As a busy parent, finding time to cook a satisfying dinner can be a challenge. But what if you could whip up a mouthwatering meal in no more than 30 minutes? With these 20 scrumptious and stress-free recipes, family comfort is just around the corner! From classic favorites like pasta and chicken casserole to international flavors like Mexican quinoa and teriyaki stir fry, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, our collection of easy dinner recipes will have your taste buds dancing.
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan, and cream to create a comforting and indulgent meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooked pasta to the pot, tossing to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon and Veggies
A flavorful and effortless one-pan dinner that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe combines the brightness of lemon, richness of butter, and savory flavor of garlic with succulent salmon and roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on one half of the sheet pan.
4. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, garlic, butter, and thyme.
5. Brush the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
6. Arrange the bell pepper and zucchini slices on the other half of the sheet pan.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Elevate your mealtime with this sweet and savory slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a stress-free Sunday lunch. This honey garlic chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil.
2. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker; season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in frozen peas and carrots.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, ground beef mixture, chicken broth, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
A hearty and satisfying casserole that combines the flavors of Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, Italian sausage mixture, and olive oil. Toss to combine.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and cover with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
30-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Quickly cook beef and broccoli together with a flavorful sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the garlic, broccoli, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the pan and stir to combine with the broccoli mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings
This classic comfort food recipe is a staple of homestyle cooking, perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings come together in a rich, flavorful broth that’s sure to warm your heart and belly.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chicken, carrots, and celery in butter until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add 1/4 cup cold water to form a dough.
4. Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto the chicken mixture in the pot. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Get ready to warm up with this creamy, comforting soup that’s loaded with all the fixin’s of a baked potato – cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a delicious addition to your next party.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 large baked potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Stir in chicken broth, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add diced potatoes, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and sour cream.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Quick and Easy Taco Skillet
Get ready for a flavorful and filling meal that’s ready in no time! This Quick and Easy Taco Skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well), for serving
– Optional toppings: diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Add canned diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning meat mixture onto tortillas, topping with cheese, and adding any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Quinoa
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple yet impressive dish featuring succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic butter, and nutty quinoa. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
5. Serve shrimp with quinoa, drizzling with garlic butter sauce and sprinkling with parsley. Enjoy with a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Transform tender pork shoulder into mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches with a rich and tangy BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for casual gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw, pickles, and other toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
3. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker. Add 1 cup of liquid (water, beer, or broth) to cover the meat.
4. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
6. Split the hamburger buns in half and spoon the pulled pork onto each bun.
7. Add your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or barbecue chips.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal that combines the comforting warmth of quinoa with the bold flavors of Mexico.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and shredded cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and red bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the quinoa, water or broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until quinoa is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
5. Fluff with a fork and add black beans. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Homemade Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
A classic comfort food combination that’s easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. This recipe yields a juicy meatloaf with a flavorful ketchup-based glaze, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
– Butter or margarine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatloaf is cooking, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with milk or half-and-half and butter or margarine (if using).
6. Serve meatloaf with mashed potatoes alongside.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
A comforting and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until chicken is cooked through.
4. Combine cooked rice, chicken mixture, and milk in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable Stir Fry with Teriyaki Sauce
This quick and flavorful recipe combines a variety of colorful vegetables with the sweet and savory taste of teriyaki sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup sliced carrots
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in teriyaki sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti Carbonara with Peas
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the simplicity of spaghetti carbonara with the sweetness of fresh peas. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup fresh peas (frozen or canned as a substitute)
– Salt and black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.
4. Add cooked spaghetti, peas, and pancetta to the bowl and toss until well combined.
5. Season with black pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting slow cooker beef stew recipe that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This easy-to-make dish is filled with tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and rich flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine the beef, onion, garlic, potatoes, and carrot.
2. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Easy Margherita Pizza
Classic Italian pizza at its simplest and most delicious! This recipe brings together the perfect harmony of flavors with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour and salt; mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes or until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
6. Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Thighs
Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Thighs: A Bright and Zesty Twist on Classic Comfort Food!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning until well combined.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Brush the lemon-pepper mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
A flavorful and filling twist on the classic Mexican dish, these quesadillas are packed with black beans, corn, and a blend of savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, cilantro for toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans, corn kernels, olive oil, onion, garlic, and cumin.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the bean-corn mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the filling.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the other side is also crispy.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to delight your family with these 20 deliciously easy dinner recipes! From classic comfort food to international twists, this collection has something for everyone. Try One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon and Veggies for a quick and satisfying meal. Or opt for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken or Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a hands-off dinner solution. With ingredients you likely have on hand and minimal prep time, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights.
