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    Home » Uncategorized

    34 Easy Dinner Recipes That Are Perfect for Beginners

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 3, 2025, updated February 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have simple recipes to follow. Here are 34 easy dinner ideas that are perfect for beginners, featuring straightforward ingredients and quick preparation times. Whether you're looking for something comforting or a bit different, these recipes will help you create delicious meals without the stress.

    Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

    Honey Mustard Chicken in a stainless steel pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This creamy Honey Mustard Chicken skillet meal is ready in just 30 minutes and packed with rich flavors. It's a simple one-pan dish that's perfect for busy weeknights, and the sauce goes great with rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies.

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    Naan Pizza

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

    This naan pizza is super simple to make with just three ingredients and comes together in no time. It's a great option for weeknights when you're short on time.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala.
    Photo Credit: Cooked & Loved.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala features tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with a mix of Indian spices. This dish is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time cooking.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Broccoli cheddar soup in a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy and comforting dish that combines broccoli, cheddar cheese, broth, cream, and a mix of seasonings. This simple recipe is great for a cozy dinner or lunch and can be adjusted to fit your taste.

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    Blackened Cod

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

    Blackened cod is a quick and healthy option for dinner 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 weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

    Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Sausage rigatoni pasta is quick to prepare, taking just about 20 minutes with a few basic ingredients. It's a filling meal that's great for busy weeknights when you want something everyone will love.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a quick and easy dish that packs a lot of flavor. It's great on its own, but adding some mozzarella or burrata cheese takes it to the next level.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Pasta Bake

    Pesto Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

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

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    Meatloaf

    Meatloaf.
    Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This is a simple and lighter version of meatloaf that skips the breadcrumbs. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together quickly and is perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

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    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches come together in under 30 minutes, offering a tasty twist on a classic meal. The spicy chicken paired with a zesty blue cheese coleslaw creates a satisfying combination that's perfect for a quick dinner.

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    Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

    Creamy Loaded Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This creamy potato soup is packed with bacon, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, and roasted garlic, making it a comforting meal. It's a simple dinner option that brings the flavors of a loaded baked potato right to your table.

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    Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef)

    Greek orzo with ground beef.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Comfort food often includes casseroles or mac’n’cheese, and this dish is a Greek take on that idea. Manestra is a simple and tasty option that fits right in with your favorite weeknight meals.

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    Miso Mushroom Ramen

    a bowl of miso mushroom ramen.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A simple dashi brings a burst of flavor to your meal, paired with some of the tastiest mushrooms around. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Chicken Cauliflower Soup

    A bowl of chicken cauliflower soup.
    Photo credit: Baba Ganosh.

    This Cauliflower Chicken Soup is packed with flavor and can be ready in just 30 minutes. It's full of vegetables and is perfect for kids.

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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 can be ready in under 40 minutes. It's a fantastic dish for dinner parties, and your guests will be amazed at how delicious it is without knowing how simple it was to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    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 good dinner option for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This quick potato stir-fry with halloumi and veggies is perfect for busy weeknights. It's healthy, easy to prepare, and all cooked in one pan, with a hint of lemon to enhance the flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

    Burrito bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Burrito bowls are a quick and tasty meal that anyone can whip up. This simple recipe lets you throw everything together and bake it without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Sesame Chicken

    Sesame chicken served over rice.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Sesame Chicken is a go-to dish that everyone enjoys. It's simple to prepare and packed with great flavors, making it a perfect choice for any weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker V8 Chili

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chili is packed with vegetables from the V8 juice in the sauce. It's a large batch, perfect for freezing or sharing with friends.

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    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines creaminess, tanginess, and crunch for a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. It's a solid choice for anyone wanting a delicious plant-based meal.

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    Vegan Sloppy Joes

    A vegan sloppy joe.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegan version of a classic dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Enchiladas

    Crockpot Enchiladas.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    Crockpot enchiladas are a simple mix of ground beef, veggies, enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, and cheese, all cooked together in the slow cooker. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare meals ahead of time.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit Cuisine and Travel.

    Chicken fajitas are simple to whip up in your air fryer and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. They’re packed with flavor and are sure to please everyone at dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A spicy twist on the classic Alfredo sauce. We only use powdered seasonings you probably already have at home, which makes this a great cheap option when money is low!

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    Beef Enchilada Pasta

    Beef Enchilada Pasta
    Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

    Enjoy a tasty mix of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors with this one-pan pasta. It's quick to prepare, easy to customize, and works well for both meat lovers and vegetarians, making it a great choice for busy weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Beefy Pasta Bake

    Beefy Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Bitz n Giggles.

    This dish features cheesy beef and noodles, all topped with crispy French fried onions. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Orange Ginger Chicken

    Whole orange ginger chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Orange Ginger Chicken turns a whole chicken and some oranges into a delicious roast dinner with a flavorful sauce. The sweetness of the oranges, the spice of the ginger, and the salty touch of dark soy sauce create a great meal for any weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Lamb Burgers with Tahini Sauce

    A plate with salad, a lamb burger, and dressing.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    These lamb burgers are packed with Mediterranean flavors from fresh herbs like oregano, mint, dill, and parsley, along with feta and cumin. The Tahini sauce adds a delicious finishing touch that really enhances the dish.

    Get the recipe

    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 simple, gluten-free teriyaki sauce. It's a great dinner option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Sweet and Spicy Asian Pork Meatballs

    Sweet and Spicy Asian Pork Meatballs
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    Asian pork meatballs are a tasty option for dinner. They come with a sweet and spicy sauce that adds a great flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon pasta with crème fraîche and lemon is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any weeknight. Whether you use fresh or frozen salmon, this dish offers a light and refreshing meal that you can enjoy all year long.

    Get the recipe

    Pumpkin Bolognese

    Pumpkin Bolognese.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This vegan bolognese features mushrooms and a creamy pumpkin sauce that's dairy-free. It's perfect for cozy fall and winter meals, but you'll enjoy it any time of the year.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is super simple and only requires three ingredients. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and tasty.

    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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