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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    30 Ideas for What to Make for Dinner Tonight

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on February 14, 2025, updated February 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Deciding what to make for dinner can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially after a long day. To help you out, here are 30 ideas that are simple, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. From quick stir-fries to hearty casseroles, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

    Beef & Butternut Squash Chili

    Healthy Chili with Beef and Butternut Squash.
    Photo Credit: Amy Casey Cooks.

    A warm bowl of chili is perfect for a cold day. This healthy chili with ground beef is packed with kidney beans and butternut squash for extra flavor.

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    Chickpea Fritters

    Chickpea fritters on a plate.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    These tasty fritters can be enjoyed in many ways, whether you dip them, toss them in a salad, or add them to a burger. They're a great option for a simple dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Chow Fun

    beef chow fun.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Beef Chow Fun is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. With rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, and flank steak, it's a satisfying option that will leave you wanting more.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is quick to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish, including chopping. It's a fresh and light dinner that highlights the flavors of the vegetables without any heavy cream.

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    Instant Pot Chickpea Coconut Curry

    A bowl of Instant Pot Chickpea Coconut Curry.
    Photo Credit: J Cooking Odyssey.

    Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful dish that combines dried chickpeas with a creamy coconut sauce, similar to tikka masala. This is a great option for quick and tasty dinners during the week.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Pasta Bake

    Pesto Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pesto pasta bake is quick and easy, taking only 20 minutes to prepare. It features fresh vegetables, lots of pasta, and plenty of cheese for a satisfying meal.

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    Mushroom Truffle Risotto

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This no-stir Mushroom Truffle Risotto is packed with flavor from mushrooms, white truffle oil, and white wine, and it can be ready in under 40 minutes. It's a fantastic dish for dinner parties that will leave your guests impressed, so keep the easy preparation a secret!

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    One Pan Fajita Pasta

    One Pan Fajita Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    One Pan Fajita Pasta combines pasta with classic fajita flavors like tomatoes, ground beef, and cheese for a comforting meal. It's quick and easy to prepare, all in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes.

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    Chili Oil Noodles

    Chili oil noodles with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
    Photo Credit: Serene Trail.

    This recipe is packed with spicy and savory flavors that everyone will love. With just a few common ingredients like garlic, green onions, and chili flakes, you can have a delicious dinner ready in just 15 minutes.

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    Arancini

    Rice Ball Recipe (Arancini).
    Photo Credit: Like Mother Like Daughter.

    Arancini are tasty Italian rice balls that are crispy on the outside and filled with a savory meat mixture. They make a great appetizer or a satisfying dinner option.

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    Stuffed Pepper Skillet

    Stuffed Pepper Skillet.
    Photo Credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

    This Stuffed Pepper Skillet features soft peppers and beef cooked in a tasty sauce, all topped with gooey cheese. It's a filling and satisfying one-pan meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a fast vegetarian dinner that you can whip up in just 10 minutes on the stovetop, with only a few minutes of prep time. You can go from walking in the door to enjoying your meal in about 15 minutes!

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    Cheeseburger Casserole

    Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of home right to your table. It's an easy, cheesy, and hearty meal that's perfect for dinner.

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    Egg Roll in a Bowl

    Egg roll in a bowl with chopsticks.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Egg roll in a bowl is a quick and easy dinner that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Packed with fresh veggies and tasty flavors, it features a savory sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    instant pot chicken teriyaki
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    Teriyaki thighs are super simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients for the sauce and the help of your Instant Pot, this dish comes together in no time.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this Instant Pot Chicken Soup in just over an hour for a flavor packed and cosy dinner. Creamy with a light spicy kick, this soup is just the comfort food you need.

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    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. This is a great option for a simple dinner.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This 10-minute Shrimp Carbonara offers a tasty take on the classic Italian pasta dish. It combines the creamy goodness of traditional Carbonara with perfectly cooked shrimp, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

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    Crunchy Ground Beef Tacos

    Ground beef tacos.
    Photo credit: Confetti & Bliss.

    When you're feeling hungry, there's no need to go out. This quick recipe can be put together in just 20 minutes and tastes just as good as takeout.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

    Grilled chicken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Jamil Ghar.

    Grilled chicken drumsticks are a great option for a simple and satisfying dinner. These flavorful and smoky chicken legs are not only healthy but also easy to prepare, making them a hit for any meal.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is warm and filling, featuring Italian turkey sausage for a hearty touch and fresh kale or baby spinach for some greens. It's a simple dish that you can prepare on the stovetop, in your Instant Pot, or in your slow cooker.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Pasta with garlic and oil is a simple yet delicious dish that elevates plain noodles to something special. It's a quick and easy meal that works well for busy nights.

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    Chorizo Burgers

    Chorizo burger.
    Photo credit: 2 Cookin' Mamas.

    Chorizo Burgers offer a tasty twist on the classic burger. With a mix of chorizo and ground beef, they are juicy and have a nice kick, perfect for grilling and serving with cheese and your favorite toppings.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It combines spicy buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese with pasta and chicken for a satisfying dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Gyros

    Slow Cooker Beef Gyros.
    Photo Credit: Like Mother, Like Daughter.

    Slow cooker beef gyros feature tender beef that cooks slowly to bring out its rich flavor. Wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce, this is a satisfying meal.

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    Vegetable Ramen

    Vegetable Ramen with Spicy Miso Broth
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This is a great way to add some flavor to a pack of ramen noodles. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn a basic meal into something special.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Rendang

    Slow Cooker Beef Rendang.
    Photo Credit: Garlic All Day.

    Just toss everything into the Crock-Pot and let it cook for 5 hours. You'll return to a hearty and flavorful beef stew that's perfect for dinner.

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    Steak Bites & Mushrooms

    A serving of steak bites and mushrooms.
    Photo Credit: A Red Spatula.

    Tender steak bites are great for your next meal or as a tasty appetizer. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy nights.

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    Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

    Teroyaki chicken and broccoli.
    Photo credit: Fit As A Mama Bear.

    This chicken teriyaki broccoli skillet features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a tasty homemade teriyaki sauce. It's a great dinner option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Falafel

    Air fryer falafel.
    Image credit: Katie Trant

    This air fryer falafel is a tasty and healthy option compared to deep-fried versions. Made with soaked chickpeas, these vegan falafels can be ready in just 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      Set It and Forget It: Simple Recipes for Stress-Free Cooking
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      20 Delicious Summer Salads That Are Perfect for Picnics

    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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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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