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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    30 Easy Dinner Ideas That Will Save Your Evening

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on February 16, 2025, updated February 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas can make your evenings so much smoother. Whether you're short on time or just looking for something simple, these 30 dinner options will help you whip up a meal without the stress. From one-pan dishes to quick stir-fries, there's something here for everyone.

    Naan Pizza

    Easy 15-Minute Naan Pizza
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This naan pizza is quick to make with just three ingredients and can be ready in minutes. It's a great option for busy nights when you need something simple to eat.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be quick and easy with just 12 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pot. This is a simple meal that fits perfectly into a busy evening.

    Get the recipe

    Smoky Air Fryer Drumsticks

    Air fryer chicken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks turn simple chicken into tender, flavorful pieces with a delicious sweet and smoky marinade. This is a favorite for easy dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Steak Bites

    Crockpot Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    Crockpot Steak Bites are a tasty way to use affordable cuts of beef. This easy slow cooker dinner is quick to prepare and results in tender, juicy bites with a flavorful sauce that's great for dipping.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Fried Rice

    One Pan Tuna Fried Rice
    Photo Credit: Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    This dish combines canned tuna, white rice, eggs, and vegetables with a tasty homemade sauce, making it quick and simple to prepare. It's a healthy meal that can be ready in just 25 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are the best I've ever tasted, and they're super easy to whip up in under an hour. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, and they turn out juicy and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Johnny Marzetti - Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

    Johnny Marzetti - Ground Beef Noodle Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    Johnny Marzetti is a baked pasta dish made with ground beef and tomato sauce. It's topped with your favorite cheese for a comforting meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Turkey Shawarma Meatballs

    Easy Turkey Shawarma Meatballs
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    These Middle Eastern meatballs go great with saffron rice and a zesty hummus sauce. It's a simple dinner option that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta served on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: Savory Cipolla.

    This creamy vegetarian pasta is packed with flavors from sun-dried tomato pesto, garlic, basil, and cheese. It's easy to make and you can add any vegetables you like to suit your taste.

    Get the recipe

    French Bread Pizza

    French bread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is crispy, cheesy, and super simple to prepare. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

    Spanish Rice with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Miss in the Kitchen.

    Spanish Rice with Ground Beef is a simple dinner that you can whip up in around 30 minutes. It's a filling one-pan meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Garlic Bread Pizza

    Garlic bread pizza with sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish features quick homemade garlic butter, store-bought pizza sauce, and gooey cheese. It's a great choice for movie nights or as a fun appetizer to share at parties.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

    Chicken drumsticks with dipping sauce.
    Photo credit: Lynn's Way of Life.

    Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are super tender and packed with flavor. This is a great option for busy nights when you can't grill outside.

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    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai Cashew Chicken with chopsticks.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Cashew Chicken is a tasty dish that's easy to whip up and full of great flavors and crunchy bits. It's a fun way to add some variety to your weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Blackened Cod

    Blackened cod served on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Blackened cod is a quick and healthy dinner option that you can whip up in no time. With a simple homemade seasoning and just 15 minutes in the skillet, it's perfect for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Swirls of Flavor.,

    This recipe creates a tasty sauce while it cooks in the slow cooker. It's a simple option for dinner that doesn't require much work.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a warm and cheesy dish that brings the comfort of lasagna without the extra effort. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the  Recipe

    Ground Beef Taco Skillet

    Ground Beef Taco Skillet.
    Photo Credit: Cupcakes & Kale Chips.

    This Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a one-pan meal that everyone will enjoy. With a mix of spices, tasty meat, filling rice and beans, and lots of cheese, it’s a simple dinner that brings a festive vibe to any night.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Taco Rice

    Cheesy Taco Rice.
    Photo Credit: Mighty Spatula.

    Cheesy Taco Rice is a delicious one-skillet meal loaded with flavor, protein, and gooey cheese. It's a quick and easy option that's sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Tender and juicy chicken tenders can be made in your air fryer in just 20 minutes, including prep time. This is a quick and easy dinner option that pairs well with your favorite side dishes any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Black Bean Burgers

    Black Bean Burgers.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Black Bean Burgers are easy to whip up and loaded with healthy ingredients, making them a great choice for dinner. They're packed with protein and flavor, perfect for anyone looking for a tasty vegan option.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

    Creamy Italian meatball soup with fresh herbs.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This creamy Italian meatball soup recipe comes together in one pot and is loaded with juicy meatballs and al dente pasta nestled in an herb-filled creamy tomato broth.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Air Fryer Salmon With Avocado And Cucumber

    Salmon served with avocado salsa.
    Photo Credit: Nkechi Jaeroh.

    Cajun Air Fryer Salmon with Avocado and cucumber is ready in under 20 minutes. This is an easy and tasty dinner that's great for quick weeknight meals.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    This creamy vegan pasta bake is simple to prepare and loaded with veggies. It's delicious whether served hot or cold!

    Get the recipe

    American Chop Suey

    American Chop Suey.
    Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

    American chop suey is a classic dinner that combines ground beef, tasty vegetables, and elbow macaroni in a rich tomato sauce. It's quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights and a hit with the whole family.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Balsamic Chicken

    Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes
    Photo credit: Karen Kelly.

    Balsamic Chicken is a quick and easy dinner that you can prepare in just 20 minutes using one pan. The combination of tomatoes and balsamic vinegar creates a tasty sauce that goes great with pasta or rice.

    Get the recipe

    Italian Stuffed Peppers

    Italian Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: From a Chef's Kitchen.

    Italian Stuffed Peppers are a cozy meal that everyone loves. They feature green bell peppers filled with ground beef and farro, all smothered in a tasty tomato sauce for a filling dinner.

    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 nights when you want something simple to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Cornish Hens

    A cornish hen on a plate.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Air fryer cornish hens are a quick and tasty option for dinner. They may look fancy, but they're easy to prepare and great for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Cheap Casseroles That Are Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
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      21 Grandma Approved Ground Beef Recipes That Will Make You Feel Right at Home
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      22 Quick and Delicious Pasta Recipes for Lazy Summer Nights
    • Jackfruit sandwiches.
      17 Easy Vegetarian Crockpot Meals That Are Full of Flavor

    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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