Are you tired of eating takeout food every night?
It’s time to get back into the kitchen and whip up some tasty homemade meals! Regardless of your cooking abilities, there are many easy last-minute dinner ideas that you can try today.
Whether you’re in a rush or don’t have time to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, these meals are perfect for anyone who likes quick and easy options. Here are 41 delicious and easy last-minute dinner ideas that you can try tonight.
41 Last-Minute Dinner Ideas
1. Tuna Melts
A classic for a reason, tuna melts are quick and easy to make. Simply toast some bread, add tuna salad, cheese, and melt until the cheese is bubbly.
2. Potato and Cheese Casserole
This is an easy, budget-friendly and tasty dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
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3. Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
Who doesn’t love the classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup? It can be a comforting, yet easy dish to make in a pinch.
4. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect one-pan dinner that is full of flavor.
5. BLT Sandwich
A classic combination of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise can be turned into a sandwich and served with a side salad.
6. Beef Stir-Fry
For a quick and easy Asian-inspired meal, stir-fry is ideal.
7. Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad is a quick and easy salad to make. Simply toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
8. Quesadillas
Cheese quesadillas with chicken or vegetables can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
9. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a delicious and easy dish to make. Simply pan-fry chicken breasts, then add Marsala wine, mushrooms, and cream. Serve over pasta.
10. Tuna Croquettes
For a quick seafood dinner, tuna croquettes are a great idea.
11. 15-Minute Chicken Pasta
This dish is made with pantry staples and can be on the table in 15 minutes.
Simply cook pasta according to package directions, then saute chicken breasts, broccoli, and garlic in olive oil. Add cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk, and toss with the cooked pasta.
12. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Vegetables stuffed with ground beef or turkey and rice is a great way to get your veggies in whilst still enjoying a tasty meal.
13. Frozen Fish Sticks
Frozen fish sticks are a quick and easy meal that can be made in the air fryer. Simply cook according to package directions. Serve with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
14. French Bread Pizza
French bread pizza is a fun and easy way to make pizza. Simply top French bread with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
15. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp cooked in butter, garlic, and white wine with some pasta can be a luxurious meal to make in under 30 minutes.
16. Stovetop Burgers
Stovetop burgers are a classic for a reason. Simply cook ground beef patties in a skillet until browned. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
17. Steak and Vegetables
For an easy and classic dinner, steak with some roasted vegetables is a go-to option.
18. Creamy Tortellini Soup
Chicken cooked with rice and any of your favorite vegetables in a skillet is an easy dinner option.
19. Meatball Subs
Homemade meatballs served in a roll with some tomato sauce and cheese make for a quick and easy dinner.
20. Baked Salmon
Baked salmon served with some buttery roasted vegetables is a quick and easy seafood option.
21. Grilled Salmon with Asparagus
Grilled salmon served with some steamed asparagus is a quick and easy seafood option.
22. Veggie Stir-Fry
Quickly sauté your favorite vegetables in a flavorful stir-fry sauce and serve over rice or noodles for a speedy vegetarian meal.
23. One-Pot Spaghetti
Cook pasta, sauce, and protein of your choice (like ground beef, turkey, or meatballs) all in one pot for a convenient and satisfying dinner.
24. Pita Bread Pizzas
Top pita bread with tomato sauce, cheese, and your preferred pizza toppings, then broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
25. Black Bean Tacos
Combine canned black beans, spices, and your favorite taco fillings to create a tasty and vegetarian taco dinner.
26. Lemon Butter Shrimp
Sauté shrimp in a lemon butter sauce with garlic and herbs and serve over pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
27. Omelette
Whisk eggs with your choice of ingredients like cheese, veggies, and diced ham for a quick and customizable dinner.
28. Chicken Tenders
Bake or pan-fry chicken tenders and serve with your favorite dipping sauces and a side of coleslaw.
29. Baked Ziti
Mix cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, then bake until bubbly and golden.
30. Vegetarian Queso Chili
Combine canned chili with queso dip and diced veggies for a simple, cheesy, and satisfying chili.
31. Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Bake sweet potatoes and top with your choice of toppings like black beans, sour cream, cheese, and salsa for a quick and healthy dinner.
32. Spicy Sausage and Peppers
Sauté sliced sausage and bell peppers with onions in a spicy tomato sauce and serve over rice or in a roll.
33. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Mix couscous with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olives, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
34. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Use pre-cooked pulled pork, toss with barbecue sauce, and serve in buns with coleslaw.
35. Quick Veggie Curry
Make a flavorful vegetable curry with pre-cut veggies, curry paste, and coconut milk served over rice.
36. Caprese Pasta
Combine cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze for a simple and refreshing pasta dish.
37. Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Sauté tofu and broccoli with a tasty stir-fry sauce and serve over rice or noodles for a speedy vegetarian option.
38. Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Sauté Italian sausage links with sliced bell peppers and onions in tomato sauce and serve as a sandwich or over pasta.
39. Quinoa Bowl
Mix cooked quinoa with your choice of protein, vegetables, and a sauce or dressing for a customizable and nutritious bowl.
40. Chicken Alfredo
Cook chicken and fettuccine pasta and toss with Alfredo sauce for a creamy and satisfying meal.
41. Sloppy Joes
Prepare a quick and hearty Sloppy Joe filling with ground meat and tomato sauce, then serve on buns with pickles.
Final Thoughts,
Eating a home-cooked meal not only saves money but is often a healthier option. Regardless of your cooking abilities, there are plenty of easy last-minute dinner ideas that you can try tonight.
These recipes require minimal ingredients and time in the kitchen, making them ideal for busy nights.
From classic comfort foods like grilled cheese and tomato soup, to more substantial meals like beef stir-fry and pork chops with mashed potatoes, there is something for everyone. Which of these easy last-minute dinner ideas will you try next?
