23 Fast, Flavorful & Family-Approved Weeknight Dinners
When the schedules are packed and the family is getting hungry, you need some quick and easy weeknight meals that the family loves in your back pocket. They need to be simple to make, made with easy ingredients, balanced and nutritious, and packed with flavor. Everyone will want seconds of these meals!
Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla
If you like buffalo chicken this recipe is for you! This buffalo chicken quesadilla is incredibly easy to make, and it has so much flavor with layers of buffalo chicken, sautéed veggies, and plenty of cheese. Serve with plenty of fresh toppings for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas.
Cheesy Boursin Pasta
This is the best cheesy pasta and it’s made with just a few ingredients. Creamy Boursin cheese is the base of this simple sauce and has the smoothest creamy texture. Simply cook the pasta, and whip up the sauce with some sliced garlic, Boursin, and pasta water. Serve with a simple green salad and breadsticks for an utterly delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Pasta.
Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
This 20-minute stir fry makes a great weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory chunks of chicken taste just as good as the dish from your local Chinese restaurant. Serve it over rice or with stir-fried veggies for a take-out fake-out dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry.
Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet
Taco night has never been so tasty! This dish is as easy as can be and is loaded with cheesy ground turkey, black beans, corn, and plenty of taco toppings to make a one-dish meal that can fill up a hungry family. You can have this quick meal on the table in just about 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet.
Crockpot Pesto Chicken
You’ll need just two ingredients for this flavorful and juicy chicken. It uses budget-friendly chicken thighs to stretch your grocery budget and keep your chicken juicy. Pile this saucy chicken on bread for sandwiches and add a bit of fresh mozzarella and fresh tomatoes for a Caprese-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Pesto Chicken.
Bean and Cheese Burritos
Bean and cheese burritos are always a good idea for weeknight dinners. These are so easy to wrap up for a meatless meal that is filling, budget-friendly, and best of all, delicious. Put out some fresh toppings or add them inside so your family can dress a simple bean burrito up if desired.
Get the Recipe: Bean and Cheese Burrito.
Shrimp Teriyaki
Get some sweet, sticky, and savory shrimp teriyaki on the table in less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Pair with rice and some steamed veggies for a complete meal that tastes better than takeout, and is ready in less time than it would take to order and pick up from your local restaurant. Your family will love this easy meal on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Teriyaki.
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
This buffalo chicken cheesesteak recipe is easy to make, delicious, and packed with flavor. It has a mouthwatering combination of tender sliced chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey cheese, and spicy buffalo sauce. Top with melty white American cheese for a dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak.
Dinner-Worthy Snack Board
Who says you can’t have a mini charcuterie board for dinner? This snack board has such a delicious assortment of deli meats, cheese, fresh fruit, and veggies. It has all of the variety we look for in a meal, with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Worthy Snack Board.
Chicken Fajita Quesadilla
Made from simple ingredients, this quesadilla fajita is incredibly flavorful and has everything you need in a meal: protein, produce, carbs, and flavor. It’s a great weeknight meal option too since you can have it on the table in 30 minutes. Serve with fresh toppings or black beans on the side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Quesadilla.
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
These delicious turkey and cheese sliders are loaded with layers of deli turkey, caramelized mushrooms and onions, and melty cheese – all on sweet Hawaiian rolls! They are perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game-day spreads. Easy to assemble and bake, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Cheese Sliders.
Turkey Tacos
Ground turkey is seasoned with a mix of spices and simmered with salsa to add another layer of flavor for juicy and delicious taco meat every time. Stuff into tortillas and add your favorite fresh toppings. This turkey taco recipe is quick and easy to make, made with simple ingredients, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tacos.
Panko-Crusted Salmon
Tender and flaky salmon is topped with a mustard mixture to impart flavor and keep it from drying out, and then is topped with panko breadcrumbs that add a golden brown layer of crunch. It’s a family favorite. Not only is this oven-baked salmon recipe easy, but it’s also made with simple ingredients (just like crispy baked cod), ready in 20 minutes, and super delicious!
Get the Recipe: Panko Salmon.
Ground Pork Stir Fry
Stir fry dinners always makes a great busy night meal option. This recipe starts with ground pork and adds mushrooms, spinach and the yummiest peanut butter sauce for a filling meal that is flavorful and comes together fast for a great family-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry.
Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Meet my kid’s favorite quesadilla – it’s beefy and cheesy and there’s a lot to love. Ground beef cooks up quickly with a homemade blend of taco spices and is stuffed between tortillas with plenty of cheese. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and jalapenos.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas.
Naan Pizzas
These easy mini naan pizzas are perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking as they take just a few minutes to prep. Put out toppings and let everyone make their own.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizzas.
Easy Salmon Caesar Salad
This simple Caesar salmon salad is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can have it on the dinner table in just about 30 minutes, and the whole family is sure to enjoy it! Pair with freshly baked bread or a bowl of soup for a filling and tasty meal that is ready in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad.
Ground Turkey Stir-Fry
Looking for a quick and healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This easy ground turkey stir-fry recipe is it! This easy dinner comes together in less than 30 minutes and is packed with protein, loaded with broccoli, and gets major flavor from a sweet and savory stir-fry sauce that’s made with pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stir Fry.
Easy Udon Noodles
Save your time and money on a busy weeknight. These easy udon noodles taste even better than takeout! Made with snow peas, broccoli, and peppers, this pan-fried noodle dish is loaded with veggies and flavor. Naturally vegetarian, you could add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.
Get the Recipe: Easy Udon Noodles.
Turkey Pesto Panini
This recipe is inspired by a Starbucks panini, but we’ve added a lot more fillings for even more flavor. It comes together quickly thanks to deli turkey and has tons of flavor, thanks to the pesto and cheese. Serve with fries, chips or fresh fruit.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pesto Panini.
Baked Furikake Salmon
This baked furikake salmon is perfect for dinner at home. It may sound a bit fancy, but it is ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish. You will love the crunchy panko furikake coating over flaky, perfectly cooked salmon. Serve with rice and a veggie and dinner is served!
Get the Recipe: Baked Furikake Salmon.
Steak Quesadillas
These homemade steak quesadillas combine layers of tender seasoned steak, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas. They are delicious, nutritious, and full of flavor – perfect for game day or a quick and satisfying dinner. After a quick sear, the steak rests and is then thinly sliced before being layered into the cheese and tortilla layers.
Get the Recipe: Steak Quesadillas.
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
If my kids had to pick an all-time favorite meal, this is it. Our homemade spaghetti with meat sauce features a slow-simmered, rich tomato meat sauce made with perfectly browned ground beef, Italian sausage, a balanced tomato sauce, and traditional Italian seasonings. Serve with al dente spaghetti, a salad, and garlic bread.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
