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| Simple Easy Things to Make for Dinner at Home |
If you are looking easy things to make for dinner at home. You have come to the right place. Cooking dinner at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when you have simple, delicious recipes at your fingertips.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, these 40 easy dinner ideas will make your evenings stress-free and satisfying. From hearty pastas to flavorful stir-fries, these recipes are not only easy to follow but also quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
40 Simple Easy Things to Make for Dinner at Home
Discover 40 simple easy dinner recipes you can make at home! Quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Save time and enjoy homemade meals.
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
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| Spaghetti Aglio e Olio |
This classic Italian dish requires only a few ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. It’s a quick, flavorful meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Recipe:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Sliced garlic should be cooked in olive oil until brown in a pan.
- Add red pepper flakes and cooked spaghetti.
- Toss well and garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Chicken Stir-Fry
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| Chicken Stir-Fry |
A vibrant dish loaded with vegetables and tender chicken, this stir-fry is customizable and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Recipe:
- Slice chicken breast and your choice of vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots).
- Stir-fry chicken in a hot pan until cooked through, then remove.
- Stir-fry vegetables, add chicken back, and toss with soy sauce and ginger.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
3. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
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| One-Pot Mac and Cheese |
Comfort food at its finest, this creamy mac and cheese is made in one pot, saving you time on dishes.
Recipe:
- Cook pasta in a large pot with milk instead of water.
- Add butter, shredded cheese, and a pinch of mustard powder.
- As the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce, stir.
4. Sheet Pan Fajitas
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| Sheet Pan Fajitas |
These sheet pan fajitas are a healthy, flavorful option that requires minimal cleanup.
Recipe:
- Slice chicken, bell peppers, and onions.
- Toss with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
- Bake on a sheet pan at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
5. Baked Salmon with Asparagus
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| Baked Salmon with Asparagus |
This dish is both elegant and easy, perfect for a healthy dinner at home.
Recipe:
- Arrange the asparagus and salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon slices.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
6. Homemade Pizza
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| Homemade Pizza |
Making pizza at home is fun and allows you to customize toppings to your liking.
Recipe:
- Roll out pizza dough and spread with tomato sauce.
- Add mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.).
- Bake at 475°F for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Tacos with Ground Beef
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| Tacos with Ground Beef |
Tacos are a crowd-pleaser, and they come together quickly with simple ingredients.
Recipe:
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning.
- Prepare taco shells and fill them with the cooked beef, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
- For added taste, add sour cream or avocado.
8. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
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| Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese |
This comforting combo is perfect for a quick and cozy dinner.
Recipe:
- In a pot, sauté onions and garlic, then add canned tomatoes and chicken broth.
- After 20 minutes of simmering, mix until smooth.
- Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches made from your favorite bread and cheese.
9. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
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| Chicken Alfredo Pasta |
This rich and creamy pasta dish is a family favorite and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Recipe:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a separate pan, cook sliced chicken breast until done.
- Add heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese to the pan, stirring until smooth.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
10. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
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| Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu |
A healthy, plant-based option that’s full of flavor and nutrients.
Recipe:
- Press and cube tofu, then stir-fry until golden.
- Add a mix of vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas) and stir-fry until tender.
- Toss with soy sauce and serve over rice.
11. Beef and Broccoli
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| Beef and Broccoli |
A popular takeaway dish that's simple to prepare at home.
Recipe:
- Stir-fry beef strips until browned, then remove from the pan.
- Stir-fry broccoli until tender.
- Return the beef to the pan and toss with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Serve with rice.
12. Stuffed Bell Peppers
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| Stuffed Bell Peppers |
A colorful and nutritious dinner that’s simple to make.
Recipe:
- Remove the seeds and cut off the tops of the bell peppers.
- Mix cooked ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, then stuff into peppers.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
13. Shrimp Scampi
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| Shrimp Scampi |
A quick and delicious seafood dish with a buttery garlic sauce.
Recipe:
- Cook shrimp in butter and garlic until pink.
- Add lemon juice and white wine, then simmer briefly.
- Toss with cooked pasta and fresh parsley.
14. Chicken Caesar Salad
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| Chicken Caesar Salad |
A light and refreshing dinner option that’s easy to prepare.
Recipe:
- Grill or pan-sear chicken breast, then slice.
- Add romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing and toss.
15. Baked Ziti
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| Baked Ziti |
A hearty, cheesy pasta bake that’s great for feeding a crowd.
Recipe:
- Cook ziti pasta and mix with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.
- Pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
16. Quesadillas
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| Quesadillas |
These cheesy, crispy quesadillas are a quick and easy dinner option.
Recipe:
- Place a tortilla in a hot pan, sprinkle with cheese and your choice of fillings (chicken, veggies, beans).
- Once the cheese has melted and the tortillas are golden, place another tortilla on top.
- Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.
17. Teriyaki Chicken
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| Teriyaki Chicken |
This sweet and savory dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Recipe:
- Cook chicken breast pieces until browned.
- Add teriyaki sauce and simmer until the chicken is coated and cooked through.
- Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
18. Lemon Garlic Pasta
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| Lemon Garlic Pasta |
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in 20 minutes.
Recipe:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add lemon juice and zest.
- Toss with cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
19. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
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| Pulled Pork Sandwiches |
Use a slow cooker for this easy, hands-off dinner.
Recipe:
- Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce, onions, and garlic.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender, then shred with a fork.
- Serve on buns with coleslaw.
20. Vegetarian Chili
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| Vegetarian Chili |
A hearty, plant-based chili that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Recipe:
- In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
- Add canned beans, tomatoes, corn, and chili seasoning.
- After 30 minutes of simmering, serve with cornbread.
21. Chicken Parmesan
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| Chicken Parmesan |
A classic Italian-American dish that's crispy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Recipe:
- Bread chicken breasts in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry till golden, then sprinkle mozzarella and marinara sauce over top.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve over spaghetti.
22. Vegetarian Tacos
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| Vegetarian Tacos |
A delicious and nutritious take on the classic taco.
Recipe:
- Sauté black beans, corn, and bell peppers with taco seasoning.
- Fill soft or hard taco shells with the veggie mixture.
- Top with avocado, salsa, and cheese.
23. Beef Stroganoff
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| Beef Stroganoff |
A creamy, savory dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Recipe:
- Cook strips of beef in a hot pan, then remove.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
- Add beef back in with sour cream and beef broth.
- Serve over egg noodles.
24. Shrimp Fried Rice
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| Shrimp Fried Rice |
A quick and tasty meal that uses leftover rice and frozen shrimp.
Recipe:
- Sauté shrimp in a hot pan until pink, then remove.
- Stir-fry vegetables (carrots, peas) and rice.
- Add soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and cooked shrimp.
- Toss everything together and serve hot.
25. Mushroom Risotto
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| Mushroom Risotto |
A surprisingly simple recipe that's creamy and soothing to create.
Recipe:
- Sauté onions and garlic in butter, then add Arborio rice.
- Gradually add warm chicken broth while stirring.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook until the rice is soft and creamy.
26. Pasta Primavera
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| Pasta Primavera |
A light and healthy pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables.
Recipe:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Sauté a mix of vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes) in olive oil.
- Toss with cooked pasta, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
27. BBQ Chicken Pizza
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| BBQ Chicken Pizza |
A tasty and entertaining take on classic pizza.
Recipe:
Spread BBQ sauce over pizza dough.
Top with cooked chicken, red onions, and mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 475°F for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden.
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
28. Turkey Meatloaf
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| Turkey Meatloaf |
A lighter version of the classic meatloaf, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Recipe:
- Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, and ketchup.
- Place in a baking dish after shaping into a loaf.
- Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
29. Chicken Tikka Masala
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| Chicken Tikka Masala |
A flavorful Indian-inspired dish that’s easy to make at home.
Recipe:
- Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices, then grill or pan-fry.
- In a pan, sauté onions and garlic, then add tomatoes and cream.
- Simmer until thick, then add cooked chicken.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan.
30. Vegetable Lasagna
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| Vegetable Lasagna |
A delicious and nutritious vegetarian alternative to traditional lasagna.
Recipe:
- Shrimp should be pinkly sautéed in butter and garlic.
- Squeeze in some lemon juice and add some white wine.
- Top with mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
31. Garlic Butter Shrimp
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| Garlic Butter Shrimp |
A simple yet flavorful dish that's ready in minutes.
Recipe:
- Sauté garlic and butter until prawns turn pink.
- Squeeze in some white wine and lemon juice.
- Toss with parsley and serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
32. Chicken Quesadillas
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| Chicken Quesadillas |
A quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken.
Recipe:
- Place shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa between two tortillas.
- Cook in a hot pan until the tortillas are golden and crispy.
- Serve with guacamole and sour cream after slicing into wedges.
33. Eggplant Parmesan
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| Eggplant Parmesan |
A vegetarian twist on a classic dish, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Recipe:
- Bread and fry eggplant slices until golden.
- Arrange mozzarella and marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
34. Beef Tacos
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| Beef Tacos |
A quick and easy dinner that’s always a hit.
Recipe:
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning.
- Fill taco shells with beef, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
- Add your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
35. Creamy Pesto Pasta
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| Creamy Pesto Pasta |
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Recipe:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, combine pesto sauce with cream.
- Toss with cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
36. Chicken and Rice Casserole
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| Chicken and Rice Casserole |
A comforting, one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare.
Recipe:
- Mix cooked chicken, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F, or until bubbling and brown.
- Serve with a side salad.
37. Salmon Patties
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| Salmon Patties |
A quick and healthy dinner option that’s perfect for a busy night.
Recipe:
- Mix canned salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, and onions.
- Form into patties and pan-fry until golden on both sides.
- Accompany with a salad or roasted vegetable side.
38. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
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| Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken |
A flavorful and healthy chicken dish that’s easy to make.
Recipe:
- Slice chicken breasts and stuff with a mixture of spinach, feta, and garlic.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with quinoa or roasted potatoes.
39. Vegetarian Chili Mac
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| Vegetarian Chili Mac |
A comforting, one-pot meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Recipe:
- Cook pasta in a pot, then add canned beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
- Stir in the shredded cheese after simmering until it thickens.
- Serve hot with cornbread or tortilla chips.
40. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
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| Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo |
A simple dinner of this creamy, warming dish would be ideal.
Recipe:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, cook chicken and broccoli until tender.
- Add Alfredo sauce and cooked pasta, tossing to combine.
- Serve with garlic bread.
Final Thought
These 20 easy dinner recipes are perfect for any night of the week, offering a variety of flavors and cuisines. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, these dishes are sure to satisfy without taking up too much of your time. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade dinners.