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If there’s one thing that makes me go completely blank – it’s wondering what to cook today for dinner?
I try not to repeat what I cook, so I am always on the lookout for new and easy recipes.
Ideally, I spend no more than 30 minutes in the kitchen as I have little kids that always seem to need me for something!
So if you are a busy mom looking for best dinner recipes of all time – check out these 25 dinner ideas that include chicken, ground beef and some vegetarian options.
The majority of the recipes included in this post don’t take long to cook and is worth bookmarking this page if you are searching for new recipe ideas.
Right, so let’s get straight to it and check out some easy dinner recipes for the family in under 30 minutes.
25 Food Ideas for Dinner
What to cook for dinner with chicken?
1. Chicken and Mushroom Orzo
This One Pan Chicken and Mushroom Orzo recipe is packed with flavour and is a perfect family meal any day of the week. Combining seasoned chicken thighs with fresh mushrooms and tender orzo pasta, you’ll have dinner on the table in around 30 minutes!
The full recipe – Dude That Cooks
2. Sesame ginger cashew chicken
Sesame ginger cashew chicken with broccoli is a marvellously flavorful dinner recipe that takes no more than 40 minutes to make from start-to-finish! Enjoy it with your favourite side dishes for a nourishing, well-balanced meal.
Full recipe – The Roasted Root
3. Southwest Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
These Grocery Shopping Day Chicken Tacos – also known as Southwest Rotisserie Chicken Tacos if you want to be fancy about things – are my go-to dinner on days when I’ve had a mammoth grocery shopping + errand running day and just don’t want to cook.
The full recipe – Sweet Cayenne
4. Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Marsala is one of the easiest and fanciest Italian classic dish fit for any day any occasion. It’s so easy and fast to make in Instant pot that you can make it even on a weekday. Takes less than 15 minutes!
Full recipe – Curry Trail
5. Instant Pot Butter Chicken
This rich and creamy Indian restaurant class 20 minutes Instant Pot Butter Chicken has all the goods that makes one soul happy. It’s delicious, fast and super easy, just chop, quick sauté and cook.
Full recipe – Cubes N Juliennes
6. Choo Chee Curry with Chicken recipe
Ready in 15 minutes, this Choo Chee Curry with Chicken recipe is a beloved Thai-Australian fusion dish. It features an easy curry sauce made with fragrant Thai red curry, creamy coconut, kaffir lime and a hint of sugar for the perfect mid-week dinner.
Full recipe: Wander cooks
7. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Rotisserie chicken, roast chicken, grilled, baked, or sautéed – If you have cooked chicken, you’re halfway to eating a plate full of chicken lettuce wraps. Fold the chicken into a rich Asian sauce flavored with ginger, soy, chili, garlic, vinegar, and honey, and served serve with crisp lettuce leaves, chili garlic sauce, and roasted peanuts for a quick, intensely satisfying meal.
Full recipe – A little and A Lot
8. Caprese Chicken
Dinner’s on the table in 15 minutes with an easy recipe for Caprese Chicken. Full of ripe juicy tomatoes, creamy Mozzarella and a rich balsamic glaze, this takes chicken to a whole other level!
Full recipe – This Farm Girl Cooks
9. Mexican Chicken
Mexican Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is a super flavorful 5-ingredient recipe your whole family will love.
Full Recipe – Lemon Blossoms
10. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are an easy, one-pan meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Fast, fresh, and loaded with flavour, this simple meal will become a dinnertime favourite!
Full Recipe – Pumpkin Spice
What to Cook for Dinner with Ground Beef?
11. Ground Beef Tacos
All you need is 5 ingredients to pull off this delicious taco pasta using ground beef. So good and so easy!
Full recipe: Might Mrs
12. Easy Skillet Lasagna
This Easy Skillet Lasagna recipe just takes one pan, a few simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes to make, from start to finish. It is filled with your favorite marinara sauce, ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, and cheeses. It is completely a family-friendly dinner
Full recipe – Moms Dinner
13. Texas Hash
Texas Hash is filled with delicious ground beef, green pepper, rice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and then cheese on top. You will want to make this easy one-pot meal, again and again, all fall and winter long.
Full recipe – Noshing with the Nolands
14. Ground Beef Quesadillas
Ground Beef Quesadillas are one of my favorite quick easy dinner meals. They’re super fast, can be made with pantry and freezer staples, and are always a hit with the kids.
Full recipe – Neighbor Food Blog
15. Stuffed Peppers
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers are quick to make, with a delicious filling of seasoned ground beef, rice and tomato sauce. A classic family dinner made easy in the Instant Pot.
Full recipe – Kristine’s Kitchen
16. Easy Beef Chili
The best quick and easy chili recipe! Made in 30 minutes on the stovetop, this beef chili is a delicious family-friendly dinner to enjoy in the fall! It’s made from scratch (no packaged seasoning)!
Full Recipe – Joy Food Sunshine
17. Burger in a bowl
This burger in a bowl recipe includes a homemade special burger sauce. It’s got all the toppings and flavours of your favourite fast-food burger with a healthier spin!
Full recipe – Running to the Kitchen
What to cook for dinner – vegetarian
18. Black Bean Chili recipe
No meat? No problem! This vegan Yes-You-Can Black Bean Chili recipe has all the taste of hearty chili and can be ready to eat in 15-minutes or less. The convenience of a three-ingredient recipe without any greasy pans to clean
Full recipe – Eat Plant-based
19. Loaded Veggie Nachos
If you love nachos, let me assure you this is the BEST loaded veggie nachos recipe! Topped with melty cheese, sauteed grated zucchini, black beans, corn, salsa and guacamole! Turn your favorite appetizer into a meal with this vegetarian nacho recipe
Full recipe – Rachael Hartley Nutrition
20. Mushroom Asparagus Pasta
This Mushroom Asparagus Pasta recipe is the perfect recipe for those days when you just want something simple (but so good!). It is made with everyday ingredients, vegetarian and quick aka ready in only 20 mins!
Full recipe – Recipes from a Pantry
21. Cheesy Broccoli Chickpea Rice Casserole
One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Chickpea Rice Casserole is a hearty, vegetarian casserole that’s great as a main dish or holiday side!
Full recipe – Flavor the Moments
22. Oven-baked eggplant
Oven-baked eggplant with cheese and tomatoes is a healthy dinner idea everyone will love. This easy recipe needs just 7 ingredients + 30 minutes, the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights!
Full recipe – Country Hill Cottage
23. Pasta with peas
Pasta with peas is a tasty 1-pot 10 minute midweek dinner that’s bursting with fresh taste! It’s a delicious, hearty and family-friendly Italian dish (pasta e piselli). Plus it’s so easy!
Full recipe- Veggie Desserts
24. Vegan Pho
Vegan Pho is a steamy, big bowl of noodles, tofu and vegetables is a delicious broth. Best of all, this bowl takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Full recipe – The Food Blog
25. Lentil Dhal
This simple and delicious lentil dhal is made with just a few pantry ingredients. Red lentils are cooked with fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk until a creamy and thick texture is reached.
Full recipe – Nourish Plate
There you have it!
25 recipe ideas if you have no clue what to cook for dinner tonight.
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