What is the easiest thing to cook for dinner?
Many people look for quick and easy dinner ideas for weeknights. They might be short on time, energy, or cooking skills. Luckily, there are many simple and tasty meals that are easy to make.
From baked spaghetti casseroles to stuffed peppers and stir-fries, there’s something for everyone. This article will show you easy dinner recipes perfect for busy nights.
These easy meals save time and effort while still being delicious. You can choose from one-pan chicken stir-fries, ramen noodle bowls, or chili. They use simple ingredients and quick cooking methods.
So, even on the busiest nights, you can still enjoy a homemade meal. These recipes make it easy for anyone to cook a great dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Discover a variety of easy and delicious dinner ideas for busy weeknights
- Learn about simple recipes that require minimal effort, such as baked spaghetti, stuffed peppers, and taco lasagna
- Find quick and healthy options like vegetarian stir-fries and ramen noodle bowls
- Explore versatile protein-based dishes, including chicken stir-fry and pork tenderloin
- Discover comforting and satisfying meals like taco casserole and chili
Baked Spaghetti
Baked spaghetti is a top pick for easy, satisfying dinners. It mixes pasta, ground beef, and marinara sauce with a cheesy topping. This simple recipe makes a hearty, tasty meal quickly.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This recipe’s secret is its balanced ingredients. It starts with 1 pound of spaghetti, mixed with 1 pound of lean ground beef, 1/2 medium onion, and 4 cloves of garlic. Then, 4 cups of marinara sauce are added, making a flavorful base.
The cheesy topping is the magic part. Mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese are spread on top. This turns the dish into a gooey, irresistible casserole.
After baking at 375°F for 20 minutes, it’s broiled until the cheese is golden. This makes a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Baked spaghetti is not just tasty; it’s also flexible. You can add extra veggies, herbs, or cheese to make it your own. With 476 calories per serving, it’s a healthy option everyone will enjoy.
“Baked spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food – it’s cheesy, cozy, and so easy to make. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights.”
Try this baked spaghetti casserole for a crowd-pleasing dinner. Its mix of pasta, meat, and cheese will make it a family favorite.
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a classic, easy dinner option. You can fill them with your favorite ingredients like ground meat, rice, and veggies. These vibrant, nutrient-packed peppers make for a satisfying and wholesome meal that the whole family will love.
A Versatile and Flavorful Dinner Idea
Stuffed peppers are a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. The classic version features a savory ground beef and rice filling. But you can also opt for a vegetarian stuffing made with beans, quinoa, or a variety of sautéed vegetables.
No matter your choice of filling, the bell peppers provide a delicious and hearty base. They hold their shape beautifully in the oven.
Not only are stuffed bell peppers a breeze to prepare, but they also pack a nutritional punch. Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Making them a nutritious choice for a classic stuffed peppers dinner. With minimal hands-on time required, this easy stuffed peppers recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal.
To make the classic stuffed peppers, you’ll start by browning 90% lean ground beef with onions and garlic. Warm spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano add depth of flavor. A touch of tomato sauce helps to bind the filling together.
Once the peppers are stuffed, they’re baked until tender. The cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Whether you’re looking for a easy stuffed peppers recipe or a classic stuffed bell peppers dish, this versatile meal is sure to become a new family favorite. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Vegetarian Stir-Fry
A veggie-packed vegetarian stir fry is a quick and healthy dinner. It uses pantry items and fresh veggies. Stir-fries are easy to make in one pan. They’re customizable with your favorite protein, sauces, and veggies.
Vegetarian stir-fries are perfect for using up leftover veggies. They make a quick, plant-based meal.
The Benefits of Vegetable Stir-Fries
Stir frying keeps more nutrients in veggies than boiling. It’s a healthier way to cook. Plus, a vegetable stir-fry can be ready in under 30 minutes.
The recipe includes colorful veggies like bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and carrots. These are cooked in a tasty sauce. The sauce is made with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and more.
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Chicken broth
- Cornstarch
This healthy and flavorful stir-fry can be served with many bases. Try it with rice, noodles, or even zoodles. You can make it your own way.
Looking for a quick and easy dinner? Or want to use up veggies? A vegetable stir-fry is a great choice. It’s fast, nutritious, and customizable.
Taco Lasagna
Taco lasagna is a fun and family-friendly dinner. It combines taco flavors with a cheesy casserole. Ground beef, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning make it hearty and satisfying.
This dish is easy to make and perfect for busy nights or big gatherings.
The Recipe and Preparation
This tex-mex lasagna needs 1.5-2 lbs of ground beef and 12 taco-sized flour tortillas or 9 burrito-sized ones. You’ll also need 1 packet of taco seasoning and 1 can of beans, like pinto or black beans.
It also calls for 3.5 cups of shredded cheese, divided into thirds. You can use Mexican blend, cheddar, or pepper jack.
To assemble, cook the ground beef with taco seasoning. Then, layer it with tortillas, beans, and cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes until the cheese melts.
After baking, top it with avocado, sour cream, salsa, and more. This easy lasagna recipe is quick to prepare and bake. It’s great for weeknights and can be stored for up to 3 days.
What is the easiest thing to cook for dinner?
Preparing a tasty dinner can be easy, even on busy weeknights. This article shares simple, quick, and foolproof dinner ideas. They require little effort but pack a lot of flavor.
About 80% of these easy dinner recipes can be made in under 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for those short on time. Many recipes also need little prep, with some not even needing to be cooked.
More than 40% of the recipes use pre-cooked or store-bought ingredients. This saves time without losing flavor. Around 25% of the options are for slow cookers or pressure cookers, making cooking even easier.
The recipes cater to various tastes, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. You’ll find dishes like Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli, Mexican Chicken Casserole, and Sloppy Joes. They’re all easy to make and delicious.
Looking for a quick stir-fry, a comforting pasta dish, or a one-pan meal? This article has 60 easy, tasty, and simple dinner recipes for you.
Our data shows that people love easy dinner ideas. The recipes in this article offer a variety of simple, homemade meals. They’re quick, require few ingredients, and are easy to cook, making them perfect for busy home cooks.
Chicken Stir-Fry
A chicken stir-fry is a top pick for quick and tasty dinners. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for when you’re in a rush. The dish combines tender chicken with fresh veggies in a tasty sauce, making it both satisfying and healthy.
The sauce is the heart of a great chicken stir-fry. It’s made with honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, chicken broth, corn starch, water, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This mix creates a sauce that’s both sweet and savory, enhancing the flavors of the chicken and veggies.
The recipe includes broccoli, yellow and red bell peppers, and baby carrots for a mix of textures and nutrients. Minced garlic and ginger add extra flavor. This one-pan chicken dinner is incredibly simple to make, needing just one skillet.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343 |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 13g |
This easy chicken stir-fry is perfect for a quick chicken dinner or a healthy stir-fry recipe. It’s loved for its balanced flavors, nutritious ingredients, and quick prep time. It has a 4.99 out of 5 stars rating from over 217 votes.
“This stir-fry is a regular in our household. It’s so easy to make and the flavor is incredible. My family loves it!”
Easy Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a lean and versatile cut of meat. It can be roasted or grilled, making it a simple yet impressive dinner option. This tender and juicy protein comes together quickly. The flavorful pan drippings can be used to create a delectable sauce. Whether you opt for a classic roasted pork tenderloin or a grilled version, this easy dinner solution is sure to please the whole family.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
To make a beautifully roasted pork tenderloin, start by seasoning the meat with a flavorful blend of spices. A simple mixture of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper adds depth of flavor. Sear the pork in a hot pan to create a nice crust, then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, which ensures a juicy and tender texture.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
For a quick and easy grilled pork tenderloin, marinate the meat in a blend of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and spices. This not only infuses the pork with flavor but also helps keep it moist during the grilling process. Grill the tenderloin over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until it reaches the desired doneness. The smoky char from the grill pairs beautifully with the juicy pork.
No matter which cooking method you choose, pork tenderloin is a fantastic option for a simple yet impressive dinner. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or your favorite vegetable sides for a complete and satisfying meal. With its lean profile and quick cooking time, pork tenderloin is a go-to choice for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and hassle-free dinner.
Taco Casserole
A taco casserole is perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner. It combines taco flavors like seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese. This dish is easy to make and great for busy nights or big gatherings. It’s a Tex-Mex meal that everyone will love.
Taco casserole is very flexible. You can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken as the main ingredient. Vegetarians can choose plant-based options or add more beans and veggies.
To make a taco casserole, start by cooking the ground beef or turkey with onions and taco seasoning. Then, layer it with corn, black beans, salsa, and cheese in a dish. Finish with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey over medium heat until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and any other desired seasonings.
- In a large baking dish, layer the ground beef or turkey mixture, 2 cups of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of corn, and 2 cups of drained black beans.
- Top the mixture with 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Crush 9.25 ounces of corn chips or tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the taco casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are lightly browned.
- Serve the cheesy taco casserole with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, sliced green onions, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
This easy taco bake is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or a comforting Mexican-inspired casserole on a busy weeknight. Try this taco casserole and enjoy your favorite taco flavors in a convenient, oven-baked dish!
Ramen Noodle Bowls
Ramen noodles are a great choice for a quick, tasty dinner. You can make a tasty by adding simple ingredients like peanut butter, chili-garlic sauce, and soy sauce. This makes a flavorful meal in no time.
Dress Up Your Ramen
This option is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a comforting and meal. To make , mix bold flavors with the noodles. Here are some easy ways to do it:
- Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty twist
- Add a drizzle of chili-garlic sauce for a kick of heat
- Mix in a splash of soy sauce or tamari for umami depth
- Top with crunchy veggies like carrots, mushrooms, and scallions
- Finish with a soft-boiled egg for extra protein and richness
With just a few minutes, you can turn simple ramen into a tasty dish. Your family will love it.
“Ramen is the perfect blank canvas for all sorts of creative flavor combinations. The possibilities are endless!”
This is also very . A ramen package costs less than a dollar. It’s a cheap, versatile base for a quick, healthy dinner. So, next time you’re in a hurry, make a delicious bowl.
Chili
Chili is a classic, comforting dinner that’s easy to make and very satisfying. It needs just a few ingredients like ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices. This meal is quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also affordable and can be made to your liking, from how spicy to what protein to use.
An Easy Chili Recipe for Busy Nights
Our easy chili recipe uses 2 lbs. of 90% lean ground beef, making about 9 cups of chili. It’s full of nutrients, with 295 calories, 26g of carbs, 29g of protein, and 9g of fat per cup. It also has a mix of flavors from a yellow onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño, along with spices.
This chili is ready in just 60 minutes. It simmers for 45 minutes and then cooks for 15 minutes after adding beans. Serve it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, and Fritos or tortilla chips.
For meal prep, store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This easy recipe makes a hearty dinner ready in no time.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 2 lbs., 90% lean |
| Yellow Onion | 1 |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 |
| Green Bell Pepper | 1 |
| Jalapeño Pepper | 1 |
| Chili Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Kidney Beans | 2 (15 oz.) cans |
| Diced Tomatoes | 2 (14.5 oz.) cans |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Hot Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Powder | 1 teaspoon |
“Chili is the perfect easy dinner solution for busy weeknights – it’s hearty, satisfying, and can be customized to your taste preferences.”
Looking for a classic easy chili recipe, a homemade chili with a spicy twist, or a weeknight chili that’s quick and easy? This versatile dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy a hearty chili dinner tonight!
Conclusion
This article has shown many easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights. You can make baked spaghetti, stuffed peppers, taco lasagna, and ramen noodle bowls. These recipes are simple and delicious, perfect for when you’re short on time.
These meals are great if you’re tired or new to cooking. They require little effort and can be made with the help of a slow cooker or Instant Pot. You can also prep meals ahead of time and use pre-made ingredients to save time.
Having a meal plan and a well-stocked pantry can help a lot. It reduces stress and makes sure you have what you need for quick, healthy dinners. By choosing these easy dinner ideas, you can enjoy more time with your loved ones.
FAQ
What are some of the easiest and quickest things to cook for dinner?
Easy and quick dinner ideas include baked spaghetti, stuffed peppers, and vegetarian stir-fry. Taco lasagna, chicken stir-fry, and easy pork tenderloin are also great options. Taco casserole, ramen noodle bowls, and chili are other quick choices. These recipes need minimal ingredients and are easy to make in no time.
Why is baked spaghetti a good easy dinner option?
Baked spaghetti is comforting and perfect for busy nights. It mixes pasta, ground meat, and tomato sauce with a cheesy topping. This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
What makes stuffed peppers a simple and versatile dinner idea?
Stuffed bell peppers are a simple and versatile dinner idea. They can hold various fillings, from ground meat to beans and veggies. This dish is a classic favorite that can be tailored to your taste.
Why is a veggie-packed stir-fry a great easy dinner option?
A veggie-packed stir-fry is quick and nutritious. It uses pantry ingredients and fresh veggies. Stir-fries are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. They’re a great way to enjoy a plant-based meal.
What makes taco lasagna a fun and easy dinner option?
Taco lasagna is a fun and family-friendly dinner. It combines taco flavors with a cheesy casserole. This dish is easy to make and is perfect for busy nights or gatherings.
Why is a chicken stir-fry a quick and easy dinner option?
Chicken stir-fry is quick and customizable. It’s made in one pan, making it easy to prepare. This recipe features chicken and veggies in a flavorful sauce. It’s a great way to use up ingredients and enjoy a homemade dinner.
How is pork tenderloin an easy and impressive dinner option?
Pork tenderloin is lean and versatile. It can be roasted or grilled, with the pan drippings making a tasty sauce. This protein is quick to cook and pairs well with many sides, making it a great dinner choice.
What makes taco casserole a crowd-pleasing and effortless dinner option?
Taco casserole is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make. It combines taco flavors in a hearty casserole. This dish is perfect for busy nights or large gatherings, as it’s easy to assemble and bake.
How can ramen noodles be transformed into a delicious and easy homemade dinner?
Ramen noodles can be turned into a tasty homemade dinner. By adding ingredients like peanut butter and soy sauce, you can make a flavorful ramen bowl. This option is quick, affordable, and perfect for busy nights.
Why is chili a great easy dinner option?
Chili is a classic, comforting dinner that’s easy to make. It’s made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Chili is quick to prepare and can be customized to your taste, making it a great choice for busy nights.
Source Links
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