Don’t know what’s for dinner? Here are 15 ideas you won’t hate

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Stuck wondering what to throw together for dinner? We’ve all had those days where cooking feels like a chore, but these recipes will make things way easier. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just meals that get the job done without the hassle. Whether you’re down to the basics or just don’t have the energy to care, these ideas will save you from another night of boring choices.

Close-up of a cheesy taco casserole with layers of melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, black beans, peppers, and onions, garnished with chopped parsley.
Mexican ground beef casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cream cheese chicken is your go-to when you’re tired of bland weeknight meals. With five spices, it’s creamy, savory, and exactly what you need to shake things up without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Plate of salmon with bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bacon-wrapped salmon makes dinner feel special without a lot of work. It’s a great balance of flavor and simplicity, so you can impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is a no-brainer when you’re short on time and ideas. Baked with salsa, corn, and cheddar, it’s a simple weeknight meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

A bowl of soup with an egg on top.
Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Can’t decide between soups? This hot and sour egg drop soup combines two favorites into one easy dish. Perfect for when you want something different but still comforting.
Get the Recipe: Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

A bowl of pasta with bacon and brussels sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brussels sprouts pasta is a 25-minute miracle when you’re stuck for dinner ideas. With bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, it’s an easy meal that still feels like you’ve put in some effort.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Sausage Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These sausage stuffed peppers make dinner easy. Bell peppers are loaded with sausage, spinach, rice, and ricotta, all topped with parmesan. It’s a great go-to when you need something simple but filling.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tired of regular tacos? Taco lasagna is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Cheesy, creamy, and surprisingly easy, this mash-up is perfect for those days when you want to shake things up but don’t want any extra work.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef stir fry is a quick fix for dinner dilemmas. Tossed together with fresh veggies and a garlic ginger sauce, it’s faster than takeout and way better.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Greek shrimp skillet is a 30-minute solution for dinner when you don’t know what to make. Loaded with tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta, it’s an easy dish that packs plenty of flavor without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pesto salmon is here to rescue you when dinner decisions feel impossible. Just five ingredients and less than 25 minutes to get this great, healthy meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tofu fried rice is the answer when you’ve got random veggies to use up and zero energy. It’s a quick, throw-it-all-together kind of meal that still manages to feel like you tried.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese garnished with basil on a table next to a pepper mill and a linen napkin.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sun-dried tomato pasta is all about saving time while still pulling off a great meal. Creamy sauce, rigatoni, and spinach come together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for when you need dinner fast but want it to actually taste good.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pecan crusted chicken is the crunchy, flavorful meal that’s great for weeknights. With a honey dijon yogurt sauce on the side, it’s one of those dinners you’ll actually look forward to making.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When you’re staring at the fridge, this cheesy Mexican ground beef casserole steps up. Packed with tomatoes, peppers, black beans, and a sneaky swap of cauliflower rice, it’s a 40-minute meal that’s great when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Turkey Chili Pie

Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.
Turkey Chili Pie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey chili pie is what happens when you combine a lean turkey chili with a cornbread topping. Baked in one skillet, it’s perfect for those nights when you just want everything in one place.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

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