Isn’t dinnertime just so many things?
It’s the most fun and inspiring time of day in some ways, right? – a special time to come together! – and then right around 5pm, the low-energy weeknight blues show up and all we want to do is order takeout and settle in for a Netflix binge and just never ever ever take off our fuzzy pajamas.
I don’t know, I’m weak. This is my weeknight. So here come these amazing and easy recipes, and they are embracing the best of both worlds.
1. Pasta with Peas and Bacon
You do not need to stress about what to make for dinner. Seriously. If you’re feeling totally uninspired, just whip up this super easy pasta with peas and bacon.
Imagine this: pasta tossed in a yogurt sauce, with peas, bacon, and just a little pop of lemon. It’s a meal that has such a light and refreshing flavor, but trust me, it is absolutely filling.
This one-pot wonder is just perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and cozy that the entire family is going to enjoy.
2. Easy Veggie Pizza
When you’re thinking about meat-free dinner ideas, pizza is another Italian classic that is just always a winner. Everybody loves it!
This easy veggie pizza is made with a buttery crescent roll crust and a “white sauce” made from cream cheese, sour cream, and dill. Then you just top it with your favorite fresh vegetables.
The crisp texture from all the fresh veggies is such a great contrast to the chewiness of the crust. I think it’s a brilliant way to get the kids to eat their veggies. It’s still pizza, right?
3. Chinese Orange Chicken
Crispy, bite-sized chicken poppers coated in a Chinese orange sauce? Yes, please!
Everyone loves fried chicken, and you can take your usual chicken dinner to a whole new level by introducing the tangy flavors in this orange chicken recipe. You can totally forget ordering out, because this one only takes about 35 minutes to whip up.
You and your family will really appreciate the citrusy flavors in this meal. It’s a total winner for a chicken dinner!
4. Easy Chicken Stir-fry
Let’s add some oriental zing to your weeknight dinners with this super easy chicken stir-fry recipe. Chicken and veggies get tossed in a sweet and spicy peanut sauce that is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma.
Your family will be hanging around the kitchen just waiting for you to serve it up. With all the vegetables and chicken, this is such a healthy meal.
The sauce is light but so heavy on flavor, so you don’t have to feel guilty about going back for seconds.
5. Easy Grilled Pork Chops For Dinner
Meaty and juicy pork chops are marinated in herbs and then grilled to charred perfection. You can learn how to make the most tender grilled pork chops with this totally no-frills recipe. You just can’t go wrong with a classic meal like this!
These pork chops are perfect when they’re served with mashed potatoes, sautéed cabbage, or some glazed baby carrots. Once you get this recipe down, you’ll want to add it to your regular menu rotation for sure.
6. Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers get stuffed with savory beef, Italian sausage, and rice, all bursting with tomato and garlic flavors, and then they’re topped with cheddar cheese. Is your mouth watering yet?
This classic recipe is so packed with protein, and it’s a family favorite. It is comfort food at its absolute best! I just love making a big batch of these; the leftovers are incredible.
7. Easy Chicken Tacos
Here’s another fantastic recipe for your Taco Tuesdays. These easy chicken tacos are so healthy and definitely delicious! The chicken is rubbed with spices and served up in warm tortillas.
And of course, it’s accompanied by all the usual taco toppings like pico de gallo, avocados, cilantro, and a good squeeze of fresh lime juice. This has become a non-negotiable part of our Taco Tuesday.
8. Beef Burrito Skillet
This beef burrito skillet has all the goodness of your favorite burrito but served up in a pan that’s just perfect for sharing. Plus, it’s ready in only 20 minutes!
It’s got ground beef, black beans, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips. It’s basically everything you need in a super tasty burrito, ready to be devoured the second it’s served.
This recipe already tastes heavenly, but you can make it even better with some pico de gallo, guac, or rice.
9. Turkey Burgers
Just when you thought beef burgers were already the best, these turkey burgers might just be even better. Seriously! Turkey burgers are just as tender and juicy as beef.
Why not give this recipe a try at your next family dinner? The second you put those patties on the grill, get ready to fall in love with that sizzling sound and the absolutely heavenly smell. You are in for a real treat!
10. Beef Stroganoff
Savory beef with a creamy mushroom gravy—beef stroganoff is such an amazing dinner meal. The real secret to making the best beef stroganoff is getting the right cut of meat.
Tender and juicy cuts like boneless rib eye, boneless sirloin, sirloin steak tips, or beef tenderloin will work so well here. For a complete meal, pair this with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even rice!
I promise, you and your family will not be able to resist going back for another serving.
11. Chickpea Curry
The next time you find yourself in a rush to make dinner on a weeknight, you have to turn to this lifesaver chickpea curry recipe.
Would you even believe me if I said it only takes 20 minutes to make this meal, and that includes prep time? It’s totally true!
This plant-based meal is just bursting with all the flavors of Indian cuisine. You and your family will absolutely enjoy this fusion of curry, tomato, and coconut milk. Just pair it with some rice for the ultimate meal.
12. Pasta Carbonara
Pasta carbonara brings the incredible taste of Italy right to your dinner table. Plus, this authentic Italian recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. That’s a win!
It’s just great for those moments when you want something that’s quick, easy, and so delightfully creamy. This one is on our regular rotation because it’s just so simple and delicious.
13. Huevos Rancheros
Breakfast food for dinner is always a fantastic idea. And you can make it even better by putting a Mexican twist on it! Huevos Rancheros actually means rancher’s style eggs.
It’s a breakfast meal that’s made up of tortillas, pico de gallo, avocado, black beans, beef, cheese, hot sauce, and of course, eggs. This recipe is pretty much a deconstructed breakfast taco. Your family will be so grateful for this hearty meal after a long day.
14. Macaroni and Cheese
You’ll have the kids, and let’s be honest, the adults too, jumping for joy when you announce what’s for dinner. Macaroni and cheese is always a top-tier choice.
Moms love how easy it is to make, and kids just think that gooey, cheesy goodness is completely irresistible! Making your own homemade mac and cheese is just as simple as the boxed versions, plus it’s guaranteed to be way more flavorful.
If you want to kick things up a notch, top it with some lobster or pulled pork! You can serve this as the main course, or it works great as a side dish paired with other recipes on this list!
15. Potato Soup
With its combination of a rich, creamy soup and delicious potato chunks, this potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a pretty simple dish, but it makes for such a savory and filling meal.
You will definitely find yourself craving this creamy soup. And if you’re short on time, you can even make it in the slow cooker.
It’s loaded up with cheddar and parmesan cheese, and it has these lovely tangy notes, thanks to the sour cream. This soup is just comfort food at its very best. Go ahead and top it with extra cheese, bacon, and red onions for an extra punch of flavor.
16. Savory Korean Pancakes
Never let any of your veggies go to waste ever again with these savory Korean pancakes! This recipe is so super easy to make. Just think of it as an elevated omelet but with a Korean twist. How exciting is that?
You might be thinking, “Aren’t pancakes for breakfast?” Well, these savory pancakes are just perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re a favorite in our house any time of day.
17. Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Dinner
This baked lemon chicken recipe is so incredibly easy, you’ll pretty much just toss it in the oven and you’re done. Prepping the chicken thighs (or legs, if you prefer) will only take you about five minutes.
You just flavor it with garlic, thyme, lemon slices, and some lemon juice and white wine or chicken stock before you pop it in the oven. It’s so simple, the entire recipe can be written in two sentences!
This gives you plenty of time to come up with some amazing side dishes, like mashed potatoes, baby carrots, or a fresh salad.
18. Easy Chow Mein
Ordering Chinese takeout is always easy, but making your very own chow mein at home is so much more rewarding. Crispy noodles, bok choy, and mung bean sprouts get drenched in the aromatic flavors of oyster sauce and ginger.
This is a total winner for weeknight dinner ideas. Don’t feel intimidated by cooking a different cuisine at all.
This recipe is so easy and foolproof, you really can’t get it wrong. You can even throw in some cabbage if you’d like some extra crunch.