20 Dinner Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like a Master Chef Tonight

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Dinner Recipes

Are you tired of the same old dinners? It’s time to spice up your mealtime routine! You can find tasty and easy dinner recipes that take as little as 5 to 30 minutes to make. From quick tacos to speedy stir-fries, there’s something for every taste and diet.

Want to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen? Try air fryer pork chops or a skillet lasagna. These updated comfort foods are sure to please even picky eaters. With so many fast and yummy options, you’ll never run out of ideas for what to cook tonight.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Here’s what you’ll need for this yummy pasta dish:

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan for serving

Now let’s cook! Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and ground beef. Break up the meat and cook until browned. Pour in the wine and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

While the sauce cooks, boil your spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining.

Mix the pasta with the sauce, adding some pasta water if needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top. Enjoy your homemade spaghetti bolognese!

Roast Chicken

Ready to make a tasty roast chicken? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

  3. Stuff the lemon halves, garlic, and herbs inside the chicken cavity.

  4. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan.

  5. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh.

  6. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Your perfect roast chicken is ready to serve! Enjoy the crispy skin and juicy meat with your favorite sides.

Beef Stir-Fry

You’ll love this quick and tasty beef stir-fry! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a yummy meal without much fuss.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Mix the soy sauce and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.

  2. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over high heat.

  3. Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan.

  4. In the same pan, stir-fry the veggies for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

  5. Return the beef to the pan. Add the garlic and soy sauce mix.

  6. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often.

  7. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Your beef stir-fry is ready! Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a filling meal. Enjoy your homemade takeout-style dinner!

Lasagna

Ready to make a crowd-pleasing lasagna? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Now, let’s get cooking!

  1. Brown the beef with onion and garlic in a large pot. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add tomatoes, paste, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.

  3. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  4. Mix ricotta cheese with the egg in a bowl.

  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.

  7. Layer 3 noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mix, 1/3 of the mozzarella, and 1/3 of the meat sauce.

  8. Repeat layers twice more.

  9. Top with Parmesan cheese.

  10. Bake for 25 minutes. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna!

Grilled Salmon

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get grilling!

  1. Mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

  2. Brush this tasty mixture all over your salmon fillets.

  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  4. Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down.

  5. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets.

  6. Grill for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

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Your grilled salmon is ready! Serve it up with some veggies or a fresh salad for a delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy your perfectly grilled salmon!

Tacos

Want to make tasty tacos at home? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8-10 taco shells
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa

Directions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

  2. Add taco seasoning and water according to package instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. Warm the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes.

  4. Fill each shell with the seasoned beef.

  5. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

  6. Serve and enjoy your homemade tacos!

Feel free to add other toppings you like, such as guacamole or diced onions. You can also swap the beef for chicken or fish if you prefer.

Chicken Curry

Ready to make a tasty chicken curry? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 3 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

  3. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, cook onion, garlic, and ginger for 3 minutes.

  4. Add curry powder and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  5. Pour in coconut milk and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.

  6. Return chicken to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.

  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Enjoy your homemade chicken curry! It’s perfect served over rice or with naan bread.

Shepherd’s Pie

Here’s a tasty Shepherd’s Pie recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

  3. Add onions, carrots, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables soften.

  4. Stir in peas, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

  5. While the meat cooks, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with milk and butter.

  6. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top.

  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Shepherd’s Pie!

Beef Burgers

Here’s what you’ll need to make tasty beef burgers:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Optional toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles

Now let’s get cooking!

Mix the ground beef, salt, pepper, and onion in a bowl. Don’t overmix or your burgers might get tough.

Shape the mixture into 4 patties about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small dent in the center of each patty with your thumb.

Heat up your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.

Add cheese in the last minute of cooking if you like. Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Toast your buns and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy your homemade beef burgers!

Vegetable Soup

Here’s a tasty vegetable soup recipe you can make for dinner tonight!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.

  2. Add potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and green beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

  3. Stir in corn, peas, garlic, and thyme. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.

  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade vegetable soup!

This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. You can also customize it with your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand. Happy cooking!

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Meatloaf

Here’s a tasty meatloaf recipe you can try for dinner tonight!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced onion

For the glaze:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Use your hands to combine everything well.

  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

  4. Mix the glaze ingredients and spread over the top of the meatloaf.

  5. Bake for about 1 hour, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade meatloaf! It’s perfect with mashed potatoes and green beans on the side.

Chicken Parmesan

You’ll need:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

To make this yummy dish:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

  2. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make them thinner.

  3. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

  4. Dip each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry the chicken until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side.

  6. Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet. Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Your Chicken Parmesan is ready! Serve it hot with a side of pasta or a fresh salad. Enjoy your homemade Italian feast!

Beef Stroganoff

Ready to make a tasty dinner? Let’s whip up some beef stroganoff! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thin
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz egg noodles

Directions:

  1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Set aside.

  2. In a large pan, melt the butter and brown the beef slices. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pan, sauté the onions and mushrooms until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1-2 minutes.

  5. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

  6. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.

  7. Stir in the sour cream and add the beef back to the pan.

  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  9. Serve your beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles.

Enjoy your homemade beef stroganoff! It’s creamy, savory, and sure to become a family favorite.

Pork Chops

Ready to make some tasty pork chops for dinner? Here’s a simple recipe you’ll love!

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless pork chops
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme in a small bowl.

  3. Rub the pork chops with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides.

  4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

  5. Sear the pork chops for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

  7. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

  8. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your juicy, flavorful pork chops with your favorite sides!

Vegetable Stir-Fry

You’ll need:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup baby corn
  • 1/2 cup water chestnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add all the veggies except garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.

  3. Push veggies to the sides of the pan. Add garlic and ginger to the center and cook for 30 seconds.

  4. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl.

  5. Pour the sauce over the veggies and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

This quick and tasty stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights. You can swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. Enjoy your colorful and nutritious meal!

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Baked Ziti

Get ready to make a delicious baked ziti! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Brown the beef with onion and garlic in a large skillet. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.

  3. Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half the pasta, then half the meat sauce, and half the cheese mixture.

  6. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Top with the rest of the mozzarella.

  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade baked ziti!

Fajitas

Ready to spice up your dinner? Let’s make some tasty fajitas!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken, steak, or shrimp
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortillas for serving

Now, let’s get cooking:

  1. Mix the spices in a bowl.

  2. Coat your chosen protein with the spice mix.

  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  4. Cook the meat until done, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

  5. In the same pan, cook peppers and onions until soft, about 5 minutes.

  6. Add the meat back to the pan and stir to combine.

  7. Warm your tortillas.

  8. Serve the fajita mix in warm tortillas.

Enjoy your homemade fajitas! They’re perfect for a quick and yummy weeknight dinner.

Pot Roast

Here’s a tasty pot roast recipe you can make for dinner:

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 lb chuck roast
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

Directions:

  1. Season the roast with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

  3. Remove the roast and set aside. Add the veggies and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  4. Return the roast to the pot. Add broth and herbs.

  5. Cover and cook in a 325°F oven for 3-4 hours until very tender.

  6. Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  7. Serve with the cooked vegetables and pan juices.

Enjoy your homemade pot roast! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Fish and Chips

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the fish:

  • 4 cod or haddock fillets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup cold beer
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the chips:

  • 4 large potatoes
  • Salt to taste

To make the chips:

  1. Peel and cut potatoes into thick strips. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes.

  2. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

  3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot or fryer.

  4. Fry potatoes in batches for 3-4 minutes until light golden.

  5. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in oven.

To make the fish:

  1. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

  2. Slowly whisk in cold beer to make a smooth batter.

  3. Dip fish fillets in batter, coating evenly.

  4. Carefully lower into hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

  5. Drain on paper towels.

Serve your fish and chips hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce. Enjoy your homemade British classic!

Pizza

Ready to make some tasty pizza at home? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Cornmeal for dusting

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, put it in now.

  2. Roll out your dough on a floured surface. Aim for about 12-14 inches wide.

  3. Dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal and transfer your dough.

  4. Brush the dough with olive oil. This helps create a crispy crust.

  5. Spread sauce evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.

  6. Sprinkle cheese over the sauce. Add your favorite toppings.

  7. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or place the baking sheet in the oven.

  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

  9. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade pizza!

You can get creative with toppings. Try different cheeses or sauces for variety. Happy pizza making!