33 Weeknight Meals That Start Simple and End with “Can We Have This Again?”

Weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. These 33 meals start with simple ingredients and easy steps, but end with everyone asking for seconds. They’re quick to make, satisfying to eat, and designed to turn busy evenings into dinners the whole family will enjoy. With options everyone will enjoy, these dinners make weeknights easier and more fun at the same time.

Image shows semi homemade chicken empanada recipe.

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

Image shows delicious air fried tortilla pizza.
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A crisp tortilla cooks fast into a golden crust that makes the perfect base for a quick pizza dinner. Toppings can be added any way you like, so everyone gets the flavors they want without fuss. This is a kid-friendly dinner recipe that turns into fun mini pizzas that always leave people asking for more.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken coated in sweet and smoky BBQ sauce makes a meal that is both easy and filling. It can be piled onto sandwiches, stuffed in tacos, or spooned over rice for a dinner that works any night of the week. This delicious dinner recipe is one of those simple meals that disappears fast and always has people wanting it again.

Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bright tomato and zesty lime cook with juicy chicken to bring big flavor with very little work. The dish is easy to serve with rice, tucked into tacos, or plated with a simple side. This recipe makes weeknight dinners both bold and simple, and it often ends with requests to make it again.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups

Image shows a lasagna roll up on a white plaet.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Lasagna noodles are rolled with cheese and baked into individual portions that make serving simple. The cheesy rolls cook quickly, making them perfect for busy nights when time is tight. This is a family favorite dinner recipe that turns a classic meal into bite-sized pieces that kids can’t wait to eat again.

Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups

Chicken Fried Rice

Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fluffy rice, tender chicken, and mixed vegetables come together for a fast and filling dinner. The pan cooks quickly and the flavors are familiar, making it easy for kids and adults to enjoy. This easy weeknight meal is one of those go-to recipes that works again and again without fail.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows yummy kefta kebab for dinner.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spiced ground meat is shaped onto skewers and cooked until juicy, creating a dinner that feels both fun and flavorful. The sticks make serving simple and give kids a reason to dig in with their hands. This delicious dinner recipe makes weeknights exciting and is one of those meals people ask for again.

Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows delicious semi homemade chicken empanadas.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Flaky pastry wraps around a savory chicken filling to create hand-held pockets that are easy to eat. They bake quickly and are great for nights when you need dinner ready without a lot of effort. This kid-friendly recipe makes dinner fun, and it always ends with empty plates and happy faces.

Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows easy to make instant pot spaghetti and meatballs.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy meatballs simmer in tomato sauce until tender and flavorful, perfect for spooning over pasta, rice, or bread. The recipe is easy to make and fills the table with a hearty meal that satisfies. This delicious dinner recipe is a comfort food classic that keeps kids asking for another helping.

Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs

Image shows a skewer of lemon marinated chicken held diagonally with green grass in the background.
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken soaks in lemon marinade before being grilled or baked on skewers for quick and tasty results. The bright flavor pairs with simple sides, making it a fast choice for busy weeknights. This is a fun and flavorful dinner recipe that kids enjoy and families want made again.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs

Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Image shows an overhead shot of Chicken stew with biscuits in a blue ceramic enameled pot.
Chicken Stew with Biscuits. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken and vegetables simmer in a creamy sauce topped with golden, fluffy biscuits that soak up every drop. The dish comes together without much work and feels like a complete meal in one pot. This comforting dinner recipe is one that families love and often ask for on repeat.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy chicken salad comes together in minutes with only a few simple steps, making it a light but filling meal. It can be scooped onto bread, crackers, or lettuce for quick and easy dinners. This kid-friendly recipe is one of those weeknight meals that feels effortless and ends with every bite gone.

Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Hot dogs wrapped in buttery crescent dough bake into soft, golden rolls that make dinner fun. They are quick to prepare and simple enough to serve as either a meal or a hearty snack. This easy dinner recipe is always a hit with kids, and it often turns into a request to make them again soon.

Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs

Italian Meatball Soup

Image shows A bowl of italian meatball soup with a basil leaf on top.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A warm broth filled with tender meatballs makes this soup both hearty and easy to enjoy on busy nights. It takes little time to prepare but fills bowls with comfort and flavor. This is a delicious dinner recipe that kids love, and it often ends with second helpings.

Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Bowl of chicken noodle soup with carrots, celery, and noodles, next to sliced bread on a wooden cutting board with a knife.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken, noodles, and savory broth come together in minutes using the Instant Pot, making this classic dinner fast and simple. The flavors are warm, familiar, and perfect for when everyone needs a filling meal. This recipe is a weeknight favorite that never lasts long because it always gets eaten up fast.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pasta shells are filled with creamy cheese, baked to golden perfection, and served hot for a comforting dinner. The dish comes together easily, which makes it perfect for weeknights when time is short. This is a delicious dinner recipe that feels special but simple, and kids often ask for it again.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Pizza Rolls

Image shows yummy bite of pizza rolls.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Gooey cheese, chicken, and spinach are wrapped into bite-sized rolls that bake in minutes for a fast meal. They are easy to grab, making them great for kids who like fun, finger-friendly dinners. This kid-approved dinner recipe is one that always disappears and leaves everyone wanting another batch.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

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.

Seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and plenty of melted cheese come together in one pan for a hearty meal. It’s simple to bake and makes enough to feed everyone with little effort. This is a weeknight dinner recipe that fills plates fast and usually ends with someone asking for it again tomorrow.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and tortillas create a wrap that is both quick and customizable. Each person can build their own, making dinnertime easy and fun for the whole table. This is a simple and delicious dinner recipe that kids love, and it’s one that often shows up again on busy nights.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Image shows a baking sheet with a raised tray holding Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs.
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ground turkey mixed with sweet potato makes meatballs that are soft, flavorful, and packed with goodness. They are simple to bake and pair well with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal. This dinner recipe is both healthy and fun, making it one that kids enjoy and families return to.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Layers of tortillas, beans, chicken, and melted cheese bake together into a colorful and tasty pie. The dish comes together quickly and slices neatly for easy serving at the table. This delicious dinner recipe is full of flavor and is often requested again because it makes mealtime exciting.

Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta

Image shows a clear glass plate of spaghetti with yellow and red tomatoes, lightly coated in sauce and sprinkled with black pepper, on a wooden surface.
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy grape tomatoes and creamy ricotta turn a bowl of pasta into a fresh and simple meal. It takes little effort to make and comes together in about half an hour. This is a weeknight dinner recipe that feels satisfying and usually ends with kids asking for another serving.

Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta

Potato Gnocchi

Image shows a bowl of Potato Gnocchi with grated cheese atop it.
Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft and pillowy gnocchi cook in minutes and taste delicious with any easy sauce you have on hand. The chewy bites are fun to eat and make a filling meal without much work. This is a kid-friendly dinner recipe that disappears fast and always gets requested again.

Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Quinoa, beans, and salsa all cook together in one pan, making cleanup fast and dinner even faster. The mix is hearty, flavorful, and simple enough to make any weeknight. This delicious dinner recipe is one that kids enjoy and parents love because it works every time.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sweet and savory honey glaze coats tender chicken, creating bites that are sticky, flavorful, and easy to love. The recipe takes little effort and makes dinner feel special without being complicated. This kid-approved meal is a favorite for busy nights and one that often shows up on repeat.

Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy tortellini and tender chicken simmer in a warm broth that feels hearty and filling. The recipe is quick to prepare and makes a full meal in one pot. This is a weeknight dinner recipe that disappears quickly and always has people asking for more.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers

Image shows Asian inspired turkey burger on a blue plate.
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ground turkey is seasoned with light spices and topped with crunchy vegetables for a fresh twist on burgers. They cook quickly on the stove and make dinner both easy and satisfying. This simple recipe is a fun weeknight meal that kids enjoy and often want again.

Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers

Lemon Butter Pasta

Image shows close-up of a fork holding a serving of spaghetti with black pepper, resting above a plate of more spaghetti in a light blue dish.
Lemon Butter Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy butter sauce with a touch of lemon makes this pasta light, flavorful, and comforting at the same time. It comes together fast, making it perfect for nights when dinner needs to be quick. This delicious dinner recipe is one that always gets finished and often makes its way back onto the menu.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft dumplings and tender chicken simmer in a rich broth, making this a filling and cozy meal. The recipe is easy to prepare and makes enough to feed a hungry table. This is a kid-friendly dinner recipe that tastes familiar and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A few simple ingredients like pasta, cheese, and pepper turn into a dish that feels both comforting and satisfying. It cooks in minutes and is easy to serve on even the busiest nights. This weeknight dinner recipe is quick, flavorful, and one that often ends with clean plates.

Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow-cooked pork turns tender and juicy, making it perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or bowls. The recipe is simple, but the flavor is bold enough to stand out on any table. This delicious dinner recipe is one that both kids and adults enjoy, and it often gets asked for again.

Get the Recipe: Carnitas

Calzones

Image shows an overhead shot of a Calzone cut in half on a wooden board with a small bowl of marinara above it.
Calzones. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Golden dough stuffed with melted cheese and favorite toppings makes a meal that feels both fun and filling. They cook quickly and slice easily, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner. This is a kid-approved recipe that feels special but simple, and it’s one families often want again.

Get the Recipe: Calzones

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ground chicken and fresh vegetables cook together in one pan for a meal that has all the flavor of egg rolls without the extra work. It is quick to prepare and fills the plate with something hearty and simple. This easy dinner recipe is one that kids enjoy and usually ask for again.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon

Image shows a fork holds a bite of glazed salmon with herbs and spices. In the background, there is a portion of salmon served next to a pile of white rice on a white plate.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Salmon cooks in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, creating big flavor in little time. The dish is ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for weeknights. This is a delicious dinner recipe that turns salmon into a favorite kids are surprised they enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon

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