Did you know that the average American family spends over $3,000 eating out each year? That’s a hefty amount that could be saved by making easy dinners at home. We’re here to show you how to say no to takeout and yes to quick, tasty dishes perfect for busy evenings.
If you’re in the mood for classic favorites, zesty Mexican, or quick fixes, we’ve got you covered with 15 easy dinner recipes. These recipes come with tips, like using ready-made sauces or doughs, to cut down cooking time. They also include simple cooking methods such as stir-frying or broiling, making them great for beginners. Whether it’s a cozy casserole, a one-pan wonder, or a dish for your slow cooker or Instant Pot, these quick meals and weeknight meals will soon be your family’s favorites.
Key Takeaways
- These 15 easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and families.
- The recipes cover a range of categories, including quick and easy meals, classic comfort foods, one-pan and skillet dishes, and slow cooker/Instant Pot favorites.
- Many of the recipes use shortcuts like jarred sauces or refrigerated doughs to speed up prep time.
- The recipes teach basic cooking techniques to make them accessible for beginning cooks.
- Whether you’re craving a comforting casserole, a veggie-packed curry, or a simple skillet meal, this article has something for everyone to enjoy.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals
On busy weeknights, finding quick and tasty dinner options is key. These two recipes are perfect. They’re easy to make and loved by all. They promise flavor without the fuss.
Chicken and Stuffing Bake
The chicken and stuffing bake is very comforting. It’s great for a simple weeknight dinner. You’ll love the juicy chicken under a tasty stuffing layer. A bit of onion soup mix adds flavor. And parsley on top gives it a pretty finish. It’s a meal that’s perfect for hectic evenings. It’s quick to make but tastes like you spent hours cooking.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
On cold nights, nothing beats the slow cooker beef stew. It’s a “dump meal” that requires almost no active time. You just put beef, veggies, and spices in the slow cooker. Then, wait for it to become a savory stew. Serve it over mashed potatoes or noodles for a cozy meal. The slow cooker makes it easy, making your evening a breeze.
Elevating Ramen Noodles
Looking for a fast, delicious 30-minute meal? Ramen noodles are not just quick; they can be truly enjoyable too. You can take simple ramen and make it into a tasty, family-friendly recipe. Just add a homemade sauce to it. This will make your meal spicy and comforting – perfect for busy weeknights.
The key is the sauce. It includes pantry staples such as peanut butter, chili-garlic sauce, and soy sauce. It gives a mix of sweet, savory, and heat. Toss the noodles with this sauce, and you’ll have dinner in 15 minutes. It’s a quick meal that’s both cozy and fancy. A great family-friendly recipe.
Want to switch up your usual ramen dish? Or need a 30-minute meal everyone will love? This recipe is perfect for you. You can make these basic ramen noodles taste like they’re from a restaurant. It’s great for quick meals and simple dinner ideas. Plus, it doesn’t take much effort.
15 Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights
Weeknights can be super busy with lots to do. Spending hours cooking is the last thing you want. That’s why these 15 recipes are perfect. They’re quick, easy, and get dinner on the table fast. You’ll find everything from one-pot meals to casseroles that everyone will love.
Taco Spaghetti
Taco spaghetti is quick and simple to make. It blends the tastes of tacos with spaghetti. You brown ground beef with taco seasoning. Then, you add tomato sauce, broth, and spaghetti. It’s a delicious and filling meal for hectic weeknights.
White Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili puts a new twist on soup. Creamy from white beans and sour cream. Yet, it packs a spicy punch with green chiles and jalapeño. It’s ready in under an hour, making it a top choice for weeknights.
Chicken Tamale Pie
Chicken tamale pie is an easy casserole version of tamales. It’s made with shredded chicken, corn, and spices, topped with cornbread. Quick to put together, it’s a hit with the family on busy nights.
Classic Comfort Foods Made Simple
Comfort foods bring families together and keep memories alive. You can make these classic dishes without a lot of time in the kitchen. Here, you’ll find simple recipes that transform beloved foods into easy-to-make treats.
Classic Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers make a homey dish easily. They’re filled with a mix of ground beef, rice, and spices, then baked. The pepper keeps its shape well and their gentle taste goes with many fillings. Change up the stuffing to create your perfect version. There are so many ways to make it yours.
Pizza Casserole
Pizza casserole is the best of both worlds. It brings together the flavors of pizza with the heartiness of a casserole. This dish includes tasty sausage, fresh veggies, and lots of cheese. It’s great for a crowd and an excellent choice for fast weeknight meals.
One-Pan and Skillet Wonders
Simplify your weeknight meals with one-pan and skillet recipes. They’re easy to make and require little cleanup. You can enjoy dishes like creamy enchiladas and comforting goulash with the family.
Green Chile Chicken Skillet Enchiladas
The green chile chicken skillet enchiladas are a quick, one-pan meal. They’re made by layering shredded chicken and green chiles with tortillas and cheese. Then, bake until bubbly. This dish is not only simple to make but also packed with Tex-Mex flavor.
Goulash
Goulash brings warmth to your dinner with its easy skillet preparation. It includes ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tasty tomato-based sauce. Seasoned with paprika and garlic, it’s a comforting meal, especially on cooler nights. It’s a classic comfort food that’s great for those busy evenings.
Fuss-Free Fajitas and Sheet Pan Dinners
Chicken fajitas are perfect for a quick, family meal. You’ll need seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onions. These are cooked in a skillet, then wrapped in tortillas. You can add your favorite toppings. It’s a simple yet tasty dinner option for any night.
Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables
Sheet pan dinners make life easier on busy nights. In this recipe, Italian sausage, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are cooked together. Everything is roasted on a single sheet, cutting down on cleanup. The veggies get tender, and the sausage adds a rich taste. You can switch the ingredients to fit what you like.
Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Favorites
For quick, easy weeknight meals, slow cookers and Instant Pots are lifesavers. They let you make tasty slow cooker meals and Instant Pot dishes with little work. Here are two top recipes for your busy nights.
Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken
Enjoy delicious barbecue chicken at home without the hassle with this recipe. The chicken cooks in a sweet, tangy sauce until it’s tender. Then, pull it for sandwiches or serve it as is. This is a stress-free meal prep for those busy evenings.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is tasty and cooks fast in the Instant Pot. Just season it with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, and it’ll be juicy and tender in no time. Using the Instant Pot, you always get a perfectly cooked meal quickly.
Mexican-Inspired Flavors
Get ready to love the spicy and lively tastes of Mexican food. These recipes are perfect for the whole family. You can enjoy a comforting Mexican chicken casserole or a quick Mexican beef ‘n rice skillet. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor your taste buds will go crazy for.
Mexican Chicken Casserole
This casserole is like having tacos, enchiladas, and nachos in one dish. It’s quick to put together and everyone will love it. A mix of shredded chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce is layered and baked until golden. While it’s not traditional, it’s full of Tex-Mex goodness that’s perfect for gatherings.
Mexican Beef ‘N Rice Skillet
This skillet dish brings together ground beef, rice, and flavors that everyone will enjoy. It’s seasoned with taco spices and cooked with rice, beans, and cheese. Everything is made in one pan, which means less mess and more time for you. It’s a filling Mexican meal that’s ready in no time, great for those busy evenings.
Vegetarian and Seafood Options
Love easy dinners? Veggie and seafood meals can be just as tasty as meat dishes. Try crispy cabbage schnitzel or a simple salsa verde shrimp and rice. These 15 recipes are healthy, wallet-friendly, and will please everyone.
Cabbage Schnitzel
Cabbage schnitzel is a fun veggie version of the classic wiener schnitzel. It’s crispy and tasty.
It’s made by breading and frying thin cabbage slices. Then, it’s topped with a mushroom gravy. This dish is perfect for those who miss fried foods but want something healthy.
One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp & Rice
This one-pan dish is easy and quick to make. Shrimp, rice, and veggies are cooked in salsa verde. The dish is tasty and packed with nutrients. Perfect for a fast dinner. You can use any salsa verde you like, making it just the way you want it.
Quick Fixes and Hacks
Craving homemade pizza but not the effort-making dough? Try French bread pizza. Top a French bread loaf with sauce, cheese, and your fav toppings. Then, bake it until it’s all hot and gooey. It’s quick, easy, and tasty, perfect for when you want pizza, fast.
French Bread Pizza
Making crockpot salsa chicken is super simple. Just put chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Add salsa and taco seasoning. Then, let the slow cooker work its magic. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken ready for tacos, with rice, or on lettuce cups. It’s a great, easy meal.
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Need a fast, delicious dinner? Try tostadas. Start with crispy corn tortillas. Add refried beans and spicy shredded chicken. Then, top with your favorite taco stuff – like cheese, lettuce, salsa, and crema. They’re quick to make and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Chicken Tostadas
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Source Links
- https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/easy-dinner-recipes-beginners/
- https://tasty.co/article/jesseszewczyk/back-to-school-dinner-recipes
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g3166/cheap-easy-recipes/