52 Quick & Simple Dinners for Any Night of the Week

After a long day, the last thing you want to do is tackle a complicated dinner recipe. These quick and simple dinner ideas will help you get a satisfying dinner on the table without a ton of work.

Dumpling Soup

Save your money and skip the takeout because you can make this delicious and easy dumpling soup at home in just 15 minutes. Frozen dumplings cook in a garlic and ginger broth and spinach wilts in the last few minutes of cooking for a light, but satisfying soup. Top with chili crisp oil and sesame oil for more flavor.

Get the Recipe: Dumpling Soup.

White Bean Chili

 This nutritious chili is loaded with flavor (lime, cilantro, spices!), a great source of protein and fiber (beans, corn!), and it’s made with simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry (broth, onion, garlic). Serve the vegetarian white chili with a ton of toppings and you’ve got a delicious, nutritious, and cozy meal. Naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Get the Recipe: Vegetarian White Bean Chili.

Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies

If there is an easier dinner than a sheet pan meal, I haven’t seen it yet. Here we’re cooking sausage, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower all on the same pan for a meal that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s the perfect meal for busy evenings or a nutritious lunch that’s easy to meal prep.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies.

Shrimp Fajitas

Not only is this meal nutritious and delicious, but it’s also totally easy to make, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. Shrimp is seasoned with a homemade fajita seasoning blend and cooks with bell peppers, onions, and garlic for maximum flavor. Put out a bunch of fresh toppings like lettuce, pico de Gallo, and sour cream, and let everyone build their own fajita.

Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Fajitas.

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

This Italian dish seems a little complicated, but it’s really quite simple. Use high-quality butter, cheese, and pasta for this dish, as it’s about all that’s in it! It’s easy enough for a quick dinner but nice enough to turn it into a date night meal, too.

Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe.

Ground Beef Ramen Noodles

This homemade dinner rivals takeout from your local restaurant. Made with bell peppers, carrots, and ground beef, this easy dish delivers great flavors in a budget-friendly package that manages to pack in flavor, veggies, and protein!

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Ramen Noodles.

Penne Pomodoro

If you have 25 minutes, you can make this incredibly easy and tasty homemade pomodoro sauce. This quick and easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and it has so much flavor that it’s hard to believe that it’s ready in just 30 minutes. This sauce uses high-quality ingredients and lets the classic Italian flavors shine in the best way possible.

Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

This one is a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite! Orecchiette pasta is tossed with tender broccoli and hearty chunks of sausage to make a meal that looks as good as it tastes. You might even have everything you need to make this orecchiette pasta dish in your kitchen already, it’s made with just five simple ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli.

Shrimp Quesadillas

You can make these tasty quesadillas in just 20 minutes! Shrimp cooks in mere minutes, which makes it a great weeknight protein option. The toasted tortillas have layers of melty cheese and succulent spiced shrimp. This easy dinner delivers great flavors in each bite.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Quesadillas.

Big Mac Salad

Skip the drive-thru and get the flavor you crave, at home. This recipe has Big Mac-inspired flavor in each bite, but with a lighter and fresher flavor. Serve with fries for a delicious and nutritious main course dinner salad.

Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad.

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.

Moo Shu Shrimp

This moo shu shrimp recipe has everything you’re looking for in a weeknight meal. It’s nutritious, it’s fast (just 20 minutes), and it’s totally delicious. With classic moo shu flavors, this easy stir-fry is quick and easy to make at home. Serve over rice or with a warmed tortilla as a nod to moo shu wraps.

Get the Recipe: Moo Shu Shrimp.

Shredded Chicken Nachos

Sheet pan nachos are the ultimate easy dinner! Spread out a layer of chips on a sheet pan and top with shredded chicken, refried beans, and shredded cheese. After they come out of the oven, add fresh toppings like chopped lettuce, salsa, sour cream and jalapeno peppers or let everyone add their own fresh toppings.

Get the Recipe: Shredded Chicken Nachos.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy, a little spicy and definitely robust-tasting, Cajun shrimp pasta makes a wonderful midweek dinner, perhaps paired with a side salad.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Pierogies

This sheet pan kielbasa and pierogies meal is quick, easy, and flavor-packed. Everything roasts together on a single pan – smoky kielbasa, crispy pierogies, and caramelized onions and peppers. Serve with sour cream and sauerkraut and dinner is ready.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Pierogies.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp

This juicy lemon pepper shrimp recipe is sure to become a weeknight dinner fave and there’s a lot to love. It’s full of butter-y, lemon-y, pepper-y flavor (YUM!); it’s ready in about 10 minutes; and it’s made with a handful of ingredients. The bright and delicious lemon flavors enhance the shrimp in this delicious recipe. We love it over rice, but it would also be great on pasta.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Shrimp.

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.

Sheet Pan Lasagna

With generous amounts of meat, cheese, and sauce, this sheet pan lasagna recipe is simply delicious! It’s easy to make and ideal for dinner.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lasagna.

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 Broccoli Stir Fry

Looking for a healthy yet satisfying meal? This shrimp broccoli stir fry is your answer! Crisp broccoli and succulent shrimp are tossed in a savory, light and flavorful sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in a flash!

Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry.

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.

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.

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.

Greek Shrimp Skillet

If you love Mediterranean flavors, this Greek shrimp skillet will be a game-changer! Juicy shrimp, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese combine in one pan for a fresh, flavorful, and straightforward dish. Serve it with crusty bread or over pasta for a meal that feels like a trip to the Greek islands!

Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet.

Southwest Turkey Taco Bowls

Make these turkey taco bowls for dinner on a night that you crave southwestern flavors. With ground turkey, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels served over rice, these bowls are as easy as they are filling and delicious!

Get the Recipe: Southwest Turkey Taco Bowls.

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

This slow cooker supper is so easy and so delicious! With only four simple ingredients and a few moments of time, you can prepare this comfort food dinner and have it ready when your family comes home. Serve this over noodles and with green beans or peas on the side for a simple, classic dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy.

Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza

Sink your teeth into a slice of this fantastic Caprese pizza, and you’ll love those fresh flavors. This recipe is so quick and easy to make, too!

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Caprese Pizza.

Healthy Orange Chicken

This orange chicken is a flavorful and takeout-inspired meal. Bright citrus flavor and a tangy sauce make this chicken dinner a meal that everyone will enjoy and ask to have again and again.  It’s ready in just 30 minutes, made with everyday ingredients, and contains all the components I look for in a healthy meal – protein, produce, carbs, and flavor!

Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken.

Turkey Stroganoff

This spin on stroganoff swaps the beef for ground turkey to make a lean and delicious dinner. This one-pan meal is ready in under half an hour and has the creamiest sauce. Serve over noodles or rice for a complete meal on a hectic weeknight.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Stroganoff.

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.

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.

Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

This recipe is all about tender, juicy marinated chicken complemented by creamy feta and a mix of vibrant, fresh veggies. You’ll love how the flavors meld together for a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s the perfect go-to for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Get the Recipe: Greek Sheet Pan Chicken.

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.

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

If you are craving takeout at home, try this slow-cooker recipe for chicken teriyaki! You’ll have a flavorful and easy dinner waiting for you – with minimal work. Chicken is coated in a jarred teriyaki sauce for a true dump-and-go recipe! Serve with rice and a veggie.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki.

Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls

Give your ground turkey a tasty teriyaki flavor with this easy recipe.  With carrots, onions, broccoli, and peas, this veggie-loaded dish is sure to satisfy your family with a balanced meal that is ready in under an hour. If you have leftovers, they make a fantastic lunch on the next day.

Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls.

Ground Turkey Broccoli and Rice Skillet

Make a simple skillet meal with ground turkey, broccoli, cheese, and rice for a budget-friendly family dinner that always hits the spot. This one-dish dinner is on the table in forty minutes. The panko parmesan crust over the top makes this meal incredibly tasty despite it being so simple to prepare with pantry staple ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Broccoli and Rice Skillet.

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.

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.

Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

Pasta, cheese, tomatoes, and ground turkey come together to make a great dinner your family will request on repeat. Made with simple ingredients and ready in less than 45 minutes, this easy dinner always hits the spot. Serve with a simple salad for some extra veggies on the side.

Get the Recipe:  Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta.

Southwest Salad

The classic southwest salad gets a modern makeover! Greens are topped with spiced chickpeas, tomatoes, grilled chicken, sharp cheddar, guacamole, and tortilla chips so that each bite is full of flavor. You can make a few of the components ahead for an even quicker meal.

Get the Recipe: Southwest Salad.

Crunchy Beef Tortilla Folded Wrap

You might recognize this folded wrap from social media since it took Tik Tok by storm. It’s a great way to wrap your ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and other toppings together for a tasty handheld meal! 

Get the Recipe: Crunchy Beef Tortilla Folded Wrap.

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.

General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

General Tso shrimp is an easy Chinese shrimp dish which you can rustle up in less than 30 minutes with flavors that are better than takeout!

Get the Recipe: Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry.

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.

Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

Serve up a hearty sandwich for dinner in the perfect size to accommodate the entire family. Saucy meatballs and cheese taste perfect when tucked between delicious Hawaiian sweet rolls. Serve with an easy salad, fruit, or raw veggies and dip on the side.

Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders.

Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Pop this chicken dish into the crockpot for a delicious dinner option later in the day. Tender shredded chicken breast meat cooks in salsa until it shreds for a dish that is fuss-free and so flavorful. Serve it on tacos, top nachos with salsa chicken, or serve it over a bowl of spicy rice for a delicious dinner option.

Get the Recipe:  Crockpot Salsa Chicken.

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.

Crispy Baked Quesadillas

These baked quesadillas are easy and cheesy with plenty of tender chicken tucked between crispy baked shells. It’s a great way to make quesadillas for a crowd as you no longer need to babysit the stove! The recipe calls for chicken, but you could swap it for cooked ground beef, black beans, or fajita veggies instead if desired.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Quesadillas.

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.

Old Bay Shrimp Boil

This easy Old Bay shrimp boil is a classic for a reason and it’s so much fun to eat. Boil up a big pot of seasoned water (with Old Bay of course, lemon, beer, and onion) and let the tender shrimp, baby potatoes, smoky sausage, and sweet corn all cook together for a meal that is great for a large group and full of delicious flavor. Serve with melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a cold beverage, and plenty of napkins.

Get the Recipe: Old Bay Shrimp Boil Recipe.

Is there anything more satisfying than ground beef enchiladas? Not much! A savory ground beef filling is wrapped in tortillas, smothered with enchilada sauce, and baked into bubbly, cheesy perfection. Add your favorite fresh toppings.

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Enchiladas.