These Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas are perfect for a busy family. All of the recipes take only a few ingredients, need minimal prep, and cook fast!
Making delicious and easy dinners doesn’t have to take a lot of time or ingredients. Whenever I can have a homemade meal prepared in just minutes, I’m 100% down to make that happen.
I’ve brought together my favorite easy dinner ideas to help you with your own dinner prep. Each recipe requires minimal work, and many of them cook quickly or require entirely hands-off cooking time. And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry!
Pin this recipe now to save it for later
Healthy, Cheap, and Easy Dinner Recipes
No matter if you’re looking for a vegetarian meal, a beef recipe, or a simple chicken dish, this list of fast and easy dinners has you covered.
You’ll love them so much, you just might be able to make your menu for the week and meal plan easily!
When you know you have a busy night coming up, make certain to plan out dinner beforehand with these quick recipes. Don’t forget to check out our35+ Easy Cake Mix Recipes because these are a great way to have a dessert fast, too!
Grab My Favorite Tools
Click on the products below to see my favorite tools for making these recipes!
1. Taco Soup Recipe
Taco Soup Recipe
Taco Soup Recipe! This quick and easy Taco Soup Recipe can be made in the slow cooker or right on the stovetop. Ready in no time,this taco soup is filled with ground beef, beans, corn and taco seasoning. It’s a quick dinner that everyone loves!
View Recipe
2. Beef Meximelt Recipe
Beef Meximelt Recipe (Taco Bell Copycat)
This Beef Meximelt Recipe (inspired by Taco Bell) is super easy, unbelievably delicious and so much better than the drive-thru. Make a copycat version of your fast food favorite at home for an awesome lunch or dinner.
3. Mississippi Roast Sandwiches
Mississippi Roast Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Mississippi roast is the perfect Crockpot recipe for a special family meal or quick weeknight dinner. Add your favorite toasted bread to turn this classic comfort food into your new favorite sandwich recipe.
View Recipe
4. 5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake
5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake
5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake is a cheesy and decadent gluten-free casserole recipe that will let you get your pizza fix without calling for delivery!
6. Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are one of the best easy chicken meals around! With just 4-ingredients tossed into the slow cooker, you can't go wrong!
View Recipe
7. Broccoli Cheese Chicken And Rice
Broccoli Cheese Chicken And Rice
Use a rotisserie chicken and assemble this casserole in advance then cover and chill and it’s ready to bake when you’re ready to eat.
8. Copycat Zuppa Toscana
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Warm up on a cold day with a bowl of Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup. This copycat recipe will hit the spot on a cold winter's day.
View Recipe
9. Baked Breaded Pork Chops
Baked Breaded Pork Chops
Tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy on the outside, these baked breaded pork chops will be the best you’ve ever tasted! They’re an easy weeknight dinner you’ll make again and again.
View Recipe
10. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole has everything you love about chicken pot pie, but it's baked in a casserole dish!
View Recipe
11. Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini
This easy, creamy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is a delicious pasta casserole dish that is perfect for using up leftover holiday turkey! Cookedturkey is combined with cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, green peppers, and milk and topped with sharp cheddar cheese for an easy dinner recipe your entire family will love!
View Recipe
12. Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is comfort food at its best! A creamy chicken-and-veggie base is topped with dollops of biscuit dough for an easy dinner you’ll make again and again.
View Recipe
13. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This million dollar chicken casserole is supremely creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy! Juicy chicken is baked with an irresistible cream sauce, then finished with buttery Ritz crackers for a crispy topping.
View Recipe
Easy Dinners That Are Family-Friendly
If your family is like my family, you’re always on the go! These easy dinner recipes prove that you can feed everyone and still make it where you need to be.
1. Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet pan nachos are going to be your new favorite dinner! No one can resist loaded nachos piled high with seasoned ground beef, cheese, sour cream, and toppings.
View Recipe
2. Beef Enchiladas
Beef Enchiladas
Making restaurant-style beef enchiladas at home is easier than you think! Tortillas are filled with hearty seasoned ground beef, then smothered in zesty enchilada sauce and melty cheese.
View Recipe
3. Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing
Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing
This Crusted Chicken Cobb Salad is absolutely packed with flavor! It’s a satisfying dinner with a variety of colors and textures, and the homemade honey mustard dressing is irresistible!
View Recipe
4. Chicken & Waffles
Chicken & Waffles
Chicken and waffles might not sound like the most natural pairing, but once you try it, you’ll be a believer! Crunchy fried chicken with fluffy soft waffles! Here’s how to make it at home.
View Recipe
5. Pizza Sliders
Pizza Sliders
Pizza sliders are the ultimate appetizer for pizza lovers! Easy, cheesy, and made with sweet Hawaiian rolls, you’ll make this recipe again and again!
View Recipe
6. Instant Pot Penne Alfredo
Instant Pot Penne Alfredo
This Instant Pot Penne Alfredo is creamy, rich, and a family-friendly dinner you can get on the table in a matter of minutes! It doesn’t get much easier (or more delicious!) than this!
View Recipe
7. Taco Casserole
Taco Casserole
This taco casserole recipe is an easy one-dish dinner that everyone in the family will love! Just add your favorite toppings!
View Recipe
8. Ravioli Lasagna
Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna
This easy 4-Ingredient Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna recipe comes together in 10 minutes and only takes 3 hours in the slow cooker. Made with frozen ravioli, jarred pasta sauce, ground hamburger, and mozzarella cheese – this is truly a lazy day lasagna!
View Recipe
9. Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
This easy cheeseburger tater tot casserole is an entire meal in one pan! It’s made with savory ground beef, lots of cheese, and golden brown tater tots, so it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
View Recipe
10. Frito Pie Casserole
Frito Pie Casserole
Frito Pie is a classic dish made with ground beef, taco or chili seasonings, cheese, and Fritos that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner everyone will love.
View Recipe
11. Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Yes, this is the ultimate chicken casserole! With shredded chicken, egg noodles, corn, bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this is a casserole made for big appetites!
View Recipe
More Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids and Families
When it comes to fast and simple dinners, you can’t go wrong with any of these! They’re the perfect way to get a yummy meal on the table fast!
1. Smoked Sausage & Rice One Skillet Meal
Smoked Sausage & Rice One Skillet Meal
Smoked Sausage & Rice Recipe! For a weeknight meal solution, this Smoked Sausage & Rice One Skillet Dinner Recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!
View Recipe
2. One Pot Taco Casserole
One Pot Taco Casserole
Taco Casserole is a quick and easy weeknight meal made in one pot! A delicious dinner recipe that doesn’t leave a sink full of dishes.
3. Lasagna French Bread
Lasagna French Bread
Just a few ingredients turn ordinary loaves of French bread into this wonderful lasagna/pizza bread hybrid. Lots of sauce, lots of cheese and so toasty on top.
4. Chicken Enchilada Bowls
Chicken Enchilada Bowls
Ready in just 20 minutes, these Chicken Enchilada Bowls are full of the healthiest ingredients – chicken, beans, rice, quinoa, avocado and more!
View Recipe
5. Baked Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce
BAKED PENNE PASTA WITH MEAT SAUCE
Packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, veggies, bits of velvety cream cheese, and shredded cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
6. Beef Vegetable Soup
Beef Vegetable Soup
This Beef Vegetable Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food recipe and for good reason! It’s quick, easy and full of flavor! The recipe was passed down from my grandmother and is a family favorite!
View Recipe
7. Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Crock Pot Pulled Pork! A delicious pork loin is slow roasted in the crockpot and topped with a delicious homemade barbecue sauce for an easy meal idea!
View Recipe
8. Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef and Mushrooms
BEEF STROGANOFF WITH GROUND BEEF AND MUSHROOMS
Easy ground beef stroganoff made from scratch. Only a few inexpensive ingredients like ground beef, mushrooms and noodles and you will have a perfect family dinner ready.
9. Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs & Potatoes
ThisBaked Lemon Chicken Thighs and Potatoes Recipe is easy to prepare and comes together quickly. Simply add the chicken thighs, potatoes, lemon, and garlic into the skillet and bake!
View Recipe
10. Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes
Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes
A deliciously fun twist on two dinnertime favorites, these Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes are on the table in about 15 minutes! You can even make them entirely ahead for quick dinners and meal prep throughout the week.
11. One-Skillet Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
One-Skillet Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
This One-Skillet Creamy Tomato Italian Sausage Pasta uses just a few ingredients that I bet you have in your pantry already.You won't have to pick up much at the store and I'm betting will cost you under $10 to make this dish – it was for me!
View Recipe
12. Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made with ground beef or turkey and three different types of cheese, this mouthwatering soup is a crowd pleaser!
13. Ham and Swiss Sliders
Ham and Swiss Sliders
These ham and cheese sliders are the perfect summertime party recipe! Made with sweet Hawaiian bread, thinly sliced ham, and baby Swiss cheese, this 25-minute baked ham and Swiss cheese sliders recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
View Recipe
14. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings
Warm up with a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings made easy with Bisquick.Tender chicken,fluffy dumplings – pure comfort in a bowl!
View Recipe
15. Homemade Chicken Alfredo
Homemade Chicken Alfredo
This chicken alfredo recipe is a restaurant-style dinner you can make at home! It’s indulgent and rich, with a cheesy, creamy, garlicky sauce, along with fettuccine noodles and tender pan-fried chicken breasts.
View Recipe
Cheap and Easy Dinner Ideas
Here are even more easy – and cheap! – dinner ideas that are sure to please. You can file these recipes away and return to them throughout the year so you always have a list of recipes you can turn to when you’re short on time (and ingredients).
1. 15-Minute Sesame Noodles
15-MINUTE SESAME NOODLES
These sesame noodles can be ready to serve in 15 minutes, yes that’s not a typo! Quick as ever, versatile and flavorful, this quick noodle dish is a huge hit even with kids!
2. One Pan Smoked Sausage and Pepper Hoagies
One Pan Smoked Sausage & Pepper Hoagies
These One-Pan Smoked Sausage and Pepper Hoagies are such a quick and easy meal idea; they’ll quickly become a family favorite for game day or any other day of the week!
View Recipe
3. Easy White Chicken Chili
Easy White Chicken Chili
This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect slow cooker weeknight meal! Creamy with plenty of toppings, this soup recipe is the perfect way to end the day!
View Recipe
4. Pantry Chicken Taco Soup
PANTRY CHICKEN TACO SOUP
Chicken Taco Soup is a quick and easy recipe that is made with canned pantry ingredients.
5. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, try this amazing Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken for a meal the whole family will love!
View Recipe
6. 5 Soup Pasta
5 Soup Pasta
This 5 Soup Pasta is an easy dinner for your family that uses 5 cans of soup in the mouthwatering sauce. It tastes a little like Hamburger Helper.
7. Stovetop Chicken and Noodles
Stovetop Chicken and Noodles
This Stovetop Chicken and Noodles recipe is comfort food at its best! Creamy, hearty, and oh-so-easy, this is a dinner you’ll find yourself making again and again.
View Recipe
8. Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie is always a winning dinner! Also known as Impossible Cheeseburger Pie, it’s everything you love in a burger baked into a pie dish!
View Recipe
Fast Supper Recipes
Some of my favorite recipes are listed below, including lots of veggie options as well as hearty meat dishes. Many of these are family favorites! I hope you and your family enjoy these too.
1. Zucchini Boats
Zucchini Boats
This recipe for zucchini boards proves that eating low carb can be delicious! Simple ingredients loaded with flavor!
View Recipe
2. Zucchini Casserole
Zucchini Casserole
ThisZucchini Casseroleis an easy, side dish that goes with any meal. Zucchini and tomatoes topped with cheese and a crunchy panko/parmesan breadcrumb topping makes for the perfect accompaniment to any meal!
View Recipe
3. Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chicken Salad Sandwich
This classic comfort recipe comes from my grandmother and includes chopped chicken, celery, boiled eggs, and pickle relish mixed in a mayonnaise/miracle whip "dressing" – Old Fashioned Chicken Salad!
View Recipe
4. Mississippi Roast Sandwiches
Mississippi Roast Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Mississippi roast is the perfect Crockpot recipe for a special family meal or quick weeknight dinner. Add your favorite toasted bread to turn this classic comfort food into your new favorite sandwich recipe.
View Recipe
5. Grilled BBQ Chicken
Grilled BBQ Chicken
This easy grilled BBQ chicken recipe is an easy way to grill chicken. This barbecue chicken recipe results in tasty and juicy chicken every time! Use your favorite bbq sauce and let that the flavor of the grill come through!
View Recipe
6. Crock Post BBQ Chicken
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Easy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken needs just four ingredients and is super easy! Let the slow cooker do all the work to turn ordinary chicken into flavorful, tender meat that can be used in so many dishes.
View Recipe
7. Pepperoni Rolls
Pepperoni Rolls
Forget frozen pizza rolls! TheseHomemade Pepperoni Rollsare made with refrigerated pizza dough, mozzarella cheese sticks and pepperoni for an easy dinner or snack!
View Recipe
8. Walking Tacos
Walking Tacos
Walking Tacos are an easy dinner recipe that takes minimal effort for a fun on-the-go meal, camping food, or taco bar party. Pile small chip bags high with all of your favorite taco toppings – meat, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa!
View Recipe
9. Veggie Pizza
Veggie Pizza
Veggie Pizza is an easy appetizer for potlucks, tailgate parties, showers, and picnics – using crescent rolls and your favorite veggies!
View Recipe
Baked Chicken Parmesan
The Best Baked Chicken Parmesan has a crispy coating made with Italian breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese, smothered in a store-bought marinara sauce and sliced mozzarella cheese for an easy dinner any night of the week!
View Recipe
Ever More Quick Meal Ideas for Supper!
Why spend all day in the kitchen when you can whip up these easy main dishes or side dish options in minutes? These easy dinner recipes prove that simplicity can be absolutely delicious!
1. Egg Salad Recipe
Egg Salad Recipe
This easy egg salad recipe is the perfect way to use up hard-boiled eggs!
View Recipe
2. Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole – the easiest cheesy potato dish made with leftover ham that will have you going back for seconds!
View Recipe
3. Ham and Swiss Sliders
Ham and Swiss Sliders
These ham and cheese sliders are the perfect summertime party recipe! Made with sweet Hawaiian bread, thinly sliced ham, and baby Swiss cheese, this 25-minute baked ham and Swiss cheese sliders recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
View Recipe
4. Crock Pot Ham with Maple & Brown Sugar Glaze
Crock Pot Ham with Maple & Brown Sugar Glaze
This Crock Pot Ham with Maple & Brown Sugar Glaze is quick, easy, and will make for a show-stopping Christmas or Easter Meal!
View Recipe
5. White Chicken Enchiladas
White Chicken Enchiladas
Ready in under an hour, these White Chicken Enchiladas are perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, and even meal prep.
View Recipe
6. Baked Ham with Maple Dijon Glaze
Baked Ham with Maple Dijon Glaze
Baked Ham with Maple Dijon Glaze is an easy spiral baked ham recipe glazed with brown sugar, maple syrup, and honey for a delicious dish any time of year!
View Recipe
7. Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, this easyAir Fryer Popcorn Chickenwill quickly become a family favorite!
View Recipe
8. Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken
Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken
Creamy LemonGarlicChicken Chicken Pasta is a delicious comfort dish that never disappoints!
View Recipe
9. Smoked Sausage & Rice One Skillet Meal
Smoked Sausage & Rice One Skillet Meal
Smoked Sausage & Rice Recipe! For a weeknight meal solution, this Smoked Sausage & Rice One Skillet Dinner Recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!
View Recipe
10. Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles
Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles
Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles is the perfect winter slow cooker comfort food. Filled with tender shredded chicken and creamy noodles, this easy recipe will be a new regular on your weekly dinner rotation.
View Recipe
11. Instant Pot Spaghetti
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Instant Pot Spaghetti is an easy and delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love! Just as good as the classic recipe, this spaghetti cooks in under 20 minutes and makes great leftovers.
View Recipe
12. Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Crock Pot Chili Recipe
In just 4 steps and as little as 4-6 hours, you'll have a Crock Pot Chili the whole family can't help but gather around. Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and the best chili seasoning – Comfort food at its best!
View Recipe
13. Old Fashioned Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulash is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, hearty, and full of comfort food goodness. With ground beef, elbow macaroni, cheese, and a tomato-y sauce, goulash is one of those rare recipes that everyone in the family will love!
View Recipe
14. Dorito Casserole
Dorito Casserole
Dorito Casserole features layers of crushed Doritos chips, ground beef, and topped with plenty of cheese. Serve this taco casserole any day of the week.
View Recipe
15. Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti
This chicken spaghetti recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. Chicken Spaghetti is an all-time favorite comfort dish the whole family will love.
View Recipe
16. Philly Cheesecake Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are filled with ground beef, gooey cheese, peppers, and onion. Easy Philly Cheesesteak sliders are perfect for a game day snack.
View Recipe
17. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole
This cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe has it all! Tender rotisserie chicken, rice, and broccoli are combined with a creamy, cheesy sauce and finished with a buttery cracker topping. It's family-friendly for a weeknight dinner, but perfect for a potluck, too.
View Recipe
18. Crockpot Lasagna
Crock Pot Lasagna
Crock Pot Lasagna means no need for an oven! Lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese made all in the slow cooker. A classic pasta dish ready anytime!
View Recipe
Easy Dessert Recipes
Don’t forget to a sweet treat after your easy dinner! Why not end a delicious meal with a fast dessert, too?
1. Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
If you like the combination of sweet and salty, you're going to love this Strawberry Pretzel Dessert!
View Recipe
2. Fruit Tart
Fruit Tart
A fruit tart is a classic dessert found in fancy French bakeries, but it’s easy to make at home!
View Recipe
3. No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
This easy no-bake chocolate cheesecake is rich, creamy, and full of chocolate flavor!
View Recipe
4. Caramel Apple Nachos
Caramel Apple Nachos
These Caramel Apple Nachos Are A Quick & Easy Treat For Any Time! Slice Green Apples, Drizzle In Caramel And Top With Chocolate Chips And Toffee Bits – It Tastes Just Like A Caramel Apple, But Much Easier to Make In NO Time!
View Recipe
5. Shark Bait Ice Cream Floats
Shark Bait Ice Cream Floats
For a fun Shark Week kids drink idea, try this Shark Bait Ice Cream Float made with vanilla ice cream, blue kool-aid, and gummy sharks and life preservers
View Recipe
The Best Easy Dinner Ideas
Preparing dinner can sometimes be a challenging task, especially after a long day at work. That’s when easy dinner recipes come in handy.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can prepare tasty and healthy meals for yourself and your family. For instance, you can cook dinner in an Instant Pot and have a meal ready in minutes, or make a dump-and-go slow cooker recipe that requires a short amount of prep in the morning before you head out the door. You can also opt for sheet pan meals, where you combine different vegetables and protein in one pan and roast them together. These easy dinners not only save time, but they’re delicious too!
Have a recipe to share? Leave it in the comments below and I’ll add it to this growing list of easy dinner ideas!
More Recipe Roundups
Recipe Roundup
20+ Easy Recipes With Vegetable Broth
Recipe Roundup
The Best Recipes with Asparagus for Spring
Easter
18+ Best Easter Dessert Recipes
Quick & Easy Desserts
20+ Best Cake Flavors Ever
Easter
25+ Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Recipes
Recipe Roundup
30+ Best Spring Pasta Recipes
Categories: Main Dishes, Recipes
About Kasey Schwartz
For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.
Read More About Me
