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    Home » Updates

    Dinner Ideas

    Modified: Jun 12, 2025 · Published: May 16, 2024 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    13 shares
    Dinner Ideas landing page pin

    Are you in a dinner rut and looking for something new to shake up your routine? Mess for Less has got you covered with some delicious Dinner Ideas! We’re all about making life a little easier and a lot tastier.

    Cooking dinner doesn't have to be a chore. With just a few shortcuts and the right recipes, you can whip up something yummy that the whole family will love.

    Dinner Ideas landing page pin

    Check out these easy dinners and meal ideas that will take the stress out of your day. There are plenty of options for everyone!

    Jump to:
    • Dinner Ideas
    • Dinner Casseroles
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Ground Beef Dinner Ideas
    • Chicken Dinner Ideas
    • Instant Pot Dinner Ideas
    • Crockpot Dinner Ideas
    • Fun Dinner Ideas for Kids
    • Best Tools For Home Cooks

    Dinner Ideas

    Coming up with new dinner ideas can feel like one more thing to do at the end of a busy day. But you can switch things up by mixing in a new recipe with some old favorites. That's where we come in. I am sharing some of our favorite dinner recipes in a variety of categories.

    Whether you are looking for a pasta dish, casserole, slow cooker, or Instant Pot dinner, it's all here! Hopefully some of these meals will become new family favorites and keep you from dreading the "what's for dinner" question.

    chicken and veggies with rice in bowl

    Dinner Casseroles

    I love the comfort and convenience of dinner casseroles. Casseroles are incredibly versatile, and you can make one to cater to everyone's tastes. Whether it’s a veggie lasagna, a tater tot casserole, or a classic chicken and rice dish, there’s one out there for everyone.

    It’s no wonder casseroles have become a go-to for busy moms looking to get a hearty and yummy meal to the table with minimal fuss.

    • Chili Casserole
    • Crack Chicken Casserole
    • Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
    • Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
    • Cheesy Chicken Casserole
    • Chicken and Rice Casserole
    • Ranch Chicken and Pasta Bake
    • Chicken and Potato Casserole
    • Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
    • Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Bake
    • Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole
    • Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
    • Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
    • Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    • Chicken Alfredo Casserole
    • Southwestern Chicken Casserole
    • Make Ahead Broccoli Rice Casserole
    crack chicken casserole

    Pasta Recipes

    Pasta is a popular choice for dinner, and with good reason. It cooks up quickly and can be used in a variety of cuisines. Whether you're in the mood for a light, veggie-packed dish or something rich and creamy, you can find a pasta dish that will satisfy you.

    From spaghetti nights that inspire the whole family to get together to gooey, cheesy dishes, pasta makes dinner time a whole lot easier.

    • Chinese Spaghetti
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
    • Chicken Taco Stuffed Shells
    • Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
    • Bacon Mac and Cheese
    • Stuffed Shells Recipe
    • Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Pancetta
    • Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
    • How to Make Lasagna Cups
    • Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Cups
    • Macaroni Casserole
    • Taco Stuffed Shells Casserole
    • Chicken Pasta Bake
    • Easy One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
    • Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
    • One Pot Pizza Pasta Casserole
    • Chili Macaroni Casserole
    • Beef and Tomato Pasta
    • Creamy Gnocchi with Tomatoes
    • Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
    • Creamy Pasta With Zucchini And Bacon
    • Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
    • Ground Beef and Noodle Soup
    chicken tuscan pasta in skillet

    Ground Beef Dinner Ideas

    When it comes to dinner ideas, ground beef is a protein-filled and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. You can make meatballs or burgers, or mix things up with tacos and chili.

    With ground beef as your main ingredient, the options are endless and sure to satisfy any appetite. Get creative in the kitchen with some of these tasty ground beef dinner ideas!

    • Mexican Sopes Recipe
    • Beef with Garlic Sauce
    • Crockpot Hamburger Macaroni Soup
    • Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
    • Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
    • 4 Ingredient Easy Meatballs
    • Cheeseburger Meatloaf
    • Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
    • Zucchini Taco Boats
    cheeseburger meatloaf

    Chicken Dinner Ideas

    Chicken is one of the most popular dinner ingredients. It is easy to prepare and can be included in many different recipes. Plus, it's pretty affordable compared to other forms of protein, which makes it perfect for budget-friendly meals.

    There are endless ways to season and prepare chicken, so you'll never get bored with your dinner options.

    • Chicken Teriyaki
    • Cajun Chicken Recipe
    • Chicken Stuffed Peppers
    • Air Fryer Chicken Caprese
    • Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
    teriyaki chicken casserole on plate and in pan

    Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

    The Instant Pot makes dinner prep so much easier and faster. It is a huge time saver that helps you whip up a delicious meal in no time and have minimal clean-up afterward.

    Plus, who doesn't love a one-pot meal? The pressure cooker is perfect for those lazy nights when you just can't be bothered to cook but still want a homemade meal.

    • Instant Pot Crack Chicken
    • Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos with Lime
    • Peanut Butter Chicken in the Instant Pot
    • Beef and Broccoli Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
    • Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
    • Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
    • Instant Pot Meatballs with BBQ Sauce
    • Instant Pot Chili with Beans
    • Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in the Instant Pot
    • Caribbean Chicken in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Recipe for Teriyaki Pork
    Instant-Pot-Orange-Glazed-Meatballs-8

    Crockpot Dinner Ideas

    Crockpot dinners are a game changer when it comes to cooking. They are super easy to make, and the results are always delicious. Plus, crockpots are perfect for busy days when you don't have time to make a complicated meal.

    Slow-cooker meals are simple, convenient, and satisfying. So, if you haven't jumped on the crock pot bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for?

    • Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken
    • Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
    • Crockpot Gravy Chicken
    • Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
    • Crock Pot Chicken Soup
    • Mexican Crockpot Chicken
    • Chicken with Pesto and Sundried Tomatoes
    • Crockpot Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
    • Slow Cooker Pork Roast
    • Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin and Potatoes
    cropped-crockpot-mississippi-pot-roast-13.jpg

    Fun Dinner Ideas for Kids

    Almost all of the dinner ideas presented here are kid-friendly. But let's face it: Kids can be picky, and sometimes, even when you make something delicious, they will turn up their noses.

    But there are some fun and whimsical dinner recipes that kids can't resist. They are especially open to trying new food if they help prepare it themselves, so include them in the process of cooking!

    • Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
    • Cooking Cheesy Beef Taco Crescent Cups with Kids
    • Homemade Pizza Rolls
    • Hidden Veggie Baked Mac and Cheese
    • Mac and Cheese Muffins
    • Easy Italian Recipes
    • Baked Macaroni and Cheese
    texas toast sloppy joes

    Best Tools For Home Cooks

    You will need some important tools to get dinner on the table fast. The right kitchen gadgets can significantly reduce prep time and make cooking more enjoyable.

    A good knife set is crucial for chopping, slicing, and dicing. Pair those with cutting boards to protect surfaces and prevent the spread of bacteria. A non-stick skillet and a slow cooker are also items you will use all the time.

    If you don't have any of these tools, you can find them on Amazon so you are ready to tackle any recipe that comes your way.

    Spice by Tia Mowry Savory Saffron 14 Piece Cutlery Knife Block Set - Aqua BlueSpice by Tia Mowry Savory Saffron 14 Piece Cutlery Knife Block Set - Aqua BlueSpice by Tia Mowry Savory Saffron 14 Piece Cutlery Knife Block Set - Aqua BlueAmazon Basics Color-Coded Kitchen 12-Piece Knife Set, 6 Knives with 6 Blade Guards, Multicolor, 13.88 x 4.13 x 1.38 inchAmazon Basics Color-Coded Kitchen 12-Piece Knife Set, 6 Knives with 6 Blade Guards, Multicolor, 13.88 x 4.13 x 1.38 inchAmazon Basics Color-Coded Kitchen 12-Piece Knife Set, 6 Knives with 6 Blade Guards, Multicolor, 13.88 x 4.13 x 1.38 inchFarberware Plastic Cutting Board with Aqua Nonslip Edges and Stylish Marble Pattern-Dishwasher Kitchen Essential for Everyday Use-Durable Poly Material, Food-Safe, Easy to Clean, 11x14-InchFarberware Plastic Cutting Board with Aqua Nonslip Edges and Stylish Marble Pattern-Dishwasher Kitchen Essential for Everyday Use-Durable Poly Material, Food-Safe, Easy to Clean, 11x14-InchFarberware Plastic Cutting Board with Aqua Nonslip Edges and Stylish Marble Pattern-Dishwasher Kitchen Essential for Everyday Use-Durable Poly Material, Food-Safe, Easy to Clean, 11x14-InchGreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 7GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 7GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 7BETTERBEAUTY Cookie Sheets for Baking, Nonstick Oven Pan Set of 3 with Wide Edge, Half/Jelly Roll/Quarter Baking Tray, Dishwasher Safe Easy Clean for Kitchen Oven Pan Bakeware SetBETTERBEAUTY Cookie Sheets for Baking, Nonstick Oven Pan Set of 3 with Wide Edge, Half/Jelly Roll/Quarter Baking Tray, Dishwasher Safe Easy Clean for Kitchen Oven Pan Bakeware SetBETTERBEAUTY Cookie Sheets for Baking, Nonstick Oven Pan Set of 3 with Wide Edge, Half/Jelly Roll/Quarter Baking Tray, Dishwasher Safe Easy Clean for Kitchen Oven Pan Bakeware SetHacaroa Set of 3 Ceramic Baking Dishes, Rectangular Bakeware with Handles, Elegant Casserole Dish Set Lasagna Pan for Baking, Cooking, Cake Dinner, Banquet, Lake Blue, 3 SizesHacaroa Set of 3 Ceramic Baking Dishes, Rectangular Bakeware with Handles, Elegant Casserole Dish Set Lasagna Pan for Baking, Cooking, Cake Dinner, Banquet, Lake Blue, 3 SizesHacaroa Set of 3 Ceramic Baking Dishes, Rectangular Bakeware with Handles, Elegant Casserole Dish Set Lasagna Pan for Baking, Cooking, Cake Dinner, Banquet, Lake Blue, 3 Sizes

     

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    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Harriet Young says

      May 17, 2024 at 1:01 am

      Brilliant ideas! There are loads that my kids like, particularly the Mac n cheese muffins. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 17, 2024 at 11:48 am

        Mac and cheese in any form is always a hit with kids!

        Reply
    2. Shelby says

      May 17, 2024 at 12:19 am

      So many delicious dinner ideas here! I often fall into a rut, so this is very helpful for inspiration! Especially can't wait to make one of the pasta bakes.

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 17, 2024 at 11:48 am

        Thank you! So glad these dinner ideas are helpful!

        Reply
    3. Dina and Bruce says

      May 16, 2024 at 11:12 pm

      So many good ideas ! The zucchini boats were amazing! Can not wait to make so many more of these dinners!

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 17, 2024 at 11:49 am

        Thanks! Glad you loved the zucchini boats!

        Reply
    4. Gianne says

      May 16, 2024 at 8:17 pm

      The recipes were not only delicious but also easy to follow. I loved how creative and diverse the options were. Can't wait to try more!

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 17, 2024 at 11:49 am

        I am all about easy dinner recipes!

        Reply
    5. DK says

      May 16, 2024 at 7:31 pm

      What a great round up for dinner ideas! My favorite is the Texas toast sloppy joes!

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        May 17, 2024 at 11:49 am

        Texas Toast sloppy joes is my kids' favorite as well.

        Reply
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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