19 Easy Recipes To Save Your Weeknight Dinner Plans

ByMandy

When dinner decisions feel impossible, these recipes do the thinking for you. With 19 easy options, you can save your weeknight dinner plans without overcomplicating things. Simple steps, fast prep, and meals that make sense for busy nights. Less time cooking, more time pretending to be productive.

Close-up of a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado pieces, corn, cheese, and herbs in a rich red broth.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sushi Bake is your shortcut to enjoying all your favorite flavors without the roll. In just one pan, you’ve got a baked, layered treat that’s both easy and exciting. No need to fuss with seaweed or rice rolling, just bake and scoop. It’s the ideal choice for when you’re craving sushi but want to keep things simple at home.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Craving something sweet and tangy? Orange Chicken to the rescue. This dish brings the popular takeout favorite right to your table, made fresh and zestful. It’s quick to prepare, ensuring a hassle-free yet delectable dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This dish serves as the perfect side, effortlessly fluffing up in the oven while you focus on the rest. Baked Rice is a foolproof method for getting it right, no stirring necessary. You end up with a versatile base ready to pair with any entree. Simplicity and perfection baked into one.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sesame Chicken is the weeknight hero we all need. Its blend of sweet and savory notes makes it a universal hit. This dish promises a no-fuss path to a mouth-watering meal, great for switching up chicken dinners. Serve it up and watch it disappear — it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combine comfort and convenience with Ravioli Casserole. This dish layers in all the cheesy goodness you could want, oven-baked to perfection. It’s like getting the best of both pasta and casserole worlds. Even on your busiest nights, this is a surefire way to bring smiles to the table.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Beef Stew

A close-up of a beef stew with green peas and chopped parsley, showing a spoon partially submerged in the rich, red sauce.
Beef Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s nothing like Beef Stew to make you feel right at home. This potful of comfort cooks slowly to perfection, blending flavors and tenderizing meat. It’s straightforward, minimal effort for maximum taste. A bowl of this stew is the epitome of heartwarming home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Two pieces of fried chicken on a gray plate, garnished with small bits of green herbs.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken keeps things country classic and utterly irresistible. The crunch alone is worth it, encasing the juiciest chicken you’ll bite into. No need to wait for a special occasion; this dish makes any evening feel festive. Easy and delicious, it’s fried chicken at its best.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Whip up some Creamy Beef Stroganoff for a dish that’s rich in flavor and hearty in substance. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines creaminess with the robust taste of beef. It brings a little elegance to your everyday meal lineup without any of the expected fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

White Chicken Chili

A bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili with chunks of chicken, sliced avocado, green jalapeño peppers, white beans, and fresh cilantro.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

With White Chicken Chili, you’re in for a lighter take that’s still big on taste. This dish is a definite go-to for a quick, flavorful meal that warms you up from the inside. Guaranteeing a bowl full of joy with minimal cleanup, it’s a weeknight warrior.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dauphinoise Potatoes stands out as a side dish that often outshines the main. With layers of creamy potato goodness, it’s an effortless way to add a touch of sophistication. Perfect for when you want something rich and indulgent without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Baked Chicken Thighs

Roasted chicken thighs with sliced potatoes garnished with herbs.
Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Keeping dinner straightforward with Baked Chicken Thighs. This dish comes together with minimal effort, roasting to perfection while you chill. It’s a versatile main that can be paired with just about any side for a fantastic meal. Real talk: it’s the kind of dinner solution everyone needs.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Penne Alla Vodka brings a bit of Italian flair to your dinner table without the need for a restaurant reservation. This pasta dish is simple to make yet feels like a treat. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s got just the right kick. Perfect for when you need a little pasta pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet.
Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

These potatoes are where it’s at. They take a little time but are worth every minute. Stuffed with all the good stuff, they’re a side that often becomes the star of the meal. Cheesy, crispy, and creamy, Twice Baked Potatoes promise satisfaction without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Butter Chicken

A bowl of creamy curry with chicken pieces served over white rice, garnished with cilantro, and accompanied by flatbread.
Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

For a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, Butter Chicken is your go-to. This Indian classic combines tender chicken with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, bringing warmth and a bit of exotic excitement to your weeknight rotation.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Easy Bibimbap offers a vibrant and customizable meal option, showing off the best of Korean cuisine. It’s all about mixing up some rice with a variety of toppings for a personal feast. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, it’s a fun and tasty way to do dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Mississippi Pot Roast

A bowl of shredded beef garnished with cilantro and peppers.
Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

It’s the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed, Mississippi Pot Roast. While you’re tackling your to-do list, this dish practically cooks itself, making your evening routine a breeze. The leftovers (if you have any) taste even better the next day. It’s simple, low-maintenance, and seriously hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you need a bowl full of comfort that packs a punch, Kimchi Stew is there for you. It brings warmth from the inside out, ideal for those days when you could use a little lift. Quick to put together, it’s a strong contender for last-minute meals. You might find it becoming your new favorite for a hearty quick fix.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

As a versatile side that complements almost any main, Potato Salad saves the day. Prepare it in advance to save those precious minutes during hectic weeknights. It’s the perfect way to complete a meal without any stress. Loved for its ease and simplicity, it proves to be a reliable classic.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Close-up of a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado pieces, corn, cheese, and herbs in a rich red broth.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a mix of rich broth, tender chicken, and crispy toppings that hit all the right notes, look no further than Chicken Tortilla Soup. This soup is perfect for those evenings when you crave something comforting yet quick to prepare. It’s straightforward, wholesome, and guaranteed to make weeknight dinners a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *