19 easy dinners you’ll love so much, you’ll make extra

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Dinner time doesn’t have to be complicated, and these recipes prove it. Each dish is simple enough to make any night of the week but still satisfying enough that you’ll want to cook extra for later. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers, these meals have you covered. Get ready to enjoy easy dinners without the stress.

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet with fresh herbs.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls.
Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This beef stew combines tender chunks of beef with hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes, simmered in a rich broth for a comforting flavor. Ready in about 90 minutes, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal. The combination of beef and veggies makes it both filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for when you want a comforting and savory dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fried chicken leg quarters served on plates.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer chicken legs come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, seasoned with simple spices. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a tasty, low-effort meal. These drumsticks are flavorful with a slight crunch, making them a great go-to. Serve them with your favorite sides, and you’ve got dinner ready.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro lime chicken is served over fluffy rice with a zesty lime and cilantro twist that gives it a fresh, tangy flavor. This easy dish comes together in under 40 minutes and combines tender chicken with seasoned rice. The cilantro adds a vibrant note, while the lime ties everything together. It’s a simple, flavorful dinner that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf recipe is packed with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a flavorful blend of seasonings, topped with a tangy glaze. It’s ready in just over an hour and provides that hearty, comforting taste you crave in a classic meatloaf. The moist texture and savory flavor make it a family favorite. Make extra because it’s sure to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Grilled steak with peaches and onions on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled steak pairs beautifully with caramelized onions and juicy grilled peaches in this unique dish. It’s a perfect blend of savory and sweet, ready in about 35 minutes. The peaches bring out the richness of the steak, while the onions add depth to the flavor. It’s a dish you’ll want to repeat all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasted chicken and vegetables in a skillet on a cutting board.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted chicken and vegetables is a classic one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken thighs, seasoned with herbs and garlic, alongside perfectly roasted vegetables. In just 60 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome, balanced meal. The chicken is tender with a crispy skin, and the veggies are roasted to perfection. It’s a dinner you’ll love making on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are seared to golden brown perfection and coated in a tangy citrus glaze that adds brightness to every bite. Ready in 30 minutes, the pork is tender and juicy, while the glaze provides a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic pork chop.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This surf and turf dish pairs juicy grilled pork chops with succulent shrimp for a winning combination. The meal is ready in about 40 minutes and is full of savory flavors from both the pork and the seafood. The pork chops are perfectly grilled, and the shrimp adds a delightful, rich contrast. It’s an indulgent dinner that feels like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate.
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork chops meet the sweet tang of applesauce and blackberries for a delightful contrast of flavors. Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish combines tender pork with a fruity twist. The applesauce keeps the pork moist, while the blackberries add a pop of color and taste. It’s a simple yet elegant dish you’ll want to share.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet with fresh herbs.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy balsamic chicken is a one-pan dish where chicken breasts are cooked in a rich balsamic sauce, creating a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. It’s ready in 30 minutes and makes for a quick, comforting meal. The chicken is tender and the sauce is creamy, perfect for pairing with your favorite sides. This is an easy weeknight win you’ll crave.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Korean-inspired dish features thin slices of marinated beef served over rice with a mix of vegetables and a hint of sweetness. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick dinner. The beef is flavorful, and the sauce gives it a savory, slightly sweet taste. These bowls are an easy, satisfying dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork chops are paired with a creamy mustard shallot gravy that adds a bold, tangy flavor to the dish. In just 35 minutes, the pork is seared to perfection, and the sauce provides a rich complement. The gravy is smooth and slightly sharp, balancing the flavors of the tender pork chops. It’s a comforting dinner that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables

Roasted beef with herbs served with roasted potatoes and vegetables in a blue casserole dish.
Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This beef tenderloin is roasted alongside hearty winter vegetables, all drizzled with a rich sage brown butter sauce. Ready in about 90 minutes, the tenderloin is juicy and flavorful, while the veggies add a robust, earthy contrast. The brown butter sauce ties everything together with a nutty richness. It’s the perfect dinner for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This grilled chicken dish is marinated in a blend of maple syrup and mustard, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken with just the right amount of char. The maple syrup adds sweetness, while the mustard brings a subtle kick. It’s a perfect option for an easy grilled dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This one-pan pork dish is flavored with garlic and black pepper, then roasted with a medley of vegetables for a complete meal. Ready in 40 minutes, the pork comes out tender and juicy, while the vegetables soak up the garlic flavor. It’s a quick, no-fuss dinner that’s both hearty and delicious. You’ll want to make extra for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tender pork is roasted with garlic and herbs alongside baby potatoes, creating a perfectly seasoned and satisfying meal. In just under 45 minutes, the pork is juicy, and the potatoes are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. The garlic and herbs infuse every bite with flavor. It’s an easy and delicious weeknight dinner you’ll make again.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices.
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken sausage and a colorful mix of vegetables are roasted together in this easy sheet pan meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, the sausage is packed with flavor, and the vegetables are perfectly caramelized. It’s a simple, healthy dinner that’s also full of flavor. With minimal cleanup, this is a go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken pot pie is loaded with tender chicken and vegetables in a savory tarragon gravy, all encased in a flaky pie crust. Ready in about an hour, it’s a comforting, classic dish with a flavorful twist. The tarragon adds a slight sweetness to the rich, creamy gravy. It’s the perfect cozy dinner for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

A steak on a plate with green sauce.
Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Juicy filet mignon is topped with a vibrant peach mango cilantro sauce that brings a fresh, fruity contrast to the rich steak. In just 30 minutes, this dish delivers a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The sauce is light but packed with tropical notes. It’s a simple yet impressive dinner that’s great for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

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