10+ Recipes for Dinner Easy and Delicious Meals to Try Tonight

Dinner time can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time.

You might wonder how to pick recipes that fit your schedule and your taste buds.

Whether you’re cooking for one or many, having a few go-to ideas can help you decide what to eat.

With the right recipes, you can quickly create meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare.

1) Easy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

This recipe is simple and fast, making it great for busy weeknights.

You cook chicken and fresh vegetables together with pesto in one pan.

It saves cleanup time and fills your kitchen with delicious smells.

You can use vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion.

The pesto adds a tasty, herby flavor without needing many extra spices.

This meal cooks in about 30 minutes in the oven.

It’s healthy and balanced with protein and veggies all in one dish.

Ingredients

• 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 zucchini
• 1 yellow squash
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. Toss chicken and veggies with pesto until coated.
4. Spread evenly on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Learn more at Easy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables.

2) Homemade Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Making meatballs at home is simple and tasty.

You can mix ground beef with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

This blend keeps your meatballs moist and flavorful.

Bake or cook the meatballs in a homemade marinara sauce.

Simmer the sauce slowly to bring out the rich tomato taste.

Serve your meatballs with spaghetti, bread, or alone for a satisfying dinner.

You can adjust the seasonings to fit your taste.

Adding Italian seasoning or fresh herbs gives the dish a fresh flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup Italian-flavored panko crumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix beef, crumbs, cheese, garlic, parsley, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into 1.5-inch meatballs.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Heat marinara sauce in a pan over medium heat.
6. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

For more tips, check Mom’s Meatballs and Marinara Sauce.

3) Black Bean Chili

Black bean chili is a simple, cozy meal you can make any night.

It’s packed with flavor from warm spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic.

You can make it with or without meat, so it fits your diet.

This dish is great for busy nights because it cooks quickly in one pot.

You’ll have a filling meal that’s both healthy and tasty.

Adding tomatoes and peppers gives it a nice texture and bright taste.

You can customize this chili by adding toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream.

It works well for leftovers too.

Ingredients

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ground meat or veggies

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add spices and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, and broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add salt, pepper, and optional meat or veggies.
6. Cook until everything is heated through.

You can find more tips and variations in this easy black bean chili recipe.

4) One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

This dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy cheeseburgers in pasta form.

You cook everything in one pot, which means less cleanup for you.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Start by browning some ground beef with onions and garlic.

Add pasta, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.

Once the pasta is tender, stir in cheese and any extra toppings you like.

This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

For a simple, tasty meal, try this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (like elbow or shells)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add pasta, diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is cooked.
5. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Saucy Wontons

Saucy wontons make a quick and tasty dinner.

You can use store-bought wontons to save time.

The sauce is made with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sweetness.

Fry or boil the wontons until tender, then toss them in the warm sauce.

You can easily customize this meal with your favorite veggies.

Serve the saucy wontons with rice or steamed greens for a full dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 package of wontons
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon water

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook wontons by boiling or frying until done.
2. In a pan, mix soy sauce, ginger, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and water.
3. Heat the sauce on medium until warm.
4. Toss cooked wontons in the sauce until coated.
5. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

6) Pineapple Pork and Coconut Rice

This dish brings together sweet pineapple and tender pork with creamy coconut rice.

It’s easy to make and full of flavor without a lot of fuss.

Start by cooking the pork with seasoning and then add pineapple chunks for a juicy, tangy touch.

Make the coconut rice by cooking jasmine rice in coconut milk for a rich and slightly sweet taste.

Top your dish with fresh herbs like cilantro, some lime zest, and sliced jalapeños if you like a little heat.

It’s great for a quick and tasty dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1 pound thinly sliced pork tenderloin
• 1-2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime zest
• Soy sauce
• Lemon pepper seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Season pork with lemon pepper and brown it in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add pineapple chunks and pour in soy sauce. Cook until pork is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
3. Rinse jasmine rice and cook it with coconut milk and water according to package instructions.
4. Serve pork and pineapple over coconut rice.
5. Garnish with cilantro, lime zest, jalapeños, and crispy onions if desired.

7) Steph’s Chickpea Curry

This chickpea curry is a simple, tasty dinner you can make in about 20 minutes.

It’s creamy and full of flavor, with spinach and chickpeas cooked in a gentle curry sauce.

Serve it over rice for a complete, filling meal.

The curry uses common spices like curry powder and garam masala, combined with coconut milk for richness.

A side of cucumber salad or a bit of chili crisp adds a fresh or spicy touch.

This dish is great if you want something warm, healthy, and easy to prepare after a busy day.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2-3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked
• Optional: chili crisp and cucumber for serving

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
4. Stir in the curry powder and garam masala to coat the onions.
5. Pour in the chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add the spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Serve the curry over rice with chili crisp or cucumber salad if you like.

8) Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken

Lemon garlic roast chicken is an easy way to make dinner special. The lemon gives a fresh flavor, while garlic adds a savory touch.

You’ll enjoy the crispy skin and juicy meat. Rub the chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic.

Season with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken in the oven until the skin turns golden and the meat cooks through.

You only need a few basic ingredients for this dish. Serve it with vegetables or your favorite side.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 5-6 pounds)
• 2 lemons
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub mixture all over the chicken.
5. Place chicken in a roasting pan. Add lemon slices and herbs if you like.
6. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until juices run clear.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

9) Baked Chicken Meatballs

Baked chicken meatballs make a simple dinner. They cook quickly in the oven and go well with pasta, rice, or veggies.

Add your favorite herbs and spices to the mix. You do not need to pre-cook the meat.

Just mix your ingredients, shape the meatballs, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and cooked through. Brushing them with garlic butter after baking gives extra flavor.

Baking means less mess and no frying oil. It’s a great choice for an easy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or lemon garlic butter (optional, for brushing)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet with cooking spray.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Brush with olive oil or lemon garlic butter before serving if you want extra flavor.

10) Sesame Soba Noodles

Sesame soba noodles make a quick dinner. The nutty noodles pair with a simple sesame dressing.

You can serve this dish hot or cold. Fresh veggies like snap peas or radishes add crunch and color.

The dressing uses soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and sometimes ginger. You can prepare this meal in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz soba noodles
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 cup snap peas, sliced
• 1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh mint or avocado (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil soba noodles in salted water until al dente. This takes about 4-5 minutes.

2. Drain the noodles. Rinse them with cold water.

3. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger.

4. Toss the noodles with the dressing. Add snap peas, radishes, and sesame seeds.

5. Garnish with fresh mint or avocado if you like. Serve immediately.

More details are available at this Sesame Soba Noodles recipe.