50+ Greatest Simple Dinner Concepts

50+ Greatest Simple Dinner Concepts


Right here’s your final information for the finest simple dinner concepts! From lightning-fast recipes to batch cooking on a Sunday, I’ll present you learn how to plan a stress-free week full of tasty and nourishing meals the entire household will take pleasure in.

A big pan of creamy cajun chicken

Plan Your Dinner Recipes Forward

Ever battle to get a home-cooked meal completed by supper time? Or really feel uninspired by your weekly rotation? Effectively, excellent news – I’ve rounded up a listing of the most effective dinner concepts that test the containers for wholesome, uncomplicated, and tremendous scrumptious.

To profit from this checklist, it’s actually about planning forward. Listed here are just a few methods to strategize — regardless of how your week pans out:

  • Make a listing of 30-minute recipes to maintain readily available. For days the place you will have one hour to spare for cooking, these will come in useful. Suppose one pan meals, simple stir fry recipes, and sheet pan dinners which can be jam filled with taste.
  • Batch cook dinner components to avoid wasting time all through the week. In case you’ve adopted my information earlier than, you recognize simply how handy this plan is. As a substitute of batch cooking complete recipes, you’ll prep components to create thrilling combine and match meals that come collectively in about 5 minutes.
  • Depend on freezer-friendly meals for busy months. You may make a delicious rooster casserole and pre-cut it into parts for a grab-and-go reheatable meal. Or cook dinner up a giant pot of beef chili and freeze a number of parts for later. Simply make sure that to plan for meals that retailer properly and could be reheated all through the month. You’ll quickly begin to admire these prompt freezer meals!

Simple Dinner Concepts Below 30 Minutes

These flavorful but simple dinner concepts could be prepared in below half-hour! Which means minimal components and instruments with simple clear up. Who doesn’t love that?

Cods en papillote on a baking sheet

: In half-hour, you’ll have flaky baked cod and completely steamed veggies infused with contemporary Mediterranean flavors.

Chicken stir-fry in a pan.

: This speedy dinner is loaded with juicy rooster, colourful veggies, and is a 30 minute meal the entire household will love!

Shrimp scampi in a large pan with a spoon

: Nothing beats a basic shrimp scampi cooked in essentially the most aromatic garlic butter sauce. And sure, it solely takes about 10 minutes to make! Facet observe — you possibly can toss it with zucchini noodles to make this .

Baked chicken breasts in a pan.

: Make juicy and tender rooster breasts with this foolproof baked rooster that takes solely 25 minutes. For simpler marinade concepts, try my checklist of !

Mediterranean ground beef stir fry in a pan with a slotted spoon.

: The most effective factor about this simple stir fry dinner is how customizable it’s! Plus, it tastes nice served with rice, lentils, and extra.

Tuna salad on a slice of bread.

: For one thing tremendous fast, this creamy and crunchy tuna salad at all times ticks the field. Plus, you possibly can serve it with bread or lettuce wraps. And if you need further greens in your meal — you’ll love this .

Baked salmon in a pan next to lemon wedges.

: This simple 15-minute dinner achieves completely tender salmon coated in lemon garlic butter and contemporary herbs.

These Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are reminiscent of PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps, yet they're gluten-free, paleo and much healthier. It's a family favorite chicken dinner recipe.

: This rooster lettuce wrap is ideal for a contemporary but savory meal that may be made in below half-hour!

Dinner Concepts Your Household Will Love

Fulfill these choosy eaters with these deliciously comforting dinner concepts for the household! Select from burrito bowls, pizza, and all issues rooster — with a wholesome, do-it-yourself spin.

A skillet of tuscan chicken

: Tender rooster simmered in a creamy sauce full of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is certain to be a dinner favourite.

Chicken fajitas in a pan on a table with toppings.

: That is nice for a build-your-own dinner sort of evening! And if you wish to change it up the protein, you can also make my or .

A pan with shrimp fried rice with a serving spoon.

: Skip the Chinese language take-out and make your individual shrimp fried rice at dwelling! It’s tremendous simple and tastes simply nearly as good (if not higher).

Pizza stuffed zucchini on a baking tray.

: Give pizza a wholesome new twist with these stuffed zucchini boats. I assure the kiddos will love this.

Baked meatballs in marinara sauce in a pan

: These juicy meatballs simmered in are at all times a household favourite. You could possibly additionally pair this sauce with .

Two cooked cauliflower pizzas.

: Take pleasure in pizza with a wholesome twist utilizing this simple cauliflower pizza crust! Plus, everybody can get artistic with their toppings.

Beef barbacoa burrito bowl on a table with salsa.

: In case you’ve obtained a sluggish cooker, this will prevent time and delivers a giant taste. Construct Chipotle-like bowls with cilantro lime rice, , beans, corn, and . And should you’re a pork fan, you’ll love this recipe.

Whole30 casserole recipe with shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms and broccoli, then topped with my Vegan Alfredo Sauce for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner. It's also a dairy-free and paleo casserole recipe.

: This chicken-broccoli combo is at all times a household favourite. And this one’s good for dairy-free people with a .

Air Fryer Dinner Concepts

It’s actually onerous to beat the air fryer in terms of simple dinner concepts. Bonus – there’s often only one merchandise to cleanup afterward – the air fryer itself!

Air fryer chicken breasts on a plate with a fork

: That is an air fryer staple recipe to maintain in your again pocket. It ends in tremendous juicy rooster coated in the most effective seasoning.

Air fryer salmon filets on a plate

: The spiced Dijon mustard topping on these salmon filets is chef’s kiss. Plus, they prove tremendous moist with a fantastic outer crust each time.

Lemon pepper air fryer chicken wings on a plate.

: All the household will love these crispy and juicy lemon pepper rooster wings. And sure, they are often served for dinner or as an appetizer.

Greatest Dinner Concepts with Hen

There’s no denying our love for rooster in terms of dinner. From rooster breast to rooster thighs, I’ll present you learn how to create the tastiest rooster dinners in a snap.

Greek sheet pan chicken with vegetables.

: This sheet pan rooster is considered one of my prime recipes for a purpose. You’ve obtained juicy marinated rooster roasted with contemporary tomatoes, zucchini, pink onions, olives, and crumbled feta – multi function sheet pan.

Cajun chicken with mashed potatoes

: With a batch of my do-it-yourself , this rooster dinner comes collectively quick! It’s obtained a great deal of taste with a creamy sauce that’s nice served over mashed potatoes.

Chicken and rice in one pan garnished with lemon slices and parsley.

: This one-pan dish shines brilliant with Mediterranean flavors, juicy rooster thighs, and citrusy rice.

Butter chicken with rice in a bowl.

: With a handful of spices, I’ll present you learn how to make the most effective butter rooster that simmers in essentially the most velvety curry sauce.

Six cooked chicken thighs with cilantro lime flavors in a fry pan.

: Whisk collectively cilantro, lime, spices, and a contact of honey to show rooster thighs into sticky candy, cilantro lime goodness.

Teriyaki chicken recipe served with rice and broccoli.

: I’ll present you learn how to take advantage of scrumptious teriyaki rooster with an genuine do-it-yourself .

Balsamic chicken and Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan

: Juicy rooster thighs are marinated in a savory-sweet , then roasted with Brussels sprouts and pink onions in a single simple sheet pan recipe!

White chicken chili in a bowl next a pot of it.

: This one-pot surprise is a hearty chili that swaps in white beans and rooster, for a switch-up you’ll love.

A casserole dish filled with honey mustard chicken thighs

: You’ll love this addictively scrumptious, sticky candy, and savory baked rooster!

Skewers of greek chicken kabobs with a bowl of tzaztiki.

: Come grilling season, these rooster kabobs with a facet of are positive to be in rotation. Skewers are threaded with lemony rooster and contemporary chunky veggies!

Turmeric chicken and rice casserole

: Turmeric provides a heat, curry-like taste to this rooster and rice casserole. A intelligent method to take pleasure in extra turmeric.

Thrilling Floor Beef Dinner Concepts

Don’t overlook that pound of floor beef sitting in your freezer. It cooks quick, makes for hearty meals, and could be stuffed or layered into essentially the most comforting, freezer-friendly, simple dinner concepts.

A bowl of chili on a table with a spoon.

: There’s at all times a time and a spot for a giant pot of beef chili. Plus, it’s tremendous simple to make and nice for meal prepping!

Zucchini lasagna in a white casserole dish.

: This zucchini lasagna tastes simply nearly as good as the unique, plus it’s loaded with further greens!

Six stuffed peppers in a casserole dish.

: I’d say stuffed peppers are a household favourite, so make a double batch to retailer some within the freezer for later.

A large pan of shepherd's pie

: That is consolation meals at its best — with floor lamb and greens simmered in a savory sauce, then topped with fluffy .

Taco soup is guaranteed to be a family favorite. It's healthy, incredibly easy (only takes 30 minutes) and naturally gluten-free. The perfect healthy dinner!

: Take pleasure in your favourite taco flavors — multi function soup! And sure, it is a nice pantry-friendly recipe.

A plate of zucchini noodles topped with bolognese sauce, fresh parmesan and basil.

: Made out of contemporary tomatoes and floor beef, do-it-yourself bolognese sauce is the most effective. And to maintain issues gentle, zucchini noodles are the proper match to finish this “pasta” meal.

Contemporary and Gentle Seafood Dinner Concepts

The choices are seemingly infinite in terms of seafood for dinner — there’s salmon, flakey baked cod, juicy scallops, and naturally tasty little shrimp. Bonus, you solely want just a few easy components to make every of those seafood choices style wonderful!

Four baked cod filets in a white casserole dish.

: This simple, foolproof technique ensures completely flaky fish baked in the most effective garlic butter herb topping.

Salmon salad in a large white bowl

: This creamy salad has all of it – flaky baked salmon, crisp celery, pink onion, radishes, and contemporary herbs, tossed in the most effective lemony dressing. 

Creamy chipotle shrimp in a saute pan with garnish.

: With the assistance of this do-it-yourself , this simple one-pan recipe is bursting with zesty flavors and a spicy kick.

Several scallops in a pan.

: One of the best ways to decorate scallops is with this simple citrus ginger sauce!

Dijon baked salmon on a tray with a fork.

: That is considered one of my go-to salmon recipes for dinner. The Dijon herb unfold is extremely tasty and the salmon comes out completely moist and tender.

Grilled shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon slices, parsley and the marinade.

: After soaking in an herby, garlicky marinade, these grilled shrimp style wonderful with nearly any facet dish.

Orange glazed salmon in a pan.

: Coated in the most effective citrusy candy glaze, these salmon fillets are assured to be a weeknight favourite.

Salads for Dinner That Actually Maintain You Full

Don’t assume a salad will preserve you full? Suppose once more! These recipes are loaded with greens, scrumptious proteins, and wholesome fat.

A large bowl of mandarin chicken salad.

: This contemporary and filling salad is piled excessive with candy mandarins, shredded rooster, avocado, and crunchy toppings, then tossed with a zingy . 

Chicken salad in a white bowl with spoon.

: You possibly can take pleasure in it straight out of the bowl (like I do), add it to a sandwich, or wrap it in butter lettuce leaves. A lot versatility!

Salmon filet on salad with avocado slices.

: High pan-seared salmon on a mattress of leafy greens, avocado, tomatoes, and pink onions for the most effective salad ever.

A close up of broccoli salad in a bowl

: That is the most effective mixture of creamy and crunchy components. Bonus — it shops properly for the week!

Southwest chicken salad in a white bowl next to a small bowl of avocado dressing.

: Grilled cilantro lime rooster will get layered with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, and a creamy .

Veggie-Heavy Vegetarian Dinner Concepts

Typically, the most effective dinners revolve round plant-based components and a great deal of veggies. Excellent for meatless Monday, or honestly, any day of the week!

Two bowls of lentil soup on a table next to a napkin.

: A mix of lentils, kale, mirepoix greens, roasted tomatoes, and herbs creates this delightfully filling and flavorful soup.

A stack of zucchini fritters on a plate.

: These crisp and golden fritters are a must-make when it’s zucchini season!

Zucchini noodle caprese is made from my favorite gluten-free pasta alternative, zucchini noodles - and inspired by one of my all time favorite salads, caprese.

: A straightforward, do-it-yourself pesto basil sauce goes far on this salad. Simply toss with tomatoes, mozzarella, and freshly made zucchini noodles.

A plate of falafel drizzled with tahini sauce.

: these scrumptious balls of chickpea goodness style wonderful in wraps, pitas, sandwiches and even salads – together with a drizzle of .

A bowl of vegetarian chili next to diced avocado.

this flavorsome, veggie-heavy chili is simply what you want for a filling vegetarian dinner concept. Plus, it’s nice for meal prep.

The Greatest Dinner Meal Prep

To wrap up these dinner concepts, I’m circling again to my meal prep information the place components themselves turn into the star of the present. As a result of nothing makes us really feel extra on prime of our recreation than prepping grains, proteins, and veggies to create mix-and-match dinner recipes that come collectively in below 5 minutes!

You may make macro bowls, wraps, tacos, salads, or a easy combo plate. And don’t neglect sauces and toppings for taste and freshness. Add a dollop of to a Mediterranean bowl or guacamole and creamy to tacos.

Zucchini noodles and cauliflower rice for easy dinner ideas.

Begin with a Base

Lentils and shredded chicken for easy dinner ideas.

Add in Protein

Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes for easy dinner ideas.

Add in Greens

Chickpea salad and carne asada tacos for easy dinner ideas.

Combine and Match Dinner Concepts

Together with your prepped components, right here’s just a few concepts on learn how to mix them into the BEST dinner recipes!

  • Tacos: , , or .
  • Salads: , , or .
  • Bowls: much like my , begin with a base and layer in your favourite protein and greens.
  • Zoodles: , ,

In case you make any of those simple dinner recipes, let me know the way it turned out! I’d love to listen to what you assume within the feedback under. And for extra meal inspiration, try the most effective !

Chipotle shrimp next to teriyaki chicken for easy dinner ideas.

50+ Greatest Simple Dinner Concepts

There are such a lot of choices for flavorful, wholesome, and straightforward dinner concepts! Certainly one of my favorites is that this Dijon Baked Salmon.

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Then place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking tray and set it apart.

  • Combine collectively the remaining components in a small bowl and generously coat the highest of the salmon.

  • Bake the salmon for 18 to twenty minutes (relying on measurement and thickness), then slice it into particular person parts and serve instantly.

Energy: 231kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 28g, Fats: 12g, Saturated Fats: 2g, Ldl cholesterol: 75mg, Sodium: 203mg, Potassium: 708mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 307IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 1mg

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Recipe roundup initially posted December 2020, however up to date to incorporate new recipes.