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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Dinner Ideas That Are Perfect for Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 4, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights can be a challenge. With just a little planning, you can whip up meals that are satisfying and simple to prepare. Here are 22 dinner ideas that will help you get dinner on the table without the stress.

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, including prep time, you can whip up a tasty vegetarian halloumi pasta packed with fresh vegetables. This dish is light and perfect for summer, showcasing the flavors of the veggies without any heavy cream. It's a simple and refreshing dinner option that brings a burst of color and taste to your weeknight meals.

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    Honey Mustard Salmon

    Honey Mustard Salmon.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce gives a fresh twist to classic salmon and asparagus. This dish is easy to prepare and brings a burst of flavor to your weeknight meals. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This pasta bake is rich and filling, featuring a nice kick from the cream cheese. It’s simple to prepare, especially if you use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken along with some pre-cooked bacon. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Tuna Croquettes

    Tuna Cakes.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Tuna croquettes are crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside. They offer a simple yet satisfying option for dinner, perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Cottage Pie

    Cottage Pie.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This easy dinner features a filling of beef and vegetables, all topped with a creamy layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s a simple twist on the classic cottage pie, using some convenient ingredients to whip it up in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite.

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    Beef Noodle Stir Fry

    Beef noodles.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    This beef noodle stir fry comes together in just 15 minutes and is packed with flavor. It features tender beef, onions, and spaghettini tossed in a savory soy sauce. It's a simple dish that brings a comforting touch to your dinner table.

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    Bean & Pasta Casserole

    Bean & Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Hurry The Food Up.

    This vegetarian casserole is packed with hearty white beans, filling pasta, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It's a comforting dish that offers a healthy and satisfying option for dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is easy to prepare and will keep everyone happy.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Pasta

    Garlic butter pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dinner is quick and easy, using ingredients you likely have on hand. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Aloo Matar

    Instant Pot Aloo Matar Recipe without Onion-Garlic on a black bowl.
    Photo Credit: J Cooking Odyssey.

    This Instant Pot Aloo Matar is a quick and easy Indian curry that cooks in just one minute. It features potatoes and green peas, combined with simple Indian spices for a flavorful dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings a taste of India to your dinner table without much effort.

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    Pork Chops with Creamy Peas and Tomatoes

    Pork Chops with Creamy Peas and Tomatoes
    Photo credit: Tried and true.

    Pork chops with creamy peas and tomatoes are simple to make and work well any time of the year. This dish is versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t require much effort.

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    Nduja Pasta

    Nduja Pasta.
    Photo credit: This Italian Kitchen.

    Nduja Pasta is a simple and tasty pasta dish that packs a punch. It features nduja, a spicy, spreadable salami from Calabria, Italy, which adds a rich and bold flavor. This dish is perfect for when you want something satisfying and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

    Chicken noodle soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy soup is packed with Thai flavors and is just what you need when you're in the mood for something warm and comforting. It's a great choice for a cozy night in, bringing a little excitement to your dinner routine. With its rich taste and satisfying ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite for those chilly evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Umami Burgers

    Umami Burgers.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    These burgers combine juicy beef and pork, bringing together the best of both meats. Seasoned with miso and a few other spices, they pack a flavorful punch that adds a nice twist to your usual burger night. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, these burgers are sure to become a favorite in your weeknight meals.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    This chili is warm and full of flavor, and it's super simple to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper

    A bowl of One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Homemade hamburger helper is a warm and comforting dish that combines tender macaroni noodles with crumbled ground beef in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It's a simple meal that brings a sense of home to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is satisfying and easy to prepare.

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    Grilled Pork Chops with Alabama White Sauce

    Grilled Pork Chops with Alabama White Sauce.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    Grilled pork chops are a hearty option, topped with a zesty Alabama white sauce. This simple recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time and cooks in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Stuffed with Feta Cheese

    Feta stuffed chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken filets topped with Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil create a delicious meal that's sure to impress. This dish is simple to prepare and brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Cowboy Casserole is a simple and satisfying dinner option that everyone will enjoy. With its creamy and cheesy layers topped with crispy tater tots, it’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will love it so much, they’ll be asking for it regularly!

    Get the recipe

    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This authentic Massaman Chicken Curry (Gaeng Massaman Gai) is made in one pot in just 45 minutes, using store-bought curry paste. With coconut milk, chicken, potatoes and peanuts it's super creamy, subtly sweet and not so spicy.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This is a simple meal that you can throw together quickly on busy weeknights. With familiar flavors that everyone in the family enjoys, this easy dinner is bound to become a regular part of your routine.

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    Hamburger Soup

    Hamburger Soup
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    Hamburger soup is a hearty dish filled with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and potatoes simmered in a tasty tomato broth. It's a simple meal that you can whip up quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting soup is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

    A plate of shrimp boil.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    Seafood, meat, and veggies come together on one plate, all prepared quickly with your instant pot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies everyone.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      Set It and Forget It: 17 Hearty Slow Cooker Meals for the Whole Family
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      22 Casseroles That Cook Themselves While You Relax
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      21 Quick and Easy Summer Dinners for Busy Nights
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      21 Southern Potluck Dishes Everyone Will Be Talking About

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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