Weekends are the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a hot, comforting meal. These 39 recipes show that making a big, delicious dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple steps, you can fill your home with amazing smells and bring the family together at the table. You don’t need to be a chef; just a kitchen and some basic ingredients are all it takes.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken strips get coated in a crunchy cornflake crust that keeps the meat juicy and tender inside. The steps are simple, but the flavor feels like a restaurant dish made at home. This easy homemade dinner recipe shows that comfort food can be quick, satisfying, and fully from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs cook in a rich tomato sauce that is bold and full of flavor. The recipe is straightforward and comes together faster than expected while still tasting deeply homemade. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a classic meal that fills the kitchen with satisfying aroma.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta tossed with butter, cheese, and black pepper creates a simple dish packed with creamy flavor. It comes together in minutes but tastes like a recipe made carefully from scratch. This easy dinner recipe shows that sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying at home.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna noodles are rolled with layers of cheese and sauce for a portioned, easy-to-serve meal. Baking them takes little time while keeping the rich and filling taste of a homemade dinner. This from-scratch recipe is a simple way to enjoy comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Chicken Curry
Tender chicken cooks in coconut milk with spices that blend into a creamy, comforting sauce. The recipe is easy to follow, but the flavor feels deep and thoughtful like it were simmered for hours. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a satisfying homemade meal with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken simmers in a creamy paprika sauce that’s rich and flavorful with very little effort. This one-pot recipe stays simple while giving the impression of a slow-cooked, homemade dinner. It’s a great from-scratch option when a filling and comforting meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Juicy chicken cooks alongside orzo, herbs, and feta for a dish that’s hearty yet balanced. The ingredients come together quickly but taste as if they were prepared with care. This easy homemade dinner recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal without takeout.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Creamy Pea Pasta
Pasta tossed in a light, creamy sauce with sweet peas creates a filling and comforting dish. The recipe is fast and easy, but still tastes thoughtful and homemade. Make this from-scratch dinner when you want a simple, satisfying meal at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Asian Glazed Salmon
Salmon is coated in a sweet and savory glaze that seeps into every bite for rich, balanced flavor. It cooks quickly but tastes like it was carefully prepared from scratch. This easy homemade dinner recipe proves that fast meals can be flavorful and satisfying at home.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Beer Cheese Soup
Melted cheese and beer come together in a creamy soup that’s warm and comforting. The recipe takes little time but tastes thoughtful and fully homemade. Make this from-scratch dinner when a rich and satisfying meal is needed without delivery.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Orange Chicken
Crispy chicken gets coated in a sticky orange sauce that balances sweet and tangy flavors for a lively meal. It comes together quickly but tastes like a homemade dinner made with care. This easy homemade dinner recipe is one you’ll want to make this weekend for a meal that feels fun and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken bakes in a sweet honey glaze that caramelizes into a rich, bold flavor. The steps are simple, but the result tastes thoughtful and comforting. This homemade dinner recipe is perfect for a weekend meal that feels special without taking hours to make.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey is mixed with spices to create juicy, flavorful burgers that cook quickly. The taste is hearty, satisfying, and feels completely homemade. Make this easy dinner recipe this weekend when you want a meal that’s simple, delicious, and better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy Arborio rice cooks with peas and lemon for a dish that feels fresh, flavorful, and rich. The recipe is straightforward, but the flavor feels carefully balanced and homemade. This dinner recipe is one you’ll want to make this weekend when you want a filling, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Kefta Kebabs
Ground meat is seasoned with spices and grilled until it is smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The steps are simple and straightforward, but the result tastes like a carefully made, special homemade dinner. These kebabs are perfect for the weekend, giving a bold and satisfying meal that comes together without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken cooks with garlic and lemon for a bright, fresh flavor that never feels heavy. It comes together quickly while tasting rich and homemade. This is a dinner recipe you’ll want to make this weekend when you want something flavorful and simple to serve.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Tender rice, seasoned beef, and melted cheese bake into a warm, hearty, and comforting dish. The recipe is easy to put together but tastes fully homemade and satisfying. Make this dinner recipe this weekend when you want a filling meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory spices come together in one skillet for all the flavor of egg rolls. The recipe is fast and easy while tasting like a satisfying homemade dinner. This is a recipe you’ll want to make this weekend when you want a simple, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Pizza Rolls
Soft dough wraps chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce into golden, gooey rolls that are fun to eat. The flavors feel playful while staying easy to prepare at home. Make these pizza rolls this weekend for a homemade dinner that beats ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Tender chicken and vegetables simmer in a creamy sauce topped with flaky biscuits for a cozy, hearty meal. The steps stay simple while the result tastes like a comforting homemade dinner. This is a dinner recipe you’ll want to make this weekend when a filling and satisfying meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Italian Meatball Soup
Meatballs simmer in a rich, flavorful broth that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. The recipe comes together easily but fills the kitchen with the comfort of a homemade dinner. This is a recipe you’ll want to make this weekend for a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon bakes in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan for bold flavor. The steps are simple, but the dish feels like a rich, homemade dinner. Make this recipe this weekend for a meal that tastes special without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Miso Glazed Salmon
A miso glaze coats salmon with sweet and savory flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. It cooks quickly but tastes like a homemade dinner with care behind every bite. This is a recipe you’ll want to make this weekend when you want something flavorful and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Tamale Pot Pies
Chicken and corn fill a golden masa crust for a meal that tastes warm and comforting. The recipe is easy to follow while still feeling like a homemade dinner. Make these this weekend when you want a fun and hearty dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Asian Marinated Steak
Steak soaks in a mix of soy, garlic, and ginger for juicy, flavorful meat ready in minutes. The flavors feel thoughtful and homemade, even though it’s quick to cook. This is a dinner you’ll want to make this weekend when you want bold flavor with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Vegan Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous mixes with crisp vegetables and herbs for a colorful, satisfying meal. The recipe comes together fast but tastes like a well-made homemade dinner. Make this one this weekend when you want a simple, fresh meal that still feels filling.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Honey Habanero Tacos
Sweet honey and spicy habanero coat ground beef for tacos that are bold, flavorful, and fun to eat. The recipe is quick but tastes layered and homemade. This is a dinner you’ll want to make this weekend when you want a meal that feels exciting at home.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Tomato Soup
Ripe tomatoes cook down into a smooth, rich soup that tastes fresh and comforting. The recipe is easy but feels like a homemade dinner with care in every spoonful. Cook this this weekend when you want a classic, satisfying meal that fills the kitchen with aroma.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Carnitas
Pork cooks until tender and soaks up savory seasonings for rich, satisfying flavor. The steps are simple, but the result tastes like a homemade dinner worth sharing. This is a recipe you’ll want to make this weekend for a hearty meal that works in tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chicken soaks in lemon and herbs before cooking to juicy, flavorful perfection. The recipe comes together easily but tastes like a homemade dinner with care in every bite. This dish is perfect for the weekend, offering a bright and satisfying meal that’s simple to serve.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Garlic and seasonings fill the slow cooker while the pork turns tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The meat is easy to slice, shred, or serve alongside vegetables for a complete homemade dinner. This is a recipe you’ll look forward to making this weekend because it feels comforting and effortless at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy tortellini, chicken, and vegetables come together in a rich, savory broth that feels hearty and satisfying. The recipe is quick to prep but delivers the warmth and care of a homemade meal. This dinner recipe is perfect for a cozy night with the family without any takeout needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
A crisp pizza crust topped with asparagus, creamy goat cheese, and light seasoning creates a fresh, flavorful homemade dinner. The recipe is simple, but the result tastes as if it came from a restaurant. Make this pizza for a weekend night that feels fun and satisfying without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Pulled Pork
Slow-cooked pork becomes tender, smoky, and juicy enough to shred for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls. The preparation is easy, but the flavors feel deep and homemade. This is a dinner recipe that turns a few simple ingredients into something everyone will enjoy gathering around.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Potato Gnocchi
Soft potato gnocchi cook into tender dumplings that soak up sauce beautifully for a comforting meal. The recipe is easy to follow, and the flavors feel thoughtful and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a weekend dinner that feels special while staying simple and approachable.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta coat tender pasta for a dish that feels fresh, filling, and homemade. The ingredients are simple, yet every bite tastes like care went into the meal. This pasta is one you’ll want to make for a dinner that’s quick but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Poached Orange Salmon
Fresh orange juice keeps salmon tender while adding bright, clean flavor to the dish. The recipe is straightforward but tastes as if it came from a thoughtful homemade dinner. Make this one for a weekend night when a light but flavorful meal is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken, noodles, and broth come together in the Instant Pot to create rich, comforting soup in less time. Every spoonful tastes like a warm, homemade dinner full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a simple, satisfying meal without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Pork, beans, and spices cook slowly until the flavors are smoky, bold, and blended perfectly. The slow cooker does the work while giving the taste of a hearty homemade dinner. This is a recipe that turns a few ingredients into a filling and flavorful weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili