After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. But that doesn't mean you have to settle for takeout or fast food. With a little planning and some simple recipes, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals every night of the week. Here are 10 easy weeknight dinner recipes that you'll love
One-Pot Pasta
One-pot pasta is a simple and convenient way to prepare a complete meal using just one pot. The concept is pretty straightforward: cook pasta, vegetables, and protein in a single pot, and everything cooks together, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients.
To make one-pot pasta, start by selecting your ingredients. Choose a pasta shape that you like (penne, fusilli, and farfalle are all good choices), as well as any vegetables and protein that you want to include. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, chicken, sausage, shrimp, or tofu.
To prepare the pasta, start by sautéing any vegetables or protein that need to be cooked, such as onions or chicken. Then, add the pasta to the pot, along with enough water or broth to cover everything. Add seasonings and any other desired ingredients, such as garlic, red pepper flakes, or parmesan cheese.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on the type of pasta and the other ingredients you've used.
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, give everything a good stir and serve. One-pot pasta is a great option for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook or clean up. Plus, it's a fun and versatile way to experiment with different pasta shapes and flavor combinations!
Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet Pan Fajitas are a delicious and easy meal that can be made in just one pan. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook or clean up. Here's how to make sheet pan fajitas:
Ingredients:
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
3 bell peppers (any color), sliced into thin strips
1 onion, sliced into thin strips
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. fajita seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Place the sliced chicken or beef, peppers, and onions on a large baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the chicken and vegetables and sprinkle with the fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the chicken and vegetables out into an even layer on the baking sheet, making sure that everything is touching the sheet pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Serve the sheet pan fajitas with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, and cilantro.
Sheet pan fajitas are a great way to get a flavorful and healthy meal on the table without a lot of fuss. The baking process allows the ingredients to caramelize and develop a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tortillas and toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and easy dinner tonight!
Stir Fry
Stir fry is a versatile and delicious dish that can be made with a variety of proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Here's a basic recipe for stir fry that you can customize to your liking:
Ingredients:
1 lb. protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu)
2 cups of chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, etc.)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. ginger, minced
2 tbsp. oil (canola, vegetable, or sesame oil)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. cornstarch
Instructions:
Start by prepping all of your ingredients. Cut the protein into bite-sized pieces and chop the vegetables into similar sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the protein from the pan and set aside.
Add the vegetables to the pan and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Return the protein to the pan and add the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
Serve the stir fry over rice or noodles and enjoy!
Stir fry is a great way to use up any vegetables or protein you have on hand and can be customized to your liking. Experiment with different sauces and flavor combinations to find your favorite stir fry recipe.
Black Bean Tacos
Black bean tacos are a delicious and easy vegetarian meal that can be made in just a few simple steps. Here's how to make black bean tacos:
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Tortillas, for serving
Toppings (avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, etc.)
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the black beans to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.
Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the black beans are heated through and the vegetables are fully cooked.
Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.
Assemble the tacos by adding a spoonful of the black bean mixture to each tortilla and topping with your desired toppings.
Serve and enjoy!
Black bean tacos are a great meatless option that's full of flavor and protein. You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding additional vegetables or spices, or by using different toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal tonight!
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food combination that's perfect for a chilly day. Here's how to make this delicious meal:
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:
4 slices of bread
4 slices of cheddar cheese
2 tbsp. butter
Ingredients for Tomato Soup:
1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
1/2 cup of vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions for Grilled Cheese:
Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Place one slice of cheese between two slices of bread, butter side facing out.
Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Repeat with the remaining bread and cheese slices.
Instructions for Tomato Soup:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add the can of diced tomatoes (with the juice), broth, salt, and pepper to the pot and bring to a simmer.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
Stir in the heavy cream and heat until warm.
Serve the grilled cheese with the tomato soup and enjoy!
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic combination that's perfect for a comforting and delicious meal. The soup can be made in advance and reheated, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal!
Slow Cooker Chili
Slow cooker chili is a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for cold nights. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions:
Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the ground beef or turkey mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Serve hot with your desired toppings.
Slow cooker chili is a great meal for busy weeknights because you can prep it in the morning and have it ready to go by dinnertime. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future meals. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm and hearty bowl of chili!
Baked Chicken Thighs
Baked chicken thighs are a delicious and easy meal that can be prepared with just a few ingredients. Here's how to make them:
Ingredients:
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up.
Brush the olive oil mixture evenly over each chicken thigh.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Baked chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious meal that pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They can also be easily customized with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal!
Broiled Salmon
Broiled salmon is a quick and easy way to enjoy this healthy and flavorful fish. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp minced garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Preheat the broiler to high.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the salmon fillets on the foil, skin side down.
Brush the olive oil mixture over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them evenly.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Broiled salmon is a simple and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 15 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want to eat something nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Veggie Burger
A veggie burger is a delicious and nutritious alternative to a traditional beef burger. Here's how to make one:
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Burger buns and toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork until they are mostly mashed but still have some texture.
Add the cooked quinoa, onion, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the mashed black beans.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on how large you want your burgers to be.
Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Remove from the oven and let the patties cool for a few minutes before assembling the burgers.
Serve on burger buns with your favorite toppings.
Veggie burgers are a great way to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet. They are also a fun and tasty way to switch up your usual burger routine. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying veggie burger!
Meatball Sub
A meatball sub is a classic sandwich that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. Here's how to make one:
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
4-6 sub rolls
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Split the sub rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
Spoon a few tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each roll, followed by a few meatballs and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the meatball subs cool for a few minutes before serving.
Meatball subs are a delicious and satisfying sandwich that are perfect for lunch or dinner. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, such as sautéed onions and peppers or sliced mushrooms. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a classic meatball sub at home!