What’s Cooking – Easy Dinner Ideas

Am I the only one who feels like I’m constantly asking myself, what’s cooking – dinner tonight? If you’re like me, every single person in my household asks me, “What’s for dinner tonight?” And, if you are like me, you wonder to yourself, “How in the world did I become responsible for all of the meals for all of eternity?” 

The answer, simply, is you are the mom. And apparently, the mom is responsible.

There are a few perks to always being the one in charge of dinner.

• If I don’t cook, we get to go out to eat
• I get to decide what we eat since I am responsible for the meal planning/shopping/cooking
• I get to try recipes that look good to me

I know, it’s not a great or extensive list, but I’m trying to look on the bright side! And so, if you are like me, you may end up in a dinner rut from time to time.

This is why I’ve put together 11 of my recent favorite easy dinner ideas to try!

What’s Cooking – Dinner Tonight: Easy Dinner Ideas

Chicken Katsu – I recently discovered Half Baked Harvest, and yes she will make an appearance multiple times on this list because all of her recipes are just, *chef’s kiss* No jokes, my husband said this is restaurant quality! We eat this almost once a week.

Mini Meatball Sandwich – Would it be a list without something from The Pioneer Woman? These meatballs are so juicy, and it’s one of the easiest recipes to make.

Spicy Cashew Chicken – This recipe is easy and delicious: don’t be fooled by the old website. Truly, one of our favorites.

Skillet Chicken Fajitas – Oh, hello, Half Baked Harvest, another tasty recipe. Don’t skimp out – make the Verde sauce! It makes the dish!

Thai Chicken Meatballs – I love a good sauce, especially one that includes peanut butter! Pro Tip: Red curry paste is sold at Target – not Trader Joe’s.

Korean Beef Bowls – These beef bowls are seriously so good, and so easy to make. Definitely don’t forget to pickle the carrots and cucumbers. These make what’s cooking – dinner tonight super simple.

Homemade Hamburger Helper – I love a good hamburger helper, but as I’ve aged, I’ve realized it is filled with sodium. So, making it from scratch gives you the option to control all of the ingredients! And, of course, you can add the peas later for those picky eaters!

Pasta With Tomato Cream Sauce – I have a weakness for tomato cream sauce. And this recipe doesn’t disappoint! Don’t skimp on the butter!

Chicken Pot Pie – This probably seems like a lot of work, but it’s actually not! Here are my hacks: use rotisserie chicken, get soup starter pre-diced from Trader Joe’s, and use a premade pie crust. Then it’s really just mixing it all up – seriously easy!

Strawberry Watermelon Salad – I could eat this on repeat for a very long time. Pro Tip – add spinach to bulk the salad and get some extra vitamins in! Definitely try this for what’s cooking – dinner tonight!

Crispy Cheese Chicken Tacos – The name says it all, but really you’ll just have to make them for yourself. I promise, they’re delicious!

Now, I do realize some of these recipes aren’t the most kid-friendly. And my kids won’t eat everything on this list. However, they will eat some of everything on this list. I definitely deconstruct each dish if I have to. Because I’m a mom, and that’s what moms do!

Hope this helps you figure out what’s cooking for dinner tonight!