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

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Bookmark this list of 17 recipe ideas for when you don’t know what to make for dinner. Each meal is filling, flavorful, and meant to be quick and hassle-free to make so you can get dinner on the table fast.

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Prepare this Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake for a hassle-free and delicious dinner. Marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach come together quickly to create a flavorful dish. It’s a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal, even for beginners. Ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Impress your family with a flavorful Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Roasted sausage and veggies come together in just 30 minutes, requiring only one pan for easy cleanup. It’s a convenient and satisfying choice, ideal for those unsure about what to make for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and Sausage is a one-pan recipe that yields a delicious and filling dish in less than 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward and flavorful option for a quick dinner, especially when you need a simple and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach for a simple and satisfying dinner. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese create a well-balanced and flavorful meal. It’s a great option, particularly for those uncertain about what to cook tonight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare a refreshing Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad with sour cream and mayo. It’s a light and easy dish that can be ready in just 30 minutes. This salad offers a balance of flavors and a refreshing twist, making it a great choice for those in search of dinner inspiration.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, a flavorful dish that requires only one pan and 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s an impressive yet straightforward recipe, suitable for anyone looking for an easy and tasty dinner option.
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

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a quick and satisfying meal with Fried Cabbage with Bacon. This recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare and combines cabbage, bacon, and onion for a delicious dish. It’s a great choice for beginners in the kitchen, perfect for those unsure about dinner ideas.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up a flavorful Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in just 30 minutes. It’s a one-pot dish that combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream for a creamy texture. A great option when you’re unsure about finalizing your dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Prepare a hassle-free Creamy Garlic Chicken in one pan. Pair it with cauliflower rice or regular rice for a complete and protein-packed dinner. It’s a satisfying meal, perfect for those looking for a quick and tasty dinner option.
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.

Add a creative twist to your dinner routine with a Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. It’s a delightful dish that offers a unique flavor combination. Enjoy the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a satisfying salad format, perfect for those unsure about dinner choices.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Impress everyone with this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish. In just 30 minutes, you can whip together this meal featuring shrimp, garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick and satisfying meal, especially when you’re not sure what to make tonight.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Sausage Curry

Garnished sausage curry with a wooden spoon.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage Curry is perfect for dinners with the family. The meal can be made in one pan and features sausages and vegetables cooked in a rich and creamy curry sauce. A delicious and straightforward option for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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 crowd-pleasing Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole features seasoned chicken thighs that are shredded and combined with crispy bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and spicy jalapeños for a rich blend of flavors. It’s a flavorful choice for a memorable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the flavors of Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken, a perfect one-pan skillet dish for a quick and easy meal. With ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, the sauce perfectly complements the chicken thighs. Ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac in a lighter and hassle-free form with this Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. With simple ingredients that require minimal preparation, it’s a perfect choice for those who are new to cooking, especially when you’re unsure about what to make for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken with Cream Cheese

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken for a comforting dinner that is easy to make. Seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and melted mozzarella create a satisfying combination. It’s a great choice for a hassle-free and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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