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

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