Tasty evening meal ideas for those times you’re unsure what to prepare! Fast noodles, tacos, bowls, curries, and weekday classics to help you save time.
If you’ve ever been in the kitchen around 5 p.m. thinking I’m not sure what to prepare for dinner, these meal ideas are perfect for you. Recipes that are suitable for weekdays, bursting with flavor, and just… easy to make.
These are the dishes I rely on repeatedly when I’m feeling overwhelmed: quick noodles, simple tacos, comforting curries, one-pan wonders, and a few easy yet thrilling bowls that always get me out of a cooking slump. Whether you’re after something fresh and veggie-heavy, something rich and cozy, or something with a bit of spice, you’ll discover a great “I can actually whip this up tonight” choice right here.
These are the crowd-pleasing, real-life dinner options that get food on the table quickly without being dull. So if you’re unsure about what to prepare for dinner tonight… start here.
My Top Dinner Options
Spicy Chili Sauce Chicken Wontons
Bold, beautiful, extravagant flavors ahead! Shiitake mushrooms and chicken wontons float in a broth brimming with flavor and get topped off with a swirl of sesame oil and chili crisp. Delicious!
Miso Peanut Ramen Bowls
A sweet, rich broth served in bowls with noodles, crispy crumbled tofu, and vibrant vegetables! These ramen bowls are INCREDIBLE.
Queso and Pickled Onion Cauliflower Black Bean Tostadas
Flavorful, creamy, crunchy, smoky, well-seasoned vegetarian goodness on a perfectly crispy corn tortilla disk. Cauliflower Black Bean Tostadas to the rescue!
Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Bang Bang Salmon! Creamy, sweet, savory, and bold. Served alongside warm rice and an avocado cucumber salsa. Perfect for weeknights!
Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Incredible! These Gochujang Chicken Burgers are out of this world. And topped with a deliciously sweet and spicy kimchi bacon jam? Yes, please!
Mango Corn Salsa Salmon Tacos
Super simple salmon tacos piled high with a mango, sweet corn, and cucumber salsa!
Spicy Cashew Sauce Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry
Caramelized red curry chicken served beside a heap of hot, fluffy rice and steamed broccoli, completely drenched in the BEST spicy cashew sauce. Oh man, this is so good.
Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries
A burger in bowl form! Fries seasoned with ranch, topped with a burger patty and all the toppings, with a drizzle of house sauce to take it to the next level!
Crockpot Chicken Bowls with Yellow Rice and Cilantro Pesto
Tender, saucy shredded chicken, yellow rice, pickled onions, greens, topped with cilantro pesto. A delightful burst of flavor and color!
Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki
Part bowl, part salad, and part sandwich all tucked into any bread you prefer, and I’m loving it in every way.
Incredibly Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce
These chicken tacos are ready in just 20 minutes! Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich from Trader Joe’s
Soft sun-dried tomato focaccia loaded with pesto mayo, turkey, juicy tomato slices, and greens. This sandwich is a standout and practically a lifestyle choice!
Spicy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken
A fiery, peanutty, noodly dish of super easy comfort food! These gochujang noodles need only a few ingredients – ramen noodles, peanut butter, sesame oil, and soy sauce – and come together in just 20 minutes.
5 Ingredient Spicy Pork
5 Ingredient Spicy Pork! A recipe that feels gourmet but comes together quickly. Serve it in bowls, stir-fry it with veggies, or throw it in burritos!
Chicken with Coconut Kale
Golden, succulent, thinly sliced pan-fried chicken swimming in a creamy coconut-kale gravy with shallots and some spice. Super easy and minimal ingredients!
Sesame Slaw Chicken Teriyaki Burgers
These Chicken Teriyaki Burgers are amazingly easy to prepare and unbelievably delicious. Quickly cooked caramelized burgers topped with a heap of sesame slaw and nestled in a freshly toasted bun. YUM.
Beef and Broccoli with Sesame
Sesame Beef and Broccoli! Packed with protein, vibrant broccoli, and a sticky-sweet garlic and ginger flavor. A perfect homemade Asian takeout experience!
Avocado Mojo Bowls with Sweet Potato and Chicken
We are savoring our best bowl life this week. Well-seasoned sweet potato wedges and either chicken meatballs or rotisserie chicken all piled onto a plate with some zippy green avocado mojo sauce. Yes, wow, repeat.
Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad
We’re preparing a summery salmon with a gorgeous, deeply flavored basil sauce that’s so good you’ll want to drink it. Perfectly spiced and delightfully fresh—dinner for everyone!
Crunchy Roll Bowls
A block of tofu, beautifully browned in teriyaki sauce, served on a mound of sticky rice with edamame, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, and a sprinkle of crunchy onions, all drizzled with extra teriyaki and spicy mayo.
Ricotta Meatballs with a Crispy Topping
These Ricotta Meatballs are a beloved family favorite! Tender, juicy homemade meatballs with quality marinara and a delightful crispy topping to finish. YUM!
Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
These vegetarian tacos feature a wonderfully satisfying black bean filling with fresh salsa and spices, all wrapped in a golden-brown crispy tortilla and served along with a creamy cilantro lime sauce. YUM!
Butter Chicken Meatballs
These butter chicken meatballs are drenched in a rich and mildly spiced tomato gravy made decadent with just a hint of butter and cream. Incredible weeknight magic!
Ginger Peanut Chicken with Coconut Rice
Succulent, quick-marinated Ginger Peanut Chicken on a base of luxuriously fluffy coconut jasmine rice, sprinkled with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.
Coconut Curry Salmon
Coconut Curry Salmon! Broiled salmon seasoned with a sweet and salty spice rub, with creamy coconut curry sauce and fluffy rice to soak up all of it.
Sheet Pan Jambalaya
Ultimate flavor, minimal cleanup. Sausage, peppers, onions, shrimp, and cauliflower rice all roasted on a single sheet pan. Big flavor, effortless dinner!
Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls with Mint Sauce
Crispy bits of chicken tenders, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy pickled onions, all over a fluffy quinoa base with a drizzle of refreshing mint sauce on top. You definitely can’t go wrong with these bowls.
Ginger Chicken Meatball Sandos
Golden brown chicken meatballs nestled alongside fixings like cucumbers, shallots, kewpie mayo, mint, a touch of chili crisp, and some fresh cilantro to create the ultimate chicken sandwich!
Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice
Incredibly creamy, saucy chickpea curry served over rice with a dollop of chili crisp and cucumber salad on the side. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Brandon’s Egg Roll Tacos
Egg rolls meet tacos! I adore this! Easy to prepare and tremendously delicious with a classic egg roll filling, crunchy veg, soft tortillas, and a spicy gochujang sauce.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Garlic Cilantro Lime Slaw
THE BEST shrimp tacos topped with avocado, spicy shrimp, and a homemade creamy lime slaw? HELLO DELICIOUS!
Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls
These Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls are a lifesaver for meal prep or weeknight dinners! Crispy tofu, roasted veggies, fluffy rice, and a spicy-sweet peanut sauce all drizzled on top.
My Dinner Essentials
Dinner doesn’t just *occur*, so I’ve gathered my must-have dinner products that elevate these meal ideas to be truly delicious and really simple.
The links below are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission from your purchase!
- My Preferred Skillet: These healthy nonstick ceramic skillets are PFAS-free, made in the USA, and incredibly versatile! I adore them.
- Air Fryer: My original dinner-time hero is the Air Fryer Chicken, and numerous recipes presented above utilize the air fryer as well! It cooks for you rapidly, guarantees crispiness, and is easy to clean.
- Instant Pot: I love using my Instant Pot for soups, but it’s also my go-to for perfect rice!
- My Favorite Sheet Pans: A sheet pan dinner is a happy dinner! I utilize these for my evening meals as well as for baking cookies!
- Dutch Oven: I believe every kitchen should possess a Dutch oven – it transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, offers even heating and simmering, and just *looks* so charming. Affordable too!
- Shallow Casserole Dish: Very similar to the Dutch oven above, but shallower – I cherish this for a variety of casseroles, including those Ricotta Meatballs mentioned earlier.
Simple Dinner Sides That Complement Any Meal
Seeking something to complement dinner? Whether it’s a salad and bread for the ricotta meatballs, rice for beef and broccoli, or broccoli for the curry salmon – these sides go well with virtually anything.
Want even more dinner recipe ideas? Visit here!
**32 Easy Dinner Recipes for Indecisive Cooks**
Finding the ideal dinner recipe can feel overwhelming, especially for those who struggle with decision-making. To simplify your options, here’s a carefully selected list of 32 easy dinner recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary needs. These recipes are straightforward, quick, and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for indecisive cooks.
1. **One-Pot Pasta Primavera**: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables and pasta cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.
2. **Chicken Stir-Fry**: Quick and adaptable, this dish can be tailored with your favorite vegetables and sauces.
3. **Taco Salad**: A refreshing blend of lettuce, seasoned beef, cheese, and salsa, great for a light yet enjoyable meal.
4. **Sheet Pan Salmon**: Roasted salmon with asparagus and cherry tomatoes, all prepared on a single sheet pan.
5. **Vegetable Fried Rice**: An excellent way to use leftover rice, tossed with vegetables and soy sauce for a speedy meal.
6. **Caprese Stuffed Chicken**: Chicken breasts filled with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, then baked to perfection.
7. **Beef Tacos**: Simple and tasty, these tacos can be topped with your choice of cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
8. **Spaghetti Aglio e Olio**: A classic Italian dish featuring garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili flakes.
9. **Quinoa Salad**: A nutritious and satisfying salad crafted with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
10. **Shrimp Scampi**: Juicy shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce, served over pasta or rice.
11. **Chicken Quesadillas**: Easy to prepare with tortillas, cheese, and shredded chicken, served with salsa and sour cream.
12. **Vegetable Soup**: A hearty soup filled with seasonal vegetables, perfect for a warm dinner.
13. **BBQ Chicken Pizza**: A quick pizza option employing pre-made dough, BBQ sauce, chicken, and cheese.
14. **Lemon Herb Chicken**: Chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice and herbs, grilled or baked to perfection.
15. **Chickpea Curry**: A flavorful vegetarian curry made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices.
16. **Pasta Carbonara**: A creamy pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper.
17. **Stuffed Bell Peppers**: Bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice, meat, and vegetables.
18. **Egg Fried Rice**: A straightforward meal combining eggs, rice, and vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce.
19. **Baked Ziti**: A comforting pasta bake with ziti, marinara sauce, and cheese.
20. **Fish Tacos**: Light and fresh, these tacos feature grilled fish, cabbage slaw, and lime crema.
21. **Chicken Alfredo**: A creamy pasta dish with chicken and Alfredo sauce.
22. **Vegetable Stir-Fry**: A quick and healthy choice featuring a mix of vegetables and soy sauce.
23. **Margarita Pizza**: A classic pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
24. **Beef and Broccoli**: An uncomplicated stir-fry featuring beef, broccoli, and a savory sauce.
25. **Lentil Soup**: A nutritious and filling soup with lentils, carrots, and celery.
26. **Pesto Pasta**: Pasta tossed with pesto sauce and cherry tomatoes.
27. **Chicken Caesar Salad**: A classic salad comprising romaine lettuce, chicken, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
28. **Thai Green Curry**: A fragrant curry featuring chicken, coconut milk, and green curry paste.
29. **Mushroom Risotto**: Creamy risotto with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese.
30. **Turkey Burgers**: Juicy turkey patties served with your choice of toppings.
31. **Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells**: Pasta shells filled with ricotta and spinach, baked in tomato sauce.
32. **Sweet and Sour Chicken**: A tangy and sweet chicken dish paired with bell peppers and pineapple.
These recipes aim to streamline your dinner choices, presenting a variety of flavors and cuisines to satisfy any palate. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or hearty, these effortless recipes will allow you to create a delightful meal without the stress of deciding what to make.
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