Ah, the age-old question that haunts us as the evening approaches: “What do I want for dinner tonight?”
It’s the culinary conundrum that many of us face daily, and for moms and home chefs alike, it’s a part of the routine that often requires a dash of creativity and a pinch of inspiration.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, deciding on dinner can sometimes feel like the toughest part of the day.
But fear not! In my recipe list, we’ll explore an array of ideas to help you tackle this delicious dilemma with ease and joy.
Key Takeaways
- You could go with grilled cheese, cereal, or ramen for dinner, but let me help you make meals that are easy and fill you up with good flavors.
- Make deciding on dinner easier by meal prepping and using easy dump-and-go recipes that you pop in the crock pot at the start of your day for now, cook time later!
- Make easy meals like chili, pork carnitas tacos, chicken parm, and more with delicious recipes.
What Do I Want for Dinner Tonight? 19 Easy Dinner Ideas!
Choosing what to cook for dinner can sometimes be daunting, especially at the end of a long workday.
It’s easy to get meal kits and premade dinners from the store, but I promise you there are some easy options to make that will satisfy every tummy at the table.
I’ve worked hard to find and make good recipes that are easy to throw together. I focused a lot on tasty slow cooker meals that I can meal prep over the weekend or put together in the morning to cook low and slow all day.
Dinner could be anything from a hearty beef dish to a succulent chicken recipe or a savory pork creation. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is entirely yours!
Beef Recipes
Beef, a staple in many households, is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into myriad delicious dishes.
My beef recipes are not only filling but also guaranteed to put a smile on your face and fill up everyone!
1. BBQ Meatloaf
Imagine this: a flavorful meatloaf slathered in barbecue sauce and baked to perfection. Sound good?
This BBQ Meatloaf slow cooker recipe is a twist on a classic comfort food that takes your meal to a whole new level.
It’s a hearty dish that combines the savory meat with the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, all baked together in a mouthwatering loaf.
2. Swedish Meatballs
Who can resist the allure of Swedish Meatballs?
These tender meatballs are drenched in a creamy sauce and are perfect for serving over noodles or mashed potatoes, with some steamed broccoli on the side.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make with my homemade Swedish Meatballs crock pot recipe!
This recipe is so delightful that it’s frequently touted as being better than the IKEA version.
3. Chili
How about a bowl of hearty chili for dinner tonight? Let me help you get a tasty meal on the table without dealing with a hot stove at the end of a long day.
Yep, I made a chili recipe that goes in the crock pot, and slow cooks all day, so your meal is ready as soon as you set foot in the door.
It’s an uncomplicated dish that can be enhanced with various toppings according to personal preference. My favorites are cheddar cheese, sour cream, some jalapenos, and corn chips- Yum!
4. Philly Cheesesteak
If you’re a fan of sandwiches, why not try making Philly Cheesesteaks in the crock pot tonight?
This classic sandwich features thinly sliced steak, gooey cheese, and bread, with optional toppings like griddled onions or sautéed mushrooms.
I highly recommend adding mushrooms and broiling the sandwiches to get gooey cheese every time.
5. Ribs
If you’re in the mood for something meaty and indulgent, look no further than these mouthwatering Slow Cooker Ribs.
The ribs are prepared by slow cooking them until the meat is tender and falls right off the bone. The result is a delectable combination of tender, juicy meat and a smoky sauce.
If you’re organizing a BBQ ribs party, my favorite side dishes for ribs are mashed potatoes, salt potatoes (if you’re in the North!), corn on the cob, or a simple salad.
6. Baked Ravioli Casserole
For pasta lovers out there, the Baked Ravioli Casserole is a must-try.
This simple and satisfying baked pasta dish features layers of ravioli, tomato sauce, and cheese. It’s comforting and perfect for a busy weeknight.
You can make homemade ravioli or use store-bought from the fridge or freezer. The same goes for the marinara sauce—most of the ingredients are ready to go, and you can just dump them into the crockpot!
7. Balsamic Pot Roast
Are you craving something hearty and flavorful? How about a tender and flavorful pot roast with a tangy balsamic glaze?
This Balsamic Pot Roast is a delectable dish that can easily be prepared in a crock pot. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any dinner table.
You’ll need to get chuck roast, honey, balsamic vinegar, bullion, and more, and let it cook low and slow for 6-8 hours to get tender and juicy.
Chicken Recipes
Chicken, a dinner staple in many households, offers endless versatility when it comes to recipes.
Chicken is a straightforward ingredient to handle and can be utilized to craft meals that are both delectable and fulfilling.
Whether you use leftover chicken from another night, toss in a raw chicken breast, or shred some rotisserie chicken, I’ve got something to get a tasty chicken meal on the table!
8. Chicken Parm Casserole
For a comfort food classic, look no further than Chicken Parm Casserole. It’s a dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family time and time again!
This dish is a comforting casserole version of the classic Italian dish with breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and plenty of mozzarella cheese.
The final touch is sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top for a classic taste or even some feta cheese for a creamier texture.
9. Asian BBQ Chicken Fusion
If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, then you’ll love this Asian BBQ Chicken Fusion slow cooker recipe.
This unique fusion recipe combines Asian flavors into a BBQ sauce that is the tastiest marinade I’ve ever made.
It’s a tasty, sweet, and savory dish with soy sauce, honey, garlic, BBQ sauce, ginger, and more that turns into a sauce you won’t be able to resist!
10. Baked Orange Chicken
For a healthier take on a popular Chinese takeout dish, why not try Baked Orange Chicken?
This dish is an easy oven recipe that combines juicy chicken with sweet and sticky flavors. I threw this together in 30 minutes, and the girls asked for seconds, so no doubt we’ll have it more often!
Next time, I’m going to make it with fried rice to really give it that takeout feel. Even though Kelan prefers white rice, I think it’ll take the dish to the next level.
11. Honey Garlic Chicken
If you’re in the mood for a simple and flavorful chicken dish, try Honey Garlic Chicken.
My recipe has a flavorful sauce that the chicken soaks up. The chicken becomes so tender that I can shred it into yummy bite-sized pieces to eat with rice.
Top the shredded chicken with some green onions and even some garlic powder for that garlic punch,
12. Lemon Chicken Thighs
For a zesty and juicy chicken dish, look no further than Lemon Chicken Thighs. This simple dish packs a punch when it comes to flavor, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
These chicken thighs cook low and slow in a lemon-garlic sauce that is finger-licking good, resulting in a dish bursting with flavor.
You can serve it up with rice or pasta, with a sprinkle of cilantro or parsley for garnish.
13. Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chicken
Add some tang to dinner with Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chicken. This recipe takes the flavors of pineapple and spices and blends them for a lovely sweet heat over the chicken.
The spice in this dish can be from chili sauce, sriracha, or whatever hot sauce you prefer, but don’t be afraid of a little heat!
The pineapple chunks and brown sugar balance it beautifully and make the tangy sauce I can’t forget about.
Plus, you get that marinated chicken flavor from it being cooked in the crock pot all day, making it a juicy meal bursting with flavor.
Pork Recipes
Pork is a versatile, delicious meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, whether you’re making pork chops on the grill or in the crock pot.
Why not experiment with one of these mouthwatering pork recipes for your upcoming dinner?
14. Thai Peanut Pork With Red Peppers
For a dish that’s packed with flavor, try Thai Peanut Pork With Red Peppers. This flavorful pork dish is made with a creamy Thai peanut sauce and colorful red peppers.
Again, it’s an easy way to get takeout when you’re in the mood for it and have it be just as tasty!
I meal-prep this to make it at least twice a month. I usually do a double batch, wich I can split and freeze half of it in a ziplock baggie for later, whenever we want it.
15. Grilled Chili Lime Pork
Add a zesty twist to your dinner with Chili Lime Pork. This tender pork recipe is marinated in a tangy chili lime sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The pork is marinated for several hours before cooking, resulting in tender, juicy meat when cooked on the grill.
16. Carnitas
For a taste of Mexico, why not try making Carnitas for dinner tonight? This slow-cooked Mexican pork dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
The pork is seasoned with savory spices, slow-cooked until tender, and then shredded.
I pan-fry some tortillas to get them warm and crispy, making the best carnitas for dinner!
17. Apple Pork Tenderloin
If you’re in the mood for a sweet and savory dish, try Apple Pork Tenderloin. This pork tenderloin recipe is cooked with a delicious apple glaze that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The pork is so well seasoned to make it a sweet and savory dish. After cooking in the crock pot, the pork is fork-tender. It’s a soothing dish that’s ideal for a family meal.
18. Pork Long With Basil Cream Sauce
For a tender and juicy pork loin recipe, look no further than Pork Loin With Basil Cream Sauce.
The Basil Cream Sauce is absolutely divine and it complements the pork loin so beautifully, creating a new depth of flavors that really elevates the meat.
I made it with brussels sprouts, which I know isn’t for everyone, but try it at least once with this cream sauce—I promise you won’t regret it!
19. Korean Pork Tacos
If you’re in the mood for a fusion dish, try Korean Pork Tacos. It was my take on mixing a tasty carnitas taco with Asian inspiration, and wow, did the sauce deliver!
I try to do tacos every Tuesday night, and having the same beef ones week after week doesn’t cut it- now, my girls ask for this on taco night at least twice a month!
FAQs
How can I figure out what I want to eat?
Determining what to eat can occasionally be puzzling, particularly when you’re feeling uncertain or swamped with choices.
A good way to narrow down your choices is to consider your cravings and look up recipe listicles, like this article that lists my favorite dinners for meal prep.
You could also think about the ingredients you have on hand or any dietary preferences you might have.
If you’re still unsure, exploring different cultural cuisines can inspire you and help you decide what to eat.
What do you suggest for a lazy dinner idea?
If the thought of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day sends shivers down your spine, then let me introduce you to the ultimate lazy dinner hack: the slow cooker.
Imagine tossing ingredients into the pot in the morning, setting the timer, and coming home to the tantalizing smells of dinner ready and waiting.
Slow cooker meals are perfect for nights when you just can’t muster the energy to cook. That’s why I’ve made recipes for chicken parm casserole, chili, carnitas, and more that are dump-and-go meals.
Final Thoughts
As a fellow busy mom, I know the daily grind of deciding what’s for dinner all too well. It’s a relentless question that demands creativity and, often, a bit of culinary magic.
But with these 19 easy, delicious meal ideas, you’re equipped to tackle the dinner dilemma head-on. From the savory slow-cooked pot roast to the zesty Korean pork tacos, you have easy options to start.
So next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, refer back to my tried-and-true recipes, which are sure to become family favorites.
