Dinner is the meal where everyone comes together to unwind and enjoy something satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, having a list of reliable, flavorful options makes the choice easy. These dinners are simple to make, full of flavor, and will leave you with an empty plate. Get ready to add a few new favorites to your weeknight routine.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
These pork chops are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, thanks to a citrus glaze. The combination of orange and lemon juice brings a zesty brightness to the dish, while the pork remains juicy and tender. You can have this ready in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. The fresh flavors will leave you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Cilantro lime chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice for a meal that’s both light and refreshing. The zesty lime and fresh cilantro add a bright punch, while the juicy chicken makes it hearty enough to satisfy. You can have this dish on the table in under 45 minutes. It’s a vibrant dish perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
This grilled chicken combines the earthy taste of mustard with the sweet depth of maple syrup. The result is a perfectly balanced glaze that complements the smoky flavor from the grill. With a cook time of 30 minutes, it’s great for outdoor dinners or a quick indoor meal. The combination of sweet and tangy is one you’ll want to make again.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Meaty Tomato Sauce
A rich and hearty tomato sauce packed with ground beef and Italian herbs. This sauce simmers for about 45 minutes, letting the flavors meld into a meaty, savory base perfect for pasta or as a standalone meal. It’s filling, delicious, and tastes like it’s been cooking all day. A great comfort meal that’s also freezer-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Tomato Sauce
Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
Tri-tip gets a tropical twist with a fresh pineapple, mango, and red pepper salsa. The juicy meat, seared to perfection, pairs beautifully with the tangy and sweet salsa. This dish takes about an hour to prepare, including marinating time, and the flavor combination is worth the wait. It’s an impressive yet simple dish that screams summer.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
This cedar plank salmon gets its flavor from garam masala, a warm and aromatic spice blend. The smoky notes from the cedar plank infuse the fish, while the spices provide depth and richness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful dinner that tastes gourmet. The salmon comes out flaky with an irresistible spiced crust.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
These homemade ravioli are filled with creamy butternut squash, creating a sweet and savory balance. The tender pasta pairs with the filling for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. While it takes about an hour and a half to make, the results are worth every minute. Serve it with a light sauce, and you’ll have a meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta
These stuffed shells are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture that’s light yet satisfying. Baked in a rich marinara sauce, they come out bubbly and golden in just under an hour. The ricotta brings a mild creaminess while the spinach adds freshness. It’s a comforting dish that will please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Brining turkey in buttermilk makes it incredibly moist and flavorful. The acidity in the buttermilk tenderizes the turkey, while the seasoning adds layers of savory goodness. It takes about 12 hours to brine but only 2 hours to roast, making it ideal for special dinners. The result is a tender turkey with a crispy, golden skin.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Panko Crusted Rockfish
This panko-crusted rockfish is light and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky inside. The panko gives it a perfect crunch, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. The mild flavor of the fish pairs well with the crunchy texture, making it a deliciously simple dinner. Serve it with a lemon wedge for extra brightness.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
This chicken pot pie brings comfort with every bite. Tender chicken, peas, and carrots are nestled in a flaky crust and topped with a rich tarragon-infused gravy. The flavors balance perfectly with the herbal notes of the tarragon, making it savory and satisfying. Ready in about an hour, it’s perfect for those chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
These pork chops are perfectly cooked and served with a sweet applesauce and tart blackberry mix. The fruit balances out the richness of the pork, making each bite a blend of savory and sweet. You can whip this up in under 40 minutes for a quick, flavorful dinner. It’s a great twist on a classic pairing.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Juicy pork chops are paired with a rich mustard and shallot gravy in this dish. The sharpness of the mustard is mellowed by the sweet, caramelized shallots, creating a well-balanced sauce. This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s a hearty dinner that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Chicken Shawarma Plate
This chicken shawarma plate is bursting with Middle Eastern flavors from spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic. The chicken is juicy and perfectly seasoned, and it comes together in just under an hour. Pair it with rice or flatbread for a full meal. It’s a delicious, aromatic dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate
Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast
Turkey breast gets a crunchy twist with a hazelnut crust, adding a rich, nutty flavor. The meat stays juicy, and the hazelnuts provide a satisfying crunch. This meal takes about an hour to prepare and cook, making it great for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The mix of textures will have you coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
These cast iron chicken thighs are juicy and perfectly seared, with crispy skin and tender meat. Cooked in about 45 minutes, the pan helps lock in flavor while adding a slight char. It’s a simple yet satisfying dinner option that’s versatile enough to pair with any side. You’ll love the rich, savory flavor of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger
This chicken and cabbage soup is light but comforting, with the warmth of fresh ginger shining through. It’s a perfect meal when you’re craving something healthy yet flavorful, and it comes together in about an hour. The cabbage adds crunch, while the chicken provides protein. It’s a feel-good soup that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger
Carne Asada Quesadilla
The carne asada quesadilla features juicy grilled steak and melted cheese in every bite. The steak is seasoned to perfection and paired with gooey cheese in a crispy tortilla, making it a filling, satisfying dinner. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is quick to prepare. It’s a perfect option for taco night or a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Quesadilla