79 Easy Dinner Ideas When Don't Know What To Cook

Tuna Casserole with Crush Potato Chips

Tuna Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our tuna casserole is a fantastic choice for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will love. Its creamy, hearty goodness is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Casserole

Easy Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in mouthwatering Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs, a delectable dish of
tender, juicy pork that will leave you craving for more.

Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

TikTok Spaghetti

Discover the viral sensation – the easiest TikTok Spaghetti, made with six simple ingredients for a hearty family meal.

Get the Recipe: TikTok Spaghetti

Easy Mississippi Pot Roast Made In The Crockpot

Mississippi Pot Roast recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe with Au Jus Gravy is a game-changer! Perfect for Crockpot Meals For A Crowd, this Beef Chuck Roast dish offers tender meat and rich flavors. Whether you’re trying Something New For Dinner or making Pot Roast Sandwiches, this Mississippi Pot will not disappoint.

Get the Recipe: Easy Mississippi Pot Roast Made In The Crockpot

Easy Tarragon Chicken

Tarragon Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Tarragon Chicken is a recipe that brings together the best of comfort food and refined flavors. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for a family dinner, and has a richness that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. This dish is sure to be a hit, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion.

Get the Recipe: Easy Tarragon Chicken

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Skip the takeout and make this easy slow cooker meal! Tender beef and steamed broccoli are drenched in a thick, flavor-filled sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. This is a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Easy Big Mac Casserole with Tater Tots

Big Mac Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Making this Homemade Big Mac Sauce at home gives you all the flavor you love with the convenience of your own kitchen. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, perfect for burgers, fries, and more. It’s a great way to take a meal from basic to next-level!

Get the Recipe: Easy Big Mac Casserole with Tater Tots

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Chicken and Noodle Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Chicken and Noodle Casserole is an easy, family-friendly dish that brings comfort to the dinner table. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and crunchy cracker topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Easy Crock Pot Chicken And Stuffing

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in comfort with this Chicken and Stuffing Crock Pot Casserole recipe. Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing await! Easy, delicious, and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken And Stuffing

Easy Crockpot Steak Bites

Crockpot Steak Bites recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy the tasty goodness of our mouthwatering Crockpot Steak Bites recipe. These tender and flavorful bites are a great choice for a comforting meal.

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Steak Bites

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Canned Biscuits

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with canned biscuits is a great choice for any meal. Its rich flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings make it a comforting and satisfying option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. This creamy, cheesy chicken casserole, topped with a buttery crunch, is easy to prepare and sure to please.

Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines savory beef and a sweet cornbread topping in one easy dish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner

Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Tuna Casserole with Crushed Potato Chips

Our Tuna Casserole is a fantastic choice for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will love. Its creamy, hearty goodness is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Casserole

Rich and Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo Recipe

Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try our easy Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo recipe for a flavorful and tender chicken dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this comforting meal will be a hit with everyone.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo Recipe

Walking Taco Casserole

This Walking Taco Casserole is a nostalgic and easy dinner that brings all the fun of walking tacos into a simple, delicious bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to be a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Chicken Marsala

Discover how to make a quick and delicious Chicken Marsala with our easy recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish features tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole in the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try our Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a delicious dinner that everyone will love. Prep takes just 15 minutes, and your slow cooker will do the rest.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole in the Slow Cooker

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Cozy up with this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup—savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

White Chicken Chili

Creamy, spicy, and flavorful, this Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is perfect for those cool days when you need a bowl of comfort.

Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

New York Strip Steak with Green Beans and Mushrooms

Indulge in the satisfaction of a flawlessly seared New York strip steak, expertly paired with seasonal vegetables, for an exquisite dining experience.

Get the Recipe: New York Strip Steak with Green Beans and Mushrooms

Hearty Bolognese You’ll Make Again and Again

Bolognese recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Ultimate Bolognese recipe is rich, hearty, and easy to make. Perfect for family dinners, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Get the Recipe: Hearty Bolognese You’ll Make Again and Again

Crockpot Beef & Sausage Chili

Slow Cooker No-Bean Beef and Sausage Chili recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Crockpot No-Bean Beef & Sausage Chili is hearty, flavorful, and packs just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for everyday dinners and an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef & Sausage Chili

Easy Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Chicken Parmesan has been a restaurant favorite for years. Learn how easy it is to make Chicken Parmesan at home.

Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Parmesan

Homemade Smash Burgers

Smash Burger recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Whip up a delicious Smash Burger in just 20 minutes! Crispy edges, juicy centers, and customizable toppings make them a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Smash Burgers

Crockpot Lasagna

Crockpot Lasagna is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines all the classic flavors of a classic lasagna with the convenience of slow cooking. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Lasagna

Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

This air fryer honey mustard pork chops recipe is so good! This 30-minute meal is perfect after a busy day at work.

Get the Recipe: Delicious Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Crock Pot Beef And Noodles

Try our easy Crock Pot Beef and Noodle recipe for a satisfying and comforting meal. Perfect for chilly nights or weekends.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef And Noodles

Shrimp Lo Mein

A bowl of stir fried noodles with shrimp and peppers. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Savor homemade Shrimp Lo Mein in 30 minutes with this easy recipe featuring succulent shrimp, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

These Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are a perfect weeknight dinner. We combine juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and a zesty seasoning mix. Just set it and forget it!

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Try this delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe, perfect for busy nights. It’s quick, flavorful, and easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Crockpot Salisbury Steak recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak! Tender beef patties simmered in rich mushroom gravy with simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Thai Red Chicken Curry

Make our flavorful Thai Red Chicken Curry recipe for a quick and tasty one-pan dinner that your whole family will enjoy. It’s both easy and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Thai Red Chicken Curry

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Throw out the takeout menu and whip up our delicious Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. Perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful and hassle-free meal.

Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Classic German Currywurst

German Currywurst recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Currywurst is a simple, flavorful dish that brings a lot of warmth and comfort to the table. With its tangy sauce and savory sausages, it’s an easy go-to meal that doesn’t require much effort but delivers big on taste.

Get the Recipe: Classic German Currywurst

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe with a Garlic Lemon Marinade

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in our simple Air Fryer Salmon recipe, perfect for busy days. Discover the scrumptious flavors of air-fried salmon.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Discover a comforting and hassle-free meal with our Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe. It’s perfect for a quick comfort food dinner the entire family will love.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try our savory Sesame Chicken recipe for a comforting and flavorful meal. Prepare it easily and enjoy the taste at home.

Get the Recipe: Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Easy Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our homemade Mongolian Beef recipe. Tender beef slices coated in a sweet and savory glaze.

Get the Recipe: Easy Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast

Looking for a delicious and easy meal? Our Slow-Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast is perfect for an easy, cozy dinner. It is packed with flavors and tender veggies, making it a hit for any crockpot dinner.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast

Marry Me Chicken

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our easy Mary Me Chicken recipe! Perfect for a romantic dinner that could end up with an “I DO.”

Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Cajun Chicken Pasta

A skillet full of pasta with chicken in it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Make One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick, creamy, spicy dish with easy cleanup. Ideal for busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting one-dish meal with chicken, rice, and veggies in a creamy sauce.

Get the Recipe: Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

A spoon is being used to pour sauce over chicken in a skillet. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of Creamy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. This recipe delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and a rich, creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is comfort food with juicy beef and flavorful teriyaki sauce mixed with sweet bell peppers.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Jaeger Schnitzel

A plate of chicken with mushrooms and lemon wedges. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Jaeger Schnitzel (Jägerschnitzel) is a classic German comfort food. It consists of grilled pork cutlets (Schnitzel) topped with a rich, creamy mushroom bacon sauce.
Get the Recipe: Jaeger Schnitzel

Chicken Paprika

A bowl of pasta with a sauce on it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Chicken Paprika is an easy, hearty dish full of sweet, peppery, and bold flavors you will not get enough of.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprika

Chicken Stroganoff

A bowl of pasta with chicken and mushrooms. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Learn how to make Chicken Stroganoff from scratch! It’s a delicious, creamy sauce for pasta, rice or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Indulge in this comforting and delicious chicken noodle soup recipe made in a Dutch oven. Perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Dirty Rice With Sausage

Dirty Rice recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Learn how to make Dirty Rice And Sausage at home. This hearty one-pot dish features ground beef, long-grain rice, and cajun seasoning.

Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice With Sausage

Frikadellen

Frikadellen are tasty, hearty burger-like patties often served on a roll with a side of mustard and Potato or Cucumber Salad.

Get the Recipe: Frikadellen

Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers

Try our easy Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers recipe for a quick, delicious dinner that the whole family will love!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers

Bacon BBQ Hasselback Chicken

A chicken breast topped with bacon and lettuce on a white plate. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Easy, flavorful BBQ Hasselback Chicken recipe with juicy chicken, tangy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.
Get the Recipe: Bacon BBQ Hasselback Chicken

Hawaiian Chicken

A white bowl filled with rice and pineapples. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Get a taste of the tropics with this easy Hawaiian Chicken recipe. It’s a simple, delightful meal that’s packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Chicken

Chipotle Chicken Wrap

This Chipotle Chicken Wrap recipe is easy to make and tastes like you’re eating at a restaurant! It’s perfect for a quick and healthy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Wrap

Hamburger Soup

A spoonful of pasta soup with meat and vegetables. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy our sweet and spicy Hamburger Soup – a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make, perfect for leftovers, and sure to please all!

Get the Recipe: Hamburger Soup

Easy Shepherd’s Pie

A plate with a piece of meat and vegetables on it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Make dinner a breeze with our easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Hearty beef, mixed veggies, and creamy potatoes. Perfect for weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Easy Cheesy Beef And Bean Casserole

Beef and Bean Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This easy cheesy beef and bean casserole is perfect for a quick, tasty, and satisfying dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Beef And Bean Casserole

Cheesy Meatball Casserole

A spoonful of spaghetti and meatballs in a pot. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy our Cheesy Meatball Casserole, a blend of juicy meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey cheese. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make!

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Meatball Casserole

Easy Crockpot Crack Chicken

Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in this Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe, featuring tender chicken, creamy Ranch, crispy bacon, and melted Cheddar. A delightful, family-friendly meal awaits!

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Crack Chicken

Chicken Cacciatore

A fork is holding a bowl of pasta with sauce on it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Chicken Cacciatore is simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with mushrooms and peppers; this traditional dish makes a delightful dinner.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Fried Cabbage Noodles With Bacon

A spoon full of cabbage and bacon in a white bowl. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Krautfleckerl is a close relative of the Eastern European dish Haluski. Tender pasta with crispy bacon, ham, onions, and sweet cabbage.

Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage Noodles With Bacon

Ground Beef Taco Casserole

A spoonful of mexican casserole on a plate. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Spice up taco night with this easy Taco Casserole recipe! Everybody will be asking for seconds of this spin on a Mexican favorite.

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Taco Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlet recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Craving crispy, juicy chicken cutlets? This easy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets recipe delivers in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Lazy Lasagna

Our cheesy Lazy Lasagna is easy to make, perfect when you need a last-minute delicious comfort meal the entire family will love.

Get the Recipe: Lazy Lasagna

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Chicken pot pie on a plate with peas and carrots. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover how to make an easy, delicious Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, a hearty meal sure to become a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Indulge in mouthwatering air fryer lobster tails with our simple recipe. Enjoy tender and flavorful lobster effortlessly at home.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Lasagna Soup

A bowl of ravioli with sauce and a spoon. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Quick and easy Lasagna Soup combines Italian sausage, pasta, and delicious cheeses for cozy comfort food.

Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders

Discover the secret to delicious Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. A family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders

Hungarian Goulash

A bowl of tomato sauce with meat in it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Hungarian Goulash is a hearty beef stew with melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, perfectly sautéed onions, and a blend of delicious spices.

Get the Recipe: Hungarian Goulash

Lasagna Roll-Ups

A fork is holding a piece of lasagna. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Lasagna Roll-Ups are a deliciously creative twist on classic lasagna. You’ll need ground beef, pasta sauce, egg, cheese, and lasagna noodles!

Get the Recipe: Lasagna Roll-Ups

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

A fork is taken out of a casserole dish. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This creamy, cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner recipe. It’s loaded with chicken, bacon, and cheese and topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

Pot of vegetable soup with a ladle and served bowls on the side. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Warm up with a bowl of hearty vegetarian minestrone soup packed with fresh veggies and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Get the Recipe: Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with green onions. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious and fun twist of classic macaroni and cheese. Perfect for dinner, gameday, or potlucks.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

French Onion Pasta

Our one-pot French Onion Pasta combines the hearty richness of classic French Onion Soup with the comforting flavors of a creamy pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Pasta

Sausage & Hash Brown Casserole

A fork is being used to scoop up a casserole dish. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole combine the biggest breakfast flavors into a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast dish.

Get the Recipe: Sausage And Hash Brown Casserole

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

A spoonful of chicken noodle soup in a bowl. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy our Crack Chicken Noodle Soup with chicken, cheese, bacon, and noodles. Perfect for a comforting home dinner.

Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Beef Stroganoff

Classic Beef Stroganoff made with tender, juicy steak tips. Cooked in a mushroom cream sauce and served over buttery parsley egg noodles.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

German Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken Schnitzel is an easy twist on a classic German Schnitzel recipe. It’s got crispy on the outside and juicy chicken on the inside.
Get the Recipe: German Chicken Schnitzel