Delicious dinner ideas for when you’re unsure about what to prepare! Fast noodles, tacos, bowls, curries, and weeknight favorites to save you time.
If you’ve found yourself in the kitchen at 5 p.m. thinking I have no clue what to prepare for dinner, these dinner recipes are made for you. The recipes are weeknight-friendly, bursting with flavor, and simply… achievable.
These are the dishes I frequently turn to when I’m unsure: speedy noodles, effortless tacos, comforting curries, sheet-pan wonders, and a selection of straightforward yet exciting bowls that rescue me from indecision. Whether you’re longing for something fresh and veggie-centric, something saucy and cozy, or something with a bit of spice, you’ll discover a satisfying “I can totally whip this up tonight” choice here.
These are the tried-and-true, crowd-pleasing dinner recipes that get your meal on the table quickly without being monotonous. So if you’re at a loss for what to cook tonight… begin here.
My Go-To Dinner Recipes
Chicken Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce
Bold, vibrant flavors await! Shiitake mushrooms and chicken wontons swim in a broth brimming with flavor and are topped off with a drizzle of sesame oil and chili crisp. Delicious!
Miso Peanut Ramen Bowls
A rich and creamy savory broth, filled with noodles, crisp crumbled tofu, and fresh vegetables! These ramen bowls are AMAZING.
Cauliflower Black Bean Tostadas with Queso and Pickled Onion
Tangy, creamy, crunchy, and smoky, these seasoned vegetarian delights rest on a perfectly crispy corn tortilla. Cauliflower Black Bean Tostadas to the rescue!
Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Bang Bang Salmon! Creamy, sweet, savory, and bursting with flavor. Served with steaming rice and a refreshing avocado cucumber salsa. Perfection for weeknights!
Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Wow! These Gochujang Chicken Burgers are truly phenomenal. And topped with a perfectly sweet-and-spicy kimchi bacon jam? Yes, please!
Salmon Tacos with Mango Corn Salsa
Super simple salmon tacos loaded with a vibrant salsa made from mango, sweet corn, and cucumber!
Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce
Caramelized red curry chicken served alongside fluffy rice and steamed broccoli, generously sauced with an AMAZING spicy cashew sauce. Oh wow, you won’t want to miss this.
Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries
A burger served in a bowl! Ranch-seasoned fries topped with a juicy burger patty and all the fixings, accompanied by a drizzle of house sauce to elevate the dish!
Crockpot Chicken Bowls with Yellow Rice and Cilantro Pesto
Savory shredded chicken paired with yellow rice, pickled onions, greens, and topped with cilantro pesto. It’s a burst of flavor and color!
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki
Half bowl, half salad, half sandwich folded into any bread you prefer, and I adore it in all its varieties.
Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce
Get these chicken tacos on the table in just 20 minutes! Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly simple in the best way possible.
Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich
Soft sun-dried tomato focaccia layered with pesto mayo, turkey, juicy tomato slices, and greens. This sandwich is a gem and almost a lifestyle!
Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken
A spicy, peanut-flavored, noodley delight of super easy comfort food! These gochujang noodles require just a few ingredients – such as ramen noodles, peanut butter, sesame oil, and soy sauce – and come together in a mere 20 minutes.
5 Ingredient Spicy Pork
5 Ingredient Spicy Pork! A restaurant-quality meal that can be whipped up in no time. Enjoy it in bowls, stir-fried with veggies, or wrapped in burritos!
Chicken with Coconut Kale
Crispy, golden, thinly sliced pan-fried chicken bathed in a rich, creamy coconut-kale sauce with bits of shallot and a hint of spice. Incredibly easy, using minimal ingredients!
Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw
These Chicken Teriyaki Burgers are delightfully easy yet incredibly tasty. Caramelized burgers cooked in just minutes, piled high with sesame slaw, all served on a toasted bun. DELICIOUS.
Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Sesame Beef and Broccoli! Packed with protein, vibrant green broccoli, and sweet and sticky garlic and ginger flavor. The perfect at-home takeout option!
Avocado Mojo Bowls with Sweet Potato and Chicken
We are embracing bowl life this week. Seasoned sweet potato wedges and chicken meatballs or rotisserie chicken, all heaped onto a plate with a splash of zesty green avocado mojo sauce. Yes, wow, again and again.
Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad
We’re preparing a summery salmon featuring a vibrant, flavorful basil sauce that you might just want to drink. Perfectly spiced, fresh, and a dinner that pleases all!
Crunchy Roll Bowls
A block of tofu, perfectly caramelized in teriyaki sauce, served atop sticky rice with edamame, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, and a generous sprinkle of crunchy onions, drizzled with extra teriyaki and zesty spicy mayo.
Ricotta Meatballs with the Crispy Topping
These Ricotta Meatballs are a quick and delicious family favorite! Tender, juicy homemade meatballs topped with good marinara and a crispy topping to finish it off. YUM!
Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
These vegetarian tacos boast a satisfying black bean filling, complemented by fresh salsa and spices, all enveloped in a golden crispy tortilla served with a cool, creamy cilantro lime sauce. YUM!
Butter Chicken Meatballs
These butter chicken meatballs come drenched in a rich, mildly spiced tomato gravy that becomes luxurious with a hint of butter and cream. Pure weeknight magic!
Ginger Peanut Chicken with Coconut Rice
Succulent, quickly-marinated Ginger Peanut Chicken served on a bed of LUXURIOUS coconut jasmine rice, speckled with crunchy peanuts, vibrant cilantro, and lime wedges.
Coconut Curry Salmon
Coconut Curry Salmon! Oven-broiled salmon coated in a salty-sweet spice rub with creamy coconut curry sauce, paired with hot rice to soak up every drop.
Sheet Pan Jambalaya
Maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Sausage, peppers, onions, shrimp, and cauliflower rice are all roasted on a single sheet pan. Big flavors, easy dinners!
Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls with Mint Sauce
Crispy bits of chicken tenders, refreshing cucumbers, and tangy pickled onions, all served on a bed of fluffy quinoa with a drizzle of cool mint sauce on top. You can’t go wrong with these bowls.
Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos
Golden-brown chicken meatballs nestled next to toppings like cucumbers, shallots, kewpie mayo, mint, a sprinkle of chili crisp, and fresh cilantro, creating the ultimate chicken sandwich!
Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice
A luxuriously creamy, saucy chickpea curry served over rice, finished with a touch of chili crisp and a side cucumber salad. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Brandon’s Egg Roll Tacos
Egg rolls meet tacos! I’m obsessed! They are easy to prepare and mind-blowingly good, featuring a classic egg roll filling, crunchy vegetables, soft tortillas, and a spicy gochujang sauce.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
THE BEST shrimp tacos piled high with avocado, spicy shrimp, and a homemade creamy lime slaw? YES PLEASE!
Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls
These Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls are a complete lifesaver for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners! Crispy tofu, roasted veggies, fluffy rice, drizzled with a spicy sweet peanut sauce.
My Dinnertime Must-Haves
Dinner doesn’t just *happen*, so I’ve curated a selection of my go-to dinnertime products that elevate these recipes to be both delicious and truly easy.
The links below are affiliate links, and I might earn a commission from your purchase!
- My Favorite Skillet: These healthy nonstick ceramic skillets are PFAS-free, made in the USA, and incredibly versatile! I love them so much.
- Air Fryer: My original dinnertime lifesaver is the Air Fryer Chicken, and many recipes above utilize the air fryer too! It cooks food rapidly, gives it a perfect crisp, and is a breeze to clean.
- Instant Pot: I frequently use an Instant Pot for soups, but it’s also my go-to for making perfect rice!
- My Favorite Sheet Pans: A sheet pan dinner is always a winner! I use these for dinner but also for baking cookies!
- Dutch Oven: I believe every kitchen should have a Dutch oven – it seamlessly transitions from stovetop to oven, heats evenly, and looks so cozy. Affordable, too!
- Shallow Casserole Pan: Similar to the Dutch oven but shallower – I love this for all types of casseroles, including those Ricotta Meatballs mentioned above.
Simple Sides for Every Meal
Searching for something to complement dinner? Whether it’s a salad and bread to enjoy with ricotta meatballs, rice for beef and broccoli, or some broccoli to go with the curry salmon – these sides can accompany just about anything.
Need more dinner inspiration? Check here!
**32 Easy Dinner Recipes for Indecisive Nights**
When it’s dinner time and you’re still uncertain about what to make, having a selection of easy, reliable recipes can save the day. Here are 32 straightforward yet delicious dinner ideas that accommodate a variety of tastes and dietary needs, ensuring you never again stress over dinner choices.
1. **One-Pot Pasta Primavera**: Mix your favorite vegetables with pasta in a single pot for a quick, nutritious dish.
2. **Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas**: Toss chicken strips, bell peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning and bake for an effortless meal.
3. **Vegetable Stir-Fry**: Use any veggies available, add tofu or chicken, and stir with soy sauce for a rapid stir-fry.
4. **Taco Salad**: Combine ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning, and serve over lettuce topped with your favorites.
5. **Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits**: Cook shrimp in lemon and garlic and serve it atop creamy grits for a Southern-inspired delight.
6. **Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast**: Fill chicken breasts with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a flavor-packed Italian dish.
7. **Beef and Broccoli**: A beloved takeout dish made at home with tender beef and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce.
8. **Chickpea Curry**: Simmer chickpeas in coconut milk and spices for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
9. **BBQ Chicken Pizza**: Employ store-bought dough, barbecue sauce, chicken, and cheese for a quick homemade pizza.
10. **Spaghetti Aglio e Olio**: Basic ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes make this pasta dish simple.
11. **Baked Ziti**: Layer pasta with marinara and cheese, then bake until bubbly for a comforting meal.
12. **Fish Tacos**: Use white fish, cabbage slaw, and a squeeze of lime for zesty, fresh tacos.
13. **Stuffed Bell Peppers**: Fill bell peppers using a mix of rice, ground meat, and spices for a colorful dish.
14. **Egg Fried Rice**: A great way to use leftover rice by mixing in eggs, veggies, and soy sauce.
15. **Chicken Alfredo**: Creamy Alfredo sauce poured over pasta topped with grilled chicken creates a rich dish.
16. **Quinoa Salad**: Blend quinoa with veggies, feta, and a lemon vinaigrette for a light, nutritious meal.
17. **Pork Chops with Apples**: Sauté pork chops with sliced apples and onions for a delightful sweet-savory dish.
18. **Lentil Soup**: A comforting soup featuring lentils, carrots, and celery, ideal for a cozy evening.
19. **Shrimp Scampi**: Quickly-cooked shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce and served over pasta or rice.
20. **Chicken Caesar Wraps**: Wrap together grilled chicken, romaine, and Caesar dressing in a tortilla for an easy meal.
21. **Vegetable Quesadillas**: Fill tortillas with cheese and assorted vegetables, then grill until crispy.
22. **Baked Salmon with Dill**: Season salmon with dill and lemon before baking for a healthy and tasty dish.
23. **Mushroom Risotto**: Stir arborio rice with mushrooms and broth for a creamy, satisfying meal.
24. **Thai Green Curry**: Cook chicken or tofu in a green curry sauce with veggies for a spicy delight.
25. **Pulled Pork Sandwiches**: Serve slow-cooked pork shoulder on buns with coleslaw for a classic dish.
26. **Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells**: Fill pasta shells with spinach and ricotta, then bake with marinara.
27. **Beef Tacos**: Season ground beef with taco spices and serve in taco shells with various toppings.
28. **Chicken Teriyaki**: Sauté chicken in teriyaki sauce and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
29. **Pasta Carbonara**: A creamy pasta dish composed of eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper.
30. **Veggie Burger**: Grill a plant-based patty and serve it with all the classic burger toppings.
31. **Chicken Noodle Soup**: A comforting classic featuring chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
32. **Margherita Pizza**: Top pizza dough with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil for a simple but delightful pizza.
These recipes are designed to be simple and satisfying, perfect for those evenings when you just can’t seem to choose what to make. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy at the table.
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