Don’t let your dinner routine become boring, check out these 40 Easy Dinner Ideas to Make Tonight to get new, delicious dinner ideas!
We’ve rounded up all our favorite recipes into one place. All of these recipes are easy to make and great for the whole family. These Easy Dinner Ideas use a variety of ingredients and you’re sure to have all the ingredients in your pantry for at least a few of these recipes!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox! You will also receive other new recipes in your inbox weekly!
40 Easy Dinner Ideas to Make Tonight
Can’t decide what to make for dinner?! We’ve got you covered! Back to school means busy weeknights and quick dinners. That is why I complied my favorite easy dinner recipes that can be made in no time! Most of these recipes are 30 minutes or less or are dump and go either in the slow cooker or in the instant pot. I’ve included everything from healthy low carb meals, to pastas and slow cooker favorites. There’s something for everyone!
I’ve also included recipes from almost every type of cuisine. Italian, Asian inspired, Mexican, Indian! You will never get bored with this rotation!
Easy Fried Rice
An easy one pan dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This is out favorite easy dinner idea when we are looking to get dinner on the table fast.
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta has everything you love about classic chicken pot pie — like fresh veggies, tender chicken, and savory spices — but in an easy-to-make and easy-to-eat form.
30 Minute General Tso’s Chicken
This Easy General Tso’s recipe is even better than the restaurant version. Ready in under 30 minutes and full of flavor! This is one of our favorite dinner ideas to make in a pinch!
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Ready in less than 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Spaghetti is super easy! The entire recipe is cooked in the instant pot – the pasta AND the meat sauce meaning less clean up later. This Instant Pot pasta recipe is perfect for busy families!
Honey Sesame Chicken
This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe will rival your favorite takeout dish! It’s super crispy thanks to frying the chicken twice! The crunchy chicken then get’s tossed in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. You won’t want to eat takeout again after trying this easy recipe!
Chicken Chow Mein
This is the BEST Chicken Chow Mein recipe! Stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and chicken are cooked in a rich savory sauce. Everything is cooked in one skillet and is ready in 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or a healthier homemade fast food option.
Chicken Katsu
Chicken Katsu is a Japanese-style chicken cutlet breaded and fried until golden brown and crispy. It’s typically served with a Tonkatsu sauce over white rice and garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Chimichangas
Ready in less than an 30 minutes, this Air Fryer Chimichanga Recipeis so easy to throw together! Loaded with shredded Mexican chicken, refried beans and cheese, it gets air fried and then smothered in simple homemade queso.
Baked Firecracker Chicken
These Baked Firecracker Chicken Thighs are brushed with a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce. All you need is 5 ingredients and less than 1 hour to make this dish from start to finish!
Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken
Classic barbecue chicken made easy by using the instant pot. This meal is great when meal prepping your easy dinner ideas in advance!
Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake
For a comforting pasta full of flavor, try this pasta bake. It is super easy and pairs nicely with a side salad! An easy casserole dinner idea!
Grilled Chicken Caprese
This chicken takes the fresh, light flavors of a caprese salad and turns it into a full on meal!
Easy Chicken Marsala
Chicken marsala with mushrooms on a bed of pasta is an essential Italian staple.
Easy Beef Fried Rice
A take on my classic fried rice recipe with beef for added protein and flavor.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Chinese take out meals like beef and broccoli can be easily made at home. This beef is cooked low and slow for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Teriyaki Meatballs
Homemade beef meatballs are baked with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce!
Sesame Beef
Tender flank steak stir fried with bell peppers and an easy asian sauce and green onions! This Sesame Beef is better than takeout!
Shepard’s Pie
A comforting classic made with ground beef, veggies, mashed potatoes and a savory gravy.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
Delicious, garlicky steak bites accompanied by potato wedges. A match made in heaven!
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Savory filling goes inside of bell peppers and gets cooked low and slow for an easy, unique dinner idea!
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
Put this beef into tacos, burritos, or on top of rice for a fun Mexican-inspired dinner. Let the slow cooker do the work for you and come home to an amazing meal!
Authentic Italian Meatballs
Make a classic Italian recipe at home with classic meatballs and red sauce.
Beef Stew
Warm up with a beef stew! Featuring carrots, potatoes and braised beef for when you need a filling and hearty dinner.
20 Minute Teriyaki Shrimp
Super quick and easy, this shrimp features my homemade teriyaki sauce and easy cooked shrimp. Place on a bed of rice and you are ready for dinner!
Honey Sriracha Salmon
Honey Sriracha salmon glaze goes onto this baked or pan fried salmon and goes perfectly with rice and veggies for a balanced and flavorful meal!
Salmon Sushi Bowls
Making sushi at home can be difficult, so opt for an easy sushi bowl for all the same flavors!
Creamy Shrimp and Grits
A southern classic, these shrimp and grits couldn’t be more comforting and delicious.
Instant Pot Carnitas
Hello, taco Tuesday! Easily make some carnitas tacos with this instant pot recipe.
One Pot Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
It doesn’t get easier than this. A one pot meal packed with veggies, your favorite sausage and seasonings!
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Incredibly flavorful and tender, this authentic Instant Pot Butter Chicken is so easy to make! This is a great healthy weeknight dinner option for the whole family. Make it at home instead of ordering take-out!
One Pan Mexican Pasta
Loaded with black beans, corn, cilantro, and salsa. This quick and easy one pan dinner idea is a perfect healthy comfort food meal, loaded with vegetables and protein!
Healthy Shrimp Scampi
Loaded with garlic, butter, and parmesan, you won’t miss pasta with this Healthy Shrimp Scampi recipe! This low-carb version uses zucchini noodles which are bright, colorful and so good for you. Perfect for sticking to a keto diet or anytime you need a lighter meal!
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
A classic, low fat chili that will warm your belly right up! Top with some sour cream and tortilla chips.
Asian Turkey Meatballs
Need an easy dinner idea that’s on the table in less than 30 minutes? Than these Asian Turkey Meatballs are for you!
Quinoa and Turkey Stuffed Peppers
This is a great heart healthy option that is full of fiber, vitamins and flavor!
Instant Pot Beefaroni
Remember Beef a Roni from your childhood?! Well this favorite got an update! This grown up Instant Pot Beefaroni is so comforting and hearty!
Vegetarian Lasagna
Loaded with 7 vegetables, this is the BEST Vegetarian Lasagna recipe! Perfect for the whole family!
Lemon Asparagus Pasta
This lemon asparagus pasta recipe is vegetarian-friendly and made with just a handful of easy ingredients. Perfect for a light lunch, easy dinner, or side dish!
Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
Easy Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Layered with black beans, corn, green chilies, enchilada sauce and corn tortillas! This is an easy vegetarian meal the whole family will love!
Chickpea Curry
All you need is 45 minutes and one pot to make this easy chickpea curry! This recipe is vegan, gluten free and vegetarian. Serve over rice with a side of garlic naan bread!
What to Serve With These Easy Dinner Ideas
With such a wide range of easy dinner ideas, you need some great options for sides as well! Many of these recipes can go great with some of my favorite sides, try them out!
- Roasted Broccoli
- Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
- Quick Pickled Red Onions
- Garlic Green Beans
- Japanese Style Cucumber Salad
- Crispy Baked French Fries
- Refried Black Beans
- Honey Roasted Carrots
- Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
