Recipes
65 Easy Weeknight Dinners To Save You Time
Weeknights are busy enough without having to spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner. These easy weeknight dinners will help you save time while still giving you a delicious meal to look forward to at the end of the day.
Spend more time relaxing with your family and less time in front of a hot stove with these 65 quick family dinners for every protein preference.
1. Glazed salmon
Category: Pescatarian
Need dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes? Fire up the grill and make this quick but tasty salmon recipe. The apricot chile glaze definitely makes it stand out from other salmon dishes.
2. Veggie fried rice
Category: Vegetarian
Fried rice is a great way to use up any veggies you have in the fridge. Better yet, all you need is one pan and 25 minutes.
3. Feta pasta with shrimp
Category: Pescatarian
If you enjoyed the viral TikTok feta pasta, you’ll probably like this feta pasta dish, too! Shrimp, basil and roasted tomatoes pair with the feta to make a delicious dinner.
4. Turkey stuffed peppers
Category: Meat
This stuffed pepper recipe is unique due to its swap for turkey instead of beef. Not to mention, it’s (literally) stuffed with veggies like zucchini, spinach, bell peppers and mushrooms.
5. One-pan Tuscan chicken
Category: Meat
Quick, low-carb and delicious are all words that describe this Tuscan chicken recipe. Cleanup is easy since it only needs one pan, and you can add pasta on the side if desired.
6. Fish tacos
Category: Pescatarian
This fish taco recipe is great because you can adjust it based on the ingredients you have on hand. For instance, you can use any white fish like cod, haddock, halibut or tilapia.
7. Enchiladas with turkey
Category: Meat
Made with turkey instead of ground beef, this enchiladas recipe is as healthy as it is easy. It only takes 25 minutes to prep this dinner, and you can adjust the spice level as needed.
8. Sesame chicken
Category: Meat
If you like to meal prep, check out this sesame chicken recipe. It only takes 25 minutes to whip up, and you can make a big batch so you can get multiple quick family meals out of it.
9. Ground beef stuffed zucchini
Category: Meat
As a healthy alternative to stuffed shells or lasagna, these stuffed zucchinis are so tasty! To get in more veggies, add back some of the scooped zucchini core to the filling.
10. Chicken Parm
Category: Meat
Who doesn’t love chicken Parmesan — especially when it only takes 15 minutes to prepare? Serve by itself, on top of pasta or as a sandwich.
11. Breakfast for dinner bacon casserole
Category: Meat
Serving breakfast for dinner is a fun way to mix up your weeknight dinner recipes. Prep this bacon breakfast casserole the night before and pop it in the oven 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat.
12. Slow-cooker turkey pasta
Category: Meat
Slow-cooker meals are easy family dinners for busy nights. Simply throw together all the ingredients for this turkey pasta in the morning and let it simmer until dinnertime. Future you will thank you.
13. Air fryer tofu
Category: Vegan
Looking for a healthy swap for chicken nuggets? Try making these air fryer tofu bites! These crispy tofu bites pair great with a delicious cabbage carrot coleslaw for a well-balanced meal.
14. Caprese pasta
Category: Vegetarian
If you wish you could just eat caprese salad but want something a bit heartier for dinner, this pasta recipe is for you. It has all your favorite caprese elements — it’s just more filling!
15. Vegetarian meatball subs
Category: Vegetarian
Believe it or not, you can make delicious meatballs out of eggplant and mushrooms. Eat them on a sub like in this recipe or serve over a grain bowl. It’s also a great freezer meal.
16. Baked beef and spaghetti squash
Category: Meat
This baked spaghetti squash recipe is a fun twist on baked spaghetti with the addition of extra vegetables while still getting in some protein. Plus, it only takes 25 minutes to prepare.
17. Ratatouille
Category: Vegetarian
Another spin on a classic comfort meal is this ratatouille with polenta and beans. Serve on its own or on top of grilled bread.
18. Quick lo mein
Category: Meat or vegetarian
This recipe takes less time to make than it does to wait for takeout! Make this quick lo mein in only 20 minutes.
19. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese
Category: Meat
Buffalo mac and cheese is an easy family meal. It’s protein-filled, cheesy and ready in 20 minutes — everyone wins with this recipe.
20. Ultimate nachos
Category: Meat
Nachos are such an easy meal it almost feels like cheating. These loaded nachos are especially delicious with a beefy cheese sauce.
21. Mashed potatoes and beef stew
Category: Meat
For a warm comfort meal ready in 25 minutes, try this beef stew recipe. Served on top of garlic mashed potatoes, this dinner is sure to fill you up.
22. Shortcut chicken shawarma
Category: Meat
Skip the long prep time of marinating and roasting with this shortcut chicken shawarma. Don’t worry — you won’t be sacrificing any of the wonderful flavor of the dish with this 25-minute recipe.
23. Pork chops with honey garlic sauce
Category: Meat
The honey garlic sauce is the star of this pork chop recipe. The sauce only needs four ingredients, and it only takes 15 minutes to make everything.
24. Pressure-cooker ribs
Category: Meat
Don’t feel like cooking? Let the pressure cooker do it for you! This recipe for tender barbecue ribs only takes 25 minutes in the pressure cooker.
25. Tostadas
Category: Meat or vegetarian
Homemade Mexican food doesn’t have to take long! These tostadas are ready in 25 minutes and can be made with any type of meat or beans for a vegetarian option.
26. Bean and veggie ramen
Category: Vegetarian
There’s nothing easier than ramen for dinner, and this recipe just elevates the meal. With cannellini beans and plenty of veggies, this version of ramen is more nutritious and filling while still being quick to make.
27. Classic beef tater tot casserole
Category: Meat
You only need four ingredients to make this classic tater tot casserole. It’s perfect for when you need an easy family dinner.
28. Grilled cheese with chiles
Category: Vegetarian
Grilled cheese is a great easy dinner, but if you’re getting bored, try this recipe. This version adds poblano peppers, beans and salsa to mix it up. These sandwiches go great with pineapple and coleslaw on the side.
29. Meatballs with gravy
Category: Meat
This warm and filling meal of meatballs with gravy is a quick weeknight recipe since it uses premade meatballs. All you need to make is the gravy! The meatballs can be served by themselves or over egg noodles, mashed potatoes or rice.
30. Oven fried chicken
Category: Meat
Fried chicken is a lot of work, especially for a weeknight. This oven fried chicken is a great option because it tastes just as good, but takes half the time and effort.
31. 30-minute minestrone
Category: Vegetarian
For a hearty meal, try this 30-minute minestrone soup. It’s packed with mushrooms, beans and tomatoes, and topped with feta cheese.
32. Zucchini shrimp pasta
Category: Pescatarian
This healthy pasta recipe has shrimp, zucchini and basil. It’s fresh and ready in 35 minutes.
33. Sausage foil packets
Category: Meat
Foil packet meals are super convenient for quick weeknight dinners since they’re simple and require minimal cleanup. This sausage foil packet recipe includes potatoes and green beans for a full meal.
34. Pressure-cooker short ribs
Category: Meat
If you want short ribs that will fall off the bone with minimal effort, check out these pressure-cooker short ribs. This recipe makes mashed potatoes in the same pot to make your life even easier.
35. Chicken citrus rice bowl
Category: Meat
This chicken citrus rice bowl has a simple but tasty marinade for the grilled chicken. The same marinade is used as a dressing later on, which makes the recipe even more simple.
36. 20-minute taquitos
Category: Meat
Have some leftover meat? Roll it up into these quick taquitos for an easy weeknight meal. Repurposing leftovers is a game changer!
37. Easy BLT
Category: Meat
Who doesn’t love a BLT from time to time? Add this meal to your rotation of easy dinners and enjoy this classic sandwich in only 15 minutes.
38. Prosciutto carbonara
Category: Meat
This carbonara recipe is a great way to make the dish a little more fancy without adding any more effort. It uses bacon and prosciutto as well as fresh parsley for a more refined meal.
39. Monte Cristo sandwich
Category: Meat
A Monte Cristo sandwich is great for when you’re wanting something savory and sweet. Have it with a side of berry jam and enjoy!
40. Peanut sauce noodles
Category: Vegetarian
When you don’t want to spend more than 10 minutes cooking, make these peanut sauce noodles. You can even use ramen noodles without the seasoning packet if you have them on hand.
41. Italian salad
Category: Vegetarian
A chopped salad is great for when you want a fresh dinner. This Italian salad has ingredients like red onion, chickpeas and pepperoncini with a delicious red wine vinaigrette.
42. Gnocchi veggie and shrimp skillet
Category: Pescatarian
This gnocchi skillet is a great dish to add to your list of weeknight recipes because it only uses one pan and is ready in 30 minutes. Pair it with a simple arugula salad as a side.
43. Korean beef bowl
Category: Meat
For a flavorful and filling dinner, make this Korean beef bowl in only 25 minutes! Serve over rice or spiralized veggies.
44. Pepperoni pizza quesadillas
Category: Meat
Why choose between pizza or quesadillas when you can have both? Dip these pizza quesadillas in marinara and customize the filling to your liking.
45. Taco soup with ground beef
Category: Meat
This taco soup is a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef. It’s full of veggies and the spice level can be adjusted to your preference.
46. Muffin pan mini meatloaves
Category: Meat
Mini meatloaves cook faster, stay more moist and are easier to make than regular meatloaf. Plus, they freeze well for future easy weeknight meals.
47. Bacon corn chowder
Category: Meat
This rich bacon corn chowder is the perfect way to use up leftover corn or even fresh corn on the cob. No matter what you have on hand, this recipe is bound to be fantastic.
48. Mushroom Swiss burgers
Category: Meat
Mix up burger night with these mushroom Swiss burgers! You can make them on the grill or pan fry them — whichever is easiest for you.
49. French dip
Category: Meat
This French dip recipe will satisfy your craving for a French dip without all the hassle. You’ll have hot sandwiches ready in only 15 minutes.
50. Bacon tortellini soup
Category: Meat
Soup doesn’t have to take a long time, especially when you use premade tortellini. This bacon tortellini soup is cheesy, filling and only takes 25 minutes.
51. Jerk chicken tacos
Category: Meat
Add a little spice to your Taco Tuesday with these jerk chicken tacos. Use frozen chicken strips to speed up the recipe.
52. Vegan chili
Category: Vegan
This vegan chili is packed with veggies like butternut squash, bell peppers and carrots. There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili for dinner!
53. Lemon-baked cod
Category: Pescatarian
Need a healthy meal in 15 minutes? This lemon cod is fresh and light with sides of asparagus and breadsticks.
54. Glazed peach chicken
Category: Meat
Not only do the peaches in this glazed chicken recipe make a delicious sauce for the chicken, but you also grill the peaches for a side. It makes for a unique but simple dinner idea for families.
55. Mushroom soup with farro
Category: Vegan
Caramelized vegetables and toasted farro come together to make this incredible mushroom soup. It’s a robust and quick vegan dinner!
56. Shrimp skillet
Category: Pescatarian
This shrimp skillet has corn, bell peppers and canned tomatoes. Throw it together in 25 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
57. Grilled chicken flatbread
Category: Meat
Premade pizza dough and marinara help speed up this recipe. These grilled chicken flatbreads are a fun upgrade to your typical weeknight pizza.
58. Creamy bacon potato soup
Category: Meat
This recipe is like a loaded baked potato in soup form. Cozy up with a bowl of this creamy bacon potato soup on a chilly night.
59. Crispy artichoke chicken
Category: Meat
You wouldn’t think a meal this good could be so easy. This crispy artichoke chicken recipe has a lemon artichoke dressing and a side of asparagus.
60. Corned beef dinner
Category: Meat
Corned beef is a fantastic but often time-consuming meal. However, this recipe only takes 15 minutes of active preparation before it simmers to perfection in the oven.
61. Salmon skewers with melon salsa
Category: Pescatarian
Looking for a new way to prepare salmon? These salmon skewers take hardly any time at all and are uniquely paired with a melon salsa.
62. Creamy cauliflower soup
Category: Vegan
If you’re wondering how a vegan soup can be creamy, the answer is cashews! It takes less time than you may think to soften and blend cashews to make this cauliflower and bean soup.
63. Pesto pasta with asparagus
Category: Vegetarian
Pesto is a great ingredient when you’re making a quick dinner since it adds a punch of flavor easily. This pesto pasta with asparagus tastes gourmet in only 25 minutes.
64. Greek salad
Category: Vegetarian
Craving Greek food without the carbs or meat? This Greek salad is light and refreshing, with all your favorite Mediterranean flavors and healthy ingredients.
65. Creamy pepper filet mignon
Category: Meat
Who says you can’t have an indulgent meal on a weeknight? This creamy pepper filet mignon recipe makes for a delicious, easy dinner any night of the week.
65 Easy Weeknight Dinners To Save You Time
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyIngredients
Directions
- Follow one of the recipes above.
- Enjoy an easy weeknight dinner!
For more easy weeknight dinners, take a look at these slow-cooker chicken recipes. If you need to save more time, get all the ingredients you need delivered straight to your door with Instacart.
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