20 Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas for Busy Families
Out of ideas for tonight? 20 easy weeknight dinner ideas that use simple ingredients and take 30 minutes or less.
In this article
Most of us hit the same wall around 5 p.m.: what is for dinner? These easy weeknight dinner ideas use everyday ingredients, need little prep and are ready in about 30 minutes, so you can stop improvising and start cooking.
How to Make Weeknight Dinners Easier
- Keep a pantry base: pasta, rice, canned tomatoes, beans, stock and tortillas.
- Prep ahead: wash and chop vegetables and cook a batch of rice or grains on the weekend. Our meal prep for beginners plan shows how.
- Use one pan or one pot to cut the washing up.
- Repeat favourites on a loose weekly rotation.
Pasta and Noodle Dinners
- Garlic and olive oil spaghetti with chilli flakes and parsley.
- Creamy tomato pasta with spinach stirred in at the end.
- Baked pasta with jarred sauce, vegetables and cheese.
- Peanut noodles with shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Lemon and pea pasta finished with grated cheese.
Sheet Pan and Oven Dinners
- Sheet pan sausages with potatoes and peppers.
- Roasted chicken thighs with carrots and onions.
- Baked salmon with broccoli and rice.
- Loaded sweet potatoes topped with beans, cheese and salsa.
- Homemade pizza on flatbreads or naan.
One-Pot and Skillet Dinners
- Vegetable fried rice with eggs and frozen peas.
- Chicken and veggie stir-fry with a simple soy and garlic sauce.
- Black bean chilli served with rice or bread.
- Chickpea curry with coconut milk and spinach.
- Egg and potato skillet for breakfast-for-dinner nights.
No-Fuss Wraps, Bowls and Soups
- Chicken or bean quesadillas with a side salad.
- Tacos with a build-your-own topping bar.
- Burrito bowls with rice, beans, corn and salsa.
- Tomato soup and grilled cheese.
- Loaded baked potatoes with steamed broccoli and cheese.
A Simple Weekly Rhythm
| Day | Theme |
|---|---|
| Monday | Pasta night |
| Tuesday | Tacos or wraps |
| Wednesday | Sheet pan |
| Thursday | Rice or noodle bowl |
| Friday | Pizza or leftovers |
Frequently asked questions
What can I make for dinner with very little time?
Quesadillas, fried rice, pasta with a simple sauce and egg dishes can be on the table in 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I plan weeknight dinners without stress?
Pick themes for each night, shop once for the week and prep a few ingredients ahead. See our guide to meal planning tips.
How can I make dinners cheaper?
Build meals around beans, eggs, rice, pasta and seasonal vegetables, and use leftovers. More ideas are in our frugal living tips.
Final Thoughts
You do not need new recipes every night. Choose five dinners your family likes, rotate them and add variety with different sauces and toppings.
