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    Home / Roundups

    25 Easy Dinners That Will Become Your New Weeknight Staples

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Dec 15, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Weeknights can be a whirlwind, and finding dinners that are quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing makes things so much easier. These recipes are the kind you’ll turn to again and again because they are simple enough for busy evenings yet satisfying enough to keep everyone happy. Let’s make dinner stress-free with meals that fit right into your routine and feel like home.

    Close-up of a freshly baked lasagna serving being lifted from a glass dish with a wooden spoon. The lasagna is topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley.
    Chicken Roll Ups. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

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    Greek Chicken Gyros

    A hand holding a chicken wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and white sauce in a tortilla.
    Greek Chicken Gyros. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Greek chicken gyros are a fresh and flavorful way to change up your weeknight dinners. They’re simple to assemble and ideal for families who enjoy customizable meals. With minimal prep and quick cooking, they’re a no-fuss option that everyone will love.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros

    Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp

    A skillet brimming with keto fried cauliflower rice, shrimp, peas, carrots, and bell peppers is accompanied by scrambled eggs. A wooden spoon rests on the side, while a striped cloth adds charm next to the skillet.
    Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Fried cauliflower rice with shrimp offers a lighter alternative to traditional fried rice without compromising on flavor. It’s quick to make and brings variety to weeknight meals. This dish is packed with vibrant flavors and takes little effort to get on the table.
    Get the Recipe: Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp

    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    A bowl of seasoned meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side.
    Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Air fryer steak tips are a fast and fuss-free option for busy evenings. They cook quickly and come out perfectly every time, making them a dependable choice. Paired with simple sides, they’re a great way to keep dinner stress-free yet satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Plate of sliced teriyaki chicken over white rice, topped with sesame seeds, served with snap peas and carrot slices.
    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Air fryer teriyaki chicken is a great way to enjoy sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. It’s an easy dinner that comes together quickly, perfect for packed weeknights. Serve it with rice or veggies for a meal the whole family will enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Chicken Roll Ups

    A wooden spoon holds a piece of cheesy lasagna above a glass baking dish, garnished with fresh parsley.
    Chicken Roll Ups. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Chicken roll ups are a simple, kid-friendly option that also works well for busy evenings. They’re easy to prepare and can be served with a variety of sides for a balanced meal. This recipe is ideal for keeping weeknight cooking manageable and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups

    Taco Spaghetti Skillet

    A plate of spaghetti with ground meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. A black skillet containing more of the dish is partially visible in the background.
    Taco Spaghetti Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Taco spaghetti skillet combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta for a meal that’s quick to whip up. It’s perfect for families who need a simple yet satisfying dinner option. This one-pan dish saves time and cleanup while delivering big flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

    Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

    Sliced grilled chicken breast garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Marinated chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer make a healthy and fuss-free dinner choice. They’re juicy, flavorful, and ready in no time, perfect for busy schedules. Pair with your favorite veggies or grains for a complete, effortless meal.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled shrimp skewers are a quick and versatile option for weeknight dinners. They’re easy to prepare and pair well with a variety of sides, making them perfect for busy nights. The light seasoning and quick cooking time make them an effortless yet satisfying choice for the whole family.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Braised Short Ribs

    A close-up of braised short ribs in a tomato-based sauce, garnished with herbs.
    Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Braised short ribs are a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for dinner. While they take some time to cook, the preparation is simple, and the rich flavors are worth the wait. They’re great for when you want an easy dish that feels extra special.
    Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines hearty pasta with a bold buffalo flavor for a meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s ideal for feeding the family without spending too much time in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken bacon ranch casserole is a creamy and hearty dinner option that’s quick to put together. It’s packed with flavors the whole family will enjoy and works well for weeknights. The simple ingredients and minimal prep make it a go-to option for busy evenings.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Frito Chili Pie

    A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions.
    Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Frito chili pie is a comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. It combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for a meal that’s both filling and fun. This dish is great for weeknights when you need a low-maintenance crowd-pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
    Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Breaded panko pork chops are a crispy, flavorful option that’s easy to prepare for dinner. They cook quickly and pair well with simple sides for a complete meal. This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you need something that feels homemade without too much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Chicken Pot Pie

    Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
    Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken pot pie is a comforting classic that’s surprisingly easy to make on busy nights. With simple ingredients and a warm, hearty filling, it’s a family favorite. This recipe is perfect for a meal that feels cozy yet requires minimal prep work.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for weeknights. It’s easy to prepare and comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Pair it with a simple salad or bread for a meal that’s both practical and satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces.
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a fast and hassle-free way to get dinner on the table. They’re flavorful, juicy, and cook in no time, perfect for packed schedules. Pair them with veggies or grains for a complete and balanced meal with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

    Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate.
    Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is a simple way to make a versatile and satisfying dinner. It’s an efficient option that delivers juicy meat and crispy skin with minimal prep. Use the leftovers for lunches or other meals to save time throughout the week.
    Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

    Slow Cooker Beef Tips

    A spoon holding chunks of beef in a rich, brown stew garnished with small pieces of green herbs.
    Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Slow cooker beef tips are a hands-off dinner option that’s full of rich flavor. They’re easy to prepare and cook while you go about your day, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting and effortless meal.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

    Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
    Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sloppy Joe casserole is a kid-friendly dinner option that’s as easy as it is fun. It combines hearty ingredients in one dish, cutting down on prep and cleanup. This recipe is perfect for nights when you need a quick and simple way to please the whole family.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket.
    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Pork belly bites in the air fryer are a quick way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful meal without much effort. They’re ideal for busy nights when you want something hearty. Pair them with rice or a simple side for a fuss-free dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    Steak Pizzaiola

    Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate.
    Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Steak pizzaiola is a flavorful option that’s surprisingly easy to prepare for weeknight dinners. The simple ingredients and quick cooking time make it a convenient choice. Serve it with pasta or bread for a meal that feels special without requiring too much time.
    Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

    Filipino Spaghetti

    A bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce placed on a red and white checkered tablecloth.
    Filipino Spaghetti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Filipino spaghetti offers a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes, making it a kid-approved choice for dinner. The sweet and savory flavors come together easily, perfect for busy evenings. This dish is sure to add variety to your weeknight rotation.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Spaghetti

    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn.
    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes are a wholesome, filling dinner that’s quick to prepare. They’re a great option for nights when you want something simple yet satisfying. The flavors come together effortlessly, making this dish a great addition to your weekly lineup.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Ground Pork Burgers

    Close-up of  grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate.
    Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ground pork burgers are a flavorful and easy dinner option that comes together in no time. They’re simple to prepare and pair well with a variety of sides. This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you need a fuss-free meal that everyone will enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

    Panko Crusted Cod

    Panko-crusted cod fish on a plate with green beans.
    Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Panko crusted cod is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful seafood dinner at home. The crispy coating makes it appealing for the whole family, and it pairs well with simple sides. This recipe is ideal for busy nights when you want a no-hassle yet satisfying meal.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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