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    Home » Uncategorized

    35 Quick and Easy Dinners That Everyone Will Love

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 19, 2025, updated February 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas that everyone in the family will enjoy can be a challenge. With 35 simple recipes, you can whip up meals that are not only fast to prepare but also satisfying for all ages. From classic favorites to new twists, these dishes will make weeknight cooking a breeze.

    Korean Beef Bowls

    KOREAN BEEF BOWL.
    Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

    This Korean Beef Bowl is a tasty mix of ground beef, mushrooms, and rice, all brought together with a flavorful Asian sauce. In just 30 minutes with a pressure cooker, it’s topped with pickled carrots and cucumbers for a fresh touch.

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    Apple Risotto with Marcona Almonds

    Apple risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Apple Risotto is packed with apple flavor and can be ready in just 35 minutes. It's a tasty dish that works well as a side or a main course, especially when topped with crunchy Marcona almonds.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup.
    Photo Credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

    This soup is rich and comforting, featuring tender pieces of ham and chicken cooked in a tasty broth. It's a warm dish that combines all the classic flavors people enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

    3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These slow cooker shredded chicken tacos are super simple to prepare, needing just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of your time. Just throw everything in the crock pot, let it cook, shred the chicken later, and dinner is ready!

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini with Ham and Peas

    Tortellini with ham and peas on a plate.
    Photo Credit: The Pasta Project.

    This pasta dish is a favorite in Italy and is simple to prepare. It's a hit with both kids and adults, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

    Get the recipe

    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

    Grilled Chicken Thighs

    Grilled Chicken Thighs with fresh herbs.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This recipe is simple and packed with flavor. You can whip up the marinade in no time using common spices, then just grill it for a quick and tasty dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cheese Ravioli with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

    Sun-dried tomato ravioli with sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This sun-dried tomato ravioli sauce adds a great flavor to your store-bought cheese ravioli. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready in 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This vegan alfredo sauce is super simple and only needs 5 ingredients. It’s creamy and tasty, and you can whip it up in just 15 minutes without any real cooking.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

    Ground beef cheesesteak.
    Photo credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    This ground beef version of a Philly Cheesesteak is perfect for a quick and budget-friendly meal. It delivers all the classic flavors you love, with savory meat, gooey cheese, and delicious toppings on a soft bun.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Chicken lettuce wraps.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    These cashew chicken lettuce wraps are quick to prepare in one pot and take only 20 minutes. It's a tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

    Air fryer katsu chicken.
    Photo credit: Piper Cooks.

    This breaded chicken is a simple take on the Japanese dish chicken katsu, featuring tender chicken coated in crunchy Panko breadcrumbs. With just four ingredients and only 12 minutes in the air fryer, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Mushroom Soup

    Creamy Mushroom Soup.
    Photo Credit: Oh Sweet Culture Shock.

    This soup is quick to make in under 30 minutes and uses basic ingredients that really bring out the flavor. It's a great dinner option for chilly fall and winter evenings.

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    Classic Sloppy Joes

    Sloppy Joes.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This dish is quick and simple, ready in just 15 minutes. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, then combined with a homemade sloppy joe sauce for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    A skillet full of fish and broccoli in lemon caper sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A smooth and tasty lemon butter caper sauce goes perfectly with fish and broccoli. Everything is cooked in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This braised beef short ribs recipe is simple and quick, needing just 20 minutes of prep before they go into the crock pot. The result is juicy, tender meat that falls right off the bone.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

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

    This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is ready in just over an hour and is perfect for a cozy dinner. It's creamy with a hint of spice, making it a comforting meal for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a delicious twist on carbonara that packs in even more flavor than the traditional version. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Bites

    Air Fryer Steak Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer steak bites are ready in under 10 minutes, making this a quick dinner that everyone will enjoy. They're marinated in lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs to make any cut of steak tender and flavorful.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    chicken pesto pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Barley & Sage.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad is a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in under 20 minutes. It's light and fresh, featuring creamy pesto, grilled chicken, spinach, and tomatoes, making it a great choice for dinner or lunch.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai curry and spaghetti come together in a dish that's so good you'll want to have it regularly. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

    Ground beef lettuce wraps.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a simple and delicious dinner option that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

    Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
    Photo Credit: Love and Other Spices.

    Shrimp and chicken fried rice is a tasty and filling dinner that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It's a perfect way to use leftover rice and create a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Miso-Sesame Chickpeas

    Easy Miso-Sesame Chickpeas
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    Miso-sesame chickpeas are packed with flavor and simple to prepare. This is a great 5-ingredient dish for a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Pasta Salad

    BBQ Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta salad is perfect for BBQ fans. It combines elbow noodles, corn, tomatoes, scallions, and BBQ tofu crumbles in a creamy dressing for a tasty twist.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Tostadas

    Chicken tostadas.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Homemade Tostadas are simple to prepare and have a nice crunch. They feature crispy corn tortillas loaded with refried beans, chicken or ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings, making it a great option for family dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    Pulled pork cooked in cherry cola and BBQ sauce is packed with flavor and super tender. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and really tasty. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

    Get the recipe

    Ricotta Toast

    Herbed ricotta toasts.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This is a super quick meal that you can whip up in no time. Just spread herbed ricotta cheese on sourdough bread and add your favorite toppings.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Pasta Salad

    Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This tasty tuna and pasta dish is perfect for a family dinner. It's easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This sun-dried tomato pasta is quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and is full of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. It's a great option for a relaxed dinner or a speedy weeknight meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Make this hands-off meal with just 8 ingredientsfor a delicious dinner any night of the week. With soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms and crunchy pine nuts this is a flavorful dish that's sure to become a new favorite!

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a hit with everyone, from kids to food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are full of flavor, quick to prepare, and ready in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet.
    Photo credit: Real Food Real Deals.

    A one pot ground beef and cabbage skillet is a simple and healthy dinner option. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and is sure to be a hit with everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is a simple and refreshing dish featuring orzo pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. It's quick to prepare and great for picnics or gatherings.

    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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