70 Easy Dinner Recipes

Looking for some easy dinner recipes to put into your weekly rotation? From pasta to pizza to soup, these dishes will be a hit with the entire family!

Dinner time is the one time of the day where everyone can get together, spend time, and talk about their day.

But sometimes our days can get busy, which leaves us rushing to come up with last-minute dinner ideas or even ordering out.

Whether you’re planning to have a themed dinner night or looking for a last-minute meal, I have some easy recipes for you!

They’ll allow you to make delicious meals without having to stress, so you can focus on enjoying the moment with your loved ones. 

So without further ado, here are 70 of our favorite dinner recipes so you’ll never run out of meal ideas again!

70 Family Dinner Recipes Everyone Can Agree On

Easy Chow Mein

Ordering Chinese takeout is easy, but making your own chow mein at home is more rewarding.

Crispy noodles, bok choy, and mung bean sprouts are drenched in the aromatic flavors of oyster sauce and ginger. This is a winner for weeknight dinner ideas.

Don’t feel intimidated by cooking a different cuisine. This recipe is easy and foolproof, so you can’t get it wrong. Throw in some cabbage if you’d like extra crunch.

Macaroni and Cheese

You’ll have the kids (and maybe adults, too?) jumping up and down with joy when you tell them what’s for dinner.

Macaroni and cheese is always a top choice. Moms love that it’s easy to make, and kids think the gooey, cheesy goodness is just irresistible!

Making your own homemade mac and cheese is just as easy as the boxed ones, plus it’s guaranteed to be more flavorful.

If you want to kick it up a notch, top it with lobster or pulled pork!

You can serve this as your main meal, but you can also serve this as a side dish and pair it with other recipes in this list!

Easy Grilled Pork Chops For Dinner

Meaty and juicy pork chops are marinated in herbs and grilled to charred perfection.

Learn how to make tender grilled pork chops with this no-frills recipe.

You can’t go wrong with this classic meal! Pork chops are perfect served with mashed potatoes, sauteed cabbage, or glazed baby carrots.

Once you have this mastered, you’ll want to add this to your menu rotations.

Turkey Burgers

Just when you thought beef burgers were already top tier, these turkey burgers that MIGHT be better. The jury’s still out.

Turkey burgers are just as tender and juicy as beef. Why not try this recipe at your next family dinner?

The moment you put the patties on the grill, prepare yourself to fall in love with the sizzling sound and heavenly smell. You’re in for a treat!

Toad in the Hole – This classic English dish is cooked in a crispy Yorkshire pudding with savory pork sausages. Serve with gravy on top for the ultimate comfort food.
Sloppy Joe Pizza – Can’t decide between pizza and sloppy joes? Why not have both?
Cheeseburger Meatloaf – Kids will actually get excited about meatloaf with this cheesy, tasty variation.
Peanut Butter Burgers – Putting peanut butter on a burger may sound odd, but just wait until you try it! It’s over-the-top delicious!
Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders – This old standby is perfect when you want a dish that the kids are sure to gobble up happily.
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie – This easy dish is great for a weeknight dinner, and the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. It comes together in a matter of minutes, too.
Pigs in a Blanket (with Cheese!) – Made with crescent rolls, the kids will be just as excited to help make dinner as they are to eat it.

Easy Pasta Recipes For Dinner

Pasta Carbonara

Pasta carbonara brings the taste of Italy straight to your dinner table. Plus, this authentic Italian recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s great for those times when you want something quick, easy, and delightfully creamy.

Pasta with Peas and Bacon

You need not stress about what’s for dinner. If you’re in a rut and have run out of ideas, whip up this easy pasta with peas and bacon.

Pasta mixed with yogurt sauce, peas, and bacon with a hint of lemon? This meal has a light and refreshing flavor, but it’s definitely filling.

This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and cozy the whole family will enjoy.

Barilla Lasagna Recipe – This is one of the best lasagna recipes out there, plus, it’s so easy to put together. A win-win!
One-Pot American Goulash – Made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, and tomatoes, this is comfort food at its finest. It’s one of those dinners you’ll whip up again and again.
Fettuccine Alfredo – Sure, it’s indulgent, but you have to treat yourself to this classic pasta every once in a while!
Creamy Shrimp Pasta – Seafood and pasta pair perfectly together, and this dish is no exception. The Alfredo sauce makes this recipe extra decadent. You can always use a mild, white fish instead of shrimp, too.

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta – This pasta dish is easy, cheesy, and very garlicky. You might want to stock up on breath mints!
Baked Ziti – Every home chef needs an easy baked ziti recipe in her arsenal. This one is to die for! It comes together so much easier than lasagna, too.
Stuffed Shells – Another vegetarian pasta dish, stuffed shells are full of ricotta goodness.
Pasta Pomodoro – For a light dish that’s vegetarian-friendly, you can’t go wrong with this delicious pasta.

Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta – This rich dish is perfect to serve for date night or a special occasion! It’s a crowd-pleaser even for those who don’t love fish.

Hearty Dinner Ideas With a Kick!

Huevos Rancheros

Breakfast food for dinner is always a good idea. Make it even better by putting a Mexican twist on it!

Huevos Rancheros means rancher’s style eggs.

It’s a breakfast meal that consists of tortillas, pico de gallo, avocado, black beans, beef, cheese, hot sauce, and, of course, eggs. 

This recipe is basically a breakfast taco, deconstructed.

Your family will appreciate this hearty meal after a long day of working, studying, or playing.

Nachos

Nachos should be a staple during Mexican dinners! They’re easy to make and even easier to devour. 

These homemade nachos are loaded with tortilla chips, ground beef, beans, jalapeno peppers, and gooey cheese paired with guacamole and sour cream.

They’re savory with a crunch in every bite.

Is your mouth watering yet? Because mine is.

Nachos make the perfect appetizer, so bookmark this recipe!

Wendy’s Copycat Chili Dinner

This recipe perfectly mimics the flavors of the famous Wendy’s chili.

The best thing about this chili is it’s homemade, so you know all that goes into it.

This copycat recipe is perfect for a family gathering on a chilly night!

This will keep your heart feeling warm and your tummy feeling full. Don’t forget the chili toppings! Onions, cheese, sour cream, and avocados are all great options.

John Wayne Casserole – This scrumptious dish that can feed a crowd. It’s full of spice, western flavor, and it’s also easy to make. And yes, it was created by the actor himself!
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wings – Skip takeout, but put your feet up and let your slow cooker do the work with these spicy, savory chicken wings.
White Chicken Chili – Full of chicken, onions, white beans, and spice, this creamy chili is perfect for a chilly night. No pun intended.
Easy Taco Casserole – All of your favorite taco flavors come together in this easy-peasy, one-dish baked dinner. You’ll love it!
Trisha Yearwood Chicken Tortilla Soup – This soup is full of flavor, and you can adjust the heat based on your taste.
Chipotle Black Bean Soup – This copycat recipe is the next best thing to running to Chipotle. It can also be served over rice for a heartier meal.

Bang Bang Shrimp – This copycat recipe for the popular restaurant dish starts any meal off with a bang!

Chicken Dinner Ideas

Easy Chicken Tacos

Here’s another recipe for Taco Tuesdays. These easy chicken tacos are healthy and definitely delicious! 

The chicken is rubbed with spices and served in warm tortillas. It’s accompanied by the usual taco toppings such as pico de gallo, avocadoes, cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. 

Chicken Wings

Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, chicken wings are a crowd favorite. They’re easy but super delish!

Get everyone excited for a chicken dinner with these Wingstop-inspired garlic parmesan chicken wings.

These wings are packed with flavors from the seasoning and coating down to the garlic sauce. 

The garlic parmesan flavor is perfect if you’re tired of the usual buffalo or BBQ flavor. It’s not too spicy, but it definitely has the right amount of kick to it.

Easy Baked Lemon Chicken Dinner

This baked lemon chicken recipe is so easy, you’ll basically just toss it in the oven.

Prepping the chicken thighs (or legs if you prefer) will only take you about five minutes.

Simply flavor it with garlic, thyme, lemon slices, as well as some lemon juice and white wine or chicken stock before putting it in the oven.

It’s so simple, the whole recipe can be written in two sentences! This gives you enough time to come up with amazing side dishes such as mashed potatoes, baby carrots, or a salad.

Chicken Pot Pie 

This homemade chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with juicy chicken, vegetables, a creamy sauce and topped with a flaky, golden pie crust.

Plus, you can prep this recipe in just 10 minutes. My secret is to use a rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken thighs or breasts for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

You can also use store-bought crust and canned chicken soup. You’ll still end up with that golden, flaky pie crust and hearty filling. But it takes half the time and effort.

Easy Chicken Stir-fry

Put some oriental zing to your weeknight dinners with this easy chicken stir-fry recipe.

Chicken and vegetables tossed in a sweet and spicy peanut sauce is sure to fill up your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Your family will be lurking in the kitchen waiting for you to serve dinner.

Vegetables and chicken make this a healthy meal. The sauce is light but heavy on the flavors, so there’s no need to feel guilty about having seconds.

Chinese Orange Chicken

Crispy bite-sized chicken poppers coated in Chinese orange sauce? Yes, please!

Everybody loves fried chicken. Take your usual chicken dinner meal to new heights by introducing the tangy flavors in this orange chicken recipe.

Forget ordering out, because this only takes around 35 minutes to make.

You and your family will appreciate the citrusy flavors of this meal. It’s a winner of a chicken dinner!

Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken – This copycat of the restaurant favorite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Chicken Piccata – Made with lemon, capers, and white wine, the flavor of this dish cannot be topped!
Ritz Cracker Chicken – This oven-baked meal comes together so easily, and it’s even more fun to devour.
No-Peek Chicken – If you’re looking for a fix-it-and-forget-it meal, this chicken and rice casserole is just the ticket.

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs – This meal will remind you of something your grandma made!
Coca Cola Chicken – You won’t believe how much amazing flavor Coca Cola adds to regular old chicken!
Buffalo Chicken Wraps – These easy sandwich wraps are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Melt in Your Mouth Chicken – This just might be the best chicken dish I’ve ever had. It truly does melt in your mouth!

Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken with Carrots and Potatoes – If you want a home-cooked meal with minimal effort, this oven dish fits the bill.

Vegetarian Dinner Ideas That Are Quick, Easy, & Fun!

Easy Veggie Pizza

When it comes to meat-free dinner ideas, pizza is yet another Italian classic. Everybody loves it!

This easy veggie pizza is made with buttery crescent rolls for the crust, “white sauce” made with cream cheese, sour cream, and dill, then topped with your choice of fresh vegetables.

The crisp from the fresh vegetables contrasts the chewiness of the crust. I think it’s an ingenious way to trick the kids into eating their veggies. It’s still technically pizza, right?

Potato Soup 

A combination of rich, creamy soup and delicious potato chunks, this potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. 

It’s fairly simple but makes for a savory and filling meal. You’ll find yourself craving this creamy soup. If you’re short on time, you can make it in the slow cooker.

It’s loaded with cheddar and parmesan cheese, with tangy notes, thanks to the sour cream.

This soup is comfort food at its best. Top it with extra cheese, bacon, and red onions for an extra dose of flavor.

Chickpea Curry

The next time you find yourself rushing to make dinner on a weeknight, turn to this lifesaver chickpea curry recipe.

Would you believe me if I told you it only takes 20 minutes to make this meal including prep time? It’s true!

This plant-based meal is bursting with the flavors of Indian cuisine.

You and your family will enjoy this fusion of curry, tomato, and coconut milk. Pair it with rice for the ultimate meal.

Mexican Buddha Bowls

If you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, these Mexican buddha bowls are the answer.

Buddha bowls are known for their nutritious ingredients, which are mostly vegan, but you can choose to add meat if you like.

They consist of grains, beans, veggies, and dressing.

This recipe is packed with rice, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, hummus, with some lime juice and guacamole. It’s healthy but still fun. 

Savory Korean Pancakes 

Never let any veggies go to waste ever again with these savory Korean pancakes!

This recipe is super easy. Think of it as an elevated omelet with a Korean twist. Exciting!

You might be thinking, “Aren’t pancakes for breakfast?” Well, these savory pancakes are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Butternut Squash Soup – The flavor in this soup is velvety, sweet, and oh-so-yummy! Top with a dollop of dairy-free cream for an extra treat.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup – Nothing screams fall like a piping hot bowl of pumpkin soup!
Eggplant Parmesan – This classic Italian dish is comforting and cheesy. A winning combination, if you ask me.
Vegetable Fried Rice – Recreate your favorite takeout with this easy recipe for vegetable fried rice.
Southwest Veggie Quesadillas – These quesadillas are versatile, so you can swap out whatever ingredients you like!
Chickpea Stew – If you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian meal, this stew full of chickpeas and potatoes will fit the bill.

Get Dinner on the Table Fast With these Simple Beef Recipes

Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with savory beef, Italian sausage, rice, and bursting with tomato and garlic flavors are then topped with cheddar cheese. 

This classic recipe is packed with protein, a family favorite, and comfort food at its best!

Meatloaf Dinner

There are so many ways to get meatloaf wrong, so if you’ve had a bad experience with it, please don’t discount this recipe just yet! 

This one is a copycat of Cracker Barrel meatloaf.

It’s tender and juicy, unlike other meatloaf, with just the right amount of flavors!

Meatloaf also freezes well, so you can make it ahead and ease through dinner, or double the recipe and have it ready anytime.

Beef Stroganoff

Savory beef with a creamy mushroom gravy, beef stroganoff is an amazing dinner meal.

The secret to the best beef stroganoff is getting the right cut of meat. Tender and juicy cuts like boneless rib eye, boneless sirloin, sirloin steak tips, and beef tenderloin work well.

For a full meal, pair this with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even rice! You and your family won’t be able to resist having another serving.

Sloppy Joes

You don’t need to wait ‘til Thursday for a major throwback moment. These sloppy joes are sure to take you back in time.

Ditch the canned alternatives and make your very own sloppy joes at home. They’re sure to delight young and old alike!

Tasty ground beef in a flavorful sauce and sandwiched between buttered buns? It’s the perfect meal for any night of the week!

Beef Burrito Skillet

The beef burrito skillet has all of the goodness of your favorite burrito in a pan that’s perfect for sharing. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes!

It has ground beef, black beans, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips. It’s everything you need in a tasty burrito, ready to be devoured as soon as it’s served. 

This recipe already tastes heavenly, but to make it even better with some pico de gallo, guac, or rice.

Mississippi Pot Roast – Made with spicy banana peppers, this pot roast packs a kick! The aroma from the slow cooker is pretty amazing, too.
Beef and Broccoli – This dish is just as good as your favorite local takeout place makes it. Actually, it’s better!
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew – Nothing beats a warm bowl of beef stew when you’re in the mood for something hearty and filling.
Texas Roadhouse Prime Rib – Have a romantic dinner planned? This prime rib will be the star of your menu.
Beef Stroganoff – Full of beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, this dish is delicious over pasta.
Beef Bourguignon – Think of this as the fancier, French version of beef stew. Ooh-la-la!

More Dinner Recipes We Can’t Get Enough Of

Yakisoba Chicken – If you love soba noodles, you’ll love this easy chicken dish. It’s fantastic!
Lasagna Soup – Want the taste of lasagna without all the fuss and preparation? This soup is your answer!
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken – This slow cooker dish is dreamy! Made with spinach, tomatoes, chicken, and cream, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites.
Easy Crab Cakes – Crab cakes are such a treat, and they’re easier than you think! This recipe is as good as it gets.

Honey Garlic Shrimp – This is my favorite go-to recipe for grilling season! And if you’d rather use the oven, pop the shrimp on a baking tray for an easy sheet pan dinner.
Fall Off the Bone Ribs – Bring these fall off the bone ribs to your next potluck, and watch them disappear off the plate!
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork – Using Dr. Pepper to season pork gives it a flavor unlike any other. And with this easy recipe, your Crockpot does the heavy lifting.

Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon – This easy dinner is so indulgent and full of flavor. Plus, the oven does all the work!