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Home » Dinner

These 23 Dinners Are Your Answer to “What’s for Dinner?”

Published: Jun 4, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When you're staring at the fridge wondering what to cook, these dinners are exactly what you need. Quick scroll, problem solved. No second-guessing, no overthinking—just great meals you’ll actually want to make. Whether you're cooking for yourself or the whole crew, this list makes it easy to get something solid on the table.

An overhead view of three fried avocado tacos on parchment paper surrounded by garnishes.

Fried Avocado Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Veggie Quesadilla

An overhead image of veggie quesadilla on a serving board with a dip on the side.
Veggie Quesadilla. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and cheese turn these quesadillas into a go-to dinner that’s bold and filling. Comes together easily with pantry basics and a creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Quesadilla

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of creamy mushroom pasta on a serving plate.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamy mushroom pasta is fast, garlicky, and exactly the kind of thing to make when you’re short on time. It’s ready in 30 minutes and feels like a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Green Rice Casserole

An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish.
Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This green rice casserole comes together fast and hits that spot when you need something hearty and easy. It’s packed with flavor and ready in under 35 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Salt and Pepper Tofu

An overhead image of salt and pepper tofu in a bowl with rice.
Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy salt and pepper tofu with a kick of heat is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a smart, high-protein dinner when you need something fast that still delivers.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Tofu

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

An overhead image of slow cooker French onion soup.
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This slow cooker French onion soup makes things simple without skipping any flavor. Caramelized onions and melty cheese make it feel like more than just soup night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Vegetarian Enchiladas

A close up image of a serving of vegetarian enchiladas on a plate.
Vegetarian Enchiladas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegetarian enchiladas bring the flavor and comfort without the long prep. Covered in queso and red sauce, they’re perfect when you want something that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchiladas

Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom stroganoff is creamy, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes. It's a great choice when you're craving something hearty but don’t want to spend all night cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

An overhead image of slow cooker tikka masala in a bowl with rice, with a slow cooker on the background.
Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker tikka masala is packed with bold spices and comes together with almost no effort. It’s a strong choice when you want something cozy and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

A bowl of Sheet Pan Bibimbap with a pair of chopsticks.
Sheet Pan Bibimbap. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sheet pan bibimbap is loaded with roasted veggies and tofu for a bold and balanced dinner. It’s all done in 35 minutes and built for weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Fried Avocado Tacos

An overhead view of three fried avocado tacos on parchment paper surrounded by garnishes.
Fried Avocado Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fried avocado tacos with refried beans and poblano sauce make a great plant-based dinner option. They're crispy, creamy, and a smart pick for switching up your routine.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos

Vegetable Pot Pie

An image of vegetable pot pie in a baking dish, with a portion missing.
Vegetable Pot Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetable pot pie uses simple ingredients and a flaky crust to deliver a full meal in one dish. It’s a strong pick for nights when you want something comforting and filling.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

Pasta alla Norma

An overhead image of Pasta alla Norma in a bowl with another bowl of pasta on the side.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta alla Norma comes together in 30 minutes with tomato sauce, eggplant, and basil. It’s a solid weeknight choice when you want a dinner that actually feels like dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tater tot casserole is packed with vegetables, topped with crispy tots, and easy to prep. It’s a no-stress option for busy nights when you still want something hot and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

An overhead image of serving stuffed shells with ricotta.
Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These baked stuffed shells come with ricotta, marinara, and plenty of melted cheese. A solid comfort dinner when you want something simple that still feels like effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

Easy Cabbage Curry

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate.
Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cabbage curry comes together in one pot in just 25 minutes. It’s a fast and practical choice when you need something plant-based and filling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Pineapple Fried Rice

An image of pineapple fried rice on a plate.
Pineapple Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pineapple fried rice is made on one sheet pan for less mess and quicker cleanup. It’s a great dinner when you want something a little different that still fits into a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This three-ingredient bucatini cacio e pepe is simple, fast, and straight to the point. It's one of those dinners that's surprisingly bold with barely any effort.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetable lasagna uses roasted veggies, pasta, and ricotta for a full meatless meal. It's a strong dinner pick when you want something classic and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry

A close up image of frozen vegetable stir fry served over rice.
Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Frozen veggie stir fry with tofu is quick, adaptable, and made with pantry staples. It’s a good call for those nights when you need something fast that still counts as dinner.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Beef and rice casserole bakes in one dish with melted cheese and spices. It’s a go-to when you want a low-effort dinner that fills everyone up.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken cordon bleu casserole takes classic flavors and puts them in a single dish. It’s a reliable choice when you need something practical but still crave flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese and Vegetables

Overhead image of sheet pan chicken caprese and vegetables.
Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese and Vegetables. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Caprese chicken with vegetables comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal prep. It’s a strong option when you want something that feels complete without much work.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese and Vegetables

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Paprika chicken with roasted vegetables is an easy sheet pan meal that gets straight to the point. It’s what to make when you’re hungry and don’t feel like guessing.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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