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Home » Recipe Collections » What Should I Make for Dinner Tonight?

What Should I Make for Dinner Tonight?

39 Comments
Published: 02/18/2023Updated: 08/10/2023Author: Jessica Formicola
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
dinner ideas collage

Another day trying to find dinner ideas for tonight. I love food. My whole day revolves around food. Generally speaking, I always thinking about my next meal. I need more supper ideas.

marry me chicken on a plate with bread
  • What to Make for Dinner Tonight
  • Dinner Ideas roulette
  • Easy Dinner Recipes
  • Beef Recipes for Dinner
  • What to Make for Dinner: Chicken Recipes
  • Easy Dinner Ideas: Pork Recipes
  • Pasta Recipes for Dinner
  • Dinner Recipes: Seafood
  • Easy Dinner Recipes: Vegetarian (Meatless Monday Ideas)
  • Lamb Recipes for Dinner
  • Dinner Ideas: Soup Recipes
  • Salad Ideas for Dinner
  • What to Make for Dinner continued
  • Dinner Ideas FAQs
  • More Favorites from Savory Experiments

What to Make for Dinner Tonight

But every once and a while I just can’t make up my mind. Or nothing sounds good. Have you been there? The age old question what should I make tonight for dinner?

I love the pretty pictures and trying new recipes, so I buy them with the best intentions and then…. you know how this story ends. They just collect dust on my counter or get lost in a cupboard.

Dinner Ideas roulette

  1. What do I want for dinner?
  2. What are you going to do with all of those cookbooks?

I call it recipe roulette. If I could have an actual wheel of dinner in my kitchen, I would. Kinda like a food and drink wheel of fortune with recipe suggestions for dinner. My family has found some of our most favorite recipes from this simple little game. Gets us out of our comfort zone and trying new things and puts a quick dinner on the table. From healthy recipes to those cheat days, we have you covered!

And the last option… which is still a really good option.. I consult my list of popular and best dinner recipes. All housed right here.

Easy Dinner Recipes

Here is a group of easy dinner recipes from our own site. Perfect recipes for the home cook and every single one of them is tested and family approved. Some are cooking from scratch and others semi-homemade (like using rotisserie chicken), but one thing is for sure.

Dinner will be ready and on the table in less than an hour from start to finish… some are even 30 minutes!

Beef Recipes for Dinner

Beef is one of our favorite quick weeknight meals. Whether it is a juicy steak on the grill or ground beef recipes, it is sure to please. Learn more about beef dinner ideas and how to cook them in each of these recipes.

No beef dinner would be complete without a side dish, so make sure to try our steamed green beans, refried black beans, or over 40 sweet potatoes recipes all aimed at busy nights.

straight on shot of slow cooker beef stew
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
4.67 from 18 votes
Beef Stew is one of the most iconic comfort foods and this version features tender beef, onions, potatoes, fire roasted tomatoes in a rich herb filled stew. This recipe can be made in the slow cooker or Dutch oven.
See The Recipe!
close up of beef stroganoff over wide egg noodles
Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe
4.86 from 47 votes
This easy Beef Stroganoff recipe uses yogurt instead of sour cream for a creamy tang that adds to the gravy along with peas and spinach.
See The Recipe!
This Franks and Beans recipe, aka Beanie Weenies, is made with real beef hot dogs and less sugar than the canned version. Perfect as a quick and easy lunch or a classic camping food! #franksandbeans #homemadebeanieweenies www.savoryexperiments.com
Franks and Beans
4.67 from 51 votes
This Franks and Beans recipe is made with real beef hot dogs and less sugar than the canned version. Perfect as a quick and easy lunch or a classic camping food! 
See The Recipe!
cross section of rare beef wellingotn
Easy Beef Wellington
4.45 from 27 votes
Beef Wellington a classic dish for a special occasion. Tender beef tenderloin is smothered in Dijon mustard, mushroom, shallot and proscuitto before being baked in a delicate puff pastry.
See The Recipe!
Quick and easy meals - instant pot short ribs
Instant Pot Short Ribs
5 from 8 votes
These Instant Pot Short Ribs are fork tender, flavorful and so good you’ll make them again and again. Pressure cooker short ribs take considerably less time to make than typical braised short ribs!
See The Recipe!
steak stir fry in a skillet
Steak Stir Fry
4.50 from 10 votes
This Steak Stir Fry recipe is filled with lots of flavor and veggies. A beef stir fry makes a great meal for a busy weeknight!
See The Recipe!
overhead of two steaks in a pan
Pan Fried Steak
4.88 from 16 votes
How to make a Pan Fried Steak at home is easier than you think with my step-by-step instructions and easy steak seasoning!
See The Recipe!
close up of melting butter on a steak
Steak Frites
4.95 from 72 votes
A juicy seasoned steak over crispy French fried potatoes, topped with tangy maitre d’hotel butter and served with sauteed garlic mushrooms and onions.
See The Recipe!
two slices of meatloaf over mashed potatoes topped with corn
Southwest Meatloaf
4.65 from 31 votes
Southwest Meatloaf is a classic meatloaf recipe with a southwestern spin. Crushed tortilla chips and bottled salsa give this easy meatloaf a zesty edge.
See The Recipe!
overhead plate of corned beef with sides
Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
4.92 from 36 votes
Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage is the best way to prepare brisket. Fork tender meat made with a delicious spice blend and root vegetables. 
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of mongolian beef on a plate
30-Minute Mongolian Beef
4.86 from 14 votes
Skip the takeout and make this homemade Mongolian Beef recipe instead! It tastes even better than the PF Chang's recipe!
See The Recipe!
overhead eye of round roast
Baked Eye of Round Roast
4.22 from 14 votes
This Baked Eye of Round Roast is the easiest way to make delicious roast beef in your oven! Slice your roast beef and serve with a flavorful gravy made from the drippings.
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of sliced italian meatloaf
Italian Meatloaf
4.47 from 64 votes
Italian Meatloaf blends Italian sausage and ground beef with spices and cheese for a tender one dish meal. The perfect family meal!
See The Recipe!
A close up of a french dip sandwich
Garlic and Onion Roast Beef Sandwiches
5 from 3 votes
Garlic and Onion Roast Beef Sandwiches is one of our favorite lunch meals. Tender roast beef with caramelized onions, roasted garlic and a whipped horseradish cream sauce on buttery brioche rolls.
See The Recipe!
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a quick, easy and healthy alternative to your favorite Chinese takeout dish. Ready in just 30 minutes! #beefandbroccoli #instantpotrecipes www.savoryexperiments.com
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
5 from 4 votes
If Beef and Broccoli is one of your go-to takeout dishes, you will LOVE this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli! It’s easy to make and will be ready faster than your takeout could be delivered!
See The Recipe!
head-on view of a prepared skillet hamburger
Best Burger Recipe in the Skillet
4.71 from 34 votes
Ready to make the BEST hamburgers at home without a grill? These easy Skillet Hamburgers are simple to put together and ready in less than 30 minutes for the perfect diner-style meal at home.
See The Recipe!
plate of seared beef tenderloin with tomatoes and scallions
Coffee Crusted Beef Tenderloin Recipe
4.58 from 19 votes
Coffee Crusted Beef Tenderloin will add a whole new flavor dimension to your roast! Serve with delicious whipped horseradish sauce.
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of honey ginger short ribs in dutch oven
Honey Ginger Short Rib Recipe
4.94 from 15 votes
Honey Ginger Short Ribs are a zesty and sweet, fall off the bone short rib recipe, braised to perfection and served with the best fried rice ever!
See The Recipe!
angle of cube steak recipe on mashed potatoes
Cubed Steak and Gravy
4.77 from 30 votes
Cooking dinner every night can be challenging, but save both time and money with this easy Cube Steak Recipe with Mushroom Gravy!
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of salisbury steaks in a skillet
Salisbury Steak
4.62 from 18 votes
Forget what you know about salisbury steak, this Homemade Salisbury Steak recipe is out of this world! Topped with a mushroom gravy, it's moist and delicious!
See The Recipe!
two steaks in a skillet topped with butter
Garlic Butter Sirloin Steaks
4.85 from 46 votes
This Garlic Butter Sirloin Steak recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Juicy sirloin with homemade garlic herb butter for ultimate flavor!
See The Recipe!
Everything Meatball Stromboli is meatballs, marinara sauce and cheese wrapped in pizza dough topped with everything bagel seasoning. An easy weeknight meal recipe! #howtomakestromboli #strombolirecipe #meatballstromboli www.savoryexperiments.com
Everything Meatball Stromboli
4.69 from 29 votes
Everything Meatball Stromboli is meatballs, marinara sauce and cheese wrapped in pizza dough topped with everything bagel seasoning. An easy weeknight meal recipe!
See The Recipe!
A Garlic Truffle Burger is the perfect way to make a gourmet burger at home. Truffle Aioli, sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese and a juicy burger patty on a buttery brioche roll. #gourmetburgers #truffleburgers www.savoryexperiments.com
Garlic Truffle Burgers
4.80 from 15 votes
A Garlic Truffle Burger is the perfect way to make a gourmet burger at home. Truffle Aioli, sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese and a juicy burger patty on a buttery brioche roll.
See The Recipe!
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole combines layers of crispy tater tots with homemade sloppy Joe mix, cream cheese and cheddar for the ultimate quick meal or party food! #tatertotcasserole #sloppyjoes www.savoryexperiments.com
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
4.91 from 11 votes
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole combines layers of crispy tater tots with homemade sloppy Joe mix, cream cheese and cheddar for the ultimate quick meal or party food! 
See The Recipe!
beef burrito close up
Smothered Beef Burritos
4.67 from 6 votes
Smothered Beef Burritos are a cheesy and easy weeknight meal perfect for quick assembly, freezing or making ahead. Loaded with ground beef, vegetables, enchilada sauce and cheese!
See The Recipe!
Homemade Sloppy Joes are so easy to make! Use my special sweet heat sloppy Joe sauce recipe with ground pork, beef, chicken or even turkey! #homemadesloppyjoes #sloppyjoesauce #sloppyjoerecipe www.savoryexperiments.com
Homemade Sloppy Joes
4.67 from 3 votes
Homemade Sloppy Joes are so easy to make! Use my special sweet heat sloppy Joe sauce recipe with ground pork, beef, chicken or even turkey! 
See The Recipe!
half a cabbage roll stacked on two cabbage rolls
Cabbage Roll with Tomato Sauce
4.87 from 65 votes
This EASY Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a family favorite! Made with ground beef, rice, onion and seasoning, these baked cabbage rolls are delicious!
See The Recipe!
best italian meatball soup in a white bowl
Italian Meatball Soup
5 from 5 votes
Meatballs and pasta in a savory tomato broth, Italian meatball soup is a simple and hearty meal that is on the table in less than an hour!
See The Recipe!

What to Make for Dinner: Chicken Recipes

Chicken recipes range the gamut from easy to hard, simple to complex. The one thing we all know is that chicken can get boring. Here are just a few chicken dinner recipes to brighten up your evening from chicken breast, chicken thighs, drumsticks, chicken wings and of course, crockpot chicken recipes. Make sure to check out our chicken temperature cooking chart for the chicken temps!

breaded chicken on plate of pasta
Chicken Parmesan
4.87 from 36 votes
Chicken Parmesan Recipe- The BEST Chicken Parmesan. Chicken cutlets are a quick and easy 30 minute weeknight meal everyone will love!
See The Recipe!
A close up of a sandwich on a plate, with Chicken and Salad
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
4.77 from 13 votes
I've finally made the best chicken salad recipe! With grapes, celery, onions and walnuts, this Classic Chicken Salad recipe is perfect for a light lunch.
See The Recipe!
marry me chicken on a spoon
Marry Me Chicken
4.85 from 51 votes
Juicy chicken breasts in a creamy sauce and ready in under an hour, this Marry Me Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight meal!
See The Recipe!
Instant Pot Chicken Paella is based off the traditional Spanish dish. Flavorful & ready in just minutes, this will be your go-to chicken and rice recipe. #chickenpaella #instantpotchickenrecipes #chickenandricerecipe www.savoryexperiments.com
Instant Pot Chicken Paella
4.78 from 35 votes
Instant Pot Chicken Paella is based off the traditional Spanish dish. Flavorful & ready in just minutes, this will be your go-to chicken and rice recipe. 
See The Recipe!
Overhead shot of chicken noodle soup in a bowl
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (Crockpot Recipe)
4.90 from 37 votes
No chicken soup recipe is easier than this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup! Throw everything together and let the crockpot do the work for you.
See The Recipe!
close up of chicken pot pie casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
4.82 from 22 votes
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole using biscuits is an easy way to make a comforting chicken casserole. Easy pot pie filling with buttery topping.
See The Recipe!
Close up of creamy asiago chicken
Creamy Asiago Chicken
4.43 from 19 votes
Creamy Asiago Chicken is a tasty and easy chicken recipe that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Mushrooms, shallots and thyme flavor this delicious dish. 
See The Recipe!
butter chicken flatbreads on a cutting board
Butter Chicken Flatbread
Get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing any flavour. This quick and easy butter chicken flatbread is ready in just 15 minutes making it a perfect weeknight meal.
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of basket of buttermilk fried chicken
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
4.67 from 6 votes
This is the best Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe! Brined chicken with fresh herbs, buttermilk and seasoned flour makes for a crispy and flavorful southern fried chicken.
See The Recipe!
air fryer chicken wings recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
5 from 39 votes
The BEST way to make the crispiest wings: in the air fryer! You won't believe how easy it is to make these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings!
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of enchiladas
Baked Chicken Enchiladas
4.56 from 77 votes
These Chicken Enchiladas are rolled in flour tortillas, covered in a delicious homemade sauce and smothered in gooey cheese! Using pre-made rotisserie chicken makes them ready in a snap!
See The Recipe!
angle view of chicken in piccata sauce
Chicken Piccata Recipe
4.87 from 45 votes
Classic Chicken Piccata is an easy Italian recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes and explodes with flavors of lemon, caper and shallot.
See The Recipe!
overhead of broccoli chicken alfredo in a skillet
Broccoli Chicken Alfredo
4.88 from 8 votes
Broccoli Chicken Alfredo is a quick and easy weeknight meal using pasta, a creamy parmesan alfredo sauce and tender marinated chicken. 
See The Recipe!
This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe creates a healthier version of the Chinese delivery dish right at home in your slow cooker! #orangechickenrecipe #crockpotorangechicken www.savoryexperiments.com
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
4.80 from 10 votes
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe- create a healthier version of the Chinese delivery dish in your slow cooker!
See The Recipe!
caprese chicken recipe
Chicken Caprese Recipe
5 from 8 votes
This Caprese Chicken is sure to be one of your favorite grilled or baked chicken recipes. Juicy & delicious, it comes together with only 6 ingredients!
See The Recipe!
A plate of hibachi food
Hibachi at Home Recipes
4.93 from 42 votes
Make your favorite hibachi dinner, complete with an onion volcano and shrimp toss, at home!
See The Recipe!
chicken marsala with mushrooms in a skillet
Chicken Marsala Recipe
4.70 from 30 votes
This Chicken Marsala recipe is made in 1 pan in less than 30 minutes! Whip up this EASY dish with a rich creamy mushroom sauce on top of juicy chicken.
See The Recipe!
Southwest Chicken Casserole is an easy one-dish meal using chicken, rice, black beans, tomato, corn and southwest spices. #chickencasserole #onedishchickenrecipe www.savoryexperiments.com
Southwest Chicken Casserole Recipe
4.88 from 8 votes
Southwest Chicken Casserole is an easy one-dish meal using chicken, rice, black beans, tomato, corn and southwest spices. 
See The Recipe!
king chicken ranch casserole
Easy King Ranch Recipe
4.36 from 34 votes
This King Ranch Chicken Casserole is packed with incredible Tex-Mex flavors and of course loads of cheesy goodness. This simple recipe is perfect for a family dinner and can be made ahead of time.
See The Recipe!
two pieces of grilled chicken breast
Best Grilled Chicken Marinade
4.96 from 22 votes
This simple marinade hands down makes the best chicken I have ever had on the grill. And versatile enough to be used on both vegetables and other meats.
See The Recipe!
close up of roast chicken with thyme
How to Roast Chicken
5 from 7 votes
Easy steps on how to roast chicken plus the mostly frequently asked questions about baking a whole chicken answered! Moist and flavorful chicken and vegetables in under 2 hours. 
See The Recipe!
overhead of cowboy chicken recipe
Slow Cooker Cowboy Chicken Recipe
4.29 from 7 votes
Slow Cooker Cowboy Chicken is an easy chicken recipe your whole family will love packed with corn, potatoes, bean and a zesty taco seasoning! Serve over rice or as tacos.
See The Recipe!
sesame chicken over a bed of rice
Homemade Sesame Chicken
4.70 from 10 votes
This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe has the same sweet and tangy sauce as takeout, and perfectly crisp chicken that you’ll love even more!
See The Recipe!
serving of french onion chicken casserole
French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe
4.42 from 60 votes
French Onion Chicken Casserole is a one-dish meal that blends chicken, green beans, a creamy sauce, and buttery biscuits. It’s 100% delicious!
See The Recipe!
close up of french onion chicken bake in a pan
French Onion Chicken Bake
4.46 from 33 votes
If you want comfort food inspired by French onion soup, this EASY French Onion Chicken Bake should be your next weeknight dinner!
See The Recipe!
plate of chicken cacciatore and pasta
Chicken Cacciatore
4.89 from 9 votes
Easy Chicken Cacciatore uses tender chicken in a tomato sauce with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives and herbs. Only takes 30 minutes from stove to plate!
See The Recipe!
Crispy Baked Chicken is a melt-in-your-mouth oven fried chicken with tongue-tingling flavor that will leave you craving more. #crispybakedchicken #ovenbakedchicken #bestovenfriedchicken www.savoryexperiments.com
Crispy Baked Chicken
4.92 from 12 votes
Crispy Baked Chicken is not your typical modified version of Southern fried chicken. Instead, it uses a vinegar-based marinade for a tongue-tingling flavor to create the best oven fried chicken you’ll ever taste.
See The Recipe!
overhead air fryer cornish hen with gravy
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Delicious and juicy Air Fryer Cornish Hen (Cornish game hens) with crispy skin served with creamy mushroom bacon gravy.
See The Recipe!
spicy chicken fajitas
Grilled Chicken Fajita Recipe
5 from 1 vote
My Grilled Chicken Fajitas are a simple and healthy meal that you can have ready in under 30 minutes and make for the perfect weeknight meal.
See The Recipe!
plate of crispy baked chicken thighs
Baked Chicken Thighs in Oven
4.65 from 64 votes
Flavorful and crispy baked chicken thighs basted with a garlic lemon butter sauce. An easy chicken dinner in the oven.
See The Recipe!
spoon with cheesy mac and cheese
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
4.73 from 18 votes
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a quick and spicy baked mac and cheese recipe the whole family will love. Perfect as a potluck recipe or for a BBQ side dish!
See The Recipe!
Pan Fried Chicken Breasts
Juicy and delicious chicken breasts made in a skillet on the stovetop. Perfect by themselves or for another dish that requires cooked chicken.
See The Recipe!
overhead of chicken tetrazzini casserole with spoon
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
4.91 from 11 votes
When you need to get dinner for the whole family on the table quickly, make this EASY, no fuss One Pan Chicken Tetrazzini recipe!
See The Recipe!
bowl of chicken gnocchi soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
5 from 6 votes
A hearty, creamy soup, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is the BEST! It's easy to throw together and it's ready in under an hour!
See The Recipe!
close up of cajun chicken alfredo
Cajun Chicken Alfredo
4.86 from 7 votes
Ready in less than 30 minutes, this Cajun Chicken Alfredo is simple and delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or even date night at home!
See The Recipe!
blackened chicken in a skillet
Blackened Chicken
5 from 17 votes
This EASY Blackened Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, and ready in 30 minutes. It can be paired on its own with your favorite sauce, or added to a variety of dishes ranging from salads to tacos.
See The Recipe!
close up of chicken kiev cut in half
Easy Chicken Kiev