Are you ready to start whipping up delicious, home-cooked meals for your family or maybe yourself? Do you feel a bit hesitant about taking on the challenge of cooking dinner every night? If so, then we’ve got great news for you—ingredients and recipes don’t have to be complex to make flavorful dishes!
In this blog post, we give you these easy dinner recipes that are perfect no matter what sort of skill level or experience in the kitchen you have.
From comfort foods like beef stir fry with vegetables to pesto pasta, each recipe is simple enough that even beginners can confidently bring exciting new flavors into their homes.
With these easy dinner recipes, anyone can become a master chef right at home!
Editor's note:
Hey, you can check out a list of 'Easy Dinner Recipes for Beginners' books here!
The 70+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Beginners
With so many intimidating ingredients and complicated recipes, it can be hard to find simple, easy dinners for the everyday home chef. Don’t be discouraged!
We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled some of the tastiest yet effortless dinner recipes that even beginners in cooking can prepare with ease.
So break out your pans—you’re about to become the star of dinnertime! Let's see what they are!
1. Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables
Stir-fried beef dinner recipes are healthy dinner ideas that have very few ingredients. You can make dinner in 36 minutes using flat iron steak or flank, onions, and vegetables of your choice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
15. 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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
27. 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.
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.
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.
30. Baked Chicken Dinner
The baked chicken dinner recipe is low in carbs but rich in flavor! This meal requires only 1 hour and 5 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!
31. 10-Minute Broccolini Pasta
You crave something quick, easy, and delicious for dinner tonight. That’s where the 10-Minute Broccolini Pasta comes in!
Perfectly al dente pasta coated in a buttery garlic sauce, tossed with tender broccolini florets—this dish is a delectable masterpiece.
The best part is it only takes 10 minutes to whip up, making it an ideal weeknight meal option. With its minimal ingredient list, this pasta dish is easy to customize, adapt and make your own.
So why wait? Indulge in a mouth-watering, restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your own home tonight!
32. Sweet Potato Pizza
Have you ever tried sweet potato pizza? If not, you're missing out on a seriously delicious and nutritious meal.
This unique twist on traditional pizza features a crispy crust made of mashed sweet potato that perfectly complements savory toppings like caramelized onion, spinach, and feta cheese.
Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making this pizza a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, it's a great way to switch up your usual pizza routine and impress your dinner guests.
Don't knock it until you try it - sweet potato pizza might just become your new favorite comfort food.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
40. Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
This dish is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and hearty flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied. The quick and easy Salisbury steak is juicy and tender, smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy that complements it perfectly.
And don't even get us started on the buttery and smooth mashed potatoes that are the ultimate comfort food. The green beans and mushrooms add a pop of freshness and texture to the dish, while the tangy mustard sauce ties it all together.
This meal is a classic for a reason - it's comforting, delicious, and easy to make. So why not whip up this classic dish for dinner tonight?
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
