10+ Main Course Recipes to Delight Your Dinner Guests

Main course recipes are the heart of any meal. They often bring people together and are a chance to showcase your cooking skills. You can explore a variety of flavors and ingredients to create satisfying dishes that cater to everyone’s preferences.

From hearty meats to vibrant vegetarian options, there is something for everyone. This article will guide you through different types of main courses, making it easy for you to find the perfect dish for your next gathering or family dinner.

1) Maple Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin

Maple brown sugar pork tenderloin is a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare. The combination of sweet maple and brown sugar creates a rich flavor that makes this meal a favorite for any night of the week.

To start, you’ll need a pork tenderloin that is juicy and tender. You can cook it in the oven or a slow cooker, depending on your preference. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the maple syrup and brown sugar together.
3. Rub the pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
4. Brush the maple mixture over the pork.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

2) Easy Sheet Pan Greek Chicken

Easy Sheet Pan Greek Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy nights. You can make it all in one pan, saving time on cleanup.

Start with some chicken thighs. They are juicy and cook well with vegetables. Add bell peppers, potatoes, and green beans for a colorful meal.

Season everything with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek spices for an aromatic taste. Roast it all together for about 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Your meal is ready when the chicken is golden and the veggies are tender. It’s a delicious way to enjoy Greek flavors at home!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup green beans
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss everything together to coat well.
6. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

3) Crunch Wrap Supremes

Crunch Wrap Supremes are a fun and tasty meal option. They are easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy your favorite fast food flavor without leaving your house.

You can fill your Crunch Wrap with seasoned beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and a crispy tostada. This combo creates a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Another variation can include beans and nacho cheese for extra flavor. You can customize the ingredients to match your taste!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tostadas
• Cooking oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet and add taco seasoning.
2. Warm the flour tortillas slightly for easy folding.
3. Spread nacho cheese sauce in the center of each tortilla.
4. Layer beef, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and a tostada on top.
5. Fold the tortilla edges in toward the center to create a wrap.
6. Heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat (about 325°F/163°C).
7. Place the wrapped Crunch Wrap seam-side down in the pan.
8. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Enjoy!

4) Baked Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Sauce

Baked pork tenderloin is a delicious and simple dish. The Dijon sauce adds a rich flavor that complements the meat perfectly.

Start by seasoning the pork tenderloin with herbs and spices. Once seasoned, place it in a baking dish and bake until it’s tender and juicy.

While it cooks, prepare the creamy Dijon sauce. This easy sauce brings together the flavors of Dijon mustard and cream for a tasty finish.

Serve the pork sliced, drizzled with the Dijon sauce, and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and place it in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. While the pork cooks, mix Dijon mustard and heavy cream in a small saucepan.
6. Heat over low heat until warm.
7. Slice the pork, drizzle with sauce, and serve.

5) Chili with Green Salad

Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with a fresh green salad. The spicy flavors of the chili balance nicely with the crispness of the salad. You’ll enjoy the contrast between the warm and cold elements on your plate.

For your green salad, consider using ingredients like lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. A zesty lime vinaigrette can add a refreshing touch. This combination makes a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 head of lettuce
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 lime (for vinaigrette)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
2. Add diced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Serve alongside your favorite chili. Enjoy your meal!

6) Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw

Pulled pork sandwiches are a tasty option for any meal. They are easy to make and perfect for gatherings. The combination of tender, flavorful pork and crunchy coleslaw is a winner.

To get started, you can use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Both methods will give you juicy pulled pork. Adding BBQ sauce enhances the flavor even more.

The coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch. It pairs perfectly with the rich pork. You can make the coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
2. Place the pork in the slow cooker and add BBQ sauce.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender.
4. For coleslaw, mix cabbages, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Serve pulled pork on a bun topped with coleslaw.

7) Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe

Beef stew is a comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to make in a crockpot. You can prepare it with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth.

For this recipe, you will use beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, and peas, mixed with a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a chilly day and allows you to enjoy a warm meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 4 medium potatoes, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup of peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the beef chunks in the crockpot.
2. Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, peas, and onion.
3. Pour the beef broth and red wine over the veggies and beef.
4. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours (around 93°C) or high for 4 hours (around 149°C).

8) One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice is an easy and delicious dish. It combines chicken, rice, and bold flavors in one pot. This makes for a simple clean-up after dinner.

You can add ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and chorizo for more flavor. The dish cooks in about 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.

This meal is colorful and sure to please the whole family. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken thighs
• 1 cup (200 g) uncooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 links chorizo, sliced
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large pan.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper; sauté until soft.
5. Add chorizo and cook for a few minutes.
6. Stir in rice, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Place chicken back in the pan and cover.
8. Simmer for about 20 minutes, until rice is cooked.
9. Fluff the rice before serving.

9) Easy Tortilla Egg Bake

This Easy Tortilla Egg Bake is a great choice for breakfast or brunch. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. You can use your favorite ingredients like vegetables and cheese.

Start by whisking eggs in a bowl. Add cottage cheese for creaminess and season with salt and pepper. Layer your tortillas in a baking dish and pour the egg mixture on top.

Top it off with your choice of vegetables and cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Your dish will be fluffy and golden when it’s ready!

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 4 small tortillas
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (like bell peppers or spinach)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk the eggs and cottage cheese in a bowl.
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
4. Layer tortillas in a baking dish.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the tortillas.
6. Add vegetables and top with cheese.
7. Bake for 15 minutes until golden and set.

10) Lasagna with Caesar Salad

Lasagna with Caesar salad is a classic and delicious meal. The layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce make it hearty, while the crisp salad adds a refreshing crunch.

To make lasagna, you will need noodles, meat or vegetables, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Bake the lasagna at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

Serve it alongside a Caesar salad made with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan. This pairing balances the richness of the lasagna with the lightness of the salad.

Ingredients for Lasagna

• Lasagna noodles
• Ground meat or vegetables
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Marinara sauce

Ingredients for Caesar Salad

• Romaine lettuce
• Caesar dressing
• Croutons
• Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If using meat, brown it in a skillet.
3. Then, layer the noodles, cheese, and sauce in a baking dish.
4. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly.
5. Finally, toss romaine with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan for the salad.