Stuck on dinner ideas? 15 recipes that won’t fail you this week

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We’ve all been there—it’s dinner time, and your brain goes blank. You’re tired, hungry, and can’t handle the thought of whipping up something complicated. Lucky for you, this list is packed with no-fail recipes that’ll get you through the week without breaking a sweat. From quick pasta dishes to one-pan wonders, these meals won’t let you down when you’re stuck on ideas.

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the best parts of a burger, without the bun. Toss together your favorite toppings with a homemade burger sauce, and you’ve got an easy, no-fail dinner when you’re out of ideas.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A super simple pasta that packs in spinach, feta, and lemon. Perfect for a quick, meatless dinner, or throw on some protein if you’re feeling it.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One pan, one easy dinner. Chicken, sweet potatoes, and caramelized pecans come together for a no-fail weeknight meal. Plus, cleanup’s a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip the takeout and let your slow cooker handle this honey garlic chicken. The sweet sauce and pineapple bits make it way better than anything from the local joint. Perfect for a busy night when you want to set it and forget it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A lighter take on Alfredo, loaded with fresh broccoli. Creamy and cheesy without the heavy feel—this one’s great when you need comfort food, but don’t want to overthink it.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy skin and juicy meat in under 25 minutes? Air fryer chicken leg quarters are where it’s at. Simple seasoning and a quick cook time make it perfect for when you’re low on time and ideas.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One-skillet, 30-minute meal, packed with chicken, chickpeas, and turmeric. Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a great dinner on the table fast. This one’s perfect when you’re tired and don’t want to deal with extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Fried Chicken Tacos

A tray of crispy tacos filled with shredded chicken, corn, bell peppers, scallions, and topped with a creamy green sauce.
Fried chicken tacos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Take crispy fried chicken, toss it in a taco, and call it dinner. A quick, fun meal that’s a mashup of Southern comfort and taco night. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos

Soba Noodle Pasta

Soba noodles in a bowl with green onions, leeks and hard boiled egg.
Soba Noodle Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick, budget-friendly soba noodles topped with onions and a soft-boiled egg. Simple, fast, and great for when you’re out of dinner inspiration.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Pasta

Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla

Cheddar quesadilla with summer vegetables.
Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whether you use frozen or fresh veggies, these cheesy quesadillas come together in no time. Dinner’s done in minutes, and no one will complain.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Cheddar Quesadilla

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Got 30 minutes? That’s all it takes for this bucatini dish with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes. Great for those nights when you need something quick but a little fancier.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Cream Cheese Chicken

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

Creamy, flavorful chicken with just five spices to keep things interesting. Perfect for when you’re tired of bland meals and need something different that’s still easy.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan ground beef and sweet potato skillet brings some Southwestern vibes to the table. A great dinner option when you need something hearty, and the leftovers work for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

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

A quick and easy ground beef stir fry that’s faster and better than takeout. With fresh veggies and a garlic-ginger sauce, it’s a great go-to for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco seasoning and ground beef come together for a flavorful one-pan meal. Done in 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect when you need something quick that the whole family will actually eat.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

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