Last Updated on March 13, 2023
Coming home after a long day at work and still having a full dinner to make? Sounds familiar? It can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. These 11 easy weeknight recipes will make your evenings a breeze by giving you tasty dishes you can whip up in no time. From classic comfort food to more creative takes on traditional favorites, these recipes are sure to become the highlight of your weeknight dinners.
Easy Weeknight Recipes and ideas
Meatloaf with Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
This classic dish is always a hit with the family and is so simple to make. Just mix ground beef, oats, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into a loaf and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with roasted potatoes and carrots for a complete meal.
Taco Salad
If you want something you can nibble on while checking out the latest games at Playcroco Casino, this Taco Salad is perfect. Mix cooked ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning mix, then layer over chopped lettuce and other favorite salad toppings such as shredded cheese, diced olives or tomatoes, black beans, corn chips, or avocado slices. Top it off with store-bought Catalina dressing for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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These Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps are perfect for busy weeknights because they come together quickly—only 15 minutes. Start by sautéing chicken breast with garlic, green onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms in a skillet coated with oil. Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce for flavor before serving in butter lettuce leaves topped with sesame seeds.
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Another delicious pasta recipe is this Spaghetti ala Carbonara which takes just 25 minutes to make. Start by cooking spaghetti according to package directions, then cook bacon slices in a skillet until crispy before stirring in garlic cloves. Whisk together eggs, and Parmesan cheese, then add the egg mixture to the skillet along with spaghetti noodles before serving hot, garnished with parsley flakes.
Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
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Enjoy a healthy seafood dinner with these Teriyaki Salmon Bowls which you can prepare in just 20 minutes. Marinate salmon fillets in teriyaki sauce, then transfer them onto an oiled baking sheet before baking for 10 minutes or until cooked through. Serve over steamed white rice topped with diced pineapple chunks and sliced scallions for extra flavor.
Sweet Potato Crust Pizza
Use thinly sliced sweet potatoes as the crust for your pizza by layering them into a pie-pan shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread tomato sauce on top, sprinkle with cheese and your desired toppings, then bake until golden brown.
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Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole
For those nights when you want something cheesy yet comforting, try this Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole, which only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Combine cooked macaroni noodles with ground beef, diced onion, and tomato soup, then top it off with shredded cheese before baking until bubbly hot. Garnish with pickles or diced tomatoes for extra flavor if desired.
Chimichurri Steak Fajitas
End your busy weeknight on a high note by making these Chimichurri Steak Fajitas which are ready in under 30 minutes. Marinate steak strips overnight (or longer) in olive oil, then cook them up along with bell peppers strips before serving on warmed tortillas topped off with Chimichurri sauce made from fresh cilantro leaves blended together with garlic cloves and lime juice.
Shrimp and Veggie Stir Fry
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You will love this healthy stir fry which combines shrimp, carrots, and broccoli in a flavorful sauce. You want to start by marinating peeled and deveined shrimp with garlic and sesame oil for extra flavor, then stir fry them together with the vegetables before topping it off with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and chili flakes. Serve over cooked white rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Taco Skillet Lasagna
This hearty dish combines two of your favorite meals, tacos and lasagna, into one delicious skillet dinner. Begin by browning ground beef in an oven-safe skillet before adding onions, bell peppers, and taco seasoning mix. Layer with cooked macaroni noodles before topping it off with cheese and baking until golden brown.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
For an easy yet comforting dinner your family will love, try making Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Begin by buttering the outside of two slices of bread, then top one slice with your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss, before topping it off with the other piece of bread and pressing gently together. Grill on both sides until golden brown and serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Wrapping Up
With these 11 easy weeknight recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals every night of the week without spending too much time or effort in the kitchen.
Whether you prefer classic comfort foods or more creative dishes, there is something here for everyone. Remember, if you do not have an ingredient on hand, you can always substitute it with something similar.
Also, do not be afraid to explore and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find what your family loves best. The most important thing is to have fun in the kitchen and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones.