When it comes to dinner ideas, sometimes it can be hard to come up with something that is both easy to make and delicious. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, having a few go-to recipes that you can whip up in no time is essential. Luckily, there are plenty of easy dinner ideas out there that fit the bill.
One great option for a quick and easy dinner is a stir-fry. With just a few simple ingredients like vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Another easy dinner idea is a one-pan meal, like sheet pan chicken and vegetables. Simply toss everything together on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven for a hassle-free dinner. These types of meals are not only easy to make, but they also require minimal clean-up, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
dinner ideas
Let’s prove it. Here are fifty-one deliciously fun dinner ideas for you, your entire family, or even your dinner party guests to enjoy for dinner tonight!
Marinating chicken in citrus tenderizes it, making it extra tender and flavorful. It’s an easy way to make cheap meat taste much more expensive and a great technique for dinner parties!
Put a colorful spin on a classic pasta dish thanks to this bright beetroot pasta sauce. This is both creamy and healthy, thanks to a dose of soaked cashews.
Sometimes, dinner parties call for the ultimate comfort food. And what says ‘comfort food’ like a massive pan of loaded carne asada fries? These chips aren’t messing around!
Looking for something colorful and unique to blow your guests away? How about some bright purple gnocchi? Instead of standard potato, this gnocchi uses taro, a purple sweet potato.
Sushi is delicious, but it can also be complicated to prepare. You can enjoy all those great flavors with a sushi bake without messing around with rolling the actual sushi.
Yakisoba – literally ‘fried noodles’ – is a simple, delicious dish you can proudly serve to your friends and family. This is great as a main dish with a few extras like edamame or bok choy around it.
If you have a few hours, this smoked pork loin will impress. Wake up your smoker and get it stoked because this pork loin relies on a long, slow cook.
Walk the sunny paths of Italy with this delicious single-skillet recipe. This is perfect for impressing dinner party guests with warm, comforting, rich Italian flavors.
Dinner parties are a wonderful way to gather with friends and catch up over good food. They’re even better when the food is as fun as the company!
If you’ve never tried Korean beef before, now is the time! Bulgogi is a Korean ground beef preparation that packs a punch. It’s rich, hearty, sticky, and sweet.
Another great substitute for pasta or bread is to stuff vegetables with your chosen filling. Instead of a buffalo chicken sandwich, why not try stuffed buffalo chicken zucchini boats?
A great way to enjoy a healthy dinner while keeping things fun is to use lettuce cups! They’re a low-carb alternative to bread that won’t take away from the flavor of your favorite fillings.
Tired of using sandwiches as your go-to quick meal option? Add a fun and interesting spin by making quesadillas instead! These are super crunchy, flavorful, and much healthier than they seem.
Zucchini noodles don’t get enough love, in my opinion. You can use them any way you’d use standard spaghetti, so why not get creative?
Looking for a vegetarian burger option that doesn’t compromise on protein? This crowd-pleasing recipe is exactly what you need!
Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl Recipe — Registered Dietitian Columbia SC
Miso is one of my favorite ingredients to cook with. It adds a ton of incredible flavor to any dish without much effort. It’s especially good with salmon, which pairs well with oily, rich fish.
I’m a huge fan of this zucchini stir fry recipe because it uses just six ingredients to make something delicious. If you have excess zucchini and aren’t sure how to use it, this is the recipe.
What’s more fun than having food from a takeout joint without needing to go out and get it? This vegan burrito bowl is a Chipotle copycat recipe packed with many fresh and healthy vegetables.
Sweetness and umami follow this stir-fry everywhere it goes. It’s the perfect healthy dinner because it tastes like it should be bad for you when it’s quite good for you.
Combine two of the best fun dinner ideas into a single recipe with these amazing taco pizza rolls. It’s all the flavors of your favorite tacos on a fluffy, crispy pizza roll base.
Extra Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken (Allergy-Free, No Oil)
We all know the temptation to get quick, easy fried chicken for dinner. But did you know you can do the same thing at home simultaneously?
Take just six ingredients to create this ultra-delicious one-skillet recipe. The melted cheese on top of all that flavorful beef makes this dish sing.
Easy Tortilla Pizza Recipe | Quick Dinner Idea, Ready In 15 Minutes!
Sometimes, you want all the pizza flavor without all the effort it takes to make a full crust. That’s where this idea is perfect. This is so easy. Your kids could assemble the pizzas themselves.
No, these tacos don’t get up and walk away, but they might as well, considering how quickly they’ll disappear into your kids’ stomachs! These walking tacos are so clever and great for picnics!
Making your dinners more colorful is a great way to get your kids on board with many new recipes. That’s where these blushing pink hibiscus noodles come into play.
We’ve all heard of using cornflakes to coat chicken tenders, but this recipe takes that idea to a new level!
Who doesn’t love pancakes for dinner? This is a treat your kids will go nuts for! Pancakes are so easy to make and perfect as dinner on special occasions.
Bring the flavors of Asia into your kitchen with this super simple ground pork stir fry. This dish is fun to prepare because it takes no time or effort.
Shrimp tacos are a great family treat that you can enjoy any night of the week. This recipe makes preparing them super easy. Succulent shrimp with a side of fried peppers and onions?
Buffalo sauce quickly turns chicken into one of the best things you can enjoy at dinner, especially when you need to feed a crowd. That’s why this buffalo chicken pasta dish is the best!
Prepare this delicious, simple, healthy recipe for your family in under thirty minutes. This is extra fun if you serve it with a handful of forks in the middle of the table.
Speaking of interesting combinations, here’s a Mexican meatloaf recipe that packs a real punch! This is a great way to put a bold spin on a family favorite, especially if you serve the right sides.
Sometimes, to have some fun with dinner, you need to think outside the box. Italian and Mexican flavors combine in this unbeatable one-pot wonder.
Stuffed peppers are super fun to prepare and eat. They’re one of my favorite weeknight recipes! Cooking ground chicken in pepper helps it stay super moist and delicious.
Tacos are a super fun dinner option. You can make your own, assembling each taco with the perfect balance of ingredients to suit your taste. Not to mention, your kids can enjoy the fun of cooking!
Jerk chicken is known worldwide for being one of the most flavorful, bold, and vibrant ways you can prepare chicken. Packed with spices and singing with flavor, it’s a real treat.
Macaroni and cheese is a delicious crowd-pleaser of a dish guaranteed to excite your family for dinner.
What’s more fun than a dish you can eat the whole of? These loaded beef burrito bowls are served in tortillas shaped like bowls and baked to a crisp.
We all love chicken tenders, but did you know you could make them even better next time? These pretzel-crusted chicken tenders are crunchy, salty, and great for a quick meal in the best way.
There’s a reason that shrimp and grits have been a staple in Southern kitchens for an easy meal as long as they’ve been around. This is a delicious, comforting, and super flavorful dish!
Don’t settle for ordinary chicken cutlets! These delicious baked chicken cutlets are one of my inventions, and they don’t disappoint, even with picky eaters.
Quick and Healthy Options
Stir-Fry Vegetables with Chicken
For a quick and healthy dinner option, stir-fry vegetables with chicken is a great choice. This meal is packed with nutrients and can be customized to include your favorite vegetables. Start by heating up a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet. Add sliced chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Next, add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and onions to the same skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp. Add the chicken back to the skillet and stir in a sauce made of soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Serve the stir-fry over brown rice for a complete meal.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Another quick and healthy dinner option is quinoa and black bean salad. Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, while black beans are packed with antioxidants. To make this salad, cook quinoa according to the package instructions and let it cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, drained and rinsed black beans, chopped bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Add a dressing made of olive oil, lime juice, and cumin. Toss the salad to combine all the ingredients. Serve the quinoa and black bean salad as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Both of these options are easy to make and provide a healthy and satisfying dinner option. Try them out for a quick and nutritious meal.
Comfort Food Classics
When it comes to dinner ideas, sometimes all you want is something warm, cozy, and familiar. These comfort food classics are sure to satisfy your cravings and make you feel right at home.
One-Pot Spaghetti
One-pot spaghetti is a quick and easy dinner idea that requires minimal prep and clean-up. Simply cook your spaghetti in a pot with your favorite sauce and some water, and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked through. This method allows the pasta to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a deliciously flavorful dish. Serve with some garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in. This dish is made by cooking macaroni pasta and then mixing it with a creamy cheese sauce. The mixture is then baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. You can add some breadcrumbs or bacon bits on top for an extra crunch. Serve with some steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Whether you’re in the mood for spaghetti or mac and cheese, these comfort food classics are sure to hit the spot. They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week.
International Flavors
Easy Chicken Curry
For a taste of India, try this easy chicken curry recipe. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot. Then add diced chicken breast and curry powder, and cook until the chicken is browned. Next, add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and a bit of sugar to balance the flavors. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Serve over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Vegetarian Tacos
If you’re in the mood for Mexican, try these vegetarian tacos. Start by sautéing diced onions and bell peppers in a large pan. Then add black beans, corn, and your favorite taco seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve on warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. For an extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Whether you’re craving Indian or Mexican, these international flavors are sure to satisfy your taste buds. With these easy recipes, you can bring the world to your dinner table in no time.
Family-Friendly Dinners
Homemade Pizza
Homemade pizza is a great way to get the whole family involved in dinner preparation. Not only is it a fun activity, but it also allows everyone to customize their own pizza with their favorite toppings. To make it easy, start with pre-made pizza dough from the grocery store. Then, set out a variety of toppings such as sliced vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Let each family member create their own pizza and bake them all together in the oven.
Turkey Burger Sliders
Turkey burger sliders are a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers and are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Start by mixing ground turkey with your favorite seasonings and shaping them into small patties. Cook the patties on a skillet or grill until fully cooked. Serve the patties on slider buns with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Add a side of sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
By incorporating these family-friendly dinner ideas into your meal rotation, you can make dinnertime a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Meals for One
Single-Serving Lasagna
For those nights when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to make a huge batch, try making a single-serving lasagna. Start by cooking a small portion of your favorite pasta, then layer it with tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until you reach the top of your baking dish, then bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This easy dinner idea is perfect for those who want a taste of lasagna without the leftovers.
Shrimp Fried Rice
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s also healthy, try making shrimp fried rice. Start by cooking a small portion of rice, then sauté some chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and onions in a pan. Add in some cooked shrimp and soy sauce, then stir in the cooked rice. This easy dinner idea is perfect for those who want a balanced meal that’s also easy to make.
By using these easy dinner ideas, those cooking for one can enjoy delicious meals without the hassle of making too much food.
Slow Cooker Creations
Beef Stew
When it comes to hearty and filling meals, beef stew is a classic favorite. With the help of a slow cooker, preparing this dish is a breeze. Simply add beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and your choice of seasoning to the slow cooker and let it cook for several hours. The result is a delicious and tender beef stew that is perfect for a cozy night in.
For those who want to add a twist to their beef stew, consider adding mushrooms or red wine. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture, while the red wine gives the stew a rich and robust taste.
Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a great option for those who want a healthy and flavorful meal. With a slow cooker, preparing this dish is easy and convenient. Simply add your choice of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, along with vegetable broth and your favorite seasonings.
For those who want to add some protein to their vegetable soup, consider adding lentils or beans. These ingredients not only add a boost of protein, but also make the soup more filling and satisfying.
Overall, slow cooker creations are a great option for those who want to enjoy a delicious and easy dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. With a little bit of planning and preparation, anyone can create a tasty and satisfying meal in a slow cooker.
No-Cook Dinners
When it’s too hot to cook, no-cook dinners are a lifesaver. These meals are quick to prepare and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Here are two delicious no-cook dinner ideas:
Greek Salad Wrap
This wrap is filled with fresh vegetables and creamy feta cheese. It’s perfect for a light and healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 large whole wheat tortilla
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons hummus
- 1 tablespoon tzatziki sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Lay the tortilla flat on a plate.
- Spread hummus and tzatziki sauce on the tortilla.
- Add the chopped vegetables and feta cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and slice in half.
Avocado Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is packed with protein and healthy fats. It’s perfect for a satisfying and filling dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, avocado, red onion, celery, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix well and serve chilled.
These no-cook dinners are not only easy to make, but also delicious and nutritious. They are perfect for those days when you don’t feel like cooking, but still want a satisfying meal.
Seasonal Specialties
Summer Grilled Veggie Plate
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh and flavorful vegetables. A grilled veggie plate is an easy and healthy option for dinner. Simply slice up your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and onions, and toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, grill them on a hot grill until they are tender and slightly charred. Serve them with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.
Winter Squash Risotto
Winter squash is a delicious and hearty ingredient that is perfect for cold winter nights. A squash risotto is a simple and comforting dish that can be made with just a few ingredients. Start by roasting some diced squash in the oven until it is tender and caramelized. Then, cook some Arborio rice in a pot with some broth and white wine until it is creamy and tender. Stir in the roasted squash and some grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and flavorful dish. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
