13 Easy Dinner Recipes

Running out of dinner ideas is one of the most frustrating parts of meal planning, especially when you’re trying to keep everyone happy without spending hours in the kitchen. This is the ultimate list of easy dinner recipes, so you’ll always have something delicious to make.

These recipes prove that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing. Save this list now, and you’ll never run out of ideas again.

1. Salisbury Steak

This turns simple ground beef into something that tastes way more impressive than the effort it takes, thanks to that mushroom and onion gravy. Its easy and quick prep time makes it a solid choice when you want something hearty but don’t have all day to cook.

Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

2. Burrito Bowls

This one-pot dinner lets you cook the rice right in with the ground beef and seasonings, so everything absorbs those Mexican flavors. Cleanup is a breeze since it all happens in one skillet, and you can customize the toppings however your family likes them.

Get the Recipe: Burrito Bowls

3. Meatloaf

This uses a mix of beef and pork to stay extra juicy, while crushed Ritz crackers add a buttery flavor you won’t get from plain breadcrumbs. The tangy-sweet sauce on top caramelizes perfectly in the oven.

Get the Recipe: Meatloaf

4. Balsamic Chicken and Veggies

The beauty of this meal is that everything roasts together in one pan, so the chicken flavors the vegetables while they cook. Line your pan with foil and you’ll have practically zero cleanup, which is always a win on busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken and Veggies

5. Creamy Tuscan Salmon

This salmon comes together with a garlic-Parmesan sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough when you want something more exciting than your usual dinner rotation.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Salmon

6. Greek Stuffed Peppers

This puts a Mediterranean spin on classic stuffed peppers with feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice, and will be an instant favorite in your house.

Get the Recipe: Greek Stuffed Peppers

7. Sheet Pan Steak Nachos

Marinated sirloin is layered over tortilla chips with melted cheese for a dinner that feels like game day every day. The key is building the layers properly so every chip gets some meat and cheese, then adding the fresh toppings right before serving.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Nachos

8. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

This gives you smoky, tender pulled pork without needing a smoker, thanks to liquid smoke and a flavorful dry rub. The cola or root beer helps break down the meat while adding subtle sweetness, and it makes enough to feed a crowd or stock your freezer.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

9. Meatball Parmigiana

This combines the best of both worlds: homemade meatballs and cheesy Italian comfort food in one skillet. The meatballs stay incredibly juicy when they simmer right in the sauce, and you can serve this over pasta, in a sub roll, or grab a fork and dig in.

Get the Recipe: Meatball Parmigiana

10. Sheet Pan Lemon Thyme Chicken

A simple marinade transforms basic chicken thighs and drumsticks into something aromatic and delicious. The potatoes cook alongside the chicken, soaking up all those lemony flavors while getting crispy on the outside.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon Thyme Chicken

11. Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers

This grilled shrimp cooks so fast that these skewers are ready in just a few minutes per side, making them ideal for those nights when you need dinner in a hurry. The lemon-butter marinade keeps things simple but adds enough flavor to make the meal feel special.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers

12. Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

This casserole gets its signature crunch from crushed Ritz crackers on top. It’s perfect for using up leftover or rotisserie chicken, and the poppy seeds add a subtle flavor that gives it a unique twist on your classic chicken casserole.

Get the Recipe: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

13. Steak Kabobs

Sirloin steak cubes and peppers make for an easy dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. The steak seasoning gives you tons of flavor without any fussy marinades, and everything cooks quickly on the grill for an easy win.

Get the Recipe: Steak Kabobs