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    Home » Uncategorized

    33 Easy Dinner Recipes That Will Save Your Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 12, 2025, updated February 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas can be a lifesaver during busy weeknights. With 33 simple recipes, you can whip up satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. These dishes are perfect for anyone looking to save time while still enjoying delicious food.

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    These Lamb Meatballs are simple to prepare and packed with fresh lemon and cilantro flavor. They’re perfect alongside creamy mashed potatoes or as a tasty appetizer for gatherings.

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    French Onion Pasta

    French Onion Pasta with wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: Sunglow Kitchen.

    French onion pasta combines sweet caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and Gruyere cheese, all cooked together in one pot for a creamy dish. It's a fancy-tasting meal that's simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

    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 weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

    Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
    Photo Credit: Super Golden Bakes.

    This Chicken and Mushroom Casserole features wild mushrooms and chestnuts for a hearty meal. It's a comforting dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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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 that's easy to prepare. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This dish is a favorite among my friends and it's easy to see why. With buffalo cauliflower, avocado, blue cheese sauce, and cilantro, these tacos are a hit and can be ready in just 40 minutes using the oven or air fryer.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: Killing Thyme.

    These Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos feature tender shredded chicken in a flavorful sauce. Just broil them with cheese for a delicious finish before serving!

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    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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    Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi

    Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi.
    Photo Credit: Delightful Plate.

    This pulled pork banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with juicy pulled pork, crunchy pickled veggies, and zesty sriracha mayo. Using a slow cooker for the pork makes this a simple and satisfying meal for any weeknight.

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    Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

    A pork chop on a small chopping board.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe features juicy, tender Air-Fried Bone-in Pork Chops that are full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner ready in 25 minutes or less.

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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 great for cozy nights in. It's a comforting dish that warms you up and satisfies your cravings.

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    Beef and Beer Chili

    Beef and beer chili.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Beef and Beer Chili is a great choice for game day or a busy weeknight dinner with family. It's packed with ground beef, different beans, and essential spices, plus a touch of beer for extra flavor.

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    Cauliflower Steak

    Two cauliflower steaks in a pan.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Vegan cauliflower steaks are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Just cut a whole head into thick slices, give them a quick pre-cook, season well, and then pan-fry for a tasty dish.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Salmon Bowl

    A serving of salmon Greek bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Greek Salmon Bowl is a simple meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It's packed with fresh vegetables and quinoa, all mixed together with a tasty balsamic vinaigrette.

    Get the recipe

    Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini

    Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This tortellini dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. It's tossed in a skillet with lemon, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a delicious weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad

    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    This Vietnamese beef noodle salad is full of fresh herbs, tasty beef, and a zesty lime fish sauce dressing. It’s quick to prepare in just 30 minutes and works well as a main dish or a side.

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    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pasta salad is packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, diced cheddar, and a generous amount of creamy homemade ranch dressing. It's sure to be a hit at your next backyard barbecue!

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    Easy Balsamic Chicken

    Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes
    Photo credit: Karen Kelly.

    Balsamic Chicken is a simple one-pan meal that you can prepare in less than 20 minutes. The combination of tomatoes and balsamic vinegar creates a tasty sauce that goes great with pasta or rice.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Using store-bought teriyaki sauce or making your own, this easy salmon recipe is sure to please. It's a simple dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This is a comforting dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's cheesy and packed with flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Egg Fried Rice

    A bowl of egg fried rice.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    This is a simple meal that beats takeout any day. Using common ingredients, you can whip up a tasty fried rice dish in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Hamburger Steak

    Hamburger steak with gravy.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Juicy hamburger patties are cooked until golden brown and then mixed into a rich, creamy gravy made with drippings, onions, garlic, and herbs. Pair this with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable for a cozy family meal.

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    Carnitas

    Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork).
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Skip the restaurant and make this pulled pork at home. It's simple to prepare and delicious, so there's no reason not to give it a try!

    Get the Recipe

    Basil-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs with Stewed Tomatoes and Rice

    Basil-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs with Stewed Tomatoes and Rice
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This dish is packed with flavor and is simple to prepare. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

    Cheesy smoked sausage pasta on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: On My Kids' Plate.

    Cheesy sausage pasta is a simple dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes using just one pot. It's great for busy weeknights and you can easily adjust it with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

    Get the recipe

    Zucchini Corn Fritters

    Zucchini fritters served with a dip.
    Photo Credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes.

    This is a great way to use up your summer vegetables. With just a few common ingredients, you can quickly make these crispy fritters.

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    Penne Pomodoro

    20 Minute Penne Pomodoro.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish features whole canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and penne pasta, creating a simple and filling vegetarian meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something everyone will enjoy.

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    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This flavorful salmon dish comes together with just salmon, soy sauce, and furikake seasoning. It's a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner.

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    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese combine to create this super-tasty dinner.

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    Halloumi Portobello Burgers

    A portobello halloumi burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi Burgers are loaded with flavor, featuring mashed avocado, a big portobello mushroom, crumbled chèvre cheese, peppery arugula, and sweet caramelized onions. They’re simple to prepare and always a hit with everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Alfredo Pizza

    Chicken Alfredo Pizza.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken alfredo pizza is simple to make with just 10 ingredients and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a Friday night dinner. Topped with creamy homemade alfredo sauce, broccoli, bacon, chicken, and lots of cheese, it’s a complete meal all in one.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup

    Gnocchi Soup with bread.
    Photo Credit: Naturallie Plant Based.

    This creamy tomato gnocchi soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting. The fire-roasted tomatoes add rich flavor, and the soft gnocchi make every spoonful delightful.

    Get the Recipe

    Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Sliced panko crusted chicken on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken comes together with just a few simple ingredients and is ready in about 15 minutes. It's a quick and tasty option for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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