10+ Dinner Recipes for Easy and Delicious Weeknight Meals

Dinner recipes can really make mealtime less of a hassle, and a lot more fun. Whether you’re in the kitchen every night or just now and then, having a stash of good ideas makes it so much easier to whip up something tasty without getting overwhelmed.

Finding simple and delicious recipes can save you time and bring variety to your meals.

You don’t have to be a pro to serve up a satisfying dinner. With the right recipes, you can get a meal on the table fast, and everyone will be happy.

Cooking at home gives you control over what goes in your food, and honestly, it just tastes better when you make it your way.

1) Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Lemon garlic butter chicken is a go-to when you want dinner on the table in a hurry. Just cook chicken breasts in a skillet until they’re golden and juicy.

The sauce comes together with butter, fresh garlic, and lemon juice—really bright and rich. You’ll only need about 20 minutes, and it’s awesome with rice or veggies.

If you want extra crispiness, toss a bit of parmesan or flour on the chicken before it hits the pan. It’s a weeknight winner that’s simple but totally satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and flour if you like.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium.
3. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
4. Take chicken out, then add garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in lemon juice and stir to make a sauce.
6. Put chicken back in and coat with the sauce.

Learn more about this dish at Little Spice Jar.

2) Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp

Creamy Tuscan garlic shrimp is ready before you know it. Shrimp gets tossed in a velvety sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Fresh spinach adds some color and a nice earthy bite. The whole thing is great over pasta or rice, honestly.

You’ll notice how the garlic and tomatoes play off the creamy sauce—simple and good. Most nights, you can have this done in 15 to 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
2. Add shrimp, cook until pink (about 2-3 minutes per side). Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic for a minute.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan; let it thicken.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
6. Return shrimp to the pan and stir.
7. Season and serve.

3) One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

One-pot spaghetti Bolognese is a weeknight lifesaver. You cook the pasta right in the sauce, so there’s less cleanup—always a win.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then toss in ground beef. Let it brown up, then add tomato paste.

Throw in your pasta and some broth or water. Everything cooks together until the noodles are tender and the sauce is thick.

You end up with a hearty, comforting meal with hardly any effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion (or shallot), minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a big pot over medium.
2. Sauté onion and garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef, cook until it’s browned.
4. Stir in tomato paste and let it bubble.
5. Add spaghetti and broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer until pasta’s done (about 10-12 minutes).
7. Season and serve.

4) Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon

Sheet pan honey mustard salmon is the definition of quick and easy. You roast salmon and veggies like potatoes and Brussels sprouts all on one pan.

The honey mustard glaze gives the salmon a sweet, tangy kick that works so well with its richness. Fewer pans to wash, too.

As everything cooks together, the veggies soak up some of that tasty glaze. You can tweak the honey amount if you want it sweeter or not.

It’s a colorful, balanced meal that feels a bit special, but takes barely any effort.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix mustard, honey, and olive oil.
3. Toss potatoes and Brussels sprouts with a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
4. Roast veggies for 15 minutes.
5. Add salmon fillets and brush them with the honey mustard sauce.
6. Roast 12-15 minutes more, until the salmon’s cooked through.
7. Serve and dig in.

For more details, see sheet pan honey mustard salmon recipes like this one from The Real Food Dietitians.

5) Vegetarian Chickpea Curry

Vegetarian chickpea curry is one of those dinners you can make on autopilot. Chickpeas, cozy spices, and coconut milk come together for a creamy, rich bowl.

Throw in cauliflower or sweet potatoes if you feel like it. Everything simmers in one pot and is ready in about 20-30 minutes.

The spices give it warmth without being overpowering, so it’s good for just about anyone. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free.

Serve with rice or flatbread and you’re set.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: cauliflower or sweet potatoes

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and turmeric for 1 minute.
4. Add chickpeas and coconut milk; stir.
5. Simmer 15-20 minutes until flavors mesh.
6. Add salt and any veggies; cook until tender.
7. Serve hot.

Learn more about this easy dinner in this easy chickpea curry recipe.

6) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa

Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa are colorful and surprisingly filling. You stuff bell peppers with cooked quinoa and a mix of veggies, beans, or even ground meat if you’re feeling it.

Quinoa brings protein and fiber, while the peppers add crunch and a vitamin boost. You can top them with cheese or keep it vegan with salsa or avocado.

It’s a great make-ahead dinner—just prep, then bake when you’re ready.

Ingredients

• 6 bell peppers (any color, tops off, seeds out)
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or green chiles
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each pepper with the mixture.
4. Stand peppers upright in a baking dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
6. Take off foil, add cheese if you want, and bake 10 more minutes until cheese melts and peppers are tender.

7) Classic Meatloaf with Brown Gravy

Classic meatloaf is just pure comfort food. You mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, onion, an egg, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

The brown gravy on top is what really seals the deal—rich, savory, and keeps everything moist. Bake it in an 8 x 4-inch pan at 350°F (175°C) until it’s cooked through.

It’s easy, cozy, and perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or whatever side you like.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Brown gravy mix or homemade brown gravy

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Shape into a loaf and put in an 8 x 4-inch pan.
4. Bake for about an hour, until cooked through.
5. Make brown gravy as you like.
6. Pour over meatloaf before serving.

For a detailed recipe, check this Classic Meatloaf with Brown Gravy.

8) Easy Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa

You can whip up tasty beef tacos in no time, using just a handful of simple ingredients. Start by tossing ground beef and chopped onions into a skillet, then sprinkle in your favorite homemade taco seasoning.

The beef picks up loads of flavor fast. For a fresh twist, chop up ripe tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a quick salsa.

That salsa brings a juicy, bright kick to the savory meat. If you’re feeling it, throw in some shredded cheese and cabbage for crunch.

I love this meal for busy weeknights. It’s filling, fast, and super easy to tweak with whatever toppings you like.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa (fresh tomato, onion, cilantro)
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Shredded cabbage (optional)
• Taco shells or tortillas

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and cook another 2 minutes.
5. Warm taco shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
6. Fill shells with beef mixture, salsa, cheese, and cabbage.
7. Serve right away and dig in.

Check out this best taco meat recipe if you want more details.

9) Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Garlic Parmesan roasted cauliflower is ridiculously easy and honestly, it’s hard not to finish the whole batch. The florets get crispy edges and stay tender inside.

You just toss cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, a bit of salt and pepper, and then hit it with Parmesan. Let the oven do its magic until everything turns golden.

I find it’s a great side for just about anything. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get more veggies on your plate.

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cauliflower florets and toss until coated.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower.
5. Spread florets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

10) Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Making pulled pork in a slow cooker is honestly a lifesaver. Just season a boneless pork shoulder with salt, garlic powder, and a splash of vinegar.

Toss it in the slow cooker and let it go all day—there’s not much to do after that. The meat cooks low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender.

Pour in some BBQ sauce for that sweet, tangy kick. I’ve seen folks add root beer or Dr Pepper, too, for a little extra something.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Optional: 1/2 cup root beer or cola

Cooking Instructions

1. Sprinkle salt and garlic powder over the pork, then splash on some vinegar.

2. Set the pork right into your slow cooker.

3. Pour BBQ sauce all over. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some root beer or cola too.

4. Put the lid on. Let it cook on low for anywhere between 8 and 12 hours. The pork should end up really tender.

5. Grab a couple of forks, shred the pork, and stir it around in the sauce. Serve it up however you like.