17 dinner MVPs you’ll want on repeat

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Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these standout recipes. They’re not just meals; they’re conversation starters and mood lifters, guaranteed to impress both family and guests. With these 17 dinner MVPs in your arsenal, you’ll find yourself looking forward to cooking and savoring every bite, night after night. Get ready for applause and empty plates all around—these dishes are that good.

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.

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re aiming to impress with minimal fuss, this dish is a solid pick. Eggplant Casserole may not sound glamorous, but its comforting layers keep you coming back after a long day. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for something hearty, it’s like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. A repeated request at the dinner table proves that simplicity often trumps complexity.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, a zing of citrus is all you need to perk up the dinner atmosphere. The beauty of Best Lemon Pasta lies in its ability to refresh a mundane weekly menu with its bright flavors. Ideal for times when you crave something light yet fulfilling, it’s a staple that doesn’t weigh you down. It’s the kind of meal you wish for after a day full of activities.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto.
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Fancy a meal that oozes comfort and yet fits the bill for elegance? Asparagus and White Bean Risotto deliver just that, weaving nutrition and indulgence into one dish. It’s a go-to for occasions that call for something a bit special without being over the top. You can bet on this to be a recurrent craving, suitable for both quiet nights in and dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma in a Dutch oven.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Searching for a robust meal without the heavy lifting? Pasta alla Norma brings together rich flavors in a way that feels both traditional and novel. This dish hits the spot when you want a time-tested favorite with a hint of adventure. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser, ideal for satisfying diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Sweet Potato Tacos

Two tacos on a plate with a sauce.
Sweet Potato Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving something innovative yet familiar for your taco Tuesday? Sweet Potato Tacos inject new life into your routine with their unique twist on a classic. These are perfect for the adventurous eater looking to change things up without straying too far from comfort. Count on them to become a regular fixture that breaks up the weekly monotony.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Easy Vegetable Stew

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Easy Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those evenings when you yearn for a no-fuss, nourishing meal, turn to Easy Vegetable Stew. This comforting, steamy bowl is a haven for anyone wanting to unwind with minimal effort. It’s the equivalent of a culinary hug and is an obvious choice on days when simplicity is paramount. Anticipate its return for its reliable satisfaction and ease.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dream of bringing an island escape into your kitchen? Jamaican Red Beans and Rice does just that, offering a getaway through flavor. This dish is perfect for when you’re looking to spice up mealtime with something out of the ordinary. It’s certain to become a recurring escape; an easy, rhythmic dance on your weeknight rotation.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need to whip up something vibrant and full of life? Vegetable Stir Fry flies in to save the day with its quick prep time and burst of freshness. Perfect for those who appreciate a meal that’s as colorful as it is tasty, it’s a no-brainer for busy evenings. It’ll quickly assume its role as a regular, saving you from dinner ruts.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Thai Yellow Curry

Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.
Thai Yellow Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Yearning for rich coconut flavors and exotic spices without leaving your home? Thai Yellow Curry transports your senses to a far-off land with every spoonful. It’s the ideal choice for those who love a good culinary adventure but also seek the comfort of a home-cooked meal. There’s no question about it finding its way into your hall of fame.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Long for something wholesome that satisfies your earthy grain cravings? Wild Rice Casserole is your answer, filling your kitchen with its hearty aroma. It’s a welcomed addition to any meal plan, especially on those days when rustic charm is in order. Few can resist its call to come back for seconds—or thirds.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When your soul is hungry for something rustic yet uncomplicated, the Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale stands ready. This dish whisks your taste buds off to the Italian countryside without needing a plane ticket. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a steadfast favorite, sure to become a cornerstone of your weekly menu. It has a knack for celebrating everyday ingredients with style.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you’re looking for something luxurious without dairy, Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff is a dream come true. This creamy, savory dish doesn’t skimp on taste and is perfect for those who want a little indulgence without compromise. It’s a regular hero for those in search of plant-based comfort, poised to become a staple in your collection. Expect it to be summoned time and time again for its coziness and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

A gochujang cabbage steak on a bed of white rice.
Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Do you desire something with a bold kick that’s still easy to make? Gochujang Cabbage Steaks offer that delicious intensity without overpowering the senses. This dish is ideal for anyone who loves to add a bit of drama to their palate yet craves simplicity in preparation. It’ll swiftly establish itself as your go-to when you want to add a spark to your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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.

When it’s time for an undisputed classic that pleases every time, Spaghetti Bolognese is there. This dish stands as a cornerstone of comfort food, perfect for those moments when only the familiar will do. It’s the sort of meal you turn to for guaranteed satisfaction, ready to become a weekly request. It charms with every plate served and every memory made.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

A Thai omelet with jasmine rice in a bowl.
Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy a savory breakfast-for-dinner option that’s ready in a flash? Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow) offers just that, and then some. It’s the right fit for those times when you want a meal that’s as satisfying as it is swift. This dish will soon enroll in your weeknight repertoire, bringing a bit of morning sunshine to evening tables.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’ve got a soft spot for the unheralded wonders in the kitchen, Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta deserves your attention. This dish celebrates the understated elegance of its core components, making for a simple yet profound dining experience. It works wonders for those nights when you want to impress without any strain. Its repeat performances at your table are nothing short of mandatory.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, all you need is a burst of flavor to change your whole week, and Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe steps up to the plate. Better than take-out, it’s your shortcut to big, bold flavors without stepping a foot outside. Ideal for when nights call for a bit of exotic comfort, expect this dish to land a permanent spot on your favorites list. It’s lined up to be a regular flavor festival, conveniently at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry Recipe (Better Than Take-Out!)

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