34 Easy, Yummy Dinner Ideas For Tonight!

You know what? I just love browsing through recipes online for inspiration on what to cook for my evening meal.

Once I pick what I’m going to make, I have something to look forward to for the rest of the day.

In this article, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite recipes that not only taste absolutely amazing, but are also quick and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.

So, be prepared to stop at the grocery store on your way home, because I’ve got some mouthwatering inspiration coming your way!

1. Traditional Lasagna Recipe

You just can’t go wrong with a classic Italian style bolognese lasagna – it’s such a crowd pleaser, even kids love it.

I just love how the white béchamel sauce contrasts with the rich, meaty tomato and garlic sauce.

This dish only requires 25 minutes of preparation time, followed by 25 minutes to cook in the oven, and you don’t have to make the sauce yourself, you can just use a jar of sauce.

2. Quick And Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe From Food.Com

This delicious recipe can be ready in 30 minutes, tops, and it only requires 4 ingredients.

What’s more, the recipe makes between 6 and 8 servings, so you can totally go ahead and have second helpings!

And you don’t have to make the sauce yourself, you can just use a store-bought jar. It’s perfect if you love hot Mexican food!

3. Memphis Style Pulled Pork Recipe From Kosmos Q

If you’re lucky enough to own an outdoor grill (see also ‘27 Grill Recipes‘), then this recipe is for you – who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned pulled pork sandwich, am I right?

It’s ready in just 26 minutes, and all you need is pork butt, some dry rubs and herbs, some sugar, mustard, and a little ginger ale.

And it tastes amazing!

4. Quick Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe From Cooking Classy

This Indian based curry recipe is restaurant quality.

It’s both spicy and creamy, but isn’t too hot, and it pairs perfectly with white rice and naan breads.

Preparation time is just 10 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of cooking time, so it’s ready in 30 minutes.

It’s not a cheat’s recipe with a jar, you make it yourself from scratch.

5. Honey-Mustard Glazed Steaks Recipe From H.E.B.

This simple yet delicious recipe is ready to eat in just 22 minutes, and it has some excellent ingredients and flavors.

There’s honey and mustard of course, but also Tabasco Original Flavor Pepper Sauce, red onion, black pepper, and fresh parsley.

The recipe yields 4 servings at 880 calories per serving, so you should combine it with a low calorie side dish.

6. Coca-Cola Chicken Thigh Recipe From Tiffy Cooks

Who doesn’t love coca-cola? And if you haven’t tried it with chicken, you’re missing out.

And despite the unusual secret ingredient, the recipe is restaurant quality (see also ‘Our 28 Must-Try Recipes For A Restaurant-Quality Dinner‘) and ready to eat in just 30 minutes.

The sweetness from the coke perfectly balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.

It goes great with either noodles or rice.

7. Green Curry Recipe From Rasa Malaysia

If you haven’t tried an Asian curry before, now is your chance! It’s a world away from the flavors of traditional Indian curries (see also ‘The 28 Best Indian Chicken Recipes‘), but it still packs plenty of heat.

What’s more, it can be ready in just 20 minutes.

It has a wonderful coconut aftertaste that goes down like a dream. And the use of lime leaves really gives it some oomph.

8. Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe From The Flavors Of The Kitchen

Stir fries are always quick to make, and this dish is no exception, it’s ready to eat in just 15 minutes.

As well as shrimp, there’s also plenty of healthy veg, such as the likes of zucchinis, onion and peppers.

The sweet chili sauce is the highlight, but there’s also minced garlic and ginger, too. You can serve it up with either noodles or rice.

9. French Bread Pizza Recipe From The Seasoned Mom

French bread pizza is a family favorite, perfect for settling down for Family Film Night.

This recipe is ready to eat in just 30 minutes and is super simple to make.

It’s both crispy and cheesy, and you can add your own toppings as well, such as pepperoni or ham and pineapple.

10. Tomato & Mascarpone Risotto Recipe From BBC Good Food

I have to say, this dish is absolutely delicious – the tomato and mascarpone go together like a match made in heaven, and the risotto rice helps make each serving wonderfully filling and satisfying.

And whereas some risotto recipes take an age to cook, this one is ready to eat in 30 minutes tops.

I just love the addition of fresh basil leaves at the end!

11. Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe From Chef Savvy

This recipe features one of the healthiest fishes, and it tastes incredible, thanks to its sweet and savory sweet and sticky honey lemon glaze (for more interesting fish recipes, check out our guide to Ono fish).

You only need 5 ingredients, namely salmon, minced garlic, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a little oil.

What’s more, it can be ready to eat in as little as 20 minutes.

12. 5-Ingredient Crescent Roll Chicken Casserole Recipe From The Seasoned Mom

OMG, you have got to try this take on a croissant dish!

There’s buttery, flaky crescent rolls, stuffed with wholesome chicken and cheese, and topped off with a dreamy cheesy sauce.

You only need 5 ingredients for it, and it’s ready to eat in less than 30 minutes.

13. Quick And Easy Moroccan Lemon Chicken Recipe From My Moorish Plate

I just love Moroccan food – lots of intense flavors, and some more subtle ones too. 

Normally, Moroccan Lemon Chicken is slowly simmered, but his quick recipe asks for only 30 minutes of your time and is just as delicious as the traditional version. 

14. Ham And Cheese Pockets Recipe From Jo Cooks

You know what? Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. And this is a dish that the whole family will love.

You can either make the dough yourself or use store bought. 

15. 15 Minute Pesto Pasta Recipe From Oh Sweet Basil

If you love basil and pasta, then this is the recipe for you.

You make the pesto yourself with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, and then simply toss it in your cooked pasta.

Better yet, it’s ready to eat in just 15 minutes.

16. Green Monster Mac And Cheese Recipe From The Kitchen

This is a healthier alternative to the traditional macaroni and cheese dish, because it comes packed with healthy veg in the form of broccoli, together with baby spinach leaves.

You can make it in an Instant Pot.

17. Skinny Bell Pepper Nacho Boats Recipe From SkinnyMs

OMG, this easy dish is packed with flavor. And these nacho boats are perfect for those who are watching their carb intake.

It’s ready in less than half an hour, and the ingredients are easy to source.

18. Mediterranean Grain Bowls With Lentils And Chickpeas Recipe From The Mediterranean Dish

And now for something Mediterranean.

This recipe comes packed with healthy ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, avocados, olives, zucchini squash, lentils, chickpeas, and crumbled feta cheese.

Better yet, it’s ready to eat in just 20 minutes.

19. Easy BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

This has to be the easiest, simplest barbecue chicken recipe (see also ‘24 Simple Canned Chicken Recipes‘) that I’ve ever seen, anywhere.

It only features 3 ingredients, namely chicken wings, soy sauce, and vinaigrette salad dressing.

Prep time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is 20. It does require marinating however, so this may have to be tomorrow’s dinner rather than tonight’s.

20. Smoked Salmon Salad Recipe From A Couple Cooks

This super simple, and super healthy dish requires no cooking whatsoever.

You simply toss some teared smoked salmon in with healthy greens, such as salad leaves and green onions, and some sliced red onion and garnish.

The recipe also includes a very nice homemade vinaigrette dressing, with white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.

But if you prefer, you can just use a store bought one.

21. Vegan Burrito Bowl Recipe From Love & Lemons

Veganism is a wonderfully healthy trend, and you’d be surprised at how many vegan recipes are out there that are totally delicious.

And this dish is certainly no exception…

The veggies include Portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, and chipotle peppers.

And these get served alongside rice, pinto beans (or black beans), moreish guacamole, and a fruity pineapple salsa.

It’s easy to make and is ready in less than an hour.

22. Easy 30-Minute Minestrone Soup Recipe From Averie Cooks

This is a copycat version of the Olive Garden Minestrone soup, and if you ask me it tastes much better (see also ‘25 Delicious Olive Garden Copycat Recipes‘)!

Minestrone soup is so much more filling than other soups, which are more like purees.

It has solid parts to give the soup more variety and texture.

This particular recipe features pasta shells, beans, garlic, zucchini, carrots, celery, Italian herbs, and much more.

23. Easy Beetroot And Goats Cheese Salad With Walnuts Recipe From Effortless Foodie

Beets (see also ‘37 Fresh Beet Recipes‘) and goat cheese really contrast in flavor, which is why they go so well side by side.

And against the creamy goat cheese, this dish also gives you some crunch as well, thanks to the inclusion of toasted walnuts.

It also features mixed salad leaves and cherry tomatoes.

What’s more, the recipe also includes how to make your own homemade honey mustard dressing, which is super yummy.

24. Mango Chicken Curry Recipe From The Endless Meal

This Indian recipe features a beautiful combination of ingredients, namely mangos, coconut milk, curry powder, smashed garlic cloves, onion, fresh chopped ginger, and of course chicken.

It’s easy to make and can be ready to eat in as little as 30 minutes. What’s more, it’s less than 300 calories per serving!

25. Stuffed Shells Recipe From Love & Lemons

Now, this is what I call comfort food at its best! It’s absolutely delicious, and it’s something even the kids will love too.

It’s super simple to make. You make the filling, which is made up of spinach with the ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and seasoning.

Then you stuff jumbo pasta shells with the filling and bake it all in the oven with a tomatoey marinara sauce.

26. Use-It-Up Frittata Recipe From Bon Appetit

What could be more convenient than making a recipe based entirely around your leftovers that are sitting, waiting to be used up?

You can use any leftover roasted vegetables (zucchini and tomatoes work well), and any leftover cooked grains, such as rice or couscous, and any shredded cheese.

It’s super simple to make, and you can season it however you like. Fresh herbs work really well with it, like thyme, or basil, or chives.

27. Homemade Chinese-Style Orange Chicken Recipe From Country Living

OMG, this sweet and crunchy dish is the bomb! And it’s ready to eat in just 30 minutes flat. 

It’s easy to make, too. First you make the sauce, which features orange zest and juice, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger.

Then, you make the chicken up with cornstarch, egg whites, flour and baking powder.

Then you cook the chicken in batches in a pan on a high heat until golden brown.

28. Loaded Mexican Pizza Recipe From Taste Of Home

If you fancy a pizza with additional flavors to a traditional one, you should totally check out this Mexican alternative!

It’s got hot pepper sauce, red onion, sweet peppers, tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, spinach, shredded garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, chili powder and cumin.

You will also need a prebaked 12-inch pizza base.

You bake it on high for about 15 minutes, and it has less than 300 calories per serving.

29. One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe From Delish

If you’ve never tried gnocchi before, this is the dish to try it in, hands down.

It’s super creamy and the addition of chicken to the dish gives a nice contrast of texture to it.

It’s got some tasty ingredients, including the likes of shredded mozzarella, garlic, baby bella mushrooms, diced shallot, fresh thyme leaves, dried oregano, and baby spinach.

30. Tex Mex Meatballs Recipe

This meaty beef dish is ready to eat in just 35 minutes. The key ingredients are ground beef, green chiles, and red enchilada sauce.

It’s also got crushed tortilla chips, chipotle powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and Mexican style shredded cheese.

You make the meatballs yourself by hand, and each serving comes to under 400 calories.

It makes 8 settings altogether, which means there’s more for the next day!

31. Vegan Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe From Gimmie Delicious

If you’re looking for a sweet vegetarian or vegan dish, then this is the recipe for you.

It’s a very simple, straightforward recipe with very few ingredients.

It’s got brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. And you can serve it up to your dinner guests in as little as 30 minutes.

32. Tandoori Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe From Ahead Of Thyme

This delicious Indian curry style recipe features lots of easy to source ingredients.

It’s not too hot, and it’s very comforting with its chicken, zucchini, sweet onion (see also ‘5(½) Substitutes You Can Use Instead Of Spanish Onions’), cauliflower and Yukon gold potatoes.

And the addition of whole milk Greek yogurt makes it delightfully creamy.

The marinade is simple to make, requiring very few ingredients. And the whole dish is ready to eat in as little as 30 minutes.

33. Easy Beef In Black Bean Sauce Recipe From BBC Good Food

If you haven’t tried black bean sauce before, you’re missing out!

And it goes great in this flavorful beef dish, together with tender rump steak, peppers, ginger, chili and garlic. 

It’s ready to eat in as little as 30 minutes, and it comes to less than 300 calories per serving.

34. Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe From Run Lift Eat Repeat

And we’re going to go out with a bang!

This is amazing comfort food, it’s got super thick mushroom sauce which is wonderfully creamy, thanks to the heavy whipping cream.

And it’s got dry white wine, and plenty of garlic to boot! It goes with just about any pasta, but I love it with tagliatelle. 

Answers To Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Make For Dinner At Night?

I bet that after going through all 34 recipes on the list above, you’re still undecided about what to make, ‘cause they all sound amazing.

But don’t worry, I know a couple of tricks to help you decide…

If you’re torn between two recipes, you could toss a coin to decide which one to cook.

Or if several of them take your fancy, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did, you can download a Spin the Wheel app, and enter all choices on there, and let the spin of the wheel determine your dinner time fate.

What Can I Make For Dinner Tonight When Nothing Sounds Good?

If you don’t really feel like eating, this is normal, it happens to people from time to time.

However, even if you don’t particularly feel like eating dinner tonight, we would recommend that you make the effort to have something to eat for the sake of your health. 

The recommended daily calorie intake is 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 for men.

But that said, intermittent fasting is growing in popularity in recent years, and it is acceptable to skip meals if you need to lose weight, so long as you’re getting enough calories throughout the week to get by. 

Wrap Up

I hope you’ve found my shortlist inspiring, and that you’ve picked something delicious for tonight’s dinner. Bon appétit!