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17 Fast & Easy No-Recipe Dinner Ideas

July 3, 2020 by Kim O'Bier 10 Comments

These no-recipe meals are simple, family friendly, and many can easily be made vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb!

So, whether you are looking for dinner ideas for your weekly meal plan, or you’re wondering what to cook for dinner tonight, there is something on this list for everyone!

fast & simple dinner ideas, chicken pieces with cheese on top

No-recipe dinners are those go-to meals that don’t require a cookbook or a google search. They are simple, time-saving meals that are infinitely better (and healthier) than take-out. But they don’t require a ton of thought or exotic ingredients.

And they are perfect for busy families on busy weekends. Or on those weeknights when everything seems to be happening at once.

I like to keep most of our family meals simple, frugal, and healthy. And mostly homemade, whenever possible. These yummy, no-recipe required dinner ideas check all the boxes!

What are some of YOUR go-to no-recipe dinner ideas? I would love it if you would share your favorites in the comments when you reach the bottom of this post.

(This post may include affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy HERE.)

1) Cheesy Baked Chicken Marinara

chicken breasts with melted cheese on top, salad, on white plate

Take baked chicken breast up a notch by topping it with marinara sauce prior to cooking. You get SERIOUS bonus points here if you pound the chicken ahead of time (I use this tenderizer) to make it yummy and tender.

Top with shredded cheese and grated parmesan for the last few minutes of baking time. This is a family fave!

Sides: salad, roasted or steamed garlicky green beans

For even more simple dinner ideas and a printable list, see: 100+ Simple Family Meals To Make For Dinner

2) Oven Nachos

tortilla chips with topping on large baking sheet

Oven nachos are simply tortilla chips topped with pre-cooked meats (we like beef or chicken), shredded cheese, salsa or whatever topping you prefer.

Nachos can be baked on a large cookie sheet at 350° until the cheese is bubbly (just a few minutes!) and then served with sour cream or guacamole on the side. 

Sides: salad, baked beans

3) Chicken and Bacon Ranch Wraps

bacon ranch wraps on cutting board

This is a super easy meal with chicken you have already cooked and pre-shredded. Just take soft tortillas or wraps, top with the chicken, cooked bacon, cheese and preferred toppings.

Warm a bunch at one time on a large baking sheet in the oven, or serve cold. Top with ranch dressing or salsa.

Roll ‘em up and enjoy!

Sides: applesauce, steamed broccoli

4) Taco Salad

Taco salad is another fast (and fun!) dinner that covers all the major food groups and can be customized to everyone’s individual tastes. Ingredients are simple and can be prepared ahead of time.

We have used ground beef, ground turkey, and shredded chicken and like them all. But, you could easily do this on a “meatless” night as a vegan dish.

Simplify this dish EVEN MORE by purchasing already prepared guacamole and shredded lettuce, tortilla strips, diced veggies… for nights when you really need dinner to be quick and easy.

Sides: refried beans

5) Olive Oil Pasta with Roasted Veggies

pasta with roasted veggies and olive oil dinner on plate

This simple dish is made by tossing cooked pasta (we like this one for a gluten-free option) with olive oil and fresh herbs or Italian seasoning.

Add salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to taste (this seasoning is a yummy dairy free alternative).

Top seasoned pasta with the roasted veggies and serve up using tongs (the veggies will naturally sort of mix in with the pasta).

This dish is super yummy with oven roasted zucchini and tomatoes, but we have enjoyed it with broccoli or mixed frozen veggies as well. 

6) Loaded Baked Potatoes

baked potato with broccoli and cheese on plate with fork dinner

Scrumptious baked potatoes filled with melty cheese, crispy bacon, sour  cream, butter, chives? Yes, please! 

Or go vegan with all veggie toppings. Broccoli is a favorite here!

Whatever toppings you choose, loaded baked potatoes are always a hit.  And, they can be customized to your liking!

I like the convenience of cooking my potatoes in my Instant Pot. But, they can be roasted in the oven, slow-cooked in your Crock-Pot, or even steamed in the microwave.

TIP: We also enjoy this variation on baked potatoes: Peel and cut chunks of white or golden potatoes and steam them in the Instant Pot. They can be plated right from the Instant Pot and everyone can top them the way they like.

7) Spaghetti Marinara

Combine cooked pasta with a jar or two of your favorite marinara sauce. And, BOOM! Dinner is served.

Want to make this meal a little more exciting?

Here are a few TIPS to fancy up that saucy pasta and give it some pizazz:

  • Add ground meat (beef, turkey).
  • Put the cooked pasta in a casserole dish. Top with sauce and cheese. Then bake in the oven until the cheese is melty. Baked Spaghetti!
  • Add roasted zucchini, sauteed spinach, or other favorite veggies.
  • Served topped with slices of grilled or roasted chicken.
  • Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

8) Quesadillas 

quesadillas on white plate with sauces on side

Quesadillas for dinner are definitely a fave here! They are so fast and simple to make, especially if you use pre-made tortillas.

You can make delicious quesadillas by topping soft flour tortillas with cooked chicken or beef, shredded cheese, and other fillings. Warm on skillet until the cheese is melty. Using a spatula, fold the tortilla over and to make a half-circle.

Next, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and slice into triangles of yummy gooey goodness.

Serve warm quesadillas with sour cream and/or salsa.

TIP: For a faster, and less labor-intensive way to cook multiple quesadillas, place soft tortillas on a large baking sheet. Top tortillas with your fillings, and place in a 375°F oven until they are just starting to get warm.

Add another tortilla on top of the warm fillings, and return the baking sheet to the oven.

Remove from the oven when the quesadilla is warmed through and the tortillas are just slightly browned.

9) Tortilla Pizza

Or English muffin pizza, or bagel pizza… either way, they’re so fun and easy! French bread pizza is another option.

But, we especially like the way flour tortillas get super crispy and crackery around the edges when they are baked.

Top your tortillas with marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto. Then sprinkle shredded cheese, veggies, whatever you love!

Bake on a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet in a 375°f oven until the cheese is melty and the tortillas are beginning to brown around the edges.

TIP: Assemble these ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for a fast meal or snack on a busy day! Just take them out and pop them in the oven when you’re ready.

10) Pulled BBQ Sandwiches

bbq sandwiches on white plate on red and white table dinner

Another easy favorite around here is barbecue made from chicken, pork, or other meats that have been cooked in the Instant Pot.

You can shred or chop the cooked meat by hand. Or, you can do what I do and place medium sized chunks of meat, along with bbq sauce, in your food processor. Give it a few pulses until it reaches the texture that you’re going for.

The meat and sauce get mixed up nicely with the food processor method, and you can achieve a “minced” texture this way. But if you like larger pieces, just give it fewer whirs around in the food processor.

11) Tuna or Salmon Salad Melts

tuna melt with cheese on plate dinner

Top your favorite bread with tuna or salmon salad and cheese (cheddar or pepper jack are good). Bake in a 350 degree oven until the cheese is melty.

We think these are best when made with English muffins, but you can do them with hamburger buns, pitas, or whatever bread you have available.

Leave them open face, and serve with chips, veggie sticks or sliced apples for a fast, yummy meal.

TIP: For a low-carb option, put your tuna or salmon salad directly on a plate and melt the cheese over it without using bread. Yum!

12) Scrambled Eggs, Bacon or Sausage, and Toast

#1 on my husband’s list for a satisfying meal would be this “breakfast for dinner” combo. Serve with fresh or canned fruit on the side to make this simple dinner something that the whole family enjoys!

TIP: Go meatless! And simplify this meal idea even more by making open-faced scrambled egg melts.

13) Egg Fried Rice

fried rice with vegetables and egg on white plate, easy dinner

This is the simplest, albeit nontraditional, way of making fried rice super fast!

I start this dish by sauteing mixed frozen veggies in a wok or skillet with a little oil until they start to soften. Next, I crack three or four eggs into the veggies and stir while on medium heat until the eggs are cooked and sort of “scrambled” throughout the veggies.

Then, the veggie and egg mixture gets tossed with cooked rice, coconut aminos and/or soy sauce, a little garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Egg rice also makes a great side dish!

14) Buttered Noodles with Steamed Broccoli

noodles and broccoli in white bowl on grey wood plank table

Buttered noodles seem to always be a hit with little kids, but big kids love them too!

And, it’s one of the easiest “no-recipe” meals to make!

We like to add a splash of lemon juice, garlic (fresh or powder), and parsley to ours. Top with or serve beside steamed broccoli, carrots, or whatever veggies you love.

You can also add sliced grilled chicken on top for added protein. Delish!

15) Tacos

Tacos need no introduction. They’re a win. Every time! 

And, since the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, they can be a fast and simple meal when you don’t have a ton of time to get dinner on the table.

TIP: Instant Pot Chicken is PERFECT for tacos. Batch cook it ahead of time and keep it in the freezer for quick prep on taco night! The same goes for ground beef or turkey.

WARNING: This is NOT a low-carb friendly tip. But, you can really stretch your “taco dollar” by adding rice and/or beans to the meat filling.

My family actually thinks they are yummier this way. And, it allows me to use half the meat than I normally would!

Win! Win!

16) Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

Cod is a versatile fish that lends itself to many different flavors and seasonings. But, lemon butter cod is so simple and delicious. And it’s a great place to start if you aren’t experienced with cooking fish.

Arrange cod fillets in a large glass casserole dish or baking sheet. Pour melted butter and lemon juice over the fillets.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add garlic powder or other seasonings that you enjoy.

Bake at 375°F until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F, or until thickest part of the filet is white and flaky and no longer translucent.

We like to serve asparagus and gluten-free cornbread with our fish dinner.

TIP: Always buy the freshest fish available. Same day caught or flash frozen is best.

TIP 2: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up.

17) Rice Bowls

bowls with chicken and veggies on white plank table dinner

Rice bowls can be made a zillion different ways. Basically, the idea is to add your favorite cooked veggies and meats to a generous bowl of cooked rice.

I always cook my rice in the Instant Pot. It just comes out perfect every time and I don’t have to babysit it on the stove top

Jasmine rice is my family’s favorite for the taste, texture, and fast cooking time.

Rice Bowl Add-in Ideas:

  • Cooked Broccoli
  • Instant Pot Chicken
  • Ground Beef or Turkey
  • Cooked Onions or Peppers
  • Wilted Greens
  • Mixed Frozen Veggies
  • Seasoned Steak Bites
  • Pineapple and Cashews
  • Cooked Egg
  • Avocado
  • Beans & Corn

TIP: Use quinoa in place of rice for a higher protein dish.

I would love it if you would share YOUR favorite no-recipe required meals in the comments below!

Don’t forget to add these no-recipe dinner ideas to your master list for faster meal prep and planning! Find your free meal master list printable here: How To Make Meal Planning Easy With A Dinner Master List

Looking for more simple dinner ideas? I gotcha covered! 100+ Simple Family Meals To Make For Dinner

cheesy chicken with red sauce on plate, easy dinner
meal plan master list tips

Filed Under: Food, Homemaking, Meal Planning

100+ Simple Family Meals To Make For Dinner

May 31, 2020 by Kim O'Bier 9 Comments

Having a list of your family’s favorite go-to dinners can save time and money when it comes to meal planning. Check out our list of 100+ simple dinner ideas that you can make tonight!

chicken on lettuce, dinner ideas

(This post may include affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy HERE.)

If you have ever tried meal planning, then you know that it can save money and time, as well as your sanity. And nothing makes meal planning faster and easier than having a go-to list of family-friendly meals on hand.

But, even if you don’t meal plan, having a list like this one can be a life-saver when mealtime is approaching and you’re not sure what to fix. It helps you to answer that question that seems to be burning in every family member’s mind, “What’s for dinner?”

I like to keep side dishes really simple, like steamed or roasted veggies with butter or Instant Pot rice. I’ve included some of our favorites down below for inspiration.

Here’s a glimpse of the list I use to make meal planning faster and less stressful. Print it out to have on hand when you want some dinner time inspiration!

Click here for the PRINTABLE list.

quesadilla on white plate, simple family dinner

SIMPLE DINNERS

  • Oven Nachos (sour cream, salad)
  • Stir Fry Veggies
  • Cheese Quesadillas (plain or stuffed with meat and veggies)
  • Veggie Fried Rice
  • Turkey Burger Sliders (sweet potato fries)
  • Chicken Salad Melts
  • Rice Bowls
  • Cheesy Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • Turkey Meatballs (buttered noodles, roasted asparagus)
  • White or Sweet Baked Potatoes with Toppings

* Having a “Leftovers Night” is a good plan for using up what is already cooked in the fridge. Don’t have enough leftovers for everyone? Supplement with something from the No-Prep List or fix a quick side-dish to fill the gap.

CHICKEN DINNER IDEAS

  • Cheesy Chicken Marinara (steamed broccoli, salad)
  • Homemade Chicken Strips/Nuggets (applesauce, mixed veggies)
  • Chicken Fajitas (soft tortillas, sweet corn)
  • Bacon Ranch Wraps w/Shredded Chicken
  • Pulled Chicken BBQ (fried, roasted carrots)
  • Chicken Fried Rice
  • Chicken Tacos (refried beans, veggie rice)
  • Roasted Chicken (carrots, potatoes)
  • Chicken and Dumplings
  • Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts (garlicky green beans, roasted carrots)
  • Chicken Quesadillas
  • Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole
  • Veggie & Chicken Stir Fry (rice or noodles)
  • Chicken Pot Pie

* Chicken Tip: Chicken thighs are less expensive and can be used along with or instead of chicken breasts to save money. Whole chickens cost the least per pound and feed quite a few people. And the best part is you can use the bones to make your own broth for soups.

burger sliders on plate, 100 simple dinners

GROUND BEEF DINNER IDEAS

  • Meatloaf (Instant Pot potatoes, buttered peas)
  • Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
  • Meatballs
  • Oven-Baked Nachos
  • Hamburger Stroganoff (peas)
  • Tacos
  • Burgers (with or w/out bun)
  • Sloppy Joes (fries, fruit)
  • Patty Melts (sweet potato fries)
  • Chili (cornbread)
  • Beef Lettuce Wraps
  • Stuffed Peppers

* Making Meat Stretch: Ground beef seems to be the new “steak dinner”. Cost-wise, anyway. But, you can make it go further by other foods to a dish or meal. For example, stir rice and/or beans into cooked ground meat to top nachos or tacos. Add riced veggies to meatloaf, sauces, soups, etc.

FISH & SEAFOOD DINNER IDEAS

  • Baked Cod w/Lemon Butter (roasted potatoes)
  • Fish Tacos
  • Salmon Burgers
  • Tuna Casserole
  • Fish Sticks (homemade are so good!)
  • Steamed Shrimp
  • Shrimp Fried Rice
  • Garlic Butter Shrimp w/Noodles

* When purchasing fish, be sure to buy the freshest available, as seafood spoils quickly. Same-day caught or frozen is best.

baked lasagna with cheese in casserole dish

PASTA DINNERS

  • Fettuccine Alfredo (with or w/out meat)
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce
  • Cheesy Beef and Mac
  • Baked Ziti
  • Lasagna
  • Pasta Salad
  • Stuffed Shells
  • Asian Noodles (add chicken, veggies, etc.)
  • Chicken Noodle Bake (broccoli)
  • Stroganoff (beef, chicken or turkey are all good)
  • Pad Thai Noodles (with or w/out meat)
  • Noodles w/Pesto (cherry tomatoes)

* Make it lower carb by replacing the pasta with vegetable noodles! We love oven-roasted zoodles made with this spiralizer.

PIN for later:

pasta on plate, easy dinner ideas

SOUPS AND STEWS

  • Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Beef and Noodle Soup
  • Butternut Squash Soup
  • Chicken and Rice Soup
  • Potato Soup
  • Beef Stew
  • Broccoli Soup
  • Chicken Stew
  • Turkey Meatball Soup
  • Cheeseburger Soup
  • Tomato Soup
  • Bean Soup
  • Vegetable Soup
  • Cabbage Soup

* Having a big pot of soup in the fridge can provide fast and healthy meals during the week. I LOVE making soup in my Instant Pot! I can throw everything in there and let it go without worrying about it bubbling over. And it’s perfectly done in no time!

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER

  • Breakfast Egg Casserole (English muffins, fruit)
  • Egg & Cheese Quesadillas
  • Cheesy Scrambled Eggs (roasted potatoes, toast)
  • Blueberry Pancakes (honey-sweetened Greek yogurt)
  • Frittata (sausage, fruit)
  • French Toast Casserole (cooked apples, bacon)
  • Baked Oatmeal (fruit, nuts, yogurt)
  • Blueberry Muffins (scrambled eggs, bacon)
  • Waffles (maple syrup, blueberry sauce, walnuts)
  • Fruit-filled Crepes (blueberry is a fave!)
  • Egg, Sausage, Potato Scramble (fruit)

* Breakfast foods can be a fun way to shake up your dinner routine. We always have eggs on hand and I try to keep bacon in the freezer. A scrambled eggs, bacon, toast dinner can be pulled together super fast and my family thinks it’s a real treat!

** Print the entire expanded dinner idea list HERE!

INSTANT POT DINNERS

  • Beef Tips with Gravy
  • Teriyaki Chicken
  • Whole Chicken
  • Pot Roast with Potatoes
  • Soups and Stews
  • Beef and Broccoli
  • Orange Chicken
  • Pork Roast (cheesy potatoes, peas)
  • Instant Pot Spaghetti
  • “Boiled” Eggs (cheese toast, carrot sticks)

* Meal Prep Tip: Make rice in your Instant Pot to have on hand during the week. Cooked rice keeps several days in the refrigerator or you can freeze it in Ziploc bags for convenience.

CROCKPOT DINNER IDEAS

  • Pot Roast (carrots, potatoes)
  • Pulled Pork BBQ (slaw, baked beans)
  • Chicken with Rice (mixed veggies, pineapple)
  • Shredded Chicken Tacos (refried beans, salad)
  • Beef Stew
  • Chicken and Rice Soup
  • Meatloaf (peas, buttered potatoes)
  • Smothered Pork Chops (roasted broccoli, applesauce)
  • Slow Cooker “Baked” Potatoes

** I love the amazing magic that happens between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. when I put completely frozen food in my CrockPot and it turns into a delicious meal by dinnertime And most anything that can be made in a slow cooker can also be cooked in an Instant Pot.

chicken kebabs with vegetables, simple dinners

GRILLED DINNERS

  • Grilled Chicken (grilled zucchini, baked potatoes)
  • Steak (sweet potatoes, asparagus)
  • Kebabs (rice, flatbread)
  • Turkey or Beef Burgers
  • Pork Chops
  • BBQ Ribs
  • Sausage and Peppers
  • Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs (no bun for low-carb)

* Grilling Tip: Give a smoky, more authentic “barbecue” flavor to meats that you’ve cooked indoors by reheating them on your grill. Wrap chopped and shredded meats in foil to hold in moisture and flavor while reheating.

SUPER FAST, NO-PREP MEALS

  • Hot Dogs (baked beans, applesauce)
  • Ham and Cheese Open-Faced Sandwiches (sweet potato fries)
  • Grilled Cheese (veggies with dip, apple slices)
  • French Bread, Tortilla or Flatbread Pizzas (salad)
  • Tuna Melts (chips, fruit)

* Other fun things we’ve done for fast and easy meals on movie or game nights are:

  • “snacks for dinner” where we set out fruit, cheese, and popcorn etc.
  • frozen cheese pizza with our own toppings like veggies and leftover ground beef or sausage
  • yogurt, fruit, granola

In the country, we say “what’s for supper?” But, if it’s a little more formal than usual, we’re going to “have dinner.”

Is it “what’s for dinner?” or “what’s for supper” in your family?

What are some of your family’s favorite go-to dinners? Share with us in the comments below!

Print the expanded dinner idea list HERE!

quesadilla with sauce, easy dinner ideas you can make tonight
quesadillas on plate, 100+ family meals to make tonight
meal plan master list tips

Filed Under: Food, Homemaking, Meal Planning

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