If you’re tired of cycling through the same old dinner ideas, these 17 must-try recipes are about to shake things up. They’re straightforward, filling, and the kind of meals that always hit the spot without any fuss. No need for fancy steps or a million ingredients—just good food that works every time. Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they end up in your weekly rotation, ready to make life a bit easier.
Apple Galette
Everyone loves a good twist on classic apple pie, and Apple Galette offers just that with less fuss. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive with a rustic charm, ideal for both casual and special gatherings. The open-faced nature allows the apples to shine, beautifully caramelized on top. Simple ingredients come together to create something that’s simple yet irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette
Quesabirria Tacos
If you haven’t tried Quesabirria Tacos, you’re missing out on an incredible combination of flavors and textures. This dish pairs the juiciness of slow-cooked, spice-marinated meat with the crunch of a grilled taco. Dipping it in the consommé upgrades it to a whole new level of enjoyment. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves to explore different foods.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos
Bombay Sandwiches
Taking street food to an exciting level, Bombay Sandwiches capture the essence of Mumbai’s bustling street food scene. It’s all about fresh ingredients, piled between slices of bread that are slathered with green chutney. Each bite offers a crunch of vegetables and a punch of spices. It’s a vegetarian option that keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches
Arepas con Queso
For a taste of Colombia, Arepas con Queso are a go-to. These are thick, cheese-stuffed corn cakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They work great for breakfast or as a snack, any time of the day. When you want something simple yet filling, this is what you reach for.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan Noodles bring the heat and complexity of Sichuan cuisine to your table with each bite. The noodles are dressed in a sauce that’s both spicy and slightly sweet, topped with ground meat for protein. It’s a well-balanced dish that has gained popularity for a reason. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, it’s an exciting dish to add to your repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles
Hoisin Beef
When you are in the mood for something hearty, Hoisin Beef is the dish to make. The sauce, rich with garlic, ginger, and the sweet-and-savory hoisin sauce, clings to tender strips of beef. It’s perfect served over rice or noodles, making for a comforting meal. This dish combines simplicity with big, bold flavors in a way that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef
Thai Chicken Satay
Thai Chicken Satay captures the essence of Thai cuisine, with strips of chicken marinated in a flavorful blend, then grilled until perfectly charred. The peanut sauce, creamy and with just the right balance of sweet and savory, complements the chicken beautifully. It’s a dish that works well as an appetizer or part of a larger meal. The fresh, vibrant flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Shrimp Yakisoba
For a quick and flavorful meal, Shrimp Yakisoba is hard to beat. This dish combines succulent shrimp with vegetables and noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s a great way to bring a bit of Japanese cuisine into your kitchen without needing too much time. Plus, it’s adaptable, allowing you to use whatever veggies you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yakisoba
Chocolate Orange Babka
The combination of chocolate and orange has never tasted as indulgent as it does in a Chocolate Orange Babka. This bread swirls together sweet chocolate and tangy orange flavor, creating a beautiful pattern and a delicious treat. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Baking one is a rewarding way to spend an afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Orange Babka
Instant Pot Ham
Making a Instant Pot Ham transforms a simple piece of meat into a juicy and flavorful centerpiece. It’s surprisingly easy to get it right, with the meat coming out tender every time. This method frees up your oven for other dishes, making it perfect for large gatherings. Plus, the leftovers are great for all sorts of meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
With Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles, you can bring the taste of Asian hawker markets right to your kitchen. The dish combines thick, chewy noodles with a mix of meats and vegetables, all coated in a delicious sauce. It’s the kind of meal that’s both fulfilling and easy to throw together on a busy day. The smokiness from the wok is what makes it special.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles
Crispy Beef
Crispy Beef is for those days when you crave something crunchy and full of flavor. The beef strips get a crispy coating before being tossed in a sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s fast, it’s delicious, and it works as both an appetizer and a main dish. Paired with rice or noodles, it doesn’t get much better.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef
Honey Bun Cake
This cake transforms the familiar sweet taste of a honey bun into a moist, irresistible cake form. Honey Bun Cake is perfect for when you need a dessert that’s easy to make yet feels special. The swirls of cinnamon and sugar throughout make each slice a pleasure. It’s hard not to go back for seconds, especially when topped with the sweet glaze.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Cake
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
For a dish that’s packed with flavors and makes for a great hands-on meal, Lamb Kofta Kebabs are it. These are spiced ground lamb, shaped and grilled, offering up a smoke-kissed exterior and a tender interior. Whether you wrap them in flatbread or serve with a side of salad, they’re versatile. They offer a delicious way to venture into Middle Eastern cooking.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Triple Berry Hand Pies
Triple Berry Hand Pies are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors all in a handheld form. They’re filled with a mix of berries that burst with natural sweetness, enclosed in a flaky crust. These pies are great for picnics, parties, or as a simple treat at the end of a meal. And the fact that each guest gets their own makes them feel special.
Get the Recipe: Triple Berry Hand Pies
Beef Yakisoba
In need of a hearty and complete meal? Beef Yakisoba mixes tender beef strips with a mound of noodles and a variety of vegetables, all sautéed in a rich sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers on both taste and convenience. This dish demonstrates how simple ingredients can come together to form something truly fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yakisoba
Thai Shrimp Curry
Thai Shrimp Curry is a wonderful way to dip your toes into Thai cooking, with its complex mix of spicy, sweet, and creamy. The curry envelops the shrimp wonderfully, each spoonful rich with coconut milk and aromatic spices. It’s a dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight where you want something a bit special. Served over rice, it’s comforting and filling.
Get the Recipe: Thai Shrimp Curry