Some nights, I just need to get dinner on the table fast. Whether it’s a quick skillet meal, a sheet pan dinner, or something simple to throw together, these dinner recipes for busy weeknights make mealtime so much easier.
Dinner Ideas for Any Night of the Week
This list has something for every kind of night—one-pan meals for minimal cleanup, hearty pasta and rice dishes, and fun taco-inspired recipes. If I need a quick meal, I reach for a skillet or sheet pan dinner.
When I want something filling, pasta and rice recipes always work. And for something different, tacos, burritos, and loaded fries are always a good idea. No matter what I’m in the mood for, these recipes make dinner simple.
1
Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Cheesy taco rice skillet is made in one pan with seasoned rice, melted cheese, and taco toppings. Top it with avocado and fresh tomatoes for an easy meal.
Check out this recipe
2
One-Skillet Sweet Corn Fried Rice with Kielbasa
Sweet corn fried rice with kielbasa is made in one pan with scrambled eggs and sweet corn. Serve it with scallions and parsley for an easy dinner idea.
Check out this recipe
3
One-Skillet Onion and Pepper Kielbasa with Rice
For a quick and easy meal, make one-skillet onion and pepper kielbasa with rice. Everything cooks in one pan, and it’s perfect with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Check out this recipe
4
Enchilada Skillet
This Enchilada Skillet is a one-pan dinner made with tortilla chips, your favorite protein, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights
Check out this recipe
5
Cajun Sausage and Rice
Cajun sausage and rice – smoky sausage, rice, and cajun seasoning all cooked together in one pot. A quick and easy dutch oven recipe for busy nights.
Check out this recipe
One-Pot Meals
6
Steak with Onions and Peppers (Arroz Con Carne)
Seared to perfection with tons of umami flavor, arroz con carne with fresh fluffy rice, sweet onions, and peppers.
Check out this recipe
7
Healthy Turkey Taco Bowl
A healthy turkey taco bowl is a quick and easy dinner made with seasoned ground turkey, rice, and your favorite toppings like tomatoes, guacamole, and cheese. Perfect for busy nights or meal-prep lunches!
Check out this recipe
8
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This street corn chicken rice bowl starts with tender chicken thighs, grilled corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a tangy lime sauce for a fresh, customizable meal. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, black beans, or extra cilantro to make it your own.
Check out this recipe
9
Taco Rice (Mexican Seasoned Ground Beef with Rice)
This taco rice is made in a Dutch oven, bringing seasoned ground beef, rice, and taco toppings together for a delicious and easy family dinner.
Check out this recipe
10
Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
Chimichurri chicken thighs are marinated in a fresh herb and garlic sauce, then cooked and topped with more chimichurri. Serve with cilantro lime rice, crispy yuca fries, or a balsamic arugula salad.
Check out this recipe
11
Hot Honey Chicken Bites: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy
Hot honey chicken bites are baked to crispy perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for game day, dinner, or as a fun snack to share.
Check out this recipe
12
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
These honey garlic salmon bites are easy to make and ready in under 20 minutes. Each bite-sized piece is coated in a caramelized honey garlic glaze, making them perfect to serve with rice, veggies, or even as an appetizer!
Check out this recipe
13
Mini Crispy Baked Ground Beef Tacos
Mini crispy baked ground beef tacos – baked until crispy with seasoned beef and melted cheese. Simple to make and always a hit.
Check out this recipe
14
Smash Burger Tacos
Big Mac smashburger tacos with extra-smashed beef patties, melty American cheese, and homemade Big Mac sauce on warm flour tortillas.
Check out this recipe
15
Popeyes Cajun Fries (Copycat Recipe)
Make Popeyes Cajun Fries at home with this simple recipe! These fries are crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and coated in Cajun seasoning. Serve them with ranch or aioli for dipping.
Check out this recipe
16
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy ranch pasta salad features shell pasta coated in ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and crunchy roasted garbanzos. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with your favorite mains like crispy chicken cutlets or hot honey bites.
Check out this recipe
17
Big Mac Style Pasta Salad
Big Mac inspired pasta salad is loaded with tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and creamy burger sauce, all mixed with pasta for a fun dish that’s great for football Sundays or picnics.
Check out this recipe
18
Pickle Pico De Gallo Pasta Salad
Pickle pico de gallo pasta salad is made with macaroni, a creamy dressing, and crunchy pickles. Serve it fresh with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
Check out this recipe
19
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled egg pasta salad is made with macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing with mustard and paprika. Serve it fresh with grilled chicken or sandwiches.
Check out this recipe
20
