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.

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.