Life gets tough, but what gets tougher is the daily stress about what to cook for dinner. After a tiring day at work, the last thing anybody wants to do is get caught up in the kitchen making time consuming recipes. That's when these easy dinner recipes come in handy. Who said cooking has to be a hectic chore? Let's keep it fun with these 10 scrumptious, easy dinner recipes. These dinner ideas are quick and simple yet satisfying. And guess what is the plus? All of them are made from the ingredients found in all American kitchens.
Let's dive into these 10 easy dinner recipes which will not only help you with sorting out your kitchen duties but also become staples in your weekly meal plans.
1. Easy Creamy Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasta (preferably elbow macaroni)
- Cheddar cheese
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Salt (as per taste)
- Optional: Oregano
Instructions:
- Boil salted water and add pasta. Cook as per directions on the packets. Once cooked, strain and set aside.
- In a pot, add butter. Once melted, add flour and keep stirring it on medium-low heat to prevent it from burning. As soon as its pleasant buttery aroma arises, start adding milk gradually. Meanwhile, keep whisking to prevent the formation of any lumps. Once this mixture is thick, add cheese to it and melt it. Then add boiled pasta. Mix it nicely and add it to a baking dish. Add some extra cheese to it and top it off with oregano. Bake this dish at 350°F till the cheese is melted and a bit crispy. Serve hot.
One classic that never fails to impress is this Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe rich, comforting, and ready in no time.
2. Easy Healthy Baked Parmesan
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Bread crumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika powder
- Egg whites
- Cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Basil leaves
Instructions:
- Slice open the chicken breasts and pound them. Prepare a mixture of bread crumbs with salt, pepper and, paprika powder as per the taste. Keep aside whisked egg whites in another bowl. Dip and drench the chicken into egg whites first then bread crumbs. For crispier version, repeat this method twice. Put these prepared chicken pieces on a baking tray and bake at 400°F until golden and crispy. Spread tomato sauce and cheese on top and serve with sprinkled fresh basil leaves.
Craving a comforting classic? Try our Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe crispy, cheesy, and ready in just 30 minutes.
3. Easy Veggie Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- Veggies of your choice. For an idea, you may add bell peppers, corn, sweet potato, and onions.
- Jalapeno
- Red beans for this easy dinner recipe to be rich in protein
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili powder
- Cumin powder
- Cheese
- Tortilla
- Cilantro
- Dip of your choice
Instructions:
- Sauté the vegetables with the desired amount of seasonings. Start assembling the tortilla by placing it on a pan with low heat. Add cheese and cilantro as much as you like, and then add a spoonfull of sauteed vegetables on one side of the tortilla. Flip over the other side to make it look like a half circle. Toast it until nice and crispy, and then repeat the process on the other side. Transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy this easy dinner recipe with a dip of your choice.
Looking for a quick, customizable meal? Try our Easy Veggie Quesadillas Recipe perfect for using up leftover veggies and ready in minutes.
4. Pan Fried Noodles
Ingredients:
- Noodles
- Oil
- 2 cloves of chopped garlic
- Sliced celery and cabbage
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Sesame oil (optional)
- Pepper
- Sugar
Instructions:
- Boil noodles in salted water as per the instructions on packet. Strain and set aside. Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic until it gives off a nice aroma then add in the vegetables and stir fry them. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil, a pinch of pepper, and sugar. Mix and then add boiled noodles. Stir thoroughly, and serve it piping hot.
For a quick and flavorful meal, try our Pan-Fried Noodles Recipe a delicious option that's ready in no time.
5. Baked Fish
Ingredients:
- Fish fillets
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika powder
- Butter
- Vegetables (optional)
Instructions:
- In a greased baking dish, assemble fish fillets and season them with salt, pepper and, paprika according to your taste. Drizzle melted butter on top and put it in the preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Squeeze lemon on top before serving, if you may like.
- This delicious, easy dinner recipe can also be served along with sauteed vegetables, including asparagus, sliced carrots and zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or any other veggie of your choice.
For a light and healthy option, try our Fast Baked Fish Recipe simple, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
6. Easy Shakshuka
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Chopped onion
- Chopped garlic
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped bell pepper (Optional
- Salt
- Paprika powder
- Turmeric powder
- Cumin powder
- Oil
- Cheese
Instructions:
- Add oil to a pan and add onions, garlic and bell peppers. Stir until the vegetables are sauteed and fragrant. Add salt and the spices and mix until combined nicely with the veggies. Add cheese (preferably feta ) and tomatoes in this mixture and bring the sauce to boil, then let it cook for an additional few minutes until the sauce thickens. Crack open eggs on top of the sauce and cover the pan with the lid to let the eggs cook undisturbed. Serve this mouth-watering easy dinner recipe topped with fresh cilantro and pita bread or toast.
For a flavorful twist on a classic, try our Curried Shakshuka Recipe a one-pan dish that's perfect for any meal of the day.
7. Egg Salad Sandwich
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Bread
- Tomato
- Bacon (optional)
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Pepper
- Spinach
- Avocado
Instructions:
- Roughly mash boiled eggs and mix them with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper as per your taste. Assemble bread slices with spinach, sliced tomatoes, avocado, and egg salad mixture. Add bacon, if you prefer. You may also add Dijon mustard sauce for an extra flavor.
- Serve this flavorful, easy dinner recipe to your fam and see them go gaga over it.
For a hearty yet simple meal, try our Egg Salad BLTA Sandwich a twist on the classic BLT with creamy egg salad, crispy bacon, and fresh avocado.
8. Protein Salad
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Grapeseed oil
- Bread
- Onion
- Cheese
- Apples
- Escarole
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions:
- Grill the seasoned chicken fillets. Toast the bread and add cheese on top of it. Now, prepare the salad dressing by adding escarole, apples and onions in grapeseed oil. Give it a nice mix, then add it on to a serving plate. Place the grilled chicken on top of it and serve it with cheesy toasted bread.
For a light yet satisfying meal, try our Grilled Chicken Salad packed with juicy grilled chicken, crisp greens, and a tangy homemade dressing.
9. Skillet Pepper Steak
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Crushed chili powder
- Thinly sliced bell peppers
- Garlic cloves
- Scallions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Season beef slices with salt and pepper and then fry them in a skillet until brown. Add the beef in a bowl, along with the sauces, vinegar, and crushed chili flakes and toss well.
- In the same skillet, add oil and garlic and bell peppers. Stir fry them until soft. Push this mixture to one side of the skillet and place the beef on the other side. Top it with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve it hot.
Looking for a quick and flavorful meal? Try our 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak a savory stir-fry with tender beef and colorful bell peppers.
10. Smash Burgers
Ingredients:
- Beef mince
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheese slices
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced Onions
- Iceberg lettuce
- Ketchup
- Mustard sauce or any other sauce of your choice
- Burger buns
- Oil
Instructions:
- Mix the beef mince in a bowl with salt and pepper. Place a pan or grill on high heat and grease it with oil. Take out some of the mince rolled into a ball and place it on the grill or pan. With the help of a burger press, press it down really hard. Cook it nicely on one side, then flip to the other. Once a minute has passed, place a cheese slice on the top of it and allow it to melt.
- Assemble the buns with salad and, sauces and place this hot burger patty on them and serve hot. This flavorful dish can be served with a side of fries as well to make everyone in the family happy.
For a juicy, crispy burger experience, try our Smash Burgers simple to make and packed with flavor.
Conclusion:
On days when you're short on time, what's better than an easy dinner recipe that doesn't only lets you skip the stress and sweat of the kitchen but also satisfies your tastebuds? These recipes offer variety, flavors, and simplicity. Enjoy your meal times with these convenient recipes from FoodvLove and see your whole family fall in love with your cooking skills.
FAQs
You can try quick and delicious meals like creamy mac & cheese, baked chicken parmesan, veggie quesadillas, or skillet pepper steak. These recipes use simple ingredients and minimal prep to get dinner ready fast.
Most easy dinner recipes use pantry staples such as pasta, cheese, chicken, fresh or frozen veggies, eggs, and basic spices. These common ingredients are usually available in American kitchens for convenient cooking.
Include plenty of vegetables, lean proteins like chicken or fish, and whole grains when possible. Swap heavy creams for lighter milk or broth and add fresh herbs to boost flavor without extra calories.
Yes! Many easy recipes can be adjusted for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan diets by swapping ingredients like almond flour for gluten-free flour or using plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.
Family-friendly recipes are those that are quick, tasty, and use ingredients everyone enjoys. Options like baked parmesan chicken, creamy mac & cheese, and smash burgers are popular picks that kids and adults love.
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