24 Simple Dinner Ideas

24 Easy Weeknight Dinner round up image

Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned pro, these quick, simple dinner ideas will inspire you.

So get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these hassle-free and tasty weeknight dinners. Let's make dinnertime a breeze!


Slow Cooker

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

chicken tacos with toppings on a platter with pico de gallo. Slow cooker in the back ground
Easy and simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos take no time to throw together and always come out delicious!

2. Italian Beef Sandwich

Italian beefs on a plate with slow cooker in the background
These Italian Beefs include melty cheese, piles of shredded beef, bell peppers, tangy pepperoncini, and a broth that you’ll want to drench your sandwich in!

3. Easy Beef Enchiladas (These are loaded with meat!)

Shredded Beef Enchiladas in air
I love how easy these are to make. You cook a chuck roast with beef broth and a few spices in the slow cooker. Then, add the shredded beef to a tortilla with some cheese. Top everything off with your favorite enchilada sauce and more cheese for simple and delicious beef enchiladas!

4. Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu in a white bowl with a fork
This Easy Beef Ragu only takes 15 minutes to prep, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The beef cooks in a slow cooker with sauce, then served over pasta and topped with parmesan cheese.
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Sandwiches & Wraps

5. Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub

Meatball sub on sheet pan.
These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food scaled down to a balanced proportion sized.
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6. Buffalo Chicken Salad Wrap

Buffalo Chicken Salad Wrap in meal prep container
Spice up lunch with this easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Wrap. They're filled with shredded chicken, celery, green onion, buffalo ranch sauce, and cheese!
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7. Sausage and Peppers Sandwich with Cheese

Sausage and Peppers Sandwich covered in mozzarella on a sheet pan
These are perfect for lazy nights. Cook your peppers and sausage on a sheet pan, add them to a bun, top with cheese, then toast in the oven. Easy and delicious.
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8. BBQ Brisket Sandwich

This BBQ Brisket Sandwich is an easy recipe perfect for a busy weeknight. You cook the BBQ Brisket in the slow cooker, then make it into a sandwich your family will love. I give you cooking tips and suggestions for toppings and sides.
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9. Bacon & Brie Grilled Cheese

brie grilled cheese stacked on each other
This sourdough brie grilled cheese with bacon is the best thing to make for dinner. It has creamy brie, sharp cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and perfectly toasted sourdough bread.
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Cozy Comfort Food

10. Carnitas Enchiladas

Shredded Pork Enchiladas in a baking dish with cheese on top.
Don't let the name fool you. These Carnitas Enchiladas are pretty easy to make. The trick is cooking the pork in a slow cooker. It's easy, and the meat comes out moist and flavorful. 
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11. Stovetop Beef Stew Without Wine

Beef Stew in a bowl on a table with bread
This classic Stovetop Beef Stew is made without wine and features tender chunks of beef and plenty of soft carrots and potatoes.
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12. Walking Taco Bake

finished taco bake
This is a must-try if you're looking for a 35-minute one-pot pan meal. Walking Taco Bake has it all: hearty chili, melted cheese, crunchy corn chips, and all your favorite taco toppings.
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13. Chicken Quesadillas

chicken quesadilla being pulled apart
These are the best homemade chicken quesadillas! They have sautéed onions, bell peppers, shredded chicken, Oaxaca Mexican cheese, and a special chicken quesadilla spice blend.
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14. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

BBQ Chicken Thighs on a plate with salad in the background.
These Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are bursting with flavor and only takes 30 minutes to make. This is an easy and healthy weeknight dinner you have to try!
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Pasta

15. 35 Minute Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Rigatoni Arrabbiata in a bowl
Skip the jarred sauce, make this simple rigatoni arrabbiata recipe instead. This homemade spicy tomato sauce will make you feel like an Italian chef.
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16. One Pot Pizza Pasta

Pasta with a red sauce and mushrooms, onions and green peppers.
This One Pot Pizza Pasta only takes 30 minutes, so it's is perfect for a busy weeknight. It's also super customizable, so everyone in the family can fall in love with this easy dinner.
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17. Slumgullion (American Goulash)

Easy Ground Beef Goulash in a pan
Slumgullion, or American Goulash, is an easy and cheap meal you can cook all in one pot. It has ground beef, pasta, cheese, and thick tomato sauce.
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18. Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella

Meatless-Baked-Ziti
This Meatless Baked Ziti only takes 10 minutes to prep. It has three kinds of cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and pecorino romano. This is about as simple as you can get.
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19. Easy Broccoli and Chicken Lasagna

chicken lasagna horizontal
Easy Broccoli and Chicken Lasagna is the perfect meal for a cozy night. It only has 7 ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to put together.
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Tacos & Burritos

20. Ground Beef Baked Tacos

Crispy Beef Tacos on a Sheet Pan
These crispy ground beef tacos are an easy win. They only take 35 minutes to make, and everyone will love dipping these taco-quesadilla hybrids into salsa!
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21. Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito spilt in half
Inspired by Taco Bell, this copycat Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is easy to make, cheap, and so much better than the original.
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22. Baked Chimichanga

Baked Chimichangas covered in avocado
These are made with shredded chicken, refried beans, cheese, salsa, and spices. Top it with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or pico de gallo. These crispy baked chicken chimichangas only take 10 minutes to get in the oven.
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23. Brisket Tacos

beef brisket tacos with onions, cilantro and cheese next to a lime and slow cooker
These slow cooker beef brisket tacos are super simple and easy to make. You just need a brisket, bbq sauce, a few spices and tortillas.
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24. Crispy Chicken Tacos

Crispy Chicken Tacos on a Pan
These are super easy to make. Use rotisserie chicken or make your own. These crispy tacos only take 30 minutes to make and are great with salsa or guacamole!

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