10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Easy dinner recipes can make your evenings more relaxing and enjoyable. They help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family or unwinding after a long day. From stir-fries to casseroles, many options can be prepared in under an hour.

You don’t need to be a master chef to create delicious meals at home. Easy recipes often use fewer ingredients and straightforward techniques, allowing you to whip up tasty dinners without stress. Embrace the joy of cooking with simple dishes that everyone will love.

1) Barbacoa Tacos

Barbacoa tacos are a tasty and easy dinner option. The beef is slow-cooked until it’s tender and packed with flavor. You can enjoy these tacos in a simple tortilla topped with your favorite fixings.

For the best results, use a slow cooker to allow the beef to soak up all the delicious spices. Common ingredients include chilies, garlic, and spices for a rich taste.

Feel free to add toppings like onions, cilantro, or salsa to enhance the flavor. Serve these tacos at family gatherings or for a fun taco night!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Corn or flour tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the beef with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Place the beef in the slow cooker with diced onion and garlic.
3. Add apple cider vinegar and cook on low for 8 hours (about 93°C).
4. Shred the beef with forks and mix it into the juices.
5. Serve in warm tortillas with desired toppings.

2) Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon chicken orzo soup is a delicious and comforting meal perfect for any night. This soup is light yet filling, making it a great choice for dinner. With tender chicken, orzo pasta, and bright flavors from lemon, it warms you up.

You will love how easy this recipe is. In just one pot, you can create a wholesome dish using basic ingredients. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup (150g) orzo pasta
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add carrots and celery and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions.
6. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

3) Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a quick and delicious meal. It combines chicken, beans, and spices to create a hearty dish in no time. You can make this comforting chili in under an hour.

The ingredients come together easily. You can even use frozen chicken if you’re in a hurry. It makes a great family dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings like cheese or avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breasts
• 1 can white beans
• 1 can green chiles
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, beans, green chiles, and corn.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add spices.
4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high for 20 minutes.
5. Once done, release pressure and shred the chicken before serving.

4) Slow Cooker Ribs

Slow cooker ribs are an easy and tasty dinner option. You can have tender, flavorful ribs without much effort.

To get started, you will need baby back ribs, barbecue sauce, and a few seasonings. These ribs cook slowly, allowing all the flavors to come together perfectly.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds baby back ribs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the racks of ribs in half.
2. Place the ribs in the slow cooker.
3. Add the onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the water.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (about 93°C) or high for 4 hours (about 149°C).
6. During the last hour, pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs.

5) Creamy Shrimp Tomato Pasta

Creamy shrimp tomato pasta is a delicious and easy dish you can whip up in no time. With shrimp and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Start by sautéing garlic and diced tomatoes. Add your shrimp and cook until they’re pink. Then mix in heavy cream and season to taste. Toss everything with cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.

You can have this meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty homemade dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces penne or linguini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce.
9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.

6) King Ranch Chicken

King Ranch Chicken is a tasty and easy dinner recipe. It’s a Tex-Mex casserole filled with delicious flavors. You get tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness all in one dish.

To make it, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Corn tortillas and shredded cheese are key parts of the dish. The addition of chicken and a zesty sauce really brings it all together.

This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight. You can prepare it quickly and bake it for a comforting meal. Your family will love the rich flavors!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 10 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix chicken, soup, tomatoes, and milk in a bowl.
3. Layer tortillas and chicken mixture in a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Enjoy!

7) Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas

Pepperoni pizza quesadillas are quick and delicious. They taste like a fresh pizza but are ready in less than 10 minutes. This makes them perfect for a busy night.

You just need a few simple ingredients. Warm tortillas filled with cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce create a tasty meal. Kids and adults alike will love this easy recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 large flour tortilla
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 6-8 pepperoni slices
• 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Spread pizza sauce on one half of the tortilla.
3. Layer cheese and pepperoni on top of the sauce.
4. Fold the tortilla in half and place it in the skillet.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cheese is melted.

8) Lazy Shepherd’s Pie

Lazy Shepherd’s Pie is a simple and comforting dish that’s perfect for a busy evening. You can whip it up in about 20 minutes. It combines ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes for a tasty dinner.

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Once it’s cooked, add in some frozen mixed vegetables and your favorite gravy. Stir it all together until heated through.

Spread the beef and veggie mix in a baking dish. Top it with creamy mashed potatoes. You can either make your own or use store-bought for ease. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup gravy
• 2 cups mashed potatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
2. Add frozen mixed vegetables and gravy.
3. Stir until heated through.
4. Spread in a baking dish.
5. Top with mashed potatoes.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

9) Chicken Goujons

Chicken goujons are a fantastic easy dinner option. They are crispy, tender strips of chicken that are perfect for a quick meal.

You can make them simply by coating chicken breast pieces in breadcrumbs or panko. Bake or fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Serve your goujons with dipping sauces like ketchup or ranch. They are great with a side salad or wrapped in a tortilla.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for frying, if desired

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into strips.
3. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
5. If baking, place on a baking sheet and spray with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
6. If frying, heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown on both sides. Enjoy!

10) Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and potato soup is a comforting choice for dinner. It’s creamy, warm, and perfect for any day. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this hearty dish.

Start by cooking leeks and potatoes in butter until they are soft. Then, add broth and let it simmer. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth. This creates a creamy texture that everyone will love.

This soup pairs well with fresh bread or a side salad. You can also top it with chives or croutons for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chives, croutons

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the leeks and potatoes. Cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

5. Blend the soup until smooth.

6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.