75+ Easy Weeknight Dinners To Save You Time

Weeknights are busy enough without having to spend hours in the kitchen planning and cooking dinner. Separated by protein preference, these easy weeknight dinners will save you time while still giving you a delicious meal to look forward to at the end of the day. From sheet pan dinners to air fryer meals, we have plenty of low-effort, high-reward dinners to add to your weekly rotation.

With these 76 quick family dinners, you can spend more time relaxing with your family and less time in front of a hot stove. 

Table of contents:

• Pescatarian dinners
• Meat dinners
• Vegetarian dinners
• Vegan dinners

1. Glazed salmon

Category: Pescatarian

Need dinner on the table in less than an hour? Fire up the grill and make this quick but tasty salmon recipe. The honey glaze definitely makes it stand out from other salmon dishes.

2. Fish tacos

Category: Pescatarian

This fish taco recipe is great because you can adjust it based on the ingredients you have on hand. For instance, you can use any white fish like cod, haddock, halibut or tilapia.

3. Zucchini pasta with shrimp

Category: Pescatarian

This healthy pasta recipe has shrimp, zucchini and parsley. It’s fresh and ready in 40 minutes.

4. Gnocchi veggie and shrimp skillet

Category: Pescatarian

This gnocchi skillet is a great dish to add to your list of weeknight recipes because it only uses one pan and is ready in 35 minutes. Pair it with a simple arugula salad as a side.

5. Easy shrimp Alfredo

Category: Pescatarian

With Alfredo sauce from a jar, this shrimp Alfredo recipe couldn’t be simpler. Just sauté the shrimp with garlic, add the sauce and toss in the pasta with Parmesan. 

6. Pan-fried cod with lemon

Category: Pescatarian

Need a healthy meal in 20 minutes? This lemon cod is fresh and light with sides of asparagus and breadsticks.

7. Salmon skewers 

Category: Pescatarian

Looking for a new way to prepare salmon? These salmon skewers take hardly any time at all and are uniquely paired with a garlic and Dijon marinade.

8. Cheesy tuna noodle casserole

Category: Pescatarian

This classic American casserole recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. It's also a great lazy dinner idea. Bring it to a weeknight potluck or enjoy it at home. 

9. Hawaiian poke bowl

Category: Pescatarian

Tropical and light, this Hawaiian poke bowl incorporates ahi tuna, mango, avocado and a citrus dressing over jasmine rice. You might not think of a poke bowl as a lazy dinner idea, but this one comes together in just 25 minutes.

10. Shrimp scampi

Category: Pescatarian

This shrimp scampi has white wine, garlic, broth, parsley and red pepper. Throw it together in 15 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.

11. Stuffed peppers

Category: Meat

This stuffed pepper recipe is classic, using beef, rice and cheese. It’s also stuffed with veggies like zucchini, spinach, bell peppers and mushrooms. 

12. One-pan Tuscan chicken

Category: Meat 

Quick, low-carb and delicious are all words that describe this Tuscan chicken recipe. Cleanup is easy since it only needs one pan, and you can add pasta on the side if desired.

13. Enchiladas with chicken

Category: Meat

Made with chicken instead of ground beef, this enchilada recipe is as healthy as it is easy. It only takes an hour to prep this dinner, and you can adjust the spice level as needed.

14. Sesame chicken

Category: Meat 

If you like to meal prep, check out this sesame chicken recipe. It only takes 25 minutes to whip up, and you can make a big batch so you can get multiple quick family meals out of it.

15. Ground beef stuffed zucchini

Category: Meat

As a healthy alternative to stuffed shells or lasagna, these stuffed zucchinis are so tasty! To get in more veggies, add back some of the scooped zucchini core to the filling. 

16. Chicken Parm

Category: Meat 

Who doesn’t love chicken Parmesan — especially when it takes less than an hour to prepare? Serve by itself, on top of pasta or as a sandwich.

17. Breakfast for dinner bacon casserole

Category: Meat 

Serving breakfast for dinner is a fun way to mix up your weeknight dinner recipes. Prep this bacon breakfast casserole the night before and pop it in the oven 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat.

18. Slow-cooker chicken

Category: Meat 

Slow-cooker meals are easy family dinners for busy nights. Simply throw together all the ingredients for this angel chicken with cream cheese in the morning and let it simmer until dinnertime. Future you will thank you.

19. Buffalo chicken mac and cheese

Category: Meat

Buffalo mac and cheese is an easy family meal. It’s protein-filled, cheesy and ready in 15 minutes — everyone wins with this recipe.

20. Ultimate nachos

Category: Meat

Nachos are such an easy meal that it almost feels like cheating. These loaded nachos are especially delicious with a beefy cheese sauce.

21. Beef and vegetable stew

Category: Meat

For a warm comfort meal, try this beef and vegetable stew recipe. When served on top of garlic mashed potatoes, this dinner is sure to fill you up.

22. Shortcut chicken shawarma

 Category: Meat

Skip the long prep time of marinating and roasting with this shortcut chicken shawarma. Don’t worry — you won’t be sacrificing any of the wonderful flavor of the dish with this 25-minute recipe.

23. Apple-glazed pork chops

Category: Meat

The apple glaze is the star of this pork chop recipe. The sauce only needs four ingredients, and it only takes 30 minutes to make everything.

24. Pressure-cooker ribs

Category: Meat

Don’t feel like cooking? Let the pressure cooker do it for you! This recipe for tender barbecue ribs only takes 40 minutes in the pressure cooker.

25. Classic beef tater tot casserole

Category: Meat

You only need six ingredients to make this classic tater tot casserole. It’s perfect for when you need an easy family dinner.

26. Meatballs with gravy

Category: Meat

This warm and filling meal of meatballs with gravy is a quick weeknight recipe since it uses premade meatballs. All you need to make is the gravy! The meatballs can be served by themselves or over egg noodles, mashed potatoes or rice.

27. Crispy fried chicken wings

Category: Meat

Fried chicken is a lot of work, especially for a weeknight. This fried chicken is a great option because it tastes just as good, but takes half the time and effort. 

28. Sausage foil packets

Category: Meat

Foil packet meals are super convenient for quick weeknight dinners since they’re simple and require minimal cleanup. This sausage foil packet recipe includes potatoes and green beans for a full meal.

29. Air fryer ribs

Category: Meat

If you want ribs that will fall off the bone with minimal effort, check out these air fryer ribs. Add some mashed potatoes for the perfect side dish.

30. Chicken rice bowl

Category: Meat

This chicken rice bowl has a simple but tasty marinade for the grilled chicken. The same marinade is used as a dressing later on, which makes the recipe even simpler.

31. 35-minute taquitos

Category: Meat

Have some leftover meat? Roll it up into these quick taquitos for an easy weeknight meal. Repurposing leftovers is a game-changer!

32. Easy BLT

Category: Meat

Who doesn’t love a BLT from time to time? Add this meal to your rotation of easy dinners and enjoy this classic sandwich in only 20 minutes.

33. Meaty carbonara

Category: Meat

This carbonara recipe is a great way to make the dish a little fancier without adding any more effort. It uses bacon and beef as well as Parmesan cheese for a more refined meal.

34. Monte Cristo sandwich

Category: Meat

A Monte Cristo sandwich is great for when you want something savory and sweet. Have it with a side of berry jam and enjoy!

35. Korean beef bowl

Category: Meat

For a flavorful and filling dinner, make this Korean beef bowl in less than an hour! Serve over rice or spiralized veggies.

36. Pepperoni pizza quesadillas

Category: Meat

Why choose between pizza or quesadillas when you can have both? Dip these pizza quesadillas in marinara and customize the filling to your liking.

37. Taco soup with ground beef

Category: Meat

This taco soup is a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef. It’s full of veggies and the spice level can be adjusted to your preference.

38. Muffin pan mini meatloaves

Category: Meat

Mini meatloaves cook faster, stay more moist and are easier to make than regular meatloaf. Plus, they freeze well for future easy weeknight meals.

39. Bacon corn chowder

Category: Meat

This rich bacon corn chowder is the perfect way to use up leftover corn or even fresh corn on the cob. No matter what you have on hand, this recipe is bound to be fantastic.

40. Mushroom Swiss burgers

Category: Meat

Mix up burger night with these mushroom Swiss burgers! You can make them on the grill or pan fry them — whichever is easiest for you.

41. French dip

Category: Meat

This French dip recipe will satisfy your craving for a French dip without all the hassle. After simmering the beef for a few hours ahead of time, you’ll have hot sandwiches ready in minutes.

42. Chicken tortellini soup

Category: Meat

Soup doesn’t have to take a long time, especially when you use premade tortellini. This chicken tortellini soup is cheesy, filling and only takes an hour. 

43. Chicken tacos

Category: Meat

Add a little spice to your Taco Tuesday with these chicken tacos. Use frozen chicken strips to speed up the recipe. 

44. Grilled chicken flatbread

Category: Meat

Premade pizza dough and marinara help speed up this recipe. These grilled chicken flatbreads are a fun upgrade to your typical weeknight pizza.

45. Creamy bacon potato soup

Category: Meat

This recipe is like a loaded baked potato in soup form. Cozy up with a bowl of this creamy bacon potato soup on a chilly night. 

46. Crispy lemon chicken

Category: Meat

You wouldn’t think a meal this good could be so easy. This crispy lemon chicken recipe has a lemon butter dressing and works great with a side of asparagus.

47. Corned beef dinner

Category: Meat

Corned beef is a fantastic but often time-consuming meal. However, this recipe only takes a few minutes of active preparation before brining to perfection for several days.

48. Filet mignon with herb butter

Category: Meat

Who says you can’t have an indulgent meal on a weeknight? This oven-baked filet mignon with herb butter recipe makes for a delicious, easy dinner any night of the week.

49. Gourmet grilled cheese with pear and prosciutto

Category: Meat

Want to elevate one of your weeknight dinner ideas without adding a ton of prep time? This grilled cheese recipe combines sweet and savory by adding pear and prosciutto. 

50. Roasted peach chicken

Category: Meat

Not only do the peaches in this roasted chicken recipe make a delicious sauce for the chicken, but you can also grill the peaches for a side. It makes for a unique but simple dinner idea for families.

51. Ham and cheese Hawaiian roll sliders 

Category: Meat

As fun to make as they are to eat, these ham and cheese Hawaiian rolls are one of the best easy weeknight dinners for family. Filled with Swiss cheese, ham and poppyseed sauce, these sliders are bound to be crowd pleasers at game days and parties, too.

52. Tostadas

Category: Meat

Homemade Mexican food doesn’t have to take long! These tostadas are ready in 25 minutes and can be made with any type of meat or beans for a vegetarian option.

53. Feta pasta

Category: Vegetarian

If you enjoyed the viral TikTok feta pasta, you’ll probably like this feta pasta dish, too! Garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes and parmesan pair with the feta to make a delicious dinner. 

54. Veggie fried rice

Category: Vegetarian

Fried rice is a great way to use up any veggies you have in the fridge. Better yet, all you need is one pan and 30 minutes.

55. Vegetarian meatball subs

Category: Vegetarian

Believe it or not, you can make delicious meatballs out of eggplant and mushrooms. Eat them on a sub like in this recipe or serve over a grain bowl. It’s also a great freezer meal.

56. Ratatouille

Category: Vegetarian 

Another classic comfort meal is this ratatouille with squash and zucchini. Serve on its own or on top of grilled bread.

57. Sesame ginger ramen

Category: Vegetarian

There’s nothing easier than ramen for dinner, and this sesame ginger ramen recipe just elevates the meal. With plenty of veggies, this version of ramen is more nutritious and filling while still being quick to make.

58. Baked spaghetti squash

Category: Vegetarian

This parmesan spaghetti squash recipe is a fun twist on baked spaghetti with the addition of extra vegetables. Plus, it only takes 50 minutes to prepare.

59. Grilled cheese with caramelized onions

Category: Vegetarian

Grilled cheese is a great easy dinner, but if you’re getting bored, try this recipe. This version adds caramelized onions to shake things up. These sandwiches go great with tomato soup on the side.

60. Quick lo mein

Category: Vegetarian

This recipe takes less time to make than it does to wait for takeout! Make this quick lo mein in only 30 minutes.

61. Minestrone soup

Category: Vegetarian

For a hearty meal, try this minestrone soup. It’s packed with mushrooms, beans, tomatoes and topped with feta cheese.

62. Peanut sauce noodles

Category: Vegetarian

When you don’t want to spend more than 10 minutes cooking, make these peanut sauce noodles. You can even use ramen noodles without the seasoning packet if you have them on hand.

63. Italian salad

Category: Vegetarian

A chopped salad is great for when you want a fresh dinner. This Italian salad has ingredients like red onion, chickpeas and pepperoncini with a delicious red wine vinaigrette.

64. Pesto pasta

Category: Vegetarian

Pesto is a great ingredient when you’re making a quick dinner since it adds a punch of flavor easily. This pesto pasta tastes gourmet in only 30 minutes.

65. Greek salad

Category: Vegetarian

Craving Greek food without the carbs or meat? This Greek salad is light and refreshing, with all your favorite Mediterranean flavors and healthy ingredients.

66. Baked potatoes 

Category: Vegetarian

A classic baked potato makes for a satiating, low-effort dinner. Let the oven do the heavy lifting for 45 to 60 minutes, and then just add the toppings outlined in this recipe.

67. Broccoli cheddar soup

Category: Vegetarian

For a cheesy and warming dinner, try this broccoli cheddar soup recipe. Cozy up on a chilly night with a bowl of this soup after whipping it up in no time. It’s proof that easy vegetarian weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. 

68. One-pot mushroom orzo

Category: Vegetarian

The seamless cleanup that comes with one-pot meals makes them easy weeknight dinners for two. Try this one-pot mushroom orzo, which blends earthy, rich flavors. 

69. Shakshuka

Category: Vegetarian

Craving breakfast for dinner? Take it to the next level with this easy shakshuka. Spicy and savory, this Middle Eastern and North African tomato and egg dish is served with pita bread to soak up the deliciousness. 

70. Caprese pasta

Category: Vegan

You could just eat Caprese salad if you wish, but if you want something a bit heartier for dinner, this vegan pasta recipe is for you. It has all your favorite Caprese elements — it’s just more filling! 

71. Air fryer tofu

Category: Vegan 

Looking for a healthy swap for chicken nuggets? Try making these air fryer tofu bites! These crispy tofu bites pair great with a delicious cabbage carrot coleslaw for a well-balanced meal.

72. Vegan chili

Category: Vegan

This vegan chili is packed with veggies like tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, carrots and bell peppers. There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili for dinner!

73. Bok choy soup

Category: Vegan

Ginger, garlic, bok choy, mushrooms and soy sauce come together to make this incredible bok choy soup. It’s a robust and quick vegan dinner!

74. Creamy cauliflower soup

Category: Vegan

If you’re wondering how a vegan soup can be creamy, the answer is cashews! It takes less time than you may think to soften and blend cashews to make this cauliflower soup.

75. Lentil soup

Category: Vegan

Satisfying and nourishing yet light, this traditional Turkish lentil soup is full of vegetables and spices. Freeze it to meal prep future dinners and sub in whatever other vegetables you have in your fridge. Lentils are simple to cook and make for easy, healthy weeknight dinners.

76. Lentil veggie stir-fry

Category: Vegan

With a delicious combo of ginger and soy sauce, this lentil stir-fry will quickly become a weeknight go-to. It’s rich in nutrients, easy to make and a great way to get in more veggies at dinner.

Get everything you need for lazy dinners from Instacart

We hope these recipes will save you the mental energy of choosing what to make each weeknight and the physical energy of time-intensive prep. For more easy weeknight dinners, take a look at these slow-cooker chicken recipes. If you need to save more time, get all the ingredients you need delivered straight to your door with Instacart.