26 Dinner Recipes You’ll Want To Make Every Week

Weeknights can get hectic, and I’m always looking for meals that are quick to make but still feel like something the whole family will enjoy. These recipes are the kind I keep coming back to because they’re easy to prep, use ingredients I usually have on hand, and actually get eaten without complaints. If you’re like me and want dinner to be one less thing to stress about, this list has you covered.

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it a convenient dinner option when time is tight. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish and pairs well with simple sides. With just the right balance of cheese and seasonings, it’s one of those meals you’ll want to put on repeat. It’s especially helpful on nights when you need something easy that still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

This chicken recipe gives you juicy results without the hassle of using the grill. It comes together fast with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The smoky BBQ flavor makes it one of those go-to meals that feels reliable and enjoyable. You’ll likely find yourself returning to it often just for the ease and bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Steak Tips

These steak tips cook in minutes and turn out tender every time, making them ideal when you’re short on time but still want something filling. They go well with a variety of sides, from rice to roasted veggies. The air fryer makes cleanup simple and prep minimal. It’s a solid dinner option that can easily become part of your regular meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

This dish has a fresh, mild flavor that works well for a wide range of eaters. The creamy sauce brings a comforting balance, making it more than just a basic seafood dinner. It’s fast enough for weeknights and special enough to serve to guests. Once you’ve made it, it’s easy to keep it in rotation when you need something reliable and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

Turkey Taco Soup

This soup is warm, hearty, and packed with familiar flavors that come together in one pot. It’s a low-effort dinner that works especially well during colder months or when you want something comforting. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly. It’s a dependable recipe to lean on when you’re trying to keep things simple but filling.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Taco Soup

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

The light lemon-butter flavor keeps things fresh, while baking it makes for an easy cleanup. It’s a good choice when you need something that’s quick but doesn’t feel rushed. This fish dish pairs well with vegetables or rice and can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that works well when you want to keep dinner light but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These stuffed peppers are hearty and filling, with just enough cheese to bring everything together. They bake up easily and don’t require much prep, making them practical for a weeknight meal. The combination of chicken and mild peppers creates a meal that doesn’t get old fast. It’s easy to keep in your rotation when you want a little variety without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Ground Pork Stir Fry

This quick stir-fry uses simple ingredients and cooks up in one pan, saving time and dishes. It’s full of flavor and works great with rice or noodles, depending on what you have on hand. The short cook time makes it a reliable pick when you need dinner fast. It’s one of those meals you can make again and again without getting bored.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, all without turning on the oven. They cook fast and don’t require much prep, making them easy to include in your dinner rotation. You can serve them with a wide range of sides, which makes planning meals easier. This recipe works well when you want something dependable and no-fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

This recipe combines grilled chicken with a fresh tomato topping, giving it a nice mix of warm and cool elements. It’s great for warmer months when you want something light but still filling. The ingredients are simple, and prep is minimal. You’ll likely find yourself coming back to it for its balance of ease and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

This chilled pasta dish works well when you want something you can make ahead and serve cold. It’s perfect for busy nights when cooking time is limited. The shrimp adds protein, making it more filling than a regular side salad. It’s an easy go-to when you want variety without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Cream Cheese Chicken

This creamy chicken dish is rich without being too heavy, and it goes well with pasta or vegetables. It cooks in one pan, which keeps cleanup to a minimum. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients. It’s one of those meals you can rely on when you want something that feels homemade but not time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Ground Pork Tacos

These tacos are fast to prepare and use everyday ingredients, making them an easy solution for a last-minute dinner. They’re full of flavor and customizable depending on what toppings you have. The simple prep and quick cooking time make them practical for busy evenings. This is a meal that’s easy to make again and again without feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Cheeseburger Casserole

This baked casserole pulls together all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a one-dish meal. It’s kid-friendly, reheats well, and works for leftovers. The ingredients are basic and easy to keep stocked. It’s a convenient option when you want something filling and low-fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

These pork chops come out crisp and golden without a lot of effort. The panko coating adds crunch while the meat stays juicy inside. They bake quickly and pair well with many side dishes. This is a dinner that’s easy to make part of your regular meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

This one-pan dinner is comforting and easy to throw together with pantry staples. It bakes quickly and doesn’t require constant attention. The result is a warm, cheesy dish that works great for weeknights. It’s the kind of meal that saves time without feeling rushed.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

This stir-fry comes together quickly and has a bold flavor that makes it feel like takeout at home. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in one pan. It’s great for nights when you want something fast but not boring. This is a dish that’s easy to make part of your weekly lineup.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Panko Crusted Cod

The panko crust adds crunch while keeping the fish moist inside. It bakes quickly and doesn’t make a mess, which is helpful on busy nights. You can pair it with just about any side, making it flexible and easy to plan around. This is a dinner option that checks all the boxes for simplicity and repeatability.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is a fast, one-pan meal that’s light but still filling. The shrimp and broccoli cook in minutes, making it practical for a quick dinner. It pairs well with rice or noodles and doesn’t take much prep. It’s an easy option to include in your regular dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Korean Beef and Broccoli

This dish is full of flavor and made with ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. It cooks quickly in one pan, so it’s great for busy evenings. The balance of beef and vegetables keeps it filling without being too heavy. It’s a recipe you’ll likely come back to often because of how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Crab Pasta

This pasta dish feels a bit special but doesn’t take long to prepare. The crab adds a nice twist to a simple meal, and it works well for both weeknights and casual get-togethers. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and doesn’t require many dishes. You’ll probably find yourself returning to it for its ease and comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

These skewers are quick to cook and easy to prep, with minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer. The recipe is flexible and works with a variety of marinades and sides. It’s great for nights when you want something different but not complicated. This is a meal you can repeat often because it keeps things interesting without adding work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

This sandwich-style recipe is packed with flavor and cooks up quickly. It’s a practical option when you want something filling without spending too much time. The ingredients are simple, and it’s easy to throw together even on busy days. It’s one of those meals that fits right into your regular routine.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders come out crispy and cook fast without the need for deep frying. They’re kid-friendly and go with almost any side. With a short cook time and little cleanup, they’re great for hectic weeknights. It’s easy to keep this recipe on hand when you want something familiar and easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Honey Walnut Shrimp

This shrimp dish is sweet and savory with a crunchy finish that makes it feel a little more special. It cooks quickly and doesn’t need many ingredients. You can pair it with rice or serve it on its own for a light dinner. It’s a helpful recipe when you want something fast but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

This pasta dish is quick to prepare and made with pantry-friendly ingredients. The shrimp cooks fast and adds a hearty element to the meal. It’s a good pick when you need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. The simplicity and comfort make it a natural fit for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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