35 easy dinner recipes when you're stuck for ideas (2024)

35 easy dinner recipes

1. Chicken schnitzels with crunchy slaw

This flavorful and satisfying Vietnamese chicken noodle soup is an excellent choice for lunch and dinner. With 25g of protein and 5g of fibre, it's a dish worth incorporating into your regular meals.

2. Honey soy beef

Discover a delightful honey soy beef recipe that's both diabetic and budget-friendly. With a quick 10-minute preparation and 10-minute cooking time, this dish serves two and boasts Asian flavours that will please even the pickiest eaters. Make it a staple in your collection of go-to easy dinner recipes for a delicious and accessible meal option.

3. Pumpkin mac 'n' cheese

This cheesy delight will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters, and you can count on having leftovers for later.

4. Chicken pho

This comforting and substantial Vietnamese chicken noodle soup is ideal for lunch or dinner. With a generous 25g of protein and 5g of fibre, it's a dish worth incorporating into your meals more frequently.

5. Ginger fish stir fry

Lively and aromatic, this dish featuring white fish is rich in green elements, including chilli, zucchini, pak choy, and lemongrass. It serves as an excellent choice when you're looking for a light, refreshing, easy meal option.

6. Tofu, lemongrass and Vietnamese mint stir-fry

Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or not, you'll enjoy this lively noodle dish featuring wholesome tofu and nuts, complemented by the freshness of aromatic herbs. Have this easy dinner ready in less than 30 minutes, too.

7. Chickpea and zucchini fritters

Fry up a fritter for a light and zesty mid-week dinner with garden-fresh flavour.

8. Linguine with creamy mushroom sauce

Ready in 25 minutes, this easy dinner combines mushrooms' natural, earthy taste with a velvety sauce to elevate your pasta dish to a royal and creamy delight!

9. Chilli salted beef with mushrooms and flat noodles

Feeling drained in the middle of the week? Rather than resorting to your usual Thai takeout, consider this quick and straightforward Asian-inspired dish that promises both health and freshness! The best part is it only takes 30 minutes to make.

10. Mushroom soup with toastie on top

Enhance the comforting appeal of a generous bowl of hearty soup by adding a goat's cheese toastie on top.

11. Chicken enchilada pasta

This pasta dish with a Mexican twist is speedy, simple, and incredibly tasty. The shell-shaped pasta serves as the ideal carrier for soaking up the rich cheesy sauce, but feel free to opt for your preferred fresh or dried pasta.

12. One pot penne pork bolognese

It's budget-friendly and simple – in this recipe, you toss everything, including the pasta, into a large saucepan!

13. Prawn linguine with zucchini, anchovy, mint and chilli

Creating a stunning seafood pasta dish is remarkably easy. This light and creamy meal can be served in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for entertaining guests!

14. Tuna and veg pasta mornay

A timeless and traditional pasta bake that's sure to please the entire family. Our tuna, vegetable, and pasta mornay create an ideal weeknight dinner. Utilize any remaining cooked small pasta you have for this recipe.

15. Chicken lo mein

Prepare this traditional Chinese meal on any day of the week. It's a quick stir-fry featuring chicken, assorted vegetables, an authentic homemade sauce, and delicious noodles. Enjoy every bite!

16. Caponata and burrata pasta with crispy fried capers

Reduce the need for additional dishes by cooking the dry spaghetti directly in the sauce – a perfect one-pan dinner solution!

17. Ragu alla bolognese

Bolognese stands out as one of the most globally recognised and cherished dishes, yet the quality of Bolognese sauces varies. Karen Martini shares her deluxe recipe, elevating the classic dish to a higher standard.

18. Ranch-style chicken macaroni bake

A quick and easy weekday meal, this Ranch-style chicken macaroni bake is a delightful one-pan tray bake recipe.

19. Karen Martini's spaghetti carbonara

A dish featuring bacon and eggs is sure to be a hit, and when you incorporate cheese and pasta, it becomes a guaranteed success. While the ingredient list may be modest, Karen will share a few tricks to ensure this dish tastes extraordinary.

20. Baked beef meatballs with fresh tomato sauce

Running low on time? This beef meatball dish bursts with flavour and goes directly into the oven. While substantial enough to serve as a main course, you also have the option to present it as a side dish or pair it with pasta.

21. Easy pork and pineapple curry

This delectably simple curry is perfect and can be prepared in no time.

22. Chicken curry with beans and cashews

Have this creamy, vibrant chicken curry on the table in next to no time.

23. 10-minute pasta with cheese, garlic and chilli sauce

Give this time-efficient pasta a shot with its cheesy garlic and chilli sauce. Additionally, the crispy breadcrumbs contribute a delightful texture to this speedy and fulfilling dish.

24. Lemony hot-smoked salmon pasta with chilli pangrattato

Achieving a flawless balance of luscious hot-smoked salmon, lively seasonal vegetables, and the zesty essence of lemon, this dish crafts a gourmet-quality pasta that is both gratifying and pleasantly tangy within just 20 minutes.

25. Cheesy taco pasta

A cheesy twist on the Italian classic, this cheesy taco pasta can be ready in 35 minutes and serves 6. Complement with salsa for a complete Mexi feast.

26. Lightly-spiced one-pan coconut dhal

This fragrant dish utilises yellow split peas and is so satisfying that additional protein is unnecessary.

27. Nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice): ready in 30 minutes

This dish features perfectly stir-fried rice combined with a delightful mix of veggies, proteins, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweet soy sauce. Top it off with a fried egg for the ultimate, savoury experience!

28. Thai-spiced coconut chicken rice

This flavorful chicken and rice recipe is a satisfying midweek dinner winner.

29. Classic fried rice

While fried rice might appear easy to whip up for a quick dinner, achieving the authentic flavour and texture mastered by your favourite local Chinese restaurant involves specific details. Fast Ed shows you how.

30. Curried sausages

It's an old-school favourite that's perfect for a mid-week dinner.And you can have it on the table in 30 minutes.

31. Chicken and cheese tacos

These delectable mini tacos featuring chipotle chicken offer an explosion of flavours and are the perfect easy dinner.

32. Air fryer beef fajitas with spicy parmesan corn

Introduce the delectable flavours of Tex-Mex cuisine to your dining table with this air-fried extravaganza.

33.Meatball and risoni bake

A wholesome casserole that caters to the whole family, this meatball and risoni bake is a one-pan marvel, sure to please any crowd on any given day of the week.

34. Easy sausage casserole

This slow-cooked sausage casserole is a wholesome delight, loaded with nutrient-packed zucchini and kale. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – spend just 10 minutes assembling the ingredients in the tray, then let the oven take care of the rest.

35. Chicken pad thai

There’s no need to ring your local Thai takeaway. Here's how to make your own pad Thai.

35 easy dinner recipes when you're stuck for ideas (2024)

FAQs

What should I make for dinner if I have no idea for dinner? ›

33 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
  • Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast. tasty.co. ...
  • Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon. tasty.co. ...
  • The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast. tasty.co. ...
  • Chicken & Biscuit Bake. ...
  • One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  • Oven-Baked French Bread Pizzas. ...
  • Upgraded Ramen. ...
  • Easiest One-Pot Beef with Broccoli.
May 16, 2024

What to make for dinner when you're broke? ›

  • Creamy pasta carbonara. A lovely, creamy version of a well-known favourite.
  • Best Spaghetti and Meatballs. ...
  • Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry. ...
  • Devilled sausages. ...
  • Potato and leek soup. ...
  • Lemon chicken. ...
  • Salt and pepper chicken. ...
  • Chicken and bacon carbonara.

What to make for dinner with almost nothing? ›

These simple dinner ideas use only a handful of ingredients so you can still whip up a meal using whatever you have in the cupboard.
  • 15-ingredient sausage rolls. ...
  • 2Creamy mushroom gnocchi. ...
  • 3Fast falafel bowl. ...
  • 45-ingredient satay beef skewers. ...
  • 55-ingredient meatball carbonara. ...
  • 6Speedy wild rice and salmon salad.

What to make for dinner when nothing sounds good? ›

What to eat when nothing sounds good: 25 balanced meal ideas
  • Ham or turkey & cheese sandwich with a side of fruit.
  • Rotisserie chicken with frozen microwaveable rice and veggies.
  • “Adult Lunchable”: cheese, crackers, deli meat, raw fruits or veggies with dip.
  • Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets on top of a salad.
Jan 11, 2023

What to eat when you have no motivation to cook? ›

Pick a no-cook meal.

Think salads, sandwiches, and wraps. If that feels intimidating, just throw a bunch of stuff in a bowl (like canned beans, canned veggies, shredded cheese) and call it a day. Or you can put a bunch of snacks, dips, and other small bites on a plate and call it charcuterie.

What is the most easiest food to cook? ›

17 Of The Easiest Recipes Of All Time (Seriously)
  1. 15-Minute Lo Mein. Pinch of Yum / Via pinchofyum.com. ...
  2. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. ...
  3. Honey Balsamic Chicken. ...
  4. Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ...
  5. White Bean Soup With Vegetables. ...
  6. Smoked Gouda and Mushroom Quesadillas. ...
  7. Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet. ...
  8. One-Pot Pasta With Spinach and Peas.
Jan 2, 2019

What is the girl dinner trend? ›

Girl dinner is the easy meal you turn to after a tiring day when you just want to stay home. It relies on carefree satisfaction with your kitchen's contents. The trend comes from TikTok user Olivia Maher whose social media handle is @liviemaher.

What food do you usually eat when you are tired and don't want to cook? ›

  • Black beans and rice with veggies and salsa.
  • Egg and cheese sandwich with spinach, tomato, and avocado.
  • Pasta and veggies (any veggies will work! ...
  • Salad with lots of veggies and hard boiled eggs.
  • Soup and grilled cheese.
  • Nachos with black beans, peppers, and onions.
  • Fried rice.
Oct 1, 2018

What to make for dinner when you are exhausted? ›

  • 1Creamy chicken and risoni tray bake. ...
  • 2Easy slow-cooker lasagne recipe. ...
  • 3One-pan creamy chicken pesto pasta bake. ...
  • 4Chicken chow mein tray bake. ...
  • 5One-pot creamy chicken ravioli. ...
  • 6One-pan miso chicken drumsticks. ...
  • 7Chicken, chorizo and olive tray bake. ...
  • 8Slow-cooker beef brisket bourguignon.

What to eat when you don't have food? ›

Some strategies and suggestions for low appetite days:
  • Smoothie (include any combination of fruit, milk, yogurt, nut/seed butter, flax, chia seeds, etc)
  • Fruit + Peanut/Almond Butter.
  • Toast + Egg (toss in some avocado to get some delicious healthy fat, if you feel up to it!)
  • Cheese quesadilla and salsa.
  • Yogurt + granola.
Jun 8, 2020

What's the cheapest meal to make? ›

68 Easy And Cheap Dinner Ideas That You'll Want To Make On Repeat
  • Buffalo Chickpea Wraps. tasty.co. ...
  • Garlic Veggie Rotini Pasta. tasty.co. ...
  • Chili Lime Baked Tilapia With Avocado Crema. tasty.co. ...
  • Energy-Boosting Buddha Bowl. ...
  • Chicken & Biscuit Bake. ...
  • Pesto Chicken Bake. ...
  • Healthier Veggie Fried Rice. ...
  • Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry.
May 3, 2024

How do you feed a family of 5 for $10? ›

Ten Healthy Family Meals Under $10
  1. Healthy Fried Rice.
  2. Pasta Salad.
  3. Fettuccini Alfredo… or Bowtie, or Shells, or Rotini.
  4. Rosemary White Bean Soup or Turkey White Bean Chili.
  5. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos.
  6. Black-eyed Peas and Pork…with Kale.
  7. Enchilada Casserole.
  8. Down-home Macaroni and Cheese.

What can I cook in 5 minutes? ›

25 healthy recipes you can cook in 5 minutes or less
  • Pea and broad bean couscous.
  • Fast home-made baked beans.
  • Porridge.
  • Pasta with cherry tomatoes and rocket.
  • Home-made hummus.
  • Smashed avocado and wilted spinach.
  • Cucumber (or potato) raitha.
  • Quick pitta pizzas.

What to eat when nothing sounds good for ADHD? ›

A food that has a low GI rating lowers blood sugar levels, decreases cravings, and increases focus. Whole grains, beans, seeds, and most vegetables are good choices.

What to do when you don't know what to eat? ›

For example, if you are craving something sweet, a bowl of fruit with yogurt or a smoothie might hit the spot. A bag of chips or a bowl of popcorn might do the trick if you are craving something salty. And if you are craving something savory, a bowl of pasta or a grilled cheese sandwich might be just what you need.

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