Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you tired of slaving away in the kitchen after a long day, only to end up with a meal that’s more exhaustion than excitement? I feel you! As an exhausted parent myself, I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (which, might I add, is stained with last night’s dinner). That’s why I’m excited to share with you my top 30 dinner easy recipes that’ll save your sanity and satisfy your taste buds. These simple weeknight meals are perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick dinner solution that won’t break the bank or your back.
1. One-Pot Pasta
This recipe rocks because it’s a low effort meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- Pasta of your choice
- marinara sauce
- ground beef or veggies for added flavor
- shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your pasta, sauce, and protein of choice in one pot – yes, you read that right, ONE pot!
2. Add some fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor
3. Serve hot, topped with parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need a fast family food solution that’s both delicious and easy to make. The best part? It’s a beginner dinner recipe that’s hard to mess up, even for the most novice cooks.
2. Tacos
Who doesn’t love a good taco Tuesday (or any day, let’s be real)?
Ingredients
- Ground beef or ground turkey
- taco seasoning
- tortillas
- shredded cheese
- toppings bar: lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and more
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your ground meat with some onion and garlic for added flavor
2. Warm up your tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds
3. Assemble your tacos with your favorite toppings
Why You’ll Love It
Tacos are a quick dinner solution that’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love a good taco bar?
3. Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are a simple weeknight meal staple for a reason – they’re quick, easy, and packed with nutrients!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- your favorite veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
- stir-fry sauce (or make your own with soy sauce and honey)
- cooked rice or noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken and veggies in a wok or large skillet with some cooking oil
2. Add your stir-fry sauce and stir-fry until everything is coated and delicious
3. Serve over cooked rice or noodles
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for using up any leftover veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
4. Baked Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best – and this one’s a beginner dinner recipe winner!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- sweet potatoes
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Season your chicken and sweet potatoes with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs
3. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until everything is cooked through
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a fast family food solution that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies (sweet potatoes count, right?)
5. Quesadillas
Who doesn’t love a good quesadilla?
Ingredients
- Tortillas
- shredded cheese
- fillings: chicken, steak, veggies, etc.
- salsa and sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Fill your tortillas with shredded cheese and your favorite fillings
2. Cook in a skillet with some cooking oil until everything is melted and delicious
3. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping
Why You’ll Love It
Quesadillas are a quick dinner solution that’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love a good quesadilla party?
6. Breakfast for Dinner
Why not flip the script and have breakfast for dinner?
Ingredients
- scrambled eggs
- bacon or sausage
- pancakes or waffles
- fresh fruit for a light and refreshing side
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your bacon or sausage in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Scramble your eggs with some salt and pepper
3. Make your pancakes or waffles according to the package instructions
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their protein (eggs and bacon count, right?)
7. Slow Cooker Chili
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that do all the work for you – like this slow cooker chili!
Ingredients
- ground beef or ground turkey
- canned tomatoes
- kidney beans
- chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your ground meat with some onion and garlic for added flavor
2. Add your canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder to the slow cooker
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until everything is hot and delicious
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of fiber and protein.
8. Roasted Veggie Soup
Who says soup has to be boring?
Ingredients
- your favorite veggies (carrots, celery, broccoli, etc.)
- chicken broth
- coconut milk for creaminess
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast your veggies in the oven with some olive oil and salt until tender
2. Blend your veggies with some chicken broth and coconut milk until smooth
3. Serve hot, topped with some crusty bread for dipping
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for using up any leftover veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
9. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best – and this one’s a beginner dinner recipe winner!
Ingredients
- bread
- cheese
- tomato
- butter or non-stick cooking spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Butter or spray your bread with some non-stick cooking spray
2. Assemble your sandwich with cheese, tomato, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
3. Grill in a skillet until everything is melted and delicious
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a fast family food solution that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies (tomatoes count, right?)
10. Chicken Fajitas
Who doesn’t love a good fajita?
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- bell peppers
- onion
- tortillas
- salsa and sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken and bell peppers in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Add some fajita seasoning for extra flavor
3. Serve with tortillas, salsa, and sour cream for dipping
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a quick dinner solution that’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love a good fajita party?
11. Baked Salmon
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both healthy and delicious – like this baked salmon!
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Season your salmon with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice
3. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until everything is cooked through
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s and protein.
12. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Who doesn’t love a good casserole?
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- cooked rice
- canned soup
- shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken and cooked rice in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Add some canned soup and shredded cheese for extra flavor and creaminess
3. Bake in the oven until everything is hot and bubbly
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of carbs and protein.
13. Turkey Meatballs
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both fun and delicious – like these turkey meatballs!
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- breadcrumbs
- egg
- marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix your ground turkey with some breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning
2. Form into meatballs and bake in the oven until cooked through
3. Serve with marinara sauce and pasta for a fun and easy meal
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making meatballs?
14. Veggie and Bean Chili
Who doesn’t love a good chili?
Ingredients
- canned beans
- canned tomatoes
- veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
- chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your veggies in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Add your canned beans, canned tomatoes, and chili powder to the slow cooker
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until everything is hot and delicious
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of fiber and protein.
15. Chicken Quesadillas
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both easy and delicious – like these chicken quesadillas!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- tortillas
- shredded cheese
- salsa and sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Assemble your quesadillas with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
3. Cook in a skillet until everything is melted and delicious
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a quick dinner solution that’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making quesadillas?
16. Breakfast Burritos
Who doesn’t love a good breakfast burrito?
Ingredients
- Scrambled eggs
- sausage or bacon
- tortillas
- shredded cheese
- salsa and sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your sausage or bacon in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Scramble your eggs with some salt and pepper
3. Assemble your burritos with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their protein (eggs and sausage count, right?)
17. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both healthy and delicious – like this chicken and broccoli pasta!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- broccoli
- pasta
- marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken and broccoli in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions
3. Serve with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
18. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Who doesn’t love a good stir-fry?
Ingredients
- Beef (sirloin or ribeye)
- veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
- stir-fry sauce (or make your own with soy sauce and honey)
- cooked rice or noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your beef and veggies in a wok or large skillet with some cooking oil
2. Add your stir-fry sauce and stir-fry until everything is coated and delicious
3. Serve over cooked rice or noodles
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a quick dinner solution that’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making stir-fries?
19. Chicken Tacos
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both easy and delicious – like these chicken tacos!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- tortillas
- shredded cheese
- salsa and sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Assemble your tacos with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
3. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making tacos?
20. Veggie and Cheese Quesadillas
Who doesn’t love a good quesadilla?
Ingredients
- tortillas
- shredded cheese
- veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
- salsa and sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Assemble your quesadillas with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
2. Cook in a skillet until everything is melted and delicious
3. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a quick dinner solution that’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making quesadillas?
21. Chicken and Mushroom Creamy Pasta
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both creamy and delicious – like this chicken and mushroom creamy pasta!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- mushrooms
- pasta
- heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken and mushrooms in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions
3. Serve with heavy cream and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of carbs and protein.
22. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Who doesn’t love a good stir-fry?
Ingredients
- Beef (sirloin or ribeye)
- broccoli
- stir-fry sauce (or make your own with soy sauce and honey)
- cooked rice or noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your beef and broccoli in a wok or large skillet with some cooking oil
2. Add your stir-fry sauce and stir-fry until everything is coated and delicious
3. Serve over cooked rice or noodles
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a quick dinner solution that’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making stir-fries?
23. Chicken Fajita Casserole
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both easy and delicious – like this chicken fajita casserole!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- tortillas
- shredded cheese
- salsa and sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Assemble your casserole with tortillas, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
3. Bake in the oven until everything is hot and bubbly
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making casseroles?
24. Veggie and Bean Chili
Who doesn’t love a good chili?
Ingredients
- canned beans
- canned tomatoes
- veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
- chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your veggies in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Add your canned beans, canned tomatoes, and chili powder to the slow cooker
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until everything is hot and delicious
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of fiber and protein.
25. Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both creamy and delicious – like these chicken and spinach stuffed shells!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- spinach
- jumbo shells
- ricotta cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken and spinach in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Assemble your stuffed shells with ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
3. Bake in the oven until everything is hot and bubbly
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making stuffed shells?
26. Beef and Vegetable Kabobs
Who doesn’t love a good kabob?
Ingredients
- Beef (sirloin or ribeye)
- veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Thread your beef and veggies onto skewers
2. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
3. Grill or bake until everything is cooked through
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a quick dinner solution that’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making kabobs?
27. Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both creamy and delicious – like this chicken and mushroom risotto!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- mushrooms
- arborio rice
- white wine
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken and mushrooms in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Cook your arborio rice with some white wine and chicken broth
3. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of carbs and protein.
28. Veggie and Cheese Frittata
Who doesn’t love a good frittata?
Ingredients
- eggs
- veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
- shredded cheese
- salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Whisk your eggs with some salt and pepper
2. Add your veggies and shredded cheese to the skillet
3. Pour in your eggs and cook until everything is set
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process – who doesn’t love making frittatas?
29. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are both easy and delicious – like this chicken and broccoli pasta bake!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- broccoli
- pasta
- marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your chicken and broccoli in a skillet with some cooking oil
2. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions
3. Assemble your bake with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a simple weeknight meal that’s perfect for a busy evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
30. Beef and Vegetable Soup
Who doesn’t love a good soup?
Ingredients
- Beef (sirloin or ribeye)
- veggies (carrots, celery, broccoli, etc.)
- beef broth
- salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook your beef and veggies in a pot with some cooking oil
2. Add your beef broth and bring to a boil
3. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of salt and pepper
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a low effort meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of fiber and protein.
In conclusion, these 30 dinner easy recipes are perfect for exhausted parents who need a quick dinner solution that’s both delicious and easy to make. Whether you’re in the mood for simple weeknight meals, low effort meals, or fast family food, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the speed, flavor, and convenience of these amazing recipes!
