17 Foolproof Favorites for When You’re Out of Dinner Ideas

Photo of author

| Published:

17 Foolproof Favorites for When You’re Out of Dinner Ideas

Here are 17 foolproof favorites – recipes that are as comforting as your favorite sweatpants, but that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Think quick and easy skillet meals that come together in under 30 minutes, one-pot wonders that practically cook themselves, and pantry staples transformed into delicious dishes.

https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/green-lakes-state-park-5-1-edited.jpg
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef is the foolproof favorite that brings a crispy, sweet, and salty experience to your dinner table. It’s a speedy solution for a flavorful meal, ready in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is your go-to slow cooker dish when you’re fresh out of dinner ideas. It combines tender chicken and a creamy sauce for a stress-free restaurant-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole is the foolproof casserole that brings the fun of street food right to your kitchen. It’s a hearty and enjoyable dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting choice when you need a simple dinner. This homemade version captures a beloved flavor profile in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When in need of a no-fail dinner, Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are the answer. They combine minimal effort with peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce for a delicious result.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is your foolproof favorite for a comforting, homestyle meal. It’s a copycat recipe that brings the restaurant experience to your dining room.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is the dependable choice for a quick and flavorful meal. In about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hot plate of delicious chicken thighs.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops are the foolproof comfort food for a cozy evening. They’re smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce that’s effortlessly delightful.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a foolproof favorite for a comforting meal. It’s an easy slow cooker recipe that brings the taste of Olive Garden to your home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the foolproof option for a homemade version of the restaurant classic. It’s a velvety-smooth soup that’s perfect for any family meal.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Fish and fries on a metal tray with tartar sauce and lemon.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips is a foolproof favorite for a fish fry at home. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a crunchy and flaky meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Rice Skillet is the foolproof one-pan meal that’s ready in a flash. It combines all the beloved taco flavors in a hearty dish that’s sure to be a family hit.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is the foolproof favorite for a comforting and easy dinner. It’s a rich, creamy dish that reassures you dinner can be both delicious and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is the foolproof way to enjoy a zesty, homemade meal. It’s a flavorful dish that brings the allure of your favorite takeout right to your table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are the foolproof way to enjoy a smoky, tangy meal with minimal effort. They’re a set-it-and-forget-it dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is the foolproof solution for a nutritious one-pot meal. It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful dish packed with veggies.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Manicotti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Baked Manicotti is the foolproof favorite for a cheesy, comforting meal. It’s the perfect dish for turning an ordinary evening into a delightful Italian feast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are the foolproof choice when you need a simple yet flavorful dinner. They’re a set-it-and-forget-it dish that promises a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.