If you're new to cooking, the idea of preparing a meal from scratch can be daunting. But it doesn't have to be! These recipes are designed with beginners in mind and are the perfect place to start your journey into the kitchen.
From simple pasta dishes to flavor-packed chicken dinners, these recipes will have you feeling like a pro in no time.
Writer's note:
Hey, you can check out a list of 'Easy Dinner Recipes for Beginners' books here!
The 73 Easy Dinner Recipes for Beginners
1. Stir-Fried Beef with Vegetables
Stir-fried beef dinner recipes are healthy dinner ideas that have very few ingredients. You can make dinner in 20-25 minutes using beefsteak or pieces, onions, and vegetables of your choice.
You can get the Stir-Fried Beef with Vegetables recipe here.
2. Meatballs
Meatball dinner recipes are perfect if you're planning dinner on weeknights! They take only 30 minutes to be ready, so they're dinner recipes for dinner on busy days. You can serve this dinner with pasta, rice or potatoes.
You can get the Meatballs recipe here.
3. Indian Style Chicken Saag
Indian-style Chicken saag is a healthy dinner idea that takes only 20-25 minutes to be ready. You can serve this dinner with chapati or rice. This dinner is made of chicken breast pieces, spinach, and spices.
You can get the Indian Style Chicken Saag recipe here.
4. Wraps
Wraps are dinner recipes you should consider because they take only 15-20 minutes to be prepared.
They're very easy to cook, and they can be served as cold dinners or warm ones. You just need a few ingredients like meat, vegetables, and wraps.
You can get the Wraps recipe here.
5. Barbecue Chicken
Barbeque chicken dinner recipes are perfect for those who love barbecue food. These recipes take only 15-20 minutes to be prepared, so you can also serve them as lunch meal ideas.
You can get the Barbecue Chicken recipe here.
6. Sour Cream Salmon
The sour cream salmon dinner recipe is a healthy dinner idea that takes 25-30 minutes from start to finish because you need fresh salmon slices first prepared and then marinated in sour cream sauce.
You can get the Sour Cream Salmon recipe here.
7. Stuffed Tomatoes
Stuffed tomato dinner recipes are perfect because they take only 20-25 minutes to be prepared. You can serve them as a side dish or a main meal.
You can get the Stuffed Tomatoes recipe here.
8. Baked Potato With Cheese And Bacon Bits
The baked potato with cheese and bacon bits dinner recipe is an excellent idea for those who love potatoes! It takes 20-25 minutes to be baked, so you should consider baking it on the weekend, for example. Potatoes are served with cheese sauce and bacon bits.
You can get the Baked Potato With Cheese And Bacon Bits recipe here.
9. Paella Spaghetti Dinner
The paella spaghetti dinner recipe is perfect if you're planning a party at home! This is a dish that will surely impress your guests. It's very easy to prepare paella spaghetti even though it looks delicious.
You can get the Paella Spaghetti Dinner recipe here.
10. Salmon And Steamed Vegetables
The salmon and steamed vegetable dinner recipe is the perfect choice for those who love fish because you can serve it with vegetables or the salad of your choice.
This dinner takes 20-25 minutes to be prepared, so you should consider cooking it before planning a party at home.
You can get the Salmon And Steamed Vegetables recipe here.
11. Baked Chicken and Peppers
Baked chicken and peppers dinner recipes are easy to prepare, but they require 30-35 minutes in the oven. These dinners are baked together with vegetables of your choice, like green or red bell pepper.
You can also add onions, zucchini, or any other vegetable that sounds good for you!
You can get the Baked Chicken and Peppers recipe here.
12. Spaghetti Dinner
Spaghetti dinner recipes are the favorite of many people because they're easy to cook, perfect for dinners on weeknights, and very delicious! You just need spaghetti pasta, ingredients of your choice, and some sauces.
You can get the Spaghetti Dinner recipe here.
13. Pizza Pasta Dinner
If you have any leftover pizza cheese, sauce, or pepperoni slices, this dinner recipe is perfect for you! It will take 20-25 minutes to be ready, so it's a dinner idea that works on busy days.
You can get the Pizza Pasta recipe here.
14. Tacos
Taco night can become a family tradition. This dinner idea requires at least 25-30 minutes from start to finish, depending on how big the tacos you want to make. Keep in mind that ground beef must be cooked beforehand.
You can get the Tacos recipe here.
15. Roasted Pork Dinner
Pork loin can be prepared in many ways. This roasted pork dinner is great because it takes only 25-30 minutes to be ready, so you can also serve it as a lunch meal idea. This recipe uses marmalade sauce to roast the meat, but you can use herbs and spices of your choice if you want.
You can get the Roasted Pork recipe here.
16. Roasted Vegetable Dinner
The roasted vegetable dinner recipe is perfect for those who love this meal because it takes only 30-35 minutes to be served. You need a few ingredients like trimmed broccoli, shallots, baby carrots, fresh rosemary, and olive oil.
This roasted vegetable dinner is also low in calories!
You can get the Roasted Vegetable recipe here.
17. Spicy Shrimp and Rice
This spicy shrimp and rice dinner recipe takes 35-40 minutes to be prepared, but the taste makes up for the time needed! Whenever you prepare spicy dinnertime recipes, remember that chili pepper can make all the difference.
Add them to meat or vegetables – it's up to you!
You can get the Spicy Shrimp And Rice recipe here.
18. Crispy Chicken And Herbs
The crispy chicken and herbs dinner recipe is perfect for those who want to surprise someone with a delicious meal. This crispy chicken dinner takes 30-35 minutes to prepare and is ready to eat.
It's served with veggies of your choice, like broccoli or green beans.
You can get the Crispy Chicken And Herbs recipe here.
19. Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
The spaghetti with meat sauce dinner idea is excellent because it requires only a few ingredients and is very easy preparation, which doesn't take more than 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
You should remember that spaghetti should be cooked beforehand because this dish takes very little time in the oven, just enough to blend flavors.
You can get the Spaghetti With Meat Sauce recipe here.
20. Roasted Squash Recipes
Roasted squash recipes are the favorite of many people because this mild-tasting vegetable is very healthy, low in calories, and can be served with some herbs.
You can get the Roasted Squash Recipes recipe here.
21. Baked Chicken With Basil
The baked chicken with basil dinner recipe requires only 20-25 minutes for preparation, but you should remember that the chicken must be cooked beforehand.
Serve it on the dinner table while still warm by adding veggies or salad of your choice. One slice of good bread to accompany this meal would be perfect!
You can get the Baked Chicken With Basil recipe here.
22. Shrimp and Swordfish Dinner
If you want to celebrate someone's birthday at home, this shrimp and swordfish dinner will work great! It takes 30-35 minutes for preparation so keep that in mind. Serve it with mixed salad or any other side dish of your choice.
You can get the Shrimp and Swordfish recipe here.
23. Baked Ham Dinner
The baked ham dinner recipe is great for the whole family because it takes 20-25 minutes to be ready. It's also perfect for celebrations, so try this baked ham dinner recipe if you have a party coming up. You can also add potatoes or some other vegetable that sounds good to you!
You can get the Baked Ham recipe here.
24. Baked Chicken and Herbs
If you are not in the mood to cook but still want something delicious, the baked chicken and herbs dinner recipe fits best for people like you. This dinner idea requires 30-35 minutes from start to finish, so plan accordingly.
You should remember that chicken must be cooked beforehand.
You can get the Baked Chicken and Herbs recipe here.
25. Broccoli and White Pizza
White pizza is another variation of the famous pizza recipe, but this one calls for mozzarella cheese in place or regular mozzarella. It also uses cream instead of tomato sauce, which makes it very flavorful and popular among eaters.
This appetizing dinner idea takes only 20-25 minutes to prepare, so you don't have to set much time aside to cook it!
You can get the Broccoli and White Pizza recipe here.
26. Baked Beef with Herbs
Baked beef with herbs dinner requires 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it great when you want something quick & tasty. If you are trying to find ways to cook dinners, this baked beef with herbs dinner recipe is ideal to try out.
You can get the Baked Beef with Herbs recipe here.
27. Baked Pork Chop with Cookie Dough
This baked pork chop with cookie dough dinner recipe takes 25-30 minutes from start to finish, so it's great for those who are all about speed. Serve it with fresh veggies or tossed salad of your choice, along with a slice of good bread!
You can get the Baked Pork Chop recipe here.
Recipe for Cookie Dough also here.
28. Steak with Broccoli
The steak with broccoli dinner idea requires only 20-25 minutes, making it perfect for quick dinners. Any leftover chicken breast can be used instead of steak! It's also very nutrient-rich since you will serve it on the table while still warm.
You can get the Steak with Broccoli recipe here.
29. Shrimp Casserole Dinner
The shrimp casserole dinner recipe takes 25-30 minutes to be ready, so it's also great when you are in a hurry. It has to be served while still warm, preferably with a side of corn on the cob, for example.
You can get the Shrimp Casserole recipe here.
30. Baked Chicken Dinner
The baked chicken dinner recipe is low in carbs but rich in flavor! This meal requires only 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect when you are in a rush. Serve this baked chicken dinner with veggies or salad of your choice!
You can get the Baked Chicken recipe here.
31. Hamburgers with Chili Dip
If you are thinking about hamburgers with chili dip dinner ideas, then think no more because I'm here to tell you all about it.
This fast and easy dinner idea only requires 20-25 minutes from start to finish, so you can try it out when you don't have much time on your hands. Serve this with corn and some good garlic bread!
You can get the Hamburgers with Chili Dip recipe here.
32. Pizza with Sweet Potato
The pizza with sweet potato dinner recipe is low in calories and carbs, making it very healthy for people who care about their diet.
When we say pizza, we most often think of pies filled with tomato sauce or cheese, but there are other variations, such as this one where sweet potato is used instead of regular potatoes.
It only takes 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it great if you need something quick!
You can get the Pizza recipe here.
A recipe for Sweet Potato is also here.
33. Shrimp and Pineapple Dinner
Considering that the shrimp and pineapple dinner recipe takes 20-25 minutes to be ready, it's an excellent choice for those looking for ideas for cooking dinner fast. Serve shrimp and pineapple with some garlic bread afterward!
You can get the Shrimp and Pineapple recipe here.
34. BBQ Chicken Dinner
If you are looking for good dinner ideas, then you should try this BBQ chicken dinner. It requires 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect if you need something quick and healthy! You can also serve it with corn on the cob and baked potato!
You can get the BBQ Chicken recipe here.
35. Steak Casserole Dinner
This steak casserole dinner idea takes 30-35 minutes from start to finish, so plan accordingly if you want something quick. This meal is very filling since its main ingredients are steak and potatoes! You can use ground beef instead of steak if you want to.
You can get the Steak with Casserole recipe here.
36. Chicken with Broccoli Dinner
This chicken with broccoli dinner idea is perfect for those who are trying to find easy dinners. It only takes 20-25 minutes from start to finish, so it's great for people in a rush! Serve this meal with some corn on the cob topped with butter!
You can get the Chicken with Broccoli recipe here.
37. Sausages and Peppers Dinner
The sausages and peppers dinner recipe makes four servings, which is fantastic because you can enjoy it over several nights. This meal only takes 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it awesome when you don't have much time!
When preparing this meal, try cooking sausages and peppers separately so that you can enjoy them better.
You can get the Sausages and Peppers recipe here.
38. Pizza Casserole Dinner
The pizza casserole dinner idea requires 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect if you don't have much time on your hands. If you need a full meal, though, then we recommend serving this with some garlic bread or veggies on the side.
Pesto pizza sauce works great with this meal!
You can get the Pizza Casserole recipe here.
39. Spaghetti with Meatballs
The spaghetti and meatballs dinner idea is the perfect choice for those who need quick pasta recipes! This meal can be prepared in 20-25 minutes from start to finish, so it's a great option when you don't have much time on your hands.
Serve spaghetti with meatballs with some garlic bread afterward!
You can get the Spaghetti with Meatballs recipe here.
40. Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
The Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and green beans dinner recipe doesn't take long to make, as it only requires 25-30 minutes from start to finish.
It's also very easy, as all you have to do is mix ground beef or pork, eggs, bread crumbs, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper! Serve it with some green beans or broccoli afterward.
You can get the Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans recipe here.
41. Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls are delicious, quick to make (they only take 30 minutes from start to finish), and very easy too. They're perfect if you want something tasty but straightforward for your dinner.
You can also prepare them the night before you need them, which is fantastic if you're in a hurry!
You can get the Dinner Rolls recipe here.
42. Chicken with Mushrooms
The chicken with mushrooms dinner recipe takes 1 hour, so plan accordingly if you want something fast.
The good thing about this meal, though, is that it's not difficult to make at all, so if 1 hour isn't enough time for you, we recommend finding shortcuts for preparation.
You can get the Chicken with Mushrooms recipe here.
43. Beef Stew Dinner
RecipeBeef stew dinner recipe requires an hour from start to finish, so it's a good choice if you want something simple but tasty. We recommend serving this meal with some warm bread or biscuits! It is very filling and nutrient-rich.
You can get the Beef Stew recipe here.
44. Scrambled Eggs on Toast
A dinner that is ready in just 5 minutes can be scrambled eggs with toast. Cook one or two eggs, then prepare 1-2 slices of bread and butter them. Put salt and pepper on the toast and serve it after topping it with a fried egg.
The dinner will be ready in less than 10 minutes.
You can get the Scrambled Eggs on Toast recipe here.
45. Pizza Crescent Rolls
Pizza crescent rolls are easy dinner recipes you should try if you like pizza but do not want to spend too much time preparing dinner. This dinner idea takes about 20 minutes to make because you need to cook 12 crescent rolls first (from frozen).
You can get the Pizza Crescent Rolls recipe here.
46. Easy One-Pot Dinner
You can have dinner ready in just 20 minutes if you use a one-pot dinner recipe. A lot of them are very delicious and healthy as well.
You can get the Easy One-Pot Dinner recipe here.
47. Mediterranean Pasta
If you want a dinner that is full of flavors and that is healthy as well, this dinner idea is perfect for you. This dinner will take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, including cooking the pasta from scratch.
You can get the Mediterranean Pasta recipe here.
48. Vegetable Frittata
A dinner that is healthy and delicious can be prepared in just 10 minutes. It has ingredients like vegetables, cheese, and eggs.
You can get the Vegetable Frittata recipe here.
49. Hamburger
If you are tired of eating the same dinner every day, you can try hamburger dinner ideas. You need only 20 minutes to prepare dinner with this dinner idea made with ground beef, onion, and pepper (you can use other vegetables too).
You can get the Hamburger recipe here.
50. Chicken Alfredo Pasta Dinner Recipes
This dinner idea is perfect if you are tired of eating fish all the time. It has chicken breast, milk, cheese, and pasta, so it is very healthy too!
You can get the Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe here.
51. Stuffed Pizza Rolls
You can cook dinner in just 20 minutes with this dinner recipe that contains ground beef, cream cheese, tomato sauce, and pizza dough.
You can get the Stuffed Pizza Rolls recipe here.
52. Steak
If you want a dinner that requires little effort but tastes delicious, steak dinner ideas are perfect for you. You need only 10-15 minutes to prepare a dinner like this one because the steak is already cooked!
You can get the Steak recipe here.
53. Easy Sardine
It takes only 20-25 minutes to make dinner ready with a dinner idea like this one. You need canned sardines, vegetable juice, onion, and bread for this dinner recipe.
You can get the Easy Sardine recipe here.
54. Baked Pumpkin Lasagna
Pumpkin lasagna is a dinner you can prepare in about 30 minutes if you use frozen pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin. It keeps the same delicious flavors, but it doesn't take so much time to cook dinner.
You can get the Baked Pumpkin Lasagna recipe here.
55. Chicken Nuggets
This dinner will take around 25-30 minutes to be ready because you need to bake chicken nuggets first (from frozen). With just a few ingredients, it is a dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
You can get the Chicken Nuggets recipe here.
56. Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus
This dinner takes about 30 minutes to cook if you already have pasta in your pantry. It has asparagus, cherry tomatoes, onion, and many spices, so it is very healthy!
You can get the Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus recipe here.
57. Pan-fried Fish Fillets
Fish fillets dinner recipes are perfect for those who would like to eat something tasty but healthy too. This dinner will take about 20-25 minutes from start to finish because the fish filets are already fried before you even start cooking the dinner.
You can get the Pan-fried Fish Fillets recipe here.
58. Black Eyed Peas Curry Recipe
If you love spicy food, you will love this dinner idea. You can enjoy dinner in just 20-30 minutes with it because the black-eyed peas are already cooked, and all you need to do is to mix them with peanut butter and red curry paste.
You can get the Black Eyed Peas Curry recipe here.
59. Salmon
These dinner ideas with salmon might be a little bit more expensive, but they're worth it! They take about 25-35 minutes from start to finish, but they taste delicious.
You can get the Salmon recipe here.
60. Summer Chicken
To make dinner ready in 25-30 minutes, you need only a few ingredients like chicken breasts, eggs, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil.
You can get the Summer Chicken recipe here.
61. Spicy Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp dinner recipes are perfect for dinner ideas that take only 10 minutes to be ready. If you have a frozen bag of shrimp on your pantry, you can start making dinner in just a few minutes!
You can get the Spicy Grilled Shrimp recipe here.
62. Chicken Cordon Bleu
With the chicken cordon bleu dinner recipe, dinner preparation will take only 30-45 minutes, but the dinner tastes delicious! It takes about 20-25 minutes if you use already-cooked chicken breast because this dinner has very few ingredients.
You can get the Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe here.
63. Lasagna
Lasagna is an Italian dinner that requires at least 1 hour to be prepared (if it contains homemade pasta). But there's a dinner idea with lasagna that doesn't take so much time. You only need about 30 minutes to cook it because it's made with ready-made pasta.
You can get the Lasagna recipe here.
64. Italian Style Chicken
This dinner will take around 20-30 minutes from start to finish if you already have chicken in your fridge or freezer. It has bacon, tomato sauce, and a lot of spices.
You can get the Italian Style Chicken recipe here.
65. Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff dinner recipes taste delicious, but they require at least 1 hour to be prepared. But there's a dinner recipe like this one that will take only 45 minutes from start to finish! You need beef steaks (or pieces), sour cream, mushrooms, and a few spices.
You can get the Beef Stroganoff recipe here.
66. Shrimp
Shrimp recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners because they take only 30-40 minutes to be ready. With very few ingredients, dinner preparation is fast, but the dinner tastes delicious!
You can get the Shrimp recipe here.
67. Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken dinner recipes are healthy dinner ideas that will take about 25 minutes to be ready because you just need to simmer chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce. It can be served with rice if you want a more filling dinner.
You can get the Teriyaki Chicken recipe here.
68. Fried Rice
A fried rice dinner recipe requires at least 45 minutes from start to finish, so it's a dinner idea that can't be prepared on weeknights. But you still have dinner recipes like this one that will take only 15 minutes from start to finish!
You can get the Fried Rice recipe here.
69. Italian Sausage
Italian sausage dinner recipes are perfect for those who would like to eat something quick but healthy too. This dinner takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish, and it has very few ingredients, so it's a great dinner idea for busy moms.
You can get the Italian Sausage recipe here.
70. Creamy Chicken Noodle
The creamy chicken noodle dinner recipe is a dinner idea for those who love creamy food. It takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, but this dinner tastes delicious!
You can get the Creamy Chicken Noodle recipe here.
71. Pasta
Pasta dinner recipes are great for busy moms because they take only 20-25 minutes to prepare. These dinner recipes require very few ingredients too.
You can get the Pasta recipe here.
72. Grilled Dinner Recipes With Shrimp
Shrimp dinners are perfect recipes for those who love seafood! They're healthy, quick, and yummy! You can grill shrimp in just 15 minutes, so it's a dinner recipe you should consider before planning dinner!
You can get the Grilled Dinner Recipes With Shrimp recipe here.
73. Pesto Pasta
This dinner recipe is a dinner idea for those who love herbs. Pesto pasta dinner recipes taste delicious, but they require at least 30 minutes to be prepared because you need to make fresh pesto sauce. It's a dinner cooked with penne pasta, grilled chicken breast, and spinach.
You can get the Pesto Pasta recipe here.
