17 dinner ideas for when you don’t know what to make

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Keep these 17 dinner ideas on hand for nights when you don’t know what to make. Each of the recipes is straightforward to make and is meant to be cooked and on the table in minimal time.

If you’re needing dinner inspiration and want something easy to whip together, you’ll love this list. From soups and salads to casseroles and sheet pan meals, there is something here for everyone.

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage recipe brings together tender cabbage and savory sausage in a single pan, creating a satisfying dish in under 30 minutes. It’s an uncomplicated and flavorful option for busy evenings when you need a comforting meal on the table without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake offers a quick and tasty dinner solution. With marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, you can create a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Even on nights when you’re not sure what to make, this recipe comes to the rescue.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is your go-to for a straightforward and filling dinner. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese combine seamlessly for a balanced meal. When dinner plans are uncertain, this recipe delivers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is perfect for indecisive dinner moments. Combining Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream, you can have a creamy and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the ideal choice when you’re unsure about what to cook.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is your solution for quick and effortless dinners. Roasted sausage and veggies come together in under 30 minutes, requiring minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect choice for those nights when you’re uncertain about your dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a refreshing option for nights when dinner ideas are scarce. With sour cream and mayo, you’ll have a light and flavorful dish in just 30 minutes. Enjoy the balance of flavors in this straightforward recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce garnished with fresh herbs.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a 30-minute, one-pan wonder. Impressively simple yet flavorful, it’s perfect for easy and delicious dinners. When you’re unsure about what to cook, this recipe comes to the rescue.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This mouthwatering Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for beginner cooks. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying dish featuring steamed broccoli and cauliflower, cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a quick and irresistible choice for a delightful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick and satisfying meal option. Ready in 25 minutes, it combines cabbage, bacon, and onion for a delightful dish. When you’re uncertain about dinner, this recipe provides an easy and flavorful solution.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a hassle-free meal solution when you need dinner ideas. In one pan and under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this protein-packed dish with cauliflower rice or regular rice. It’s the perfect choice for those nights when you’re not sure what to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad adds a creative twist to your dinner routine. With a unique flavor combination, it’s a delightful option for uncertain evenings. Enjoy the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a satisfying salad format.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Impressively flavorful, it features shrimp, garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach. When you’re unsure about your dinner plans, this recipe ensures you have a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry with rice in a bowl with a fork.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage Curry is your solution when you need dinner ideas. In one pan, sausages and vegetables cook in a creamy curry sauce for a comforting meal. When you’re uncertain about what to cook, this straightforward recipe comes to the rescue.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken offers a comforting dinner solution. With seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. It’s perfect for hassle-free and flavorful dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole delivers rich flavors in a straightforward package. Shredded chicken thighs, crispy bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and spicy jalapeños create a memorable dinner. It’s a great choice for uncertain evenings.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a perfect one-pan skillet dish. In just 30 minutes, enjoy the flavors of chicken thighs with a creamy sauce of heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. When you’re unsure about dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is a lighter take on a classic cheeseburger. With minimal prep, it’s a hassle-free choice for dinner, especially when you’re unsure about what to make and need dinner ideas. Enjoy the flavors of a beloved burger in salad form.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

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