Dinner should be delicious, is what people expect. So before we go to sleep, having a delicious dinner will make a family or people happy.
Top 19 Easy Dinner Ideas
But, unfortunately, not everyone can cook perfect food. So here are some easy dinner ideas to prepare.
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1. Pad Thai
Pad thai is a stir-fried noodle dish from Thailand. This dish is served commonly in street food and at a restaurant in Thailand. Make sure while serving the dish, it should remain hot as it will add more taste to the dish.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces uncooked thick rice noodles
- Two teaspoons canola oil
- 1/2 pound pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
- Two shallots, thinly sliced
- Two garlic cloves, minced
- One large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 cups coleslaw mix
- Four green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Three tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Two tablespoons fish sauce
- One tablespoon chilli garlic sauce
- One tablespoon lime juice
- Two tablespoons chopped salted peanuts
- Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and fresh bean sprouts
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Cook the noodles: For easy-going, you can follow the directions given on the package. Please don’t break the noodles and keep them boiling in the water till it gets hot.
It will make the noodles soft and flexible to eat. Drain the water after boiling and keep it aside.
Step 2: Fry the vegetables: It’s time for vegetables now. Take a large non-stick skillet and heat the oil in high flame. Add pork and fry it till it gets brown. Keep the pork aside.
Now add shallot and garlic to cook for a minute till they are fragrant. Constantly stir the garlic so that it will not burn. Then, make the onion mixture and add eggs. Now stir and fry for 1-2 minutes until the eggs get set.
Step 3: Finishing the dish: Now it’s time for the touch-up to the plate. Add the coleslaw mix and the green onions, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, and peanuts, then stir and fry it for a minute.
Next, add the pork and cook until it gets heated. Now it’s time to add noodles and cook briefly so that all flavors mix properly. Garnish it with peanuts, lime wedges, and bean sprouts.
2. Crock-Pot Pot Roast
To cook this dish, you need to spend at least 8 hours. It needs to be cooked in the slow cooker and roasted. You can serve it to a minimum of 6 people. It is worth waiting for that long to eat this yummy dish.
Ingredients:
- One tablespoon canola oil
- One boneless beef rump or chuck roast (3 to 3-1/2 pounds)
- 1/4 cup red wine, beer, beef broth or water, for deglazing
- Six medium carrots, cut into thirds
- Six medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- One large onion, quartered
- Three teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 (32-ounce) box beef broth
- Three tablespoons cornstarch
- Three tablespoons water
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Brown the roast: In a large skillet, add oil and keep it on medium flame. Add the roast and brown it on all sides for at least 5 minutes.
Remove the roaster in the platter. Again, in the pan, add wine, beer, water by using a spoon to release any burnt bits.
Step 2: Cooking in the cooker: Add the meat and wait till it gets brown, then place carrots, potatoes, and onion in the bowl of a slow cooker. Now place the roast on the top of the vegetables and sparkle the steak on it.
Next, add the deglazing liquid and the broth, cover it for 10 to 12 hours on low flame, and cook till the beef and vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Prepare gravy: Transfer the roast and vegetables to the platter and use the aluminum foil to keep them warm.Pour the cooking juices into a small saucepan and heat it in medium to high flame until the juice boils.
Combine the water and cornstarch in a small bowl, then stir it into juices and get the mixture to boil. Cook it till the mixture is thick for 1-2 minutes. Now the gravy is ready to get served on top of the roast.
3. Alfredo
Alfredo is an Italian recipe. The taste of this dish is fabulous. The whole dish will be easy once you get done making the Alfredo sauce. One of Italy’s famous and common dishes is Alfredo, as you can make it in several ways.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces uncooked fettuccine
- Three tablespoons butter
- One garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup plus two tablespoons grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Dash ground black pepper
- Dash ground nutmeg
- Minced fresh parsley, optional
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Cook the pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to the instructions given in the la al dente. Drain it after it’s finished.
Please don’t remove the starch from the noodles as it can help the sauce stick to the pasta. You can also add a little bit of olive oil or butter to your pasta so that the sauce can stick together.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce: Take a large saute pan and melt the butter in the medium flame. Add the minced garlic and cook it for a minute.
Now slowly add heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to medium flame and cook it for 3-4 minutes till it gets thicken.
Step 3: Add the cheese: Remove the pan from heat and add parmesan and Romano cheese. Incorporate before you add next. As the cheese gets added, return the pan to the stovetop.
Turn the flame in low and simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes. Then it will get thick enough to coat it with the spoon.
Step 4: Serve: Now add the drain to the pan and roll it with the sauce. Divide the pasta among the bowls and top them with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
4. Stir-Fry
Stir-fry sauce is the best sauce to use in many dishes to add a spicy taste. It is simple to make this recipe as you need to add all the ingredients, and it will be done. You can use this sauce with any dish you like—for example, noodles.
Ingredients:
For the stir-fry sauce
- One tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup orange juice
- Two tablespoons soy sauce
- Two garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the dish:
- One pork tenderloin (1 pound), cut into thin strips
- One tablespoon canola oil (or other flavorless oil that can handle high heat, like peanut)
- One small onion, sliced
- 1/4 pound fresh snow peas
- 1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned
- Hot cooked rice
- Optional: Chopped green onion and sesame seeds
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Make the sauce: Take a small bowl and combine cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Keep it aside.
Step 2: Sear the meat: Cook the meat first in the skillet. Now take a large skillet and stir-fry the pork in oil until it’s browned for 5 minutes. Then drain it.
Step 3: Toss the vegetables: Make sure you cut the vegetables in the same size. Now add onion, peas, and red pepper. Cook and stir till it gets crispy for 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the sauce: Cook the sauce for 2 minutes and let it get thick. Next, stir the orange juice and add it to the pan. Let it boil and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve: You can also serve it with rice noodles or rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.
5. Glazed Ham
Hams are produced in most countries. It is essential to get the ham with its skin and rind it to make the glazed ham. If there is no rind, then the glazed ham will not be sticky.
Ingredients:
- One fully cooked bone-in ham (5 to 7 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- Two teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Prepare ham: Preheat the oven to 325°F and take a large casserole dish. Place the ham on the surface and cut it into a diamond shape. It will open the outer layer of ham, and it will soak it into the meat.
You can also insert whole cloves in diamond point to make a traditional look. Cover the ham with foil and bake it till the thermometer reaches 130° F for 2 hours.
Step 2: Ready the glaze: As the ham is baking now, you can combine the brown sugar with mustard in a small bowl. Add vinegar accordingly to create a thick paste.
Step 3: Glaze away: Now remove the ham from the oven. Spread the glaze over the ham. Because of the heat of the ham, the thick glaze will spread evenly.
Bake the ham uncovered for 15-30 minutes till the thermometer reaches 140° F.
6. Pasta Toss
Many people like to eat pasta. It may require many ingredients to add, but still a simple dish to cook and eat. Make sure that you choose the correct pasta shape to cook with the sauce. In Italy, many people give preference to pasta food.
Ingredients:
- One package (16 ounces) linguine
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas, thawed
- Two tablespoons minced garlic
- One tablespoon Italian seasoning
- One teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced prosciutto or deli ham, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Cook linguine as per the instructions given in the package. In the last 3 minutes, add peas to it. Simultaneously take a heavy skillet, saute garlic and pepper in oil for a minute, then stir it in prosciutto.
Step 2: Now drain linguine. Add skillet and toss it, then sprinkle with cheese.
7. Lemon Shrimp Orzo
The best thing about lemon shrimp orzo is that you can eat it hot or cold. You can also add chicken to it to make it tastier. Once you try this recipe, you will enjoy eating it as every ingredient is delicious. It is American cuisine and a fantastic meal for the family.
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- One small onion, chopped
- Two garlic cloves, minced
- 3-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
- 1 cup water
- 1 pound raw shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- Three tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, halved
- 1-1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Take oil in a large skillet and heat it in medium to high flame. Add onions and cook it for 3-4 minutes till it gets crisp. Add garlic and cook for more than a minute.
Now stir broth, orzo, and water, then bring it to boil. Reduce the flame and keep it uncovered for 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: Stir shrimp, arugula, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in it. Cook till it gets pink in color. Sprinkle feta and basil leaves.
8. Baked Chimichangas
Baked Chimichangas is the healthier variant with the deep-fried dish. The recipe has less fat and fewer calories. Every bite provides the perfect taste and famous crispy tortilla crunch that will make people eat even more.
Ingredients:
- 2-1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup salsa
- One small onion, chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Six flour tortillas (10 inches), warmed
- 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Two teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fat-free half-and-half
- One can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Preheat the oven at 425°. Take a non-stick skillet and add chicken, salsa, onion, cumin, and oregano. Let the ingredients heat and evaporate.
Step 2: Place 1/2 cup of chicken mixture on each tortilla. Add two tablespoons of cheese on top. Fold the sides and ends, then roll-up.
Step 3: Place it down in 13×9 and bake it with cooking spray. Bake it uncovered for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Now, take a small saucepan and combine the broth, bouillon, and pepper in it. Cook till it gets dissolved. Then take a small bowl and add flour till it gets smooth.
Stir into the broth and let it boil. Cook it for 2 minutes and stir chillies. Cook till it’s heated. Serve it with chimichangas.
9. Salmon with Spinach Sauce
Salmon with Spinach Sauce is a delicate and rich dish. The sauce will stay warm and not easily reheated. Therefore, it is essential to keep the spinach sauce warm all the time. It can be hard to make but worth it to make and eat.
Ingredients:
- 5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- One teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
- Two salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- Four slices lemon
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Take a small bowl and combine spinach, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic salt. Cover it and keep it in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Take 1 cup of water in a three qt electric pressure cooker. Place salmon on the trivet, then sprinkle lemon pepper with lemon slices on top. Now lock the led and adjust the pressure cooker for 3 minutes on high flame.
Step 3: Remove the lemon slices and serve the salmon with spinach sauce.
10. Family-Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta
Cheeseburger pasta is one of the best dishes to eat. Cheeseburger Pasta is meaty, saucy, cheesy, and mouth-watering. If you haven’t tried it yet, then do it instantly. Indeed this recipe will become a family favorite soon after they eat. It is a quick and simple dish to make.
Ingredients:
- 5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- One teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
- Two salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- Four slices lemon
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Cook the pasta as given in the package directions. Take a large skillet, then cook the beef and onion on medium flame till the meat is not in pink. Drain the pasta and add to the meat mixture.
Step 2: Now stir in tomatoes, relish, mustard, ketchup, steak seasoning, and seasoned salt, then let it boil. Reduce the flame and keep it uncovered for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Sprinkle the cheese and remove it from heat. Now cover it till the cheese gets melted. Garnish with green onions and ready to serve.
11. Pizza Potato Toppers
Pizza Potato Topper is a quick and simple recipe to make. It is healthy and delicious too for the family and friends. It can also be a new recipe for your family as potatoes are mostly eaten as baked. So try the new recipe and stay healthy at the same time.
Ingredients:
- Four medium baking potatoes
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- One small onion, chopped
- One tomato, chopped
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Fresh oregano, basil, or parsley, optional
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Prick the potatoes with a fork, and cook it in the microwave till it gets tender. Next, take a large skillet and cook beef and green pepper with onion till the meat is not in pink. Drain it and stir tomatoes & pasta sauce in it.
Step 2: Split the potatoes in length and flake them in the center with a fork. Spoon meat mixture into each and add mozzarella cheese on top.
12. Penne Alla Vodka
Yes, Vodka is getting used to making this dish. It will be tasty to eat with penne pasta. When this dish was first created, many customers liked it, and now it has become the icon of fashionable cuisine of all time. This dish is prevalent in Italy.
Ingredients:
- One package (16 ounces) penne pasta
- Three tablespoons butter
- Two garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into strips
- One can (28 ounces) whole plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Cook pasta as given in the package directions.
Step 2: Now, take a large skillet, pour butter, and heat it on medium flame. Add garlic and stir it for a minute, then Add prosciutto in it and cook for 2 more minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, vodka, salt, and pepper flakes, then let it boil. Reduce the heat and keep it uncovered for 5 minutes. Now stir it for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce along with cheese. Now mix it and serve.
13. Smoked Sausage with Pasta
This dish takes little time to make. Although, of course, it requires some patience to complete. But it is worth cooking for your family.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
- 1/2 pound smoked turkey kielbasa, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
- Two garlic cloves, minced
- 4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- One tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups julienned seeded plum tomatoes
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Cook pasta as given in the package directions. Next, take a large non-stick skillet and saute sausage, mushrooms, garlic & basil in oil until mushrooms are tender.
Step 2: Drain the pasta and add sausage mixture. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let it heat. Now you can add fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
14. Taco Pizza Squares
Taco Pizza Squares is famous among many people. I am sure it will be a surprise to your family if you try this recipe for them. Taco and pizza is a fun twist to try as it will have the best taste to eat. Your family will enjoy eating the dish.
Ingredients:
- One tube (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust
- One can (8 ounces) pizza sauce
- 2 cups Seasoned Taco Meat
- Two medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Firstly, unroll the dough you have. Now place it as 15x10x1 in the baking pan. Then spread the pizza sauce you have on the dough.
Step 2: Next, sprinkle taco bells, cheese, and tomatoes. Bake it at 400°F for 15-20 minutes till it gets crusted in golden brown. Finally, you can add lettuce and sour cream on the top.
15. Cheeseburger Cups
Cheese itself is delicious, but making a dish with it can be more delicious than ever. Cheeseburger Cups are the best dish you can ever try in your family meals. Moreover, kids will be delighted to try this recipe. It is one of the inexpensive dishes with handy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- Two tablespoons brown sugar
- One tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- One tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- 1/2 cup cubed Velveeta
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Take a large skillet and cook beef on medium flame till the meat is no longer pink. Add ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then stir it. Remove from heat and keep it aside.
Step 2: Press the biscuits on the bottom upside of the muffin cup. Keep the beef mixture into cups. Add cheese cubes on top and bake it for 14-16 minutes or until it gets golden brown.
16. Skillet Tacos
Skillet Tacos are an easy and attractive dish to make. It is the best recipe to make for dinner as everyone will enjoy the meal.
Ingredients:
- One tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 pound lean ground turkey
- Two tablespoons chopped onion
- Two tablespoons chopped green pepper
- One can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup Picante sauce
- Two tablespoons shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crushed baked tortilla chip scoops
- 1/4 cup chopped avocado
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil on medium flame. Add turkey, onion, and green pepper to it. Cook till the vegetables are tender, and the turkey is not pink.
Step 2: Add tomato sauce, macaroni, water, and picante sauce, then stir it. Let it boil, and then reduce the heat. Keep it covered for 10-15 minutes so the macaroni can get tender.
Step 3: Divide them into two plates and add cheese, tortilla chips, and avocado on top. Serve it with lettuce and sour cream.
17. Apples ‘n’ Onion Topped Chops
The combination of Apples and onions can give a fantastic flavour to the dish. The sweetness of apples and onions can complement the roast pork. The crisp taste of pork skin will make your mouth water. Making this dish at the weekend for the family can be the best thing to do so that everyone can enjoy eating.
Ingredients:
- Four teaspoons canola oil, divided
- Four boneless pork loin chops (5 ounces each)
- 3 cups sweet onion slices
- Two medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup water
- Two tablespoons brown sugar
- One tablespoon cider vinegar
- One teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Take a large non-stick skillet, pour two teaspoons of canola oil, and set it on medium flame. Cook chops for 3 minutes on each side till it gets brown. Remove the meat and keep it aside.
Step 2: Take the onion in the remaining two teaspoons of canola oil in the same skillet for 7 minutes. Add apple slices and cook it for 3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine water, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and rosemary, then stir it. Let it boil and return to meat.
Step 4: Reduce the heat and keep it covered till the apples are crispy. Then insert a thermometer in the pork for 8 minutes. Let it stay for 5 minutes and serve.
18. Cobb Salad Wraps
Cobb Salad Wraps is the classic recipe that is oriented from Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood. It is healthy and tasty to eat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
- 1/2 cup chopped avocado
- Four bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- One celery rib, thinly sliced
- One green onion, sliced
- Two tablespoons chopped ripe olives
- Two tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
- Two tablespoons lemon juice
- One tablespoon honey
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- One garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- One tablespoon olive oil
- Four romaine leaves, torn
- Four wholewheat tortillas (8 inches), warmed
- One medium tomato, chopped
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Take a small bowl to combine chicken, avocado, bacon, celery, onion, olives, and cheese.
Step 2: Next, take another small bowl and combine lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, dill weed, salt, and pepper. Finally, whisk oil and pour the chicken mixture.
Step 3: Now, place romaine on each tortilla and add 2/3 cup chicken mixture on top. Sprinkle tomato and roll it.
19. Mom’s Spanish Rice
Mom’s Spanish Rice dish is the best for dinner. Your whole family can eat with joy. It will be healthy and easy for digestion, and it will fulfil your tummy and is healthy. It is easy and comfortable to cook too.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- One large onion, chopped
- One medium green pepper, chopped
- One can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- One can (14-1/2 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
- One teaspoon ground cumin
- One teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-2/3 cups cooked brown rice
Steps to prepare:
Step 1: Take a large skillet and cook beef, onion, and pepper on medium heat for 6-8 minutes. Now drain it.
L Stir the tomato sauce, tomatoes and seasonings, then let it boil. Add rice and let it heat. Stir it and garnish it with green onions.
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Conclusion
These dinner ideas below can add more taste to your food. So your family and friends can enjoy eating. But, of course, it’s always important to enjoy the meal before we sleep.
