Don’t let your dinner routine become boring, check out these 40 Easy Dinner Ideas to Make Tonight to get new, delicious dinner ideas!

We’ve rounded up all our favorite recipes into one place. All of these recipes are easy to make and great for the whole family. These Easy Dinner Ideas use a variety of ingredients and you’re sure to have all the ingredients in your pantry for at least a few of these recipes!

collage of easy dinner ideas

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    40 Easy Dinner Ideas to Make Tonight

    Can’t decide what to make for dinner?! We’ve got you covered! Back to school means busy weeknights and quick dinners. That is why I complied my favorite easy dinner recipes that can be made in no time! Most of these recipes are 30 minutes or less or are dump and go either in the slow cooker or in the instant pot. I’ve included everything from healthy low carb meals, to pastas and slow cooker favorites. There’s something for everyone!

    I’ve also included recipes from almost every type of cuisine. Italian, Asian inspired, Mexican, Indian! You will never get bored with this rotation!

    Easy Fried Rice

    An easy one pan dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This is out favorite easy dinner idea when we are looking to get dinner on the table fast.

    easy fried rice in skillet with wooden spoon

    Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

    This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta has everything you love about classic chicken pot pie — like fresh veggies, tender chicken, and savory spices — but in an easy-to-make and easy-to-eat form.

    chicken pot pie pasta in white bowl with silver spoon

    30 Minute General Tso’s Chicken

    This Easy General Tso’s recipe is even better than the restaurant version. Ready in under 30 minutes and full of flavor! This is one of our favorite dinner ideas to make in a pinch!

    Chicken on top of a bed of rice in a while bowl with chopsticks.

    Instant Pot Spaghetti

    Ready in less than 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Spaghetti is super easy! The entire recipe is cooked in the instant pot – the pasta AND the meat sauce meaning less clean up later. This Instant Pot pasta recipe is perfect for busy families!

    Honey Sesame Chicken

    This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe will rival your favorite takeout dish! It’s super crispy thanks to frying the chicken twice! The crunchy chicken then get’s tossed in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. You won’t want to eat takeout again after trying this easy recipe!

    Sesame chicken in a white bowl topped with scallions with chopsticks.

    Chicken Chow Mein

    This is the BEST Chicken Chow Mein recipe! Stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and chicken are cooked in a rich savory sauce. Everything is cooked in one skillet and is ready in 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or a healthier homemade fast food option.

    Chow mein noodles in a silver pan with tongs grabbing the noodles.

    Chicken Katsu

    Chicken Katsu is a Japanese-style chicken cutlet breaded and fried until golden brown and crispy. It’s typically served with a Tonkatsu sauce over white rice and garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

    easy chicken cats dinner idea on a bed of rice in a white bowl with a fork.

    Air Fryer Chimichangas

    Ready in less than an 30 minutes, this Air Fryer Chimichanga Recipe is so easy to throw together! Loaded with shredded Mexican chicken, refried beans and cheese, it gets air fried and then smothered in simple homemade queso.

    Chimichanga on a white plate next to beans and a salad with a fork and knife.

    Baked Firecracker Chicken

    These Baked Firecracker Chicken Thighs are brushed with a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce. All you need is 5 ingredients and less than 1 hour to make this dish from start to finish!

    Chicken thighs in a white baking pan with tongs taking one piece.

    Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken

    Classic barbecue chicken made easy by using the instant pot. This meal is great when meal prepping your easy dinner ideas in advance!

    Barbecue chicken in the instant pot with tongs.

    Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

    For a comforting pasta full of flavor, try this pasta bake. It is super easy and pairs nicely with a side salad! An easy casserole dinner idea!

    Penne noodles in a white baking sheet with a wooden spoon.

    Grilled Chicken Caprese

    This chicken takes the fresh, light flavors of a caprese salad and turns it into a full on meal!

    Chicken bread in a white pan with later of mozzarella and tomato on top.

    Easy Chicken Marsala

    Chicken marsala with mushrooms on a bed of pasta is an essential Italian staple.

    Top view of chicken with mushrooms and sauce in a silver pan.

    Easy Beef Fried Rice

    A take on my classic fried rice recipe with beef for added protein and flavor.

    Rice, beef and broccoli in a silver pan with a wooden spoon.

    Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

    Chinese take out meals like beef and broccoli can be easily made at home. This beef is cooked low and slow for maximum flavor and tenderness.

    beef and broccoli recipe with chopsticks

    Teriyaki Meatballs

    Homemade beef meatballs are baked with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce!

    Teriyaki meatballs on a bed of rice in a white bowl.

    Sesame Beef

    Tender flank steak stir fried with bell peppers and an easy asian sauce and green onions! This Sesame Beef is better than takeout!

    Beef with sauce and sliced peppers in a silver pan with a wooden spoon.

    Shepard’s Pie

    A comforting classic made with ground beef, veggies, mashed potatoes and a savory gravy.

    Easy Shepard's pie dinner idea in a white baking pan with a silver spoon.

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes

    Delicious, garlicky steak bites accompanied by potato wedges. A match made in heaven!

    Steak and potatoes in a silver pan with tongs.

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    Savory filling goes inside of bell peppers and gets cooked low and slow for an easy, unique dinner idea!

    Easy stuffed bell pepper dinner idea in the slow cooker with a wooden spoon.

    Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef

    Put this beef into tacos, burritos, or on top of rice for a fun Mexican-inspired dinner. Let the slow cooker do the work for you and come home to an amazing meal!

    Shredded beef in a white pan with lime wedges and a silver spoon.

    Authentic Italian Meatballs

    Make a classic Italian recipe at home with classic meatballs and red sauce.

    Meatballs in the slow cooker with red sauce and a wooden spoon.

    Beef Stew

    Warm up with a beef stew! Featuring carrots, potatoes and braised beef for when you need a filling and hearty dinner.

    Beef stew in a white bowl with a fork.

    20 Minute Teriyaki Shrimp

    Super quick and easy, this shrimp features my homemade teriyaki sauce and easy cooked shrimp. Place on a bed of rice and you are ready for dinner!

    Shrimp in a teriyaki sauce in a silver pan with a wooden spoon.

    Honey Sriracha Salmon

    Honey Sriracha salmon glaze goes onto this baked or pan fried salmon and goes perfectly with rice and veggies for a balanced and flavorful meal!

    Easy Salmon Dinner in a black pan with sauce on top.

    Salmon Sushi Bowls

    Making sushi at home can be difficult, so opt for an easy sushi bowl for all the same flavors!

    Salmon in a white bowl with rice, avocado, cucumber and carrots.

    Creamy Shrimp and Grits

    A southern classic, these shrimp and grits couldn’t be more comforting and delicious.

    shrimp and grits in bowl with a fork.

    Instant Pot Carnitas

    Hello, taco Tuesday! Easily make some carnitas tacos with this instant pot recipe.

    carnitas in a silver baking pan topped with a lime wedge and a fork.

    One Pot Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

    It doesn’t get easier than this. A one pot meal packed with veggies, your favorite sausage and seasonings!

    Sausage and vegetables in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.

    Instant Pot Butter Chicken

    Incredibly flavorful and tender, this authentic Instant Pot Butter Chicken is so easy to make! This is a great healthy weeknight dinner option for the whole family. Make it at home instead of ordering take-out!

    One Pan Mexican Pasta

    Loaded with black beans, corn, cilantro, and salsa. This quick and easy one pan dinner idea is a perfect healthy comfort food meal, loaded with vegetables and protein!

    Healthy Shrimp Scampi

    Loaded with garlic, butter, and parmesan, you won’t miss pasta with this Healthy Shrimp Scampi recipe! This low-carb version uses zucchini noodles which are bright, colorful and so good for you. Perfect for sticking to a keto diet or anytime you need a lighter meal!

    Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

    A classic, low fat chili that will warm your belly right up! Top with some sour cream and tortilla chips.

    Easy Turkey chili dinner in a slow cooker with a laddle.

    Asian Turkey Meatballs

    Need an easy dinner idea that’s on the table in less than 30 minutes? Than these Asian Turkey Meatballs are for you!

    Asian turkey meatballs in white container

    Quinoa and Turkey Stuffed Peppers

    This is a great heart healthy option that is full of fiber, vitamins and flavor!

    easy stuffed peppers recipe in a white baking dish.

    Instant Pot Beefaroni

    Remember Beef a Roni from your childhood?! Well this favorite got an update! This grown up Instant Pot Beefaroni is so comforting and hearty!

    easy Beefaroni dinner idea in white bowl

    Vegetarian Lasagna

    Loaded with 7 vegetables, this is the BEST Vegetarian Lasagna recipe! Perfect for the whole family!

    slice of easy vegetable lasagna dinner idea in a white bowl with a fork.

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta

    This lemon asparagus pasta recipe is vegetarian-friendly and made with just a handful of easy ingredients. Perfect for a light lunch, easy dinner, or side dish!

    close up of pasta with asparagus pieces in a wooden spoon.

    Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

    Easy Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Layered with black beans, corn, green chilies, enchilada sauce and corn tortillas! This is an easy vegetarian meal the whole family will love!

    easy enchilada casserole dinner idea on white plate with a fork

    Chickpea Curry

    All you need is 45 minutes and one pot to make this easy chickpea curry! This recipe is vegan, gluten free and vegetarian. Serve over rice with a side of garlic naan bread!

    easy chickpea curry dinner recipe with rice in a white bowl.

    What to Serve With These Easy Dinner Ideas

    With such a wide range of easy dinner ideas, you need some great options for sides as well! Many of these recipes can go great with some of my favorite sides, try them out!