Quick and easy Tuesday night dinners? Okay, this is capital L-O-V-E on so many levels.
I know, technically, this probably would have been a better fit for a post about meal prep. But when we’re talking about simple and delicious meals that are ready in 30 minutes, that, my friends, can happen any day of the week.
I’ve rounded up 15 recipes, including new takes on Taco Tuesday, that are just addicting and delicious.
1. Taco Pizza
This is a real-deal taco pizza, and I am so here for it. Think fluffy pizza dough piled high with taco meat, beans, olives, tomatoes, and just so much cheese.
Ground beef is always a simple and flavorful win, but feel free to switch things up if you’ve got some leftover chicken or pulled pork hanging around.
2. Easy Homemade Ramen
Don’t worry; we’re not talking about those microwave noodle cups. Real ramen is so much more, and it’ll fill you up like nothing else can. So good!
Homemade noodles with boiled eggs, mushrooms, and spinach might sound like a lot is going on, but it’s actually super simple.
Once you get the feel for it, you’ll want to try all sorts of new and exciting versions.
3. Dump-and-Bake Ravioli Casserole
If there’s one way to make a pasta dish even better, it’s by adding more cheese. Am I right?!
I mean, how can you not fall in love with a plate loaded with cheese-stuffed ravioli and a super flavorful marinara sauce?
Here’s a little secret: use the cheese and spinach ravioli, and the kids won’t even realize they’re eating their veggies!
4. Easy Chicken Chimichangas
Just when I thought burritos couldn’t possibly get any better, someone went and deep-fried them! Oh, sweet glory.
The one trick to making amazing chimichangas is not making them too huge. I know, that’s what we all adore about burritos!
But you want them on the smaller side to make sure they don’t burst open while cooking.
5. Creamy Salmon Piccata
Salmon piccata has all those same flavors as chicken piccata—butter, white wine, capers—but it gets a little hint of dill that makes it feel extra special.
This one-pot masterpiece gives you tender salmon that’s cooked right in that creamy sauce. It’s light but filling, and you can have it on the table in just 15 minutes. A total weeknight wonder.
6. 30 Minute Posole
This is a traditional Mexican stew that’s made with leftover slow-cooked meat, hominy, and a whole bunch of seasonings. YUM.
Since it’s a soup, you can totally eat it on its own or serve it with some crusty bread or cornbread. Or, if you want to turn it into a more filling meal, try it with a side of rice.
7. Penne Pasta Bake
Pasta bakes are my absolute favorite when I need a simple and effortless dinner. And get this: you don’t even have to precook the pasta!
For the speediest pasta bake ever, just add the pasta and sauce to a baking dish, then pour in enough water to cover the noodles.
Let it bake away in the oven while you take the dog out for an evening walk. So easy!
8. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi looks like one of those fancy, expensive restaurant dinners, but it’s unbelievably easy to make right at home.
You can get the sauce and shrimp cooked in less than 10 minutes. After that, it’s just a matter of pouring that beautiful pan of goodness right over a pile of spaghetti.
9. Taco Stuffed Tomatoes
This fun twist on stuffed peppers is such a smart way to get those veggies in! We all know tomatoes are a crowd-pleaser, so why not turn them into cute little bowls for your taco mix?
I personally love to roast my tomatoes to get them just a little soft, but leaving them raw is just like adding chopped tomatoes right into your tacos.
Even better, they are gluten-free and can be made vegan-friendly. Just swap the meat for some tofu, and you’ve got a delicious plant-based dinner.
10. Easy Layered Taco Bake
When it comes to taco bakes, you really can’t go wrong with a faux-lasagna situation.
The tortillas create the perfect “noodle” layers, and with all that glorious cheese, it’s almost like a cross between a lasagna and a pizza. I’m obsessed.
11. Best Chicken Fajitas
As much as I adore the simplicity of tossing everything on a sheet pan and roasting it, you just can’t replicate the amazing textures you get from cooking in a skillet.
Good news: the peppers and onions cook up so fast, and I actually prefer them with a little bit of crunch anyway.
12. Easy Fish Tacos
I have been lucky enough to visit California a handful of times, and every single time, I make it my mission to eat my body weight in fish tacos. Dangerously good!
They are truly second to none and are so easy to make right at home.
White fish has a pretty mild flavor, so a good spice rub is a must. Make it as spicy as you dare, and don’t hold back on the toppings! This spicy mango salsa is just divine in fish tacos.
13. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto
Okay, risotto does require a bit of tender loving care. I won’t deny it. But when it’sdone, it is just so creamy and packed with flavor that it’s worth every single second!
Just be sure to use arborio rice and a good quality white wine. Oh, and you absolutely can’t beat freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
14. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Speaking of leftover chicken! If you’re like me, you find it impossible to resist a juicy rotisserie chicken at the grocery store.
But it’s time to do something more with it than just putting it on a plate with some potatoes.
This casserole is just bursting with flavor and serves up a lot like a lasagna. Be generous with the cheese on top—that golden, bubbly crust is the absolute best part.
15. Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Pork chops might seem a little intimidating at first, but with the right method, I promise they will come out juicy every single time!
I just love the crust these chops develop from being cooked over high heat. The sauce is made right in the same pan, which lets it soak up all those amazing meaty juices.
