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27 Easy Dinner Recipes

Bylife with nix

Welcome to your new go-to spot for dinner inspiration that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for everyone around the table. Whether you’re juggling homework, work-from-home chaos, or just trying to sneak in some family time, we’ve got your back with recipes that bring smiles—and full bellies! From quick weeknight wins to cozy weekend feasts, our family-friendly dinners are all about good vibes, great flavors, and moments that turn into memories.

So grab your apron, rally the crew, and let’s make mealtime the best part of your day! 🍽️❤️

Beef & Brocolli

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef (flank or sirloin), thinly sliced, 2 cups broccoli florets , 2 tbsp soy sauce , 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) , 1 tbsp cornstarch , 1 tbsp oil (for cooking) , 2 garlic cloves, minced , 1/4 cup water or beef broth

Instructions:

  1. Marinate beef in 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch (10–15 min).
  2. Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 1–2 min; drain and set aside.
  3. Heat oil, stir-fry beef until browned (2–3 min), remove from pan.
  4. Sauté garlic, add broccoli and cooked beef.
  5. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water/broth.
  6. Stir-fry everything together for 1–2 min until sauce thickens.

Beef pot Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed , 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables , 1 small onion, chopped, 2 tbsp flour , 1 cup beef broth , 1 tsp thyme (optional) , Salt & pepper to taste , 1 tbsp oil , 1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust

Instructions:

  1. Sauté beef & onion in oil until browned.
  2. Add flour, stir 1 min.
  3. Add broth, veggies, thyme, salt & pepper. Simmer until thick (~10 min).
  4. Pour into baking dish.
  5. Top with crust, seal edges, cut slits.
  6. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 min until golden.

Beef Wellington

Ingredients:

  • 1 beef tenderloin (1.5–2 lbs) , 2 tbsp Dijon mustard , 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped , 6 slices prosciutto , 1 sheet puff pastry , 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash) , Salt & pepper , 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

  1. Sear beef in oil (2–3 min per side), cool, brush with mustard.
  2. Cook mushrooms until dry (~10 min). Cool.
  3. Layer prosciutto on plastic wrap, spread mushrooms on top, place beef in center, roll tightly. Chill 15 min.
  4. Wrap in puff pastry, seal edges, brush with egg wash.
  5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 min (medium-rare).
  6. Rest 10 min before slicing.

Best Big Mc Tacos

Ingredients (makes ~6 tacos):

  • 1 lb ground beef , 6 small flour tortillas , 1/2 cup shredded lettuce , 1/2 cup shredded cheddar , 1/4 cup diced pickles , 1/4 cup diced onion , Salt & pepper

Big Mac Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayo , 1 tbsp ketchup , 1 tbsp relish , 1 tsp mustard , 1/2 tsp onion & garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Press beef into tortillas (thin layer).
  2. Cook face-down on skillet until browned, flip, cook 1–2 min.
  3. Top with cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles.
  4. Drizzle with sauce, fold & serve hot.

Cheddar Brocoli Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped) , 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese , 2 cups milk (or half & half) , 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth , 1/2 cup chopped onion , 2 tbsp butter , 2 tbsp flour , Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion in butter until soft.
  2. Stir in flour, cook 1 min (make a roux).
  3. Slowly whisk in milk & broth. Simmer until thick.
  4. Add broccoli, simmer 10–15 min until tender.
  5. Stir in cheese until melted. Season to taste.

Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz kielbasa, sliced , 8 oz pasta (penne or shells) , 1 cup shredded cheddar , 1 cup milk , 1 tbsp butter , 1 tbsp flour , 1/2 tsp garlic powder , Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta, drain and set aside.
  2. Brown kielbasa in a skillet, remove.
  3. In same pan, melt butter, stir in flour (1 min).
  4. Whisk in milk, simmer to thicken.
  5. Stir in cheese, garlic powder, salt & pepper.
  6. Add pasta & kielbasa, toss to coat.

Creamy, cheesy, and ready in ~25 minutes!

Crawfish Velveeta Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini) , 1 lb crawfish tails (peeled, cooked) , 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed , 1/2 cup milk , 1/2 onion, diced , 1 tbsp butter , 1 tsp Cajun seasoning , Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta, drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion in butter until soft.
  3. Add crawfish, season with Cajun spice. Cook 2–3 min.
  4. Stir in milk and Velveeta, melt until smooth.
  5. Add pasta, toss to coat. Heat through.

Rich, creamy, and full of Cajun flavor!

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef (sirloin or ground) , 1 small onion, chopped , 1 cup mushrooms, sliced , 2 tbsp flour , 1 cup beef broth , 1/2 cup sour cream , 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce , 2 tbsp oil or butter , Salt & pepper , 8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of choice)

Instructions:

  1. Cook noodles, drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté beef in oil, remove when browned.
  3. Sauté onion & mushrooms, add flour, stir 1 min.
  4. Add broth & Worcestershire, simmer until thick.
  5. Return beef, stir in sour cream. Heat gently (don’t boil).
  6. Toss with noodles or serve over them.

Comfort food classic—creamy, rich, and ready in ~30 minutes!

Hamburger Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef , 8 oz pasta (elbow or rotini) , 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup , 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese , 1/2 cup milk , 1/2 onion, diced , Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta, drain.
  2. Brown beef & onion, drain fat.
  3. Mix beef, pasta, soup, milk, seasoning, and half the cheese.
  4. Pour into greased 9×13 dish, top with remaining cheese.
  5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 min until bubbly.

Easy, cheesy, and family-friendly!

Instant Pot Garlic Steak Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes , 4 cloves garlic, minced , 2 tbsp butter , 1/2 cup beef broth , 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional) , Salt & pepper to taste , Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Season steak with salt & pepper.
  2. Set Instant Pot to Sauté, melt butter, add steak. Brown in batches.
  3. Add garlic, stir 30 sec.
  4. Add broth and soy sauce (if using).
  5. Seal lid, cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
  6. Quick release, stir and garnish with parsley.

Juicy, buttery, and done in under 20 minutes!

Instant Pot Spaghetti & Meat Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or mixed beef/pork , 1/4 cup breadcrumbs , 1/4 cup grated Parmesan , 1 egg , 1 tsp Italian seasoning , 3 cups marinara sauce, 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half) ,1 cup water or beef broth, Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Mix meatball ingredients, form 1-inch meatballs.
  2. Place meatballs in Instant Pot on the trivet.
  3. Add broken spaghetti, pour sauce & water over (do NOT stir).
  4. Seal lid, cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Quick release, stir gently. Let sit 2 min to thicken.

One-pot, simple, and hearty dinner!

Easy Meatloaf

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef , 1/2 cup breadcrumbs , 1/4 cup milk , 1 small onion, finely chopped , 1 egg , 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping) , 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce , Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients (except extra ketchup) in a bowl.
  3. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
  4. Spread ketchup on top.
  5. Bake 45–50 min until cooked through.

Simple, classic, and comforting!

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil , 1 small onion, chopped , 2 cloves garlic, minced , 2 carrots, diced , 2 celery stalks, diced , 1 zucchini, diced , 1 cup green beans, chopped , 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained , 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes , 4 cups vegetable broth , 1 tsp Italian seasoning , 1/2 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow) , Salt & pepper to taste, Fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.
  2. Add zucchini, green beans, beans, tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 15 min.
  3. Add pasta, cook until tender (~10 min).
  4. Stir in spinach/kale if using, cook 2 more min.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.

Hearty, fresh, and perfect for any day!

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef , 1 small onion, diced , 1 green bell pepper, diced , 2 cloves garlic, minced , 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce , 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella , 4 sandwich buns , Salt & pepper, 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
  2. Add ground beef, cook until browned; drain fat.
  3. Stir in sauce, season with salt & pepper. Simmer 5 min.
  4. Spoon mixture onto buns, top with cheese.
  5. Optional: melt cheese under broiler for 2 min.

Savory, cheesy, and a fun twist on sloppy joes!

Salmon Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb salmon fillets , 1 tbsp olive oil , 1 tsp chili powder , 1/2 tsp cumin , Salt & pepper , 6 small tortillas , 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce , 1/4 cup chopped cilantro , Lime wedges , Optional: sour cream or avocado crema

Instructions:

  1. Season salmon with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook salmon in a skillet over medium heat, 3–4 min per side, until flaky.
  3. Flake salmon with a fork.
  4. Assemble tacos: tortillas, salmon, cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
  5. Add sour cream or avocado crema if desired.

Fresh, flavorful, and easy!

Slow Cooker Tater Tot Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion, diced , 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables ,2 cups shredded cheddar cheese ,1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots ,Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef and onion, drain fat.
  2. In slow cooker, mix beef, onion, soup, veggies, and half the cheese. Season with salt & pepper.
  3. Top with tater tots and remaining cheese.
  4. Cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours until bubbly and tots are golden.

Comfort food made easy with the slow cooker!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped, 1 egg, Salt & pepper, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, 8 oz mushrooms, sliced, 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

  1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt & pepper; shape into 4-6 patties.
  2. Brown patties in skillet (optional, for better flavor).
  3. Place patties in slow cooker; add mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of mushroom soup.
  4. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  5. Optional: Mix cornstarch with a little water, stir into slow cooker last 30 min to thicken gravy.

Tender, savory, and perfect for a slow cooker dinner!

Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz spaghetti, 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion, diced, 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook spaghetti, drain.
  2. Brown beef and onion, drain fat.
  3. Mix beef, sauce, seasoning, salt & pepper.
  4. Combine spaghetti and beef mixture; place in greased casserole dish.
  5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 min until bubbly and golden.

Stove Top Lasagne Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 4 cups beef broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 4 oz broken lasagna noodles or broken lasagna sheets, 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef, onion, and garlic in a large pot; drain fat.
  2. Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning; bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in broken lasagna noodles; simmer until noodles are tender (~10 min).
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve topped with dollops of ricotta and mozzarella.

Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 2 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

  1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, and pepper; form small meatballs.
  2. Brown meatballs in butter, remove from pan.
  3. Stir in flour to make a roux, cook 1–2 min.
  4. Gradually whisk in beef broth; simmer until thickened.
  5. Return meatballs to sauce, cook 5 min.
  6. Stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce, heat gently (don’t boil).

Sweet & Sour Pork

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pork shoulder or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 bell pepper, chopped, 1 small onion, chopped, 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned), Oil for frying

Sweet & Sour Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar), 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned or fresh), 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Instructions:

  1. Toss pork in cornstarch, shake off excess.
  2. Fry pork in hot oil until golden and cooked through; drain.
  3. In a pan, stir-fry bell pepper and onion until crisp-tender.
  4. Mix sauce ingredients (except slurry) in a bowl, pour into pan with veggies, bring to simmer.
  5. Add cornstarch slurry, stir until sauce thickens.
  6. Add pork and pineapple, toss to coat and heat through.

Taco Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef, 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne), 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup salsa, 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream (optional), 1/2 cup water or beef broth

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta, drain.
  2. Brown ground beef, drain fat.
  3. Add taco seasoning, water/broth, and salsa to beef; simmer 5 min.
  4. Stir in cooked pasta and cheese until melted.
  5. Mix in sour cream if using. Serve warm.

Taco Rice Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup rice (uncooked), 1 cup beef broth or water, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup salsa, 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning, rice, beef broth, and salsa.
  3. Cover and simmer on low for 18–20 min, until rice is cooked.
  4. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover for 2–3 min until melted.
  5. Add desired toppings and serve.

Tuscan Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni), 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional), Salt & pepper, Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil, sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes, cook 3–4 min until soft.
  4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stir until creamy.
  6. Toss in pasta and sun-dried tomatoes; season with salt and pepper.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 4 large baking potatoes, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping), 4 tbsp butter, 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional), 2 green onions, chopped, Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Bake potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 min until tender.
  2. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; scoop out the insides into a bowl.
  3. Mash potato flesh with sour cream, milk, butter, cheese, bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spoon mixture back into potato skins.
  5. Top with extra cheese.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 min until heated through and cheese is melted.

Vegan Cobb Salad with Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

Salad:

  • Mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, kale), 1 cup chickpeas (roasted or plain), 1 avocado, diced, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup cucumber, diced, 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped, 1/4 cup vegan bacon bits or smoked tempeh (optional), 1/4 cup sliced olives

Vegan Ranch Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup vegan mayo, 1/4 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, oat), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill or 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, Salt & pepper to taste

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