Dinner ruts make me sad inside. Regular chicken, boring pasta, the same old tacos, and weeknight meals that have lost their spark… I’ll pass on one of each. Because it’s Tuesday.
Oh, and how about those fancy meal kits you see on everyone’s doorstep, the ones from Hello Fresh? Have you tried one of those?
And then you think they’re gonna be too expensive and you’ll never be able to look at that subscription the same way again, but then you find out you can just make the recipes yourself?
These 30 recipes aren’t a stretch. They are easy, fresh, and delicious ideas to get you excited for dinner again.
1. BBQ Cheddar Pork Burgers with Chipotle Aioli & Potato Wedges
This might just be my favorite on the entire list! I mean, I can’t say no to a good BBQ burger, and that chipotle aioli just pushes the whole thing into next-level territory.
Oh, and did I forget the BBQ caramelized onions? Yeah. We’re really doing that. I think the ground pork works so well in this, but you can always swap it out.
Beef is a solid choice, or why not try out some lean turkey burgers?
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Fresh Herbs, Almonds & Parmesan
This recipe is supposedly in the Hello Fresh Hall of Fame, so you know it has to be amazing! Instead of a heavy pasta dish that’s swimming in sauce, this one keeps it light.
It gets all its moisture from sundried tomatoes, garlic, and a little bit of cream cheese. It’s a great vegetarian-friendly meal served with almonds for a bit of crunch, or you can totally throw in some bacon bits and grilled chicken.
3. Spanish One-Pan Chicken with Chorizo and Bell Peppers
You just can’t argue with how incredible this kind of dish looks. I love cooking it in a big cast-iron skillet and putting the whole thing right on the table for everyone to dig in, family-style, with lots of wine and bread.
The chorizo is the absolute star here, so make sure you get a good, dried piece. Once it starts cooking, all those flavorful oils will seep into the rice and chicken, making everything vibrant and delicious.
4. Chipotle-Rubbed Chicken Salad with Pico de Gallo and Avocado
If you’re going to make a salad, make it over the top and insanely good! No more boring, bland chicken with watery lettuce, please and thank you.
For this one, you’ll need to grab a can of chipotles and use the sauce to give the chicken so much spice and flavor. Between the nutrient-packed black bean mix and the quick pico de gallo, everyone will be fighting for the last spoonful!
5. Tropical Fish Tacos with Mango Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema
For me, tacos are all about the whole package. Yes, the fish has to be perfect, but it’s just not the same without some slaw and a yummy crema!
This mango and cabbage slaw is a total game-changer for your taco nights. That crunchy, zesty, sweet addition just works so well with the flaky fish. It’s a perfect combo.
6. Coconut Curry Chicken with Kale over Basmati Rice
I find that pre-made ‘spice pastes’ can sometimes be a little underwhelming. That’s why I’m obsessed with this simple coconut curry.
All you need is curry powder, chili flakes, tomato paste, and paprika. Cook those until they’re fragrant, then add coconut milk for a super creamy and flavorful curry. So, so good.
7. Mozzarella-Crusted Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes and Potato Wedges
It’s amazing what a good recipe title can do! I’m a huge fan of crusted chicken, but it was the blistered tomatoes that really got my attention here.
This is such a simple recipe, and you only need seven ingredients. The tomatoes and potatoes roast together, and once the chicken is coated, it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
8. Pork and Veggie Bibimbap with Zucchini, Carrots & Jasmine Rice
Bibimbap is a Korean rice dish that you can serve with meat, veggies, or both. For this one, you’ll whip up some ginger and garlic pork to go over simple white rice.
Ground pork is super easy, but if you like a little extra texture, try using thin slices of a pork chop instead.
9. Moo Shu Pork Bowls with Cabbage, Scallions & Buttery Rice
This stupidly simple dish is a mix of ground pork and cabbage with a dressing made from sweet Thai chili sauce, soy glaze, hoisin, and lime juice.
It’s meaty, sweet, tangy, and zesty all at once, and you can have it on the table in just 15 minutes. To make things even faster, use a simple coleslaw mix!
10. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas with Mexican Cheese & Hot Sauce Crema
I’m a massive fan of poblano peppers. They have a milder flavor but still bring a nice little spice, and they are so good roasted and turned into a salsa verde.
This recipe uses pre-made salsa verde for the chicken and pepper filling, but if you’re already buying poblanos, why not try making your own?
11. Szechuan Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry with Candied Peanuts & Jasmine Rice
The prep time for this awesome takeout classic is just 5 minutes. Seriously! You’ll need some of that Szechuan paste again, and you’ll mix it with a sweet soy glaze to balance out the heat.
The extra step of candying the peanuts might not be essential, but that sweet crunch they bring is worth the extra few minutes.
12. Italian Garden Veggie Soup with Kale, Pearled Couscous & Garlic Bread
Not only is this soup super hearty and so filling, but you also get garlic bread on the side for a little extra texture.
I know you have a can of crushed tomatoes in your cupboard, and that’s all it takes to make the base for this. If you don’t have carrots, go ahead and use squash or sweet potatoes.
Not a fan of kale? Use spinach instead!
13. Hearty Steak and Potatoes with Balsamic-Cranberry Pan Sauce
Dishes like this show you just how much love Hello Fresh puts into their recipes. This is not your average steak, and it’s an easy way to impress without breaking the bank.
The rosemary with the potatoes already makes it feel a little extra, and then you get that wonderful sweet and tangy cabbage mix to brighten everything up.
Sirloin is a great choice to keep the price down, but if you want to splurge, I definitely recommend going for a rib eye.
14. Chicken Gyro Couscous Bowls with Hummus, Tomato-Cucumber Salad, and Creamy Feta Sauce
Just like the recipe above, this is a fantastic dish to double up and enjoy over a couple of days. As a bowl, you can serve the za’atar spiced chicken over couscous and top it with a dressed-up tomato and cucumber salad.
And don’t forget that insane feta and sour cream drizzle! The next day, try serving it all in a pita with plenty of extra hummus!
15. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema
Sweet potato tacos are one of my go-to vegetarian meals. They’re super filling, extra sweet, and look so pretty on a plate. Roasting the potatoes gives them an amazing texture and depth of flavor.
I like to add a little paprika to mine for some extra warmth. To make these vegan, just use a dairy-free yogurt alternative instead of sour cream for the crema.
16. Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto with Meyer Lemon and Parmesan
If you’re wondering what a Meyer lemon is, don’t worry! It’s just a fancy hybrid fruit that chefs love to use. You can easily swap it out for half a lemon and half an orange.
Other than that, this recipe is super straightforward and so, so tasty. The shrimp and asparagus are a perfect match for the lemony rice, letting you taste all those delicious individual flavors.
17. Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick-Pickled Veggies and Chili Sour Cream
If you’re getting a little tired of the usual beef or chicken tacos, you have to give these Korean-inspired ones a try.
The ground beef gets cooked with scallions and cabbage for color and texture, and then seasoned with soy and sriracha. The pickled veggies are so easy too!
Just combine radishes, cucumber, vinegar, and sugar with some salt and pepper. Let them sit while the beef cooks, and they’ll be tangy, crunchy, and perfect.
18. Indian Stuffed Peppers with Curried Beef & Garam Masala-scented Rice
I think these look best served right in the peppers, but they’re just as delicious if you slice everything up and serve it in a big bowl. In fact, you could totally serve this like a burrito bowl.
Just layer the basmati rice on the bottom and top it with the peppers and the Garam masala spiced beef, carrots, and peas mix.
19. Sausage and Roasted Bell Pepper Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Garlic Tomato Sauce
Sausage and peppers are such a classic combo! I’m used to having them in a big, toasted hoagie, but serving them over pasta is just as good, if not better!
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, including a homemade sauce using tomato paste, pasta water, and chili. Add some sour cream and parmesan for a creamier finish, and you’ll have one heck of a filling meal in about 30 minutes.
20. Chicken Tabbouleh Bowls with Cilantro & Creamy Feta Sauce
Another day, another vibrant, filling, and healthy grain bowl to keep you satisfied all night long. I usually use couscous for this, and it’s super flavorful when you mix in the harissa powder.
Mix in some cucumber, tomato, scallions, cilantro, and feta, then top it all off with juicy grilled chicken. So yum.
21. Zucchini & Tomato Flatbreads with Lemon Ricotta, Fresh Herbs, Honey & Chili Flakes
I’m pretty sure the only real difference between pizza and flatbread is that flatbread dough usually doesn’t have yeast. You can buy ready-made flatbreads or even try seasoned naan for something extra special, and top them with pretty much anything.
But I really think you’re going to love this version. The lemon and ricotta base is so wonderfully creamy, and the citrus is a perfect match for the veggies on top.
22. Mushroom & Chive Risotto Swirled with Garlic Herb Butter
Mushrooms are the star of this dish, and I like to go a little wild with mine. Just get a fun mix so you have a variety of earthy notes and textures!
Between the risotto, tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic herb butter, and Parmesan, this recipe is more than enough to fill you up.
23. Beefy Taco Casserole with Mixed Green Salad
This lasagna-like dish is going to make your next Taco Tuesday so easy. For this recipe, you’ll make a beef taco filling with ground beef, a Mexican spice blend, and diced tomatoes.
Just layer it up with tortillas and shredded cheese, and serve with a simple, fresh salad on the side.
24. Chicken Pineapple Quesadilla
Depending on your pizza preferences, this one might be a little controversial! I really love the sweet pineapple with the salty and spicy chicken, but you can always leave it out.
And if you’re just not a pineapple person, I can’t recommend mango enough as a substitute!
25. Sweet & Spicy Szechuan Veggie Stir-Fry with Ginger Bulgur & a Fried Egg
This probably won’t surprise you, but this dish needs Szechuan paste to get that rich, deep, spicy flavor. You can find it in most Asian supermarkets, or you can even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Once your veggies are nicely stir-fried, just pour them over the bulgur wheat and top with a sunny-side up fried egg!
26. Chicken Sausage & White Bean Soup with Cheesy Garlic Ciabatta Toasts
If you’ve never had chicken sausage, I definitely recommend giving it a try! You get all the great texture of a sausage with added flavors, and I think they’re a little leaner, too.
I love that this soup uses beans, adding amazing texture and nutrients to the mix. It makes the whole thing so much more filling and brings a buttery richness to every bite.
27. Pork Katsu with Sesame Roasted Carrots & Ginger Rice
I was so excited when I saw this on the Hello Fresh website! I’ve been making a version of pork Katsu since my trip to Hong Kong. It’s a Japanese classic and so easy to make at home.
You can probably find Katsu sauce in the store, but making your own lets you adjust the sweetness. Believe it or not, it’s just a simple mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and soy sauce.
28. Zucchini Pomodoro Penne Bake with Mozzarella & Herbed Ricotta
What’s a better way to get the kids to eat their veggies than by hiding them in pasta? For this recipe, you’ll grate up some zucchini and mix it in with tomatoes and marinara.
The creamy texture comes from a seasoned ricotta mix, and the whole thing gets baked until all that cheese is perfectly melted.
29. Mexican Chicken and Rice Bowl
This recipe is a perfect two-for-one meal that you can easily double and have for lunch the next day.
For dinner, serve up a big bowl of turmeric-seasoned rice topped with southwest-spiced onions, peppers, and chicken. For lunch, just pack it all into a tortilla for a spicy and filling burrito.
30. Curried Cauliflower & Potatoes with Green Peas
One bite of this, and you won’t even miss the meat! Between the cauliflower and the potatoes, it’s jam-packed with hearty textures and so much flavor.
The key to making this dish pop is adding the spices—coriander, cumin, curry powder, and Thai chili—right as the onions get soft. The heat helps them release their oils and really amps up the flavor.
