17 Easy Dinner Ideas That Beat Takeout Any Day

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17 Easy Dinner Ideas That Beat Takeout Any Day

Looking for dinner ideas that are simple to make and more satisfying than ordering pizza? These 17 recipes offer straightforward, delicious alternatives that can be whipped up in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Each one is designed to provide a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

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Birra de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Middle Eastern rice bowl

Middle eastern rice bowl close up.
Middle Eastern rice bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Middle Eastern rice bowl combines protein-rich tofu with fragrant basmati rice and spices for a satisfying meal in 30 minutes. It’s a healthful mix that brings together the warmth of cumin and coriander. This dish is a simple and nutritious alternative to ordering out, with a balance of flavors that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern rice bowl

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

One stuffed pepper on platewith pot in background.
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ground turkey stuffed peppers are a wholesome meal that can be prepared in about an hour. They are filled with a tasty mix of lean ground turkey, bell peppers, and cheese. The peppers become soft in the oven, and the turkey mixture is hearty, making for a comforting dinner. It’s a complete meal in a pepper that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet pan salmon and cauliflower.
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is a flavorful and easy-to-make option that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pan meal includes salmon fillets, vegetables, and a robust blend of Moroccan spices. The salmon is tender, and the spices add a warm, inviting flavor. It’s a no-fuss way to enjoy a flavorful fish dinner.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Easy roasted chicken with parsley and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a homey dish that bakes in about an hour. The chicken soaks in buttermilk and herbs, resulting in a moist and flavorful meal. Crispy potatoes round out the dish, offering a satisfying crunch. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers on comfort and taste.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf is a hearty and healthful dish ready in about an hour. It features the nutty taste of wild rice with the natural sweetness of butternut squash, cranberries, and pecans. The pilaf has a pleasing blend of flavors and textures. It’s a satisfying standalone meal or a complementary side.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Ajiaco Recipe

Bowl of chicken Ajiaco soup.
Ajiaco Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Ajiaco recipe is a Colombian chicken and potato stew that cooks for around an hour and a half. It combines chicken, potatoes, and the herb guasca for its characteristic flavor. The stew is thick and filling, with a unique, comforting taste. Ajiaco is a heartwarming dish that brings traditional Colombian flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup cooks slowly, creating a creamy and satisfying soup over several hours. It’s made with ham, potatoes, and a mix of vegetables, resulting in a thick and flavorful soup. The creamy texture and homestyle taste make it an effortless and warming meal. It’s a simple, delicious option for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas are a quick and simple meal that comes together in 20 minutes. Steak and shrimp are cooked with peppers and onions, all seasoned with fajita spices. The result is a dish with bold flavors that’s perfect for an easy family dinner. It’s a healthier and faster alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Jeweled vegetarian rice plov

Jeweled vegetarian rice plov. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Jeweled vegetarian rice plov is a colorful dish that’s ready in 50 minutes. It’s a combination of rice with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The dish offers a mix of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice. It’s an attractive and nutritious way to brighten up dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled vegetarian rice plov

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Enchiladas offer a new take on a Mexican favorite, ready in 30 minutes. They use an air fryer for a quick cook, resulting in a crispy shell with a warm, cheesy center. Ingredients include tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce. The enchiladas have a satisfying crunch with a spicy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Spicy Tofu Tacos

A plate of fish tacos with slaw and dipping sauce.
Spicy Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spicy Tofu Tacos are a plant-based twist on taco night and can be made in under 30 minutes. Crispy tofu is paired with a spicy sauce and fresh toppings inside soft tortillas. The tacos have a zesty flavor and provide a lighter meal option. This dish is an easy way to add variety to your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

Vegetable Yaki Udon

A bowl of vegetable yaki udon is shown with wooden chopsticks, a wok of yaki udon, and scallions in the background.
Vegetable Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Vegetable Yaki Udon is a quick and satisfying stir-fried noodle dish, ready in about 25 minutes. It combines thick udon noodles with a variety of vegetables and a flavorful sauce. The noodles have a chewy texture, and the sauce adds a rich taste. It’s a simple and tasty choice for a meatless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Yaki Udon

Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks are easy to make, with about an hour of marinating and cooking time. The drumsticks are marinated in a citrus blend with spices. After cooking, they are juicy with a tangy and herby flavor. This dish is a delicious way to add a touch of South American flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Kebabs on a plate with a lemon wedge.
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs are a Middle Eastern dish that’s ready in 40 minutes. They’re made with ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices formed into kebabs. Once grilled, the kebabs have a smoky and savory flavor. It’s a great vegetarian alternative to traditional meat kebabs.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Chicken Yaki Udon

chicken yaki udon in a white bowl with chopsticks beside a wok.
Chicken Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken Yaki Udon is a fast and filling dish, ready in just 25 minutes. It features chicken, udon noodles, and vegetables in a savory sauce. The dish is flavorful, with a mix of soft and chewy textures. It’s an ideal option for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Yaki Udon

Shrimp Yaki Udon

A white bowl of shrimp yaki udon with wooden chopsticks.
Shrimp Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Shrimp Yaki Udon is a seafood dish that’s ready in 25 minutes. It includes shrimp, udon noodles, and vegetables, all in a tasty sauce. The shrimp are tender, and the noodles provide a comforting base. It’s a quick and enjoyable way to have a Japanese-inspired dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yaki Udon

Birra de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Birra de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Birra de Res is a Mexican stew that slow cooks to perfection, taking several hours. The main ingredients are chuck roast and a mix of dried chilies, resulting in tender meat with a deep, rich flavor. It’s a hands-off meal that’s perfect for a comforting dinner at home. The stew is hearty and satisfying, with a bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Birra de Res

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