59 Simple Easy Dinner Recipes: Quick and Delicious Meals for Any Night (2024)

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to dinnertime, I want something that’s easy and quick to make.

After a long day at work or running errands, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking up a complicated meal.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of 59 simple and easy dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

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Whether you’re in the mood for chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian dishes, there’s something on this list for everyone.

From one-pan meals to slow cooker recipes, these dinners are not only easy to make, but they’re also delicious and satisfying.

Plus, many of these recipes can be made ahead of time, so you can have dinner ready to go when you walk in the door.

So, if you’re looking for some easy dinner ideas that won’t take up too much of your time, be sure to check out these 59 recipes. They’re perfect for those nights when you want something quick and delicious, without all the fuss.

Quick and Nutritious Sheet Pan Dinners

As someone who loves to cook, but also values time and convenience, sheet pan dinners have become a staple in my meal planning.

Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also require minimal clean-up. Plus, they offer a great opportunity to pack a variety of nutritious ingredients onto one pan.

Chicken and Veggie Combos

One of my favorite sheet pan dinner combinations is chicken and veggies.

I like to use chicken breast because it’s lean and high in protein. For the veggies, I usually go with a mix of colorful bell peppers, onions, and roasted cauliflower.

To prepare, I simply season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika, then place it on one side of the sheet pan.

On the other side, I toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Then, I roast everything together in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender and slightly charred.

Fish and Greens

Another great sheet pan dinner option is fish and greens.

I like to use salmon because it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has a delicious flavor. For the greens, I usually go with a mix of kale, spinach, and broccoli.

To prepare, I season the salmon with a bit of lemon juice, garlic powder, and dried dill, then place it on one side of the sheet pan.

On the other side, I toss the greens with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Then, I roast everything together in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the greens are slightly crispy.

Instant Pot Favorites for Busy Weeknights

As someone who loves cooking but often finds myself short on time during the week, I’ve become a big fan of the Instant Pot.

This versatile appliance makes it easy to prepare hearty and delicious meals in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. Here are a few of my favorite Instant Pot recipes for busy weeknights.

Hearty Chicken Dinners

One of my go-to Instant Pot meals is a whole chicken. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and yields a flavorful and juicy bird that can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week.

To make it, simply season a whole chicken with your favorite spices and place it in the Instant Pot with a cup of chicken broth.

Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

Once the chicken is cooked, you can shred the meat and use it in salads, tacos, or sandwiches.

You can also use the bones to make a flavorful chicken broth that can be used in soups and stews.

Another favorite chicken recipe of mine is chicken and rice. To make it, sauté diced onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add diced chicken breast, rice, chicken broth, and your favorite seasonings.

Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

This dish is filling and flavorful, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have on hand.

Beef and Pork Delights

The Instant Pot is also great for cooking tougher cuts of meat like beef and pork. One of my favorite beef recipes is beef stew.

To make it, sauté diced onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add cubed beef, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, and your favorite seasonings.

Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

This stew is hearty and comforting, and it’s perfect for chilly nights.

For pork, I love making pulled pork. To make it, season a pork shoulder with your favorite spices and place it in the Instant Pot with a cup of apple cider vinegar and a cup of water.

Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

Once the pork is cooked, shred it and serve it on buns with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Tasty Tacos and Mexican-Inspired Dishes

As someone who loves Mexican food, I can never get enough of tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Here are some of my favorite recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Fish Tacos and More

Fish tacos are a great way to switch up your taco game. I love using flaky white fish like tilapia or cod, and topping it with a zesty slaw and a squeeze of lime. Here’s my go-to recipe:

Fish Tacos with Slaw

Ingredients:

• 1 pound white fish fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the fish with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the cabbage, cilantro, sour cream, and lime juice.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing a piece of fish on each tortilla and topping with the slaw.

If you’re not a fan of fish, you can still enjoy tacos with these delicious shrimp quesadillas:

Shrimp Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 8 small tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Guacamole and salsa, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of cheese.
5. Top with a few shrimp and some cilantro, then fold the tortilla in half.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and shrimp.

Chimichangas and Quesadillas

Chimichangas and quesadillas are two of my favorite Mexican dishes. They’re both easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Here are my top recipes:

Beef Chimichangas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and cooked through.
2. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
3. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.
4. Spoon some of the beef mixture onto each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and secure with toothpicks.
6. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the chimichangas for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown.
8. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

If you’re in the mood for something cheesy, try these chicken quesadillas:

Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 8 small tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.
3. Sprinkle some cheese on half of each tortilla.
4. Top with some of the chicken mixture, then fold the tortilla in half.
5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the ques

Air Fryer Specialties

Crispy Chicken Creations

I absolutely love using my air fryer to make crispy and delicious chicken dishes.

One of my favorites is bacon-wrapped chicken, which is so easy to make and always a hit with my family.

To make it, simply wrap chicken breasts in bacon and place them in the air fryer for about 20 minutes. The result is juicy and flavorful chicken with a crispy bacon crust.

Another great chicken dish to make in the air fryer is chicken tenders.

I like to coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese before air frying them to perfection.

They come out crispy and golden brown on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside.

Savory Salmon Dishes

Air fryer salmon is another one of my go-to dishes. It’s so easy to make and always turns out perfectly cooked.

Simply season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and air fry for about 10-12 minutes.

The result is tender and flaky salmon with a crispy skin.

If you’re looking for a more flavorful salmon dish, try marinating the fillets in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic before air frying them.

The marinade gives the salmon a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy skin.

Asian Cuisine at Home

As someone who loves Asian cuisine, I’m always looking for new and easy recipes to try at home. Here are two of my favorite recipes that are simple to make and taste delicious.

Pad Thai and Soba Noodles

Pad Thai and Soba Noodles are two classic Asian dishes that are easy to make at home.

Pad Thai is a Thai noodle dish that is typically made with rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, eggs, and a sweet and sour sauce.

Soba noodles are a Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour and are often served cold with a dipping sauce or hot in a soup.

To make Pad Thai at home, you’ll need rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, eggs, garlic, shallots, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes.

To make Soba Noodles, you’ll need soba noodles, broth, soy sauce, mirin, and toppings like green onions, seaweed, and sesame seeds.

Both dishes are easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and proteins, and they’re perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Easy Stir-Fry Variations

Stir-fry is another classic Asian dish that is easy to make at home.

Simply sauté your favorite vegetables and proteins in a wok or large skillet with a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a sweetener like honey or brown sugar.

Some easy stir-fry variations include beef and broccoli, chicken and vegetables, and tofu and mixed vegetables.

You can also switch up the sauce by using different types of vinegar, like rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, or adding in spices like red pepper flakes or sesame oil.

Comfort Food Classics

As much as I love trying new recipes, there’s something special about comfort food classics. These dishes remind me of home and bring a feeling of comfort and nostalgia. Here are a few of my favorite comfort food classics that are easy to make and delicious.

Pasta and Italian Favorites

When I’m in the mood for something hearty and comforting, I turn to pasta.

Mostaccioli is one of my favorite pasta dishes because it’s easy to make and always satisfying. I love to top it with a rich tomato sauce and plenty of Parmesan cheese.

Another Italian favorite of mine is chicken parmesan spaghetti.

It’s a classic dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of crispy breaded chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is irresistible.

Stuffed Peppers and Polenta

Stuffed peppers are a great way to get your veggies in while still enjoying a comforting meal.

I like to stuff mine with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Creamy polenta is another comfort food classic that I love.

It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. I like to top mine with sautéed mushrooms and Parmesan cheese for a rich and flavorful meal.

Grilling Goodness

When it comes to dinner, grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook. Not only does it add a delicious smoky flavor to the food, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few of my favorite grilling recipes that are sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Steak and Shrimp Kabobs

Who doesn’t love a good kabob?

These steak and shrimp kabobs are perfect for a summer evening. The combination of juicy steak and succulent shrimp makes for a delicious and filling meal. Plus, the colorful veggies add a pop of color to the plate.

To make these kabobs, start by marinating the steak and shrimp in your favorite marinade. Then, skewer them with your favorite veggies.

I like to use bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Grill the kabobs over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Chicken and Gravy Pairings

Grilled chicken is a staple in many households, but sometimes it can be a bit bland. That’s where gravy comes in.

By adding a flavorful gravy to your grilled chicken, you can take it to the next level.

To make a simple gravy, start by making a roux with butter and flour.

Then, slowly whisk in chicken broth until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the gravy over grilled chicken and enjoy.

These are just a few of my favorite grilling recipes. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, these recipes are sure to satisfy.