17 homemade dinners that taste like you really know how to cook

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If you think fancy meals are just for restaurants, think again. You can create delicious dinners at home that taste like they came from a gourmet kitchen. With these 17 simple recipes, you’ll impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy amazing flavors and quick prep times that make weeknight cooking a breeze.

Pot with chicken egg roll in a bowl.
Egg roll in a bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers

Image shows Asian inspired turkey burger on a blue plate.
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These turkey burgers are packed with flavor from ginger and soy sauce, creating a delicious twist on a classic. Each bite offers a tasty surprise that makes dinner feel special and enjoyable. This easy weeknight meal is sure to please the whole family without much fuss and effort.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers

Pulled Pork

Image shows a Pulled pork sandwich on white plate with pretzels on the side.
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Making pulled pork in an Instant Pot is a smart choice for a satisfying dinner that requires minimal effort. The meat becomes tender and flavorful, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even nachos. This versatile recipe is ideal for busy nights when a delicious meal is needed fast.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the flavors of sushi at home with these spicy tuna rolls, which can be ready in just 30 minutes. Using canned tuna makes this meal budget-friendly while still being fun and tasty. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for satisfying those sushi cravings without the hassle of a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shredded chicken makes these cheesy enchiladas quick and easy to prepare, which is perfect for a busy weeknight. Layered with flavorful enchilada sauce and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit for everyone at the table. It’s a fantastic option for when a delicious meal is needed fast without a lot of cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This dish gives you all the great flavors of an egg roll without the extra work involved in frying. Made with leftover chicken and a mix of fresh veggies, it comes together quickly and tastes just like takeout. It’s a satisfying option for busy nights when something filling is needed in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This warm and comforting soup is easy to prepare using leftover chicken and canned ingredients that are often on hand. It offers a hearty meal that doesn’t require much prep or cook time, making it ideal for those hectic evenings. This delicious soup will fill the family up without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

For a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor, this Caprese panini combines fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil all toasted to perfection. It cooks in just minutes, making it a light and quick option for busy nights. Enjoying this meal feels like a special treat without needing a lot of time to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Crockpot Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Crockpot Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Making carnitas in a slow cooker simplifies taco night and makes it a breeze. With minimal prep work, this recipe yields tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for a variety of dishes. It’s a hassle-free option that ensures delicious dinners without the stress of extensive cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This vibrant pesto salmon dish is not only quick but also healthy, making it a great choice for dinner. It bursts with flavor and requires minimal preparation, which is perfect after a long day. Enjoying this easy meal means satisfying hunger without complicating the evening.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These chicken empanadas are a delightful meal that combines the ease of rotisserie chicken with store-bought crust. They are surprisingly simple to make, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe allows more time for relaxation while still providing a tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Mexican skillet quinoa combines black beans, corn, and spices in a single pan, creating a nutritious and tasty meal. The simplicity of preparation and cleanup makes it perfect for hectic nights when time is short. Serving this wholesome dish guarantees a quick and satisfying dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A simple glaze transforms chicken into a sweet and savory dish that’s packed with flavor. With minimal prep time, it becomes a satisfying meal for any busy night that needs a special touch. Choosing this easy dinner recipe makes mealtime feel like a treat even when schedules are tight.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shredded BBQ chicken made in an Instant Pot is both easy and flexible, making it a great choice for busy nights. This dish can be served on salads, sandwiches, or even over mac and cheese, adding a tasty touch to various meals. It simplifies dinner planning without losing any flavor or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy beef and rice casserole combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese for a hearty one-pot meal. The simplicity of preparation makes it ideal for busy nights when comfort is desired. Digging into this satisfying dish brings both ease and enjoyment to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato basil bisque blends fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil into a creamy, flavorful soup that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The smooth texture and rich taste provide a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoy. This bisque is a satisfying and quick dinner option for any night.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Thai Chicken Chili

Image shows an overhead shot of a bowl of Thai Chicken Chili.
Thai Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Thai chicken chili is packed with spices and tender chicken, making it a flavorful and quick dinner option. It offers comfort without the long prep time, perfect for nights when something warm is needed. Choosing this easy dinner recipe means enjoying homemade chili without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This tuna and tomato pasta is a simple and delicious dinner choice that comes together in about 25 minutes. The combination of light flavors with satisfying ingredients makes it perfect for busy weeknights. This easy meal is sure to please the whole family while keeping dinner quick and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

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