73 Dinner Ideas for When You Don’t Know What to Make

Hunger pangs hit when your body needs food, but it can be hard to figure out what you’re craving, especially when you want to eat ASAP but don’t know what to make. If that sounds familiar, check out this collection of dinner ideas for some inspiration! You’ll find all kinds of delicious, hearty comfort food dishes that are easy to make and sure to satisfy. Options like shrimp and pork chops, mushroom ragu, and feta baked pasta are just a few of the many choices available!

Butter Herb Shrimp Pan Seared Pork Chops

Pan seared pork chops make a wonderful dinner. But if you want a ‘surf and turf’ twist on easy pork chops, considering adding shrimp! There are many meat dishes which also include seafood.
Get the Recipe: Butter Herb Shrimp Pan Seared Pork Chops

Salt & Pepper Pork Chop Bites

Rather than ordering salt and pepper pork chop bites from the local Chinese takeout, why not make your own gluten free pork chop recipe instead? The Asian salt and pepper seasoning adds so much flavour and you can make this dish as spicy as you dare!
Get the Recipe: Salt & Pepper Pork Chop Bites

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Looking for a hassle-free dinner recipe that requires minimal prep? Try this delicious BBQ chicken flatbread that bakes in the oven for a crispy crust and melty toppings! With a pre-made flatbread base and simple BBQ chicken toppings, this recipe is both easy and satisfying, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

This cheesy Baja chicken and bell pepper skillet is packed with south-of-the-border flavors. With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a blend of Mexican seasonings, all topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese, this chicken cheesesteak dish is sure to become a new family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Satisfy your craving for delicious Asian cuisine with a healthier twist by trying out the pork egg roll in a bowl, a low-carb and easy-to-make alternative to traditional egg rolls that is packed with flavors from ground pork, veggies, and other ingredients. This one-pan meal is a simple 15-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Beef yaki udon is a tasty noodle stir fry that you can make in less than 30 minutes. Try this easy udon recipe if you’re looking for a simple Japanese dish to make with beef and noodles.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

This steak and squash salad with apple maple dressing and cranberries is a delicious and unique option that can be enjoyed year-round. With its savory flavors and satisfying combination of steak, squash, and greens, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a delicious and filling meal salad.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

This slow cooker beef and noodles with mushrooms is the ultimate winter comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. With a delicious combination of beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a creamy mushroom soup sauce, this easy crockpot recipe is a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Tasty Tangerine Chicken Stir Fry

This tangerine chicken stir fry pairs juicy, succulent chicken breast with a sweet, delicious Asian tangerine sauce. It’s a little spicy, a little sweet and a little savoury, for the perfect flavour balance.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Tangerine Chicken Stir Fry

Pasta Da Vinci

Make this delicious Cheesecake Factory copycat pasta da vinci at home with your Instant Pot. You won’t be disappointed with this simple chicken-based pasta dish that tastes just like the restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Da Vinci

Black Pepper Chicken

Make restaurant-style black pepper chicken at home in 30 minutes with this delicious copycat Panda Express recipe. Satisfy your Asian food cravings with this easy and flavorful stir-fry.
Get the Recipe: Black Pepper Chicken

Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara

This delicious Italian recipe is ideal for any pasta lover, combining roasted cauliflower florets with a creamy sauce that includes bacon, pancetta, and parmesan cheese. It comes out of the oven perfectly golden brown and caramelized and is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara

Cobb Salad

This homemade cobb salad with leftover ham is a delicious and visually stunning meal salad that’s perfect for summer. With a beautiful arrangement of ingredients including crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh veggies, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a filling and satisfying dinner salad.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp

Make this tasty Panda Express copycat wok-seared steak and shrimp dish at home with flavors of soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger, and garlic. Impress your friends or enjoy it for lunch or dinner – it’s like an Asian surf and turf with beef and shrimp!
Get the Recipe: Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Consider adding Cajun seasoned fish to the menu tonight, like blackened mahi mahi with homemade seasoning. It’s simple to prepare and cook in a cast iron skillet, with flavors that are perfectly balanced and ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl

This Chili’s copycat chipotle chicken fresh Mex bowl is bursting with amazing Tex-Mex flavors like Mexican rice, chicken, spices, beans, avocado, and more. It’s the perfect dinner option for fans of burritos or rice bowls looking for something easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl

Hot Italian Sliders

Spice up your dinnertime with hot Italian sliders! Made with slider rolls, deli meats, and cheeses, these mini sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget the marinara dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Hot Italian Sliders

Swedish Meatballs

Try making these delicious copycat Ikea Swedish meatballs at home and enjoy the same great taste as the ones you find in the store.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Simple ingredients combine to make this Tuscan classic. Juicy fresh tuna pairs with beans for a Tuscan tuna white bean salad everyone will enjoy. It makes a tasty meal, whatever the season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Chicken Braised in Red Wine

This dish features braised chicken in red wine with vegetables and fresh herbs. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this slow-braised chicken is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Braised in Red Wine

Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

Imagine having a delicious blackened chicken Caesar salad for dinner tonight. This easy salad recipe features air fryer homemade croutons, the best homemade Caesar dressing, and is a great way to learn how to make blackened chicken for other tasty dishes like chicken tacos.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta

Meatballs and polenta with garlic roasted tomatoes is a simple-to-make, hearty meal. Easy, comforting weeknight meals like this are perfect for the colder months when you crave something tasty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta

Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet

This south of the border inspired cowboy beef and rice skillet makes a hearty, tasty dinner for cowboys, as well as for everyone else. And it’s easy to make using just one pot.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet

Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

If you’re looking for a flavorful Mexican inspired dish, try making Air Fryer Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Seasoned with cumin, salt, pepper, and margarita mix, the chicken is stuffed inside poblanos and topped with pico de gallo, sour cream, and cotija cheese, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Easy Chicken Madras Curry

An easy-to-prepare chicken madras curry is the perfect comfort food for cold weather, thanks to its warming and spicy Indian flavors. This authentic dish combines tender chicken with aromatic spices, making it a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Madras Curry

Stromboli Recipe

Experience the taste of true Italian flavors with this authentic stromboli recipe from South Philly, where Italian immigrants first created this Italian-American dish. With its combination of deli meats, cheese, and rich Italian flavors rolled into a delicious sandwich, this easy-to-make stromboli is a great way to spice up any pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Italian Stromboli Recipe

Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe is a deliciously satisfying upgrade from the fast food version, with a perfectly seasoned, golden brown coating and mouthwatering toppings. It’s finger-licking deliciousness will elevate your sandwich game to the next level!
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Greek Lemon Baked Pork Chops

Looking for an easy dinner recipe that’s both delicious and affordable? Look no further than this recipe for Greek pork chops! Seasoned with lemon, oregano, olive oil, and garlic, this baked pork chop dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Baked Pork Chops

Orange BBQ Salmon with Foil Packet Vegetables

This 30-minute Orange BBQ salmon recipe is a fresh, tangy foil packet meal perfect for summer grilling. Whether you use a traditional grill or a pellet grill, everyone will love this easy and delicious dish!
Get the Recipe: Orange BBQ Salmon with Foil Packet Vegetables

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Transform traditional Italian comfort food with this homemade sweet potato gnocchi recipe with roasted garlic sauce. The perfect vegetarian main course or flavorful side dish, this dish is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. Add this to your list of dinner ideas!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Beef Braciole

This savory dish, featuring a stuffed and rolled steak smothered in tomato sauce, is a timeless classic that pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables, making it the perfect centerpiece for a Sunday family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Braciole

Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork

Create the perfect Cuban roast pork with Smoked Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork, which features garlic, lime, sherry, oregano, and marjoram flavors. This recipe is ideal for pellet smokers or Traeger grills, and the shredded pork can be used in tacos, sandwiches, or served with coleslaw and beans for a tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole

This fiesta chicken pasta casserole bake features a delicious blend of chicken, corn, black beans, and Mexican-inspired seasonings. Whether you’re using a rotisserie or leftover chicken, this southwest-style casserole will surely become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole

Baked Feta Pasta

This baked feta pasta dish is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy feta cheese and sweet, juicy tomatoes. It’s quick and easy to make, and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie is an easy weeknight dinner using leftovers, such as turkey and mashed potatoes, as well as onion, herbs, vegetables, and Guinness for flavor. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Add this to your list of dinner ideas!
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

Honey Walnut Shrimp

This Panda Express honey walnut shrimp copycat recipe coats crispy deep-fried tempura shrimp in a tantalizing sweet and savory sauce that’s served with candied walnuts. This will become one of your favorite quick dinner recipes!
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

This bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s made with thick pasta, two types of cheeses, and two other easy ingredients! Ready to enjoy in just 25 minutes from start to finish!
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Tortellini Alla Panna

Tortellini alla panna is a simple, mouthwatering Italian pasta dish that covers store-bought tortellini in a homemade creamy parmesan sauce! Take your first bite of this incredible dinner recipe in just over 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Alla Panna

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Bang bang shrimp tacos have tender shrimp that get deep-fried to crunchy perfection before being tossed in a homemade 4 ingredient sauce! Fill tortillas with these Bang Bang Shrimp to create tacos or just simply enjoy them as is!
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken is better than takeout! It smothers tender chunks of chicken in a homemade bourbon sauce for a quick and easy weeknight meal! A favorite take-out style dish made with bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and more for a delicious recipe that packs a serious flavor punch!
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chicken

Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Burgers

Impress your friends this summer with a delicious smoked cheddar bacon stuffed burger recipe. These juicy burgers are packed with flavour and perfect for any BBQ or grill night. Add this to your list of dinner ideas!
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Burgers

Cashew Chicken with Snap Peas

This slow cooker cashew chicken with snap peas is a delicious fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, intensified by the use of a crockpot. While many Chinese chicken recipes involve stir-frying, this one is easy to prepare and perfect for those who love slow cooker meals.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken with Snap Peas

Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is a flavourful and easy Italian-inspired dish. With chicken, tomatoes, and provolone cheese, it’s perfect for any time of year and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

Turkey is paired with sweet potatoes, garlic, shallot, lime, cheese, and more, for this super-simple turkey skillet dinner. You only need one pan to make it, which makes it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

Italian Chicken Saltimbocca

This Chicken Saltimbocca recipe is a classic Italian baked chicken dish with a rich sage saltimbocca sauce, featuring prosciutto, provolone cheese, and chicken. It’s an easy and flavourful dinner option that’s perfect served with polenta, roasted or boiled potatoes, or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Saltimbocca

Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a gourmet bistro-style treat that makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Made with tender grilled chicken, creamy pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella, tomato, and more, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Instant Pot Spaghetti

Classic spaghetti, made in the Instant Pot! My Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is as easy as 1,2,3! Requiring simple, kitchen staple ingredients and minimal prep, you can sit back and let the instant pot do all the work for you! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti

Sesame Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps have so much delectable Asian flavor, and they are healthy. Make them for a fast dinner with nutritious ingredients that will really hit the spot after a long day. This is one of the best quick dinner recipes!
Get the Recipe: Sesame Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Make this hearty and soul-warming Chicken Noodle Soup in just a few minutes using your Instant Pot! There is nothing like a steaming bowl of tender chicken strips, egg noodles, and hearty veggies in a flavorful broth to keep your whole family warm and toasty on a cold winter night!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

Enjoy cooking and dining outdoors with this delicious honey garlic BBQ smoked pulled chicken! Brined in garlic pickle mixture, rubbed with sweet mustard, chilli, garlic/onion, and smoked to perfection with a Traeger grill or pellet smoker, then topped with a honey garlic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

Italian Beef

You won’t be able to resist making slow cooker Italian beef again and again once you try it. This hearty and filling dish is perfect on toasted rolls or hoagie buns and the slow cooked beef is incredibly tender and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

These slow cooker sriracha honey garlic pork chops are a delicious and easy dinner option that can be enjoyed any day of the year. With a sweet and sticky Chinese-inspired flavor, this crockpot pork chop recipe is perfect for anyone who loves honey garlic pork.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Fall off the Bone Hawaiian Ribs

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for your family, slow cooker Hawaiian ribs are a surefire way to impress everyone with their tender texture and exotic flavors. With a range of side dishes that pair perfectly, this meal is an excellent choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Fall off the Bone Hawaiian Ribs

Chicken Alfredo Crepes

Wondering what Italian crespelle are? They are delicious Italian crepes with alfredo sauce, perfect for making a savory, unique, and flavorful chicken alfredo crepe that is easy to make. Try this leftover chicken recipe, and you’ll discover a new favorite way to enjoy Italian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Crepes

Chicken Enchilada Soup

This Chili’s copycat chicken enchilada soup recipe is easy, tasty, and perfect for any night of the week. It can be made with rotisserie or leftover chicken. Add this to your list of dinner ideas!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Soup

Miso Mushroom Ramen Soup

Enjoy a homemade miso mushroom ramen soup for lunch or dinner that’s vegan and packed with tasty vegetables. This easy and gluten-free recipe features garlic, ginger, miso, soy sauce, and chili for a cozy and healthy meal option.
Get the Recipe: Miso Mushroom Ramen Soup

Mushroom Ragu

Elevate your pasta game with this delicious and flavorful mushroom ragu vegan pasta sauce, made with garlic, wine, herbs, and a variety of fresh vegetables. This homemade spaghetti sauce is perfect for vegans or anyone who loves a hearty and healthy meal, and is sure to become your new favorite meatless ragu recipe.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragu

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try making this one-pot Penne Rosa Pasta with a creamy tomato sauce. This comforting and filling Italian dish is both tasty and satisfying, and perfect for those who love a little spice in their meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce

Try this authentic Italian recipe for eggplant parmigiana, which is a comfor food favourite. Baked with a flavorful tomato and vodka sauce, this delicious vegetarian dinner idea is a hearty and satisfying meal bursting with tasty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce

Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls

The slow cooker Tex Mex quinoa taco bowls are full of incredible flavors, and they offer a colorful southwest-inspired dish that’s packed with character. This crockpot Mexican quinoa recipe is a perfect addition to your dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls

Kung Pao with Tofu

This vegan Kung Pao made with tofu is a delicious Chinese-inspired dinner recipe that’s just as good as the traditional chicken version. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a Chinese food tofu recipe, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao with Tofu

Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a delicious North African and Middle Eastern dish made with tomatoes and eggs, perfect for flavorful dinner. This spinach and red bean variation is a hearty and healthy one-pot meal, packed with flavor from the eggs poached in a tomato sauce.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers

Looking for a unique burger recipe? Try grilled gorgonzola buffalo burgers, served in a pretzel bun and topped with blue cheese or gorgonzola. Perfect for BBQ season, so add this to your list of dinner ideas!
Get the Recipe: Gorgonzola Buffalo Burgers

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Indulge in a delicious homemade Italian pasta dinner with pesto fettuccini and Bolognese sauce, bursting with fresh veggies in every bite. This hearty dish, featuring a homemade beef Bolognese meat sauce and fettuccine pasta, will satisfy your cravings for a flavorful Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Pot Roast with Red Wine

This slow cooker pot roast with red wine is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect to prepare in the morning and let cook all day. The mouth-watering aroma that fills your home when you get back is just an added bonus!
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Red Wine

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Whip up a gourmet homemade meal in just 30 minutes with Creamy Tuscan Chicken! This family-friendly recipe includes chicken, sundried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, spices, cheese, and heavy cream.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken

Looking for a flavorful and delicious chicken recipe? Huli Huli Chicken is a must-try, with its amazing Hawaiian flavors that are sure to be a huge hit. The simple marinade is the secret to this BBQ chicken’s mouthwatering taste.
Get the Recipe: Huli Huli Chicken

Chunky White Chicken Chili

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that will satisfy your taste buds, give this slow cooker chicken chili recipe a try and enjoy the cozy comfort of a classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chunky White Chicken Chili

Salsa Fresca Chicken

Looking for a flavorful and low-carb dinner idea that requires minimal effort? Look no further than slow cooker salsa fresca chicken, a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh salsa and spices for a perfect burst of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Fresca Chicken

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Cooking a chicken enchilada casserole slowly allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dish. This easy recipe with chicken breasts and staple ingredients is perfect for a slow cooker or crock pot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of garlic chicken piccata with angel hair pasta – a flavorful and easy chicken and pasta meal. With juicy chicken, garlic, lemon, and pasta, this dish is a true delight that will satisfy your cravings for a scrumptious Italian-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta

Vegetable Soup

Make dinner easy tonight with a 30-minute Instant Pot vegetable soup, bursting with healthy veggies and flavorful ingredients like paprika and garlic. This vegetarian or vegan soup recipe is a delicious and convenient option cooked in an Instant Pot
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup