Go-to 17 dinner recipes that always work

Photo of author

| Published:

Tired of searching for the perfect dinner recipe? These 17 go-to dinner recipes are guaranteed to work every time, making mealtime stress-free and delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, these dishes are your answer to consistently great dinners. From comforting classics to exciting new favorites, there’s something here to please every palate. Enjoy the ease and joy of cooking with these tried-and-true dinner ideas!

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s nothing quite like the homely feel of Chicken Pot Pie to round off a day. This classic dish brings comfort food to a new level with its flaky pastry and creamy filling. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when only a warm, filling meal will do. Gather the family around the table for this traditional favorite that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta Carbonara is famed for its creamy texture and comforting taste. It brings a touch of Italian elegance to any dinner table with minimal fuss. This dish is renowned for its smooth, rich sauce and satisfying flavor. Quick to whip up, it’s a dependable choice for a last-minute meal that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Serve this chicken and watch it become a new favorite among spicy food lovers. Chipotle Grilled Chicken infuses smoky heat into your dinner routine, making it anything but ordinary. This meal is a great way to spice up your weekly menu, offering robust flavors in every bite. Enjoy the bold tastes that make this dish a popular choice.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making Chick-fil-A Nuggets at home is easier than you might think. They are a fun dinner option that kids and adults alike will love. Crispy, golden, and delicious, these nuggets mimic the fast-food favorite flawlessly. Serve them at your next family gathering and watch them disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Baked Mushroom Rice

A plate of mushroom baked rice served next to a cast iron skillet.
Baked Mushroom Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Try this dish for a simple yet flavorful dinner solution. Baked Mushroom Rice is a delightful dish that’s both comforting and savory. This one-pan meal simplifies dinner, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. The earthy flavors of mushrooms mixed with the perfect texture of rice create a satisfying side or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Chicken Tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces and are a hit with children and adults alike. This dish is incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weekday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring a bit of Italy to your dinner table with this timeless recipe. Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty and beloved classic that fills the kitchen with its inviting aroma. This rich and meaty sauce clings to the pasta, making every bite a treat. It’s a filling meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. It combines tender chicken and creamy rice in one dish, simplifying mealtime. This casserole is a favorite for its ability to deliver a filling and flavorful meal with minimal preparation. Rely on this casserole for a satisfying dinner that always pleases.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This dish turns a simple cut of meat into a tender, juicy, and flavorful feast. Slow Cooker Pot Roast is the epitome of a set-and-forget meal that welcomes you home with its warm aroma. The slow cooker works its magic, making the roast incredibly easy to prepare. Serve this pot roast to your family for a hearty meal that requires almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cowboy Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s hearty, filling, and always a hit, especially on chilly evenings. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish is reliable when you need something both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s a recipe that proves simple ingredients can produce outstanding results.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin on a white plate, served with a side of greens in a black bowl.
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something special about serving Whole Baked BBQ Chicken at family gatherings. The aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around the dinner table. This dish is celebrated for its ease of preparation and the guaranteed juicy results every time. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any meal, ensuring no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Elevated Ramen Noodles

A bowl of ramen with soft-boiled egg, vegetables, and sesame seeds.
Elevated Ramen Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Start with something simple like Ramen and elevate it to create a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. Elevated Ramen Noodles transform a pantry staple into a gourmet meal with just a few tweaks. This upgraded version is ideal for a quick dinner that feels indulgent. You’ll never look at instant ramen the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine coming home to the smell of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, ready to be served. This dish is a favorite for its foolproof method and the delectable results that await at the end of the day. It’s incredibly versatile, serving as the perfect base for many meal types. The ease of this recipe will make it a regular in your meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Indian Chicken Curry

A bowl of Chicken Curry Home Style with pieces of meat and visible spices in a rich, orange sauce.
Indian Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Indian Chicken Curry brings a burst of flavor to the dinner table, with a richness that is hard to resist. This dish is known for its depth of flavor and comforting qualities. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a regular weeknight, it’s sure to satisfy. It pairs beautifully with rice or bread, making for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Curry

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Try this recipe when you want a dinner that combines simplicity with a punch of flavor. Asian Style Pork Chops offer a delightful departure from more traditional pork chop preparations. They’re marinated to perfection, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. It’s a surefire way to bring some excitement to your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Lamb Rogan Josh

A bowl of Lamb Rogan Josh, garnished with cilantro and served in a decorative brass dish.
Lamb Rogan Josh. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Lamb Rogan Josh is a rich, aromatic dish that fills your home with its enticing scent. This recipe is a showstopper, perfect for when you want to impress your guests. It combines deep, complex spices with tender lamb in a way that’s both exotic and comforting. Serve this at any gathering, and it’s bound to be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Rogan Josh

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This recipe is a fantastic way to liven up your menu with something different and delicious. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders are always a hit at parties or as a fun family meal. They bring a unique twist to traditional pulled pork by adding a touch of island flavor. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.