19 Easy Dinner Ideas Recipes

19 Easy Dinner Recipes for Beginner Cooks

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Are you tired of complicated dinner recipes? Do you want to cook something easy and delicious? You’re in the right place, we have simple dinner ideas that are perfect for anyone.

These easy dinner recipes are great for weeknights, they don’t require a lot of time or special cooking skills.

You can make yummy dishes like chicken fajitas and one pot pasta, they are quick and fun to make.

Let’s explore these easy recipes and start cooking tonight!

Table of Contents

Simple Chicken Fajitas

mexican chicken dish recipe SAVE IT

Savory chicken and sautéed onions make for a flavorful fajita dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup sliced onions
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 small flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken into thin strips and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned.
  3. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Warm the flour tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
  6. Assemble the fajitas by placing the cooked chicken and vegetables onto the tortillas and serving immediately.

One Pot Pasta

quick italian meal solution SAVE IT

Quick and satisfying one pot pasta dish perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot to medium heat and add olive oil.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the pasta, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tasty Tacos

delicious mexican food option SAVE IT

Delicious tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, crispy lettuce, and creamy cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8-10 taco shells
  • Shredded cheese
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft.
  3. Add garlic and taco seasoning to the skillet and stir well.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
  5. Prepare taco shells according to package instructions.
  6. Spoon the beef mixture into the taco shells.
  7. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Baked Chicken and Vegetables

grilled chicken and vegetables SAVE IT

Delicious and healthy baked chicken and vegetables perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast
  • 2 medium-sized potatoes
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 large zucchini
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Cut the chicken, potatoes, carrot, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, vegetables, garlic, and olive oil.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Quick Quesadillas

easy mexican fast food SAVE IT

Quick Quesadillas are a simple and delicious Mexican dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 large tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. In a bowl, mix together cheese, onion, bell pepper, and chicken.
  3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a quarter of the cheese mixture on half of the tortilla.
  4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
  6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
  7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  8. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.

Easy Beef Stir Fry

quick chinese beef recipe SAVE IT

Quick and flavorful beef stir fry made with tender beef and mixed vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef strips
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add mixed vegetables and garlic, cook until vegetables are tender.
  4. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Genius Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

gourmet cheese melts perfectly SAVE IT

Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with melted cheese and crispy bread.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1-2 slices of cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  3. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
  4. Place one or two slices of cheese on top of the bread in the skillet.
  5. Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese.
  6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  7. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
  8. Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two before serving.

Hearty Lentil Soup

comforting bowl of lentils SAVE IT

Hearty Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal option.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils and drain well.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little bit of oil until tender.
  3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme to the pot.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
  5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

delicious home cooked meal SAVE IT

A simple and flavorful dish featuring roasted chicken and potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2-3 large potatoes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
  3. Cut the potatoes into wedges and place them in a bowl.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
  5. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and surround it with the potatoes.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving with the roasted potatoes.

Fast and Delicious Fried Rice

quick chinese food option SAVE IT

Quick and flavorful Chinese dish made with rice and various ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and stir-fry until they are translucent.
  3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender-crisp.
  4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, then add a little more oil if necessary.
  5. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side of the skillet and scramble them until they are cooked through.
  6. Mix the eggs and vegetables together, then add the cooked rice to the skillet.
  7. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables and eggs, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
  8. Add the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Continue stir-frying for another minute, until the rice is well coated with the sauce and heated through.
  10. Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Breakfast for Dinner

dinner at morning time SAVE IT

Breakfast for dinner is a classic comfort food dish.

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 cup of shredded cheese
  • 1 package of pancakes mix
  • 6 slices of bacon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with milk.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the whisked eggs.
  3. Cook the eggs until they are scrambled and set aside.
  4. Cook the bacon slices in a separate pan until crispy.
  5. Prepare the pancake mix according to the package instructions.
  6. Cook the pancakes on a non-stick pan or griddle.
  7. Serve the scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and pancakes together.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the eggs and pancakes.

Slow Cooker Chili

hearty slow cooked meal SAVE IT

Hearty slow cooker chili perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, and cumin to the slow cooker.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Easy Meatball Subs

simple italian american sandwiches SAVE IT

Easy meatball subs are a quick and delicious meal option.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce
  • 4 sub rolls
  • Provolone cheese slices
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
  5. While the meatballs are baking, toast the sub rolls in the oven.
  6. Assemble the subs by placing 3-4 meatballs on each roll, topping with marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

delicious chicken broccoli dish SAVE IT

A hearty and flavorful casserole with chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup french-fried onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook the chicken, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange half of the cooked chicken and broccoli mixture.
  6. Pour half of the soup mixture over the top.
  7. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining chicken and broccoli mixture, then the remaining soup mixture, and finally the remaining cheese.
  9. Top with french-fried onions.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pan Seared Salmon

cooked fish is delicious SAVE IT

Pan Seared Salmon is a flavorful and nutritious dish cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the salmon fillets, skin side up, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  6. Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve with lemon juice.

Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos

tasty mexican bean dish SAVE IT

Delicious vegetarian black bean tacos filled with flavorful beans and toppings.

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • Shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes for toppings

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add black beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
  7. Assemble tacos by spooning black bean mixture onto a tortilla and topping with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Classic Grilled Cheeseburgers

grilled cheeseburger classic style SAVE IT

Classic grilled cheeseburgers are a simple, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 8 ounces ground beef
  • 4 slices of cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal parts and shape into patties.
  3. Season the patties with salt, pepper, and garlic.
  4. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
  5. Butter the hamburger buns and grill until lightly toasted.
  6. Assemble the cheeseburgers by spreading a slice of cheese on each bun, followed by a cooked patty, and finally the top bun.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

classic italian pasta dish SAVE IT

Classic Italian dish with ground beef and tomato sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano, and bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer while the spaghetti cooks.
  6. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
  7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce and toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs

grilled chicken vegetable skewers SAVE IT

Grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs make a healthy and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, cut into chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 zucchinis, cut into slices
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Thread chicken, bell pepper, onion, garlic, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
  3. Brush olive oil over the kabobs and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy.

Conclusion

You’ll become a culinary master overnight with these 19 ridiculously easy dinner recipes! They’re so simple, you’ll be whipping up feasts in minutes, impressing everyone with your incredible cooking skills. Your taste buds will do the happy dance with each incredibly delicious bite, and you’ll be hooked on cooking forever!

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