Saving your groceries and being asked what's for dinner can be annoying, but we have a solution to your problems; this list! These meals are easy and set the family up for success. Choose a few and save the rest so you don't have to worry about dinner anymore.
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1) Spaghetti Carbonara
This is comfort food perfection, ready in just minutes while your pasta is boiling. Silky and salty, this is as quick and easy as it gets!
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Spaghetti Carbonara
Classic Roman carbonara features crispy pancetta, creamy eggs and Parmesan cheese that cling to the spaghetti to create a sauce that requires no cream.
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, fry the pancetta with the smashed garlic in a cold skillet over medium heat until crisp, then discard the garlic.
- Whisk the eggs, egg yolk, Parmesan, and black pepper together in a bowl.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the pancetta off the heat, tossing to coat in the rendered fat.
- Quickly pour in the egg mixture and toss constantly, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce turns silky.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and more black pepper on top.
Notes
Work off the heat when adding the eggs so they turn creamy instead of scrambling.
2) Chicken Alfredo Bake
All of the delicious creaminess of Alfredo baked into a bubbling casserole that serves everyone.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Penne with tender chicken folds into a creamy Alfredo sauce, crowned with mozzarella cheese, and baked to perfection until golden and bubbling.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook the penne until just shy of al dente, then drain.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook the garlic for one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for three minutes, then whisk in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss the pasta and shredded chicken with the Alfredo sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Scatter the mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden, then let it rest five minutes before serving.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken makes this come together even faster.
3) Beef Tacos
Taco nights are the best! These seasoned beef tacos will be gone before you can fill them!
Beef Tacos
Ground beef seasoned perfectly fills taco shells paired with your favorite fresh and crunchy toppings.
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika and cook for one minute.
- Pour in the water and simmer for five minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Warm the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes until crisp.
- Fill each shell with the beef and top with cheddar and shredded lettuce.
- Serve right away with salsa or hot sauce on the side.
Notes
Drain excess grease before adding the spices so the seasoning clings to the meat.
4) Margherita Pizza
With three simple toppings and a blistered crust, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a little trip to Italy for dinner!
Margherita Pizza
A crunchy, homemade crust covered with delicious tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil, baked to perfection so that it is slightly charred and bubbling.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to its highest setting, ideally 500°F, with a baking sheet or stone inside.
- Stir the crushed tomatoes with the garlic, salt, and one tablespoon of olive oil to make a quick sauce.
- Stretch the dough into a round on parchment and spread the sauce thinly, leaving a border.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices over the sauce and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is charred and the cheese bubbles.
- Scatter fresh basil over the hot pizza and finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Notes
Pat the fresh mozzarella dry first so the pizza doesn't turn watery.
5) Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Save your delivery fee and beat takeout with sticky sweet teriyaki chicken and crunchy vegetables.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Chicken and bright veggies in a homemade teriyaki sauce over rice.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to make the sauce.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Push the chicken aside and add the bell pepper and broccoli, stir-frying for three minutes until crisp-tender.
- Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat.
- Simmer for two minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
- Serve hot over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks at the same rate.
6) Vegetable Stir-Fry
A rainbow of fresh vegetables and a savory garlic sauce are great for using whatever you have in your crisper drawer.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
A quick and vibrant mix of fresh vegetables combined in a light soy sauce with garlic and ginger served over rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add the carrot and snap peas first and stir-fry for two minutes.
- Toss in the zucchini and mushrooms and cook for another three minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for thirty seconds until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce and brown sugar and toss until the vegetables are evenly glazed.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
Keep the heat high and the veggies moving so they stay crisp, not soggy.
7) Shrimp Scampi
It will take you fifteen minutes to prepare buttery, garlicky shrimp brightened with a lemon-wine sauce.
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp sautéed with garlic butter, white wine, and lemon, finished with linguine and parsley.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet and cook the garlic and red pepper flakes for one minute.
- Add the shrimp and cook for two minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice and simmer for two minutes.
- Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet to coat in the sauce.
- Finish with chopped parsley and serve right away.
Notes
Don't overcook the shrimp; they're done the moment they curl and turn pink.
8) Taco Salad
Taste all the flavors of taco night in a big crunchy bowl that you can build however you like.
Taco Salad
Seasoned beef on a bed of lettuce with beans, cheese, tomatoes, and crunchy crushed tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat and drain off the grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water and simmer for three minutes.
- Pile the chopped romaine into a large serving bowl.
- Top with the seasoned beef, black beans, tomatoes, cheddar, and avocado.
- Scatter the crushed tortilla chips over the top for crunch.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss just before serving.
Notes
Add the chips and dressing at the last minute so nothing goes soggy.
9) BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Shredded chicken with sauce and smokey flavor served with soft buns for an easy weeknight hand-held meal.
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BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken that is slow cooked and shredded is mixed with BBQ sauce and placed onto toasted buns along with crunchy slaw.
Ingredients
Method
- Simmer the chicken breasts in the chicken broth in a covered pot for 15 minutes until cooked through.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika and simmer for five minutes.
- Toss the coleslaw mix with the vinegar and mayonnaise to make a quick slaw.
- Pile the saucy chicken onto the toasted buns.
- Top each sandwich with slaw and close it up to serve.
Notes
A scoop of slaw right on top adds the perfect cool crunch.
10) Stuffed Bell Peppers
Vibrant peppers filled with a hearty beef and rice mixture and baked until soft and cheesy.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell pepper halves filled with ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, and topped with cheese.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and arrange the pepper halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic, then drain off the grease.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Spoon the filling into each pepper half and pack it in gently.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes until the peppers soften.
- Uncover, top with mozzarella, and bake 10 more minutes until melted and golden.
Notes
Use a mix of pepper colors for the prettiest dinner table.
11) Turkey Meatloaf
This is a lighter version of the original that remains juicy and tender with a sweet and tangy glaze on top.
Turkey Meatloaf
Lean ground turkey mixed with spices and breadcrumbs, then baked with a glaze of brown sugar and ketchup.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix the turkey, breadcrumbs, grated onion, eggs, milk, garlic, and salt until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared sheet.
- Stir the ketchup and brown sugar together and brush half over the loaf.
- Bake for 40 minutes, then brush on the remaining glaze.
- Bake 10 more minutes until the glaze is set and the loaf reaches 165°F, then rest before slicing.
Notes
Grating the onion keeps the meatloaf moist without chunky bits.
12) Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Bright lemon and earthy rosemary elevate simple chicken thighs into something special with little effort.
Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Chicken thighs are seared until golden and then roasted in the same pan with garlic, lemon, and fresh rosemary for a deliciously aromatic one-pan dinner.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and pat the chicken thighs dry.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary.
- Sear the thighs skin-side down in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until golden.
- Flip the chicken and add the lemon juice, lemon slices, and chicken broth to the pan.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 25 minutes until cooked through.
- Spoon the pan juices over the chicken before serving.
Notes
Searing the skin first gives you that irresistible crispy edge.
13) Pulled Pork Sliders
Melt in your mouth pulled pork stacked high on fluffy slider buns for dinner that everyone will fight over!
Pulled Pork Sliders
Pulled pork cooked until tender and mixed with BBQ sauce and served on soft slider buns.
Ingredients
Method
- Rub the pork shoulder all over with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker with the chicken broth and cook on low for eight hours until fork-tender.
- Shred the pork with two forks and discard any large pieces of fat.
- Stir the barbecue sauce into the shredded pork until coated.
- Pile the pork onto the slider buns.
- Serve warm with extra sauce and pickles on the side.
Notes
Low and slow is the secret; don't rush the cook time.
14) Baked Ziti
Baked pasta with layers of sauce and cheese is the ultimate comforting dish for a crowd.
Baked Ziti
Ziti coated in marinara and ricotta, then layered with mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbling.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook the ziti until just shy of al dente, then drain.
- Brown the Italian sausage with the garlic in a skillet, then stir in the marinara sauce.
- Mix the ricotta with the egg, Parmesan, and basil in a bowl.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce, then fold in the ricotta mixture.
- Spread half in a baking dish, layer with mozzarella, then top with the rest and more mozzarella.
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbling and golden, then rest before serving.
Notes
Let it sit 10 minutes after baking so the slices hold together.
15) Sweet and Sour Chicken
Crispy chicken bites smothered in a sweet and sour glaze that will ruin takeout for you!
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Battered chicken pieces coated in a shiny sweet-and-sour pineapple sauce with peppers.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the chicken cubes in cornstarch, then dip in the beaten eggs.
- Fry the chicken in the hot oil until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Whisk the ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar together for the sauce.
- Stir-fry the bell pepper and pineapple in the same pan for two minutes.
- Pour in the sauce and simmer until it thickens and turns glossy.
- Add the crispy chicken back in, toss to coat, and serve over rice.
Notes
Add the chicken to the sauce at the very end to keep it crispy.
16) Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A big, cozy pot of chicken and veggie soup hugs you from the inside out!
Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Savory golden broth filled with chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot and cook the onion, carrots, and celery for five minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and season to taste before serving.
Notes
Add cooked noodles or rice at the end if you want it heartier.
17) Mushroom Risotto
For every minute spent stirring, you’ll be rewarded with creamy risotto that has delectable mushrooms.
Mushroom Risotto
Rich and creamy Arborio rice slowly simmered with savory mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Method
- Sauté the mushrooms in the olive oil until golden, then set them aside.
- Melt the butter in the same pan and cook the shallot until soft.
- Stir in the arborio rice and toast for two minutes, then pour in the white wine.
- Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
- Continue for about 20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender.
- Fold in the mushrooms, Parmesan, and parsley, then serve right away.
Notes
Keep the broth warm and add it gradually for the creamiest texture.
18) Fish Tacos
Seasoned crispy fish, warm tortillas, creamy slaw, and a splash of lime.
Fish Tacos
Seasoned flaky white fish in soft tortillas, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and zesty crema.
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the fish dry and season both sides with chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the fish for three minutes per side until flaky.
- Stir the sour cream with the lime juice to make a quick crema.
- Toss the shredded cabbage with a little of the crema for the slaw.
- Warm the tortillas, then flake the fish into them.
- Top with the slaw, a drizzle of crema, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Char the tortillas over an open flame for extra smoky flavor.
19) Classic Beef Stew
Beef and vegetables that are fork-tender are slowly cooked into the most comforting bowl of food.
Classic Beef Stew
Beef pieces, potatoes, carrots, and herbs are cooked in a thick, rich and savory tomato-beef gravy.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the beef cubes in the flour to coat, then brown them in the olive oil in batches.
- Set the beef aside and cook the onion and garlic in the same pot until soft.
- Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits.
- Return the beef to the pot and simmer covered for 90 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and carrots and simmer 30 more minutes until everything is tender.
- Season to taste and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Browning the beef well builds the deep, rich flavor of the stew.