When it comes to dinner, there’s nothing quite like a hearty and satisfying meal that leaves you feeling full and content. But sometimes, the same old recipe can get a little stale (pun intended!). That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 19 incredible best dinner recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
From classic comfort foods to international flavors and modern twists on old favorites, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, our list has got you covered. So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of incredible dinner recipes and discover some new favorite dishes!
Classic Beef Bourguignon
Classic Beef Bourguignon Recipe
A hearty French stew that combines tender beef, flavorful mushrooms, and aromatic spices in a rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Merlot work well)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return beef to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this classic Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta dish. Tender chicken, succulent garlic, and a velvety sauce come together to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken and garlic in a little oil until cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking constantly until smooth.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in the skillet. Toss until well coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This classic Italian-inspired dish is a quick and flavorful way to prepare succulent shrimp. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. If using white wine, add it to the pan and stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or dill.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a weekend gathering or a quick weeknight dinner. This slow cooker recipe yields tender, juicy pork that falls apart with ease and is ready to be piled high on a bun.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pork.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
5. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce (if using).
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high
Homemade Lasagna with Bolognese Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this timeless recipe that combines tender lasagna noodles, rich bolognese sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This classic dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, red wine, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Assemble the lasagna by spreading sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by noodles, bolognese sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat two more times, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
This flavorful dish combines the richness of grilled salmon with the brightness of a citrusy lemon butter sauce, making it perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. While salmon is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
5. Add lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the melted butter.
6. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
7. Serve grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A classic Chinese-inspired stir-fry that combines tender beef with crisp broccoli, all cooked to perfection in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the beef strips in a hot skillet with 1 tablespoon of oil until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef strips to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional minute to combine with the vegetables.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti
This hearty Italian-American dish combines juicy chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, served with a side of tender spaghetti. A comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the breading station by mixing breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry breaded chicken breasts until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
5. Transfer fried chicken to a baking dish and top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Serve hot alongside Chicken Parmesan.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
A classic comfort food gets a nutritious boost with this vegetable-packed version of shepherd’s pie. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing main dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the mixed vegetables, onion, and garlic until tender.
3. Add vegetable broth, tomato paste, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Spread mashed potatoes over the top of the filling.
6. Dot with butter and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this spicy and aromatic dish that combines juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a fragrant basil sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai basil leaves
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken, garlic, and ginger; cook until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the curry paste; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the mixed vegetables; cook until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the basil leaves, fish sauce, and lime juice.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this classic Italian-American dish that combines tender ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and flavorful Italian sausage. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 Italian sausages (sweet or hot), casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
6. Combine cooked ziti pasta, tomato sauce mixture, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Elevate your steak game with this Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Herb Butter recipe! This flavorful combination of tender steak and rich butter is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds flank or ribeye steak, at room temperature
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Add the steak to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness is reached.
4. While the steak cooks, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme.
5. Remove the steak from the skillet and top with the garlic herb butter.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Rare: 8-10 minutes total
– Medium-rare: 9-12 minutes total
– Medium: 11-14 minutes total
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
A classic combination of flavors, this recipe brings together the brightness of lemon, the richness of butter, and the pungency of garlic to create a dish that’s both tender and tantalizing.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and lemon juice.
3. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and brush with the garlic-lemon mixture.
4. Dot each thigh with softened butter.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Spice
This classic Southern dish gets a bold twist with the addition of cayenne pepper and paprika, adding depth and heat to this comforting breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (containing paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir cooked grits into the shrimp mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa
A flavorful and vibrant twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines tender beef, crunchy taco shells, and a fresh homemade salsa for a delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 8-10 taco shells
– Fresh Salsa (see below)
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and taco seasoning to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
3. Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
4. Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto a shell and topping with desired toppings.
Fresh Salsa:
– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Serve with tacos!
Cooking Time: Under 30 minutes
Chicken and Dumplings
This comforting dish is a staple of home cooking, perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken and enough chicken broth to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into disk shapes.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and add the dumplings to the broth. Simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and beaten eggs. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
This colorful stir-fry is a quick and easy meal packed with protein-rich tofu, crunchy vegetables, and savory soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cubed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
4. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mixed vegetables to the pan. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Return tofu to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze
Elevate your pork chops game with this sweet and savory glaze, perfectly balancing the flavors of apple cider, brown sugar, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-inch thick)
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
4. Sear pork chops in a skillet coated with cooking spray or oil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer pork chops to a baking sheet and brush with apple cider glaze.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce
A classic Italian-American dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and salt. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a separate baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Repeat steps 4-5 until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: About 45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these incredible dinner recipes! From classic Beef Bourguignon to spicy Thai Basil Chicken, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in creamy pasta dishes like Creamy Chicken Alfredo or opt for heartier options like Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches. For seafood lovers, try Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi or Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce. And don’t forget about vegetarian and vegan options like Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu. Whatever your taste, these 19 recipes are sure to become new favorites!
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