65 Easy Dinner Recipes for Beginners (That Even the Most Culinarily Challenged Can Manage)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, high protein

Once the udon is boiled, you're halfway there. Kimchi, a Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables (most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radish), packs this dish with plenty of briny, spicy flavor, while a touch of butter curbs its intensity just right.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly

And you thought timeless carbonara couldn't get any tastier. Sungold tomatoes offer bright acidity and a pop of color to the rich pasta. If you can't find guanciale (aka cured pig jowl), sub pancetta or smoked bacon.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

Just as easy (and so much more elegant) as grabbing a jar of tomato sauce from the cupboard and calling it a night. Add ground beef or crumbled sausage to boost the protein.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, one pot, vegetarian

Made with only seven ingredients (most of which are likely in your kitchen right now), this recipe is much better than mac from a box—and it's just as easy to prepare. Consider your picky kids satisfied at first bite.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

Dream scenario: We’re jetting over to Italy in a few days to enjoy the real deal. Next best thing? This simple take on the pasta dish, made with savory eggplant and fresh sauce. Buon appetito.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon and crunchy lettuce mixed with diced avocado and creamy, mayo-based dressing. Who knew you could improve upon the classic sandwich and ditch the bread?

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. We give you full permission to eat the leftovers cold, since they taste just as good—if not better—than fresh.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: make ahead, gluten free, beginner-friendly

Ready in half an hour is just the beginning; this meal can also be prepped in advance to save time before dinner. The meatballs are tender, rich and juicy, plus they’re baked instead of fried for minimal mess.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, one pot, beginner-friendly

We have a feeling your picky kids will have no problem eating cheesy, buttery pasta for dinner. (They might even give the broccoli rabe a taste, if you're lucky.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Tender, quick-cooking lentils stand in for traditional ground beef. But don't fret: The handhelds are still tangy, nostalgic and, dare we say it, kid-friendly, thanks to the old-school sauce starring ketchup, tomato paste and vinegar.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, one pan, vegetarian

When you're really pressed for time, eggs can be a total lifesaver. Pair them with greens, cheese and a drizzle of hot sauce, and you're in business. Add bacon, sausage or any leftover protein to the mix to make it more filling.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, high protein

A sophisticated dish that tastes like you spent all day making it—despite being ready and on the table in under an hour. (Chalk it up to limiting the seafood to shrimp and littleneck clams.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pan, high protein, beginner-friendly

How impressive does this guy look? Just don’t tell anyone that all you had to do was throw all the ingredients in a skillet and wait 30 minutes for them to cook through.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, one pan, high protein

Psst: Your dinner guests will never know that these tacos started with a rotisserie bird. (Or that the whole meal only took you 30 minutes from start to finish.)

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, one pan, keto-friendly

One-pan dinners are the way to go when you're looking to save time. This one, starring fresh summer tomatoes, tastes super decadent, but it’s surprisingly healthy and low in carbs.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, one pan, beginner-friendly

These chewy, sticky rice cakes are about to win the dinner game. Grab the flavor-packed XO sauce from your local Asian market; it does all the heavy lifting in the flavor department.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, high protein

Just place all the ingredients on a sheet pan and pop the whole thing in the oven—what’s easier than that? (You'll be left with minimal dirty dishes to boot.)

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: gluten free, Paleo-friendly, beginner-friendly, sheet pan recipe

Low-maintenance cooking is our favorite. This mouthwatering meal is hands-off and leaves you with practically zero dishes to wash, so we'd call it an easy win-win. Serve it over grains or noodles to add a carb.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, beginner-friendly, high protein

Dishes? What dishes? We’re only making sheet pan meals from now on, and we're starting with this dairy- and gluten-free gem.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
• Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, make ahead

While standard lasagna can be a little tricky (all that layering is exhausting, no?), this version is significantly easier to master. Plus, it freezes like a charm.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Any dinner that starts with a bag of frozen tots is one after our own heart. They're topped with all the fixings, including chorizo, avocado and quick-pickled onions.

• Time Commitment: 6 hours and 5 minutes
• Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, high protein, kid-friendly

Let your favorite appliance take care of dinner while you focus on more important things (like chilling on the couch). Dump in the ingredients, set the timer, make a pot of white rice and you’re good to go.

• Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, slow cooker recipe, high protein

Just ten minutes of prep work is all that's required for this crowd-pleaser. Serve it on brioche buns with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato.

• Time Commitment: 7 hours and 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, high protein, make ahead

The answer to your dinnertime prayers? Spicy, nourishing burrito bowls, starring succulent pork shoulder, portioned out for the entire work week. You can thank us later.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly

Easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a dinner party. Just don’t skimp on the Parm. (We'll take crushed red pepper flakes on ours too.)

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

It requires as much work and know-how as pouring a jar of marinara—but is way more impressive. Add ricotta cheese or crispy prosciutto to make it more filling.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly

Rich, creamy and oh so easy. Once you’ve mastered this decadent, five-ingredient, cheese-and-pepper pasta dish, it’ll be your weeknight go-to.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: no cook, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes

The easiest dinners to make are those that require no cooking at all. (Well, besides toasting the pita, that is.) The spread includes yogurt dip, hummus, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, olives, salami and cherry tomatoes.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, low carb, gluten free, dairy free, keto-friendly

Who needs egg roll wrappers? Everyone knows that the pork filling is the best part. (OK, we wouldn't blame you for adding a few crispy wonton strips to your bowl...)

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, one pan, high protein, kid-friendly

All you need to whip up this easy yet satisfying meal is chicken, veggies, a few pantry staples, 20 minutes and your trustiest skillet. Round out the meal with a mound of white rice.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

Sure, you could order takeout...or you could save yourself time (and money) by whipping up this beyond attainable copycat instead. The choice is yours.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Cooking healthy food doesn’t have to be difficult. Case in point: this quick and nutritious soup (served with a side of cheese-encrusted baguette, because balance) that comes together in practically no time.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, high protein

Three cheers for a quick dinner that you can make with whatever’s lying around in your pantry. (It's even faster if you have leftover couscous at the ready.)

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Having friends over to watch the game? These mini bites, stuffed with seasoned rotisserie chicken, are guaranteed to impress. Finish each slider with crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, <30 minutes, no cook

You had us at 15-minute dinner, and again at no oven required. Double the recipe to make enough for four people.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Rotisserie chicken, we salute you. (How else could we have a mouthwatering wrap ready to go in a mere 20 minutes?)

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

It’s impossible to beat a ten-minute salad. And this one is crowned with charred halloumi cheese, so it’s even better.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian

This summer stunner will be a hit at any barbecue, picnic or dinner party you go to or host. Tip: Don’t skimp on the good stuff. And by good stuff, we mean all that creamy burrata cheese.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, special occasion-worthy

These beauties only take 20 minutes to prepare, including the slightly spicy tropical salsa that would also taste great on pork chops, salmon or guacamole. Crown each taco with guac if you'd like.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, one pan, kid-friendly

You favorite local takeout spot will miss you, because once you make this lightning-fast meal, you might never feel inclined to go back. Toss in any less-than-perfect veggies lurking in your fridge.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegan, no cook

This tasty antidote for balmy nights is a million times more refreshing than hot tomato soup. (But we're still having ours with a grilled cheese sandwich.)

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

This vegetarian take on a Russian classic is just the match for a cozy evening in, especially when it's cold outside. Trust us, you won't even miss the beef.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why We Love It: keto-friendly, low carb, <10 ingredients, no cook

Save a few strips of steak whenever you're at the grill to make a next-level salad with the leftovers that's ready in no time. (Ground beef works as a substitute, too.)

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, low carb, gluten free

All the butter, garlic, lemon and white wine of the original, minus the carbs. Good looking out, zucchini.

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, <10 ingredients, low carb

Newly on keto? This gluten-free way to serve tuna salad substitutes carby bread with crisp, refreshing lettuce cups, so it's on your diet. Oh, and it's ready to devour in ten minutes flat.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, special occasion-worthy, make ahead

We love lobster...but our wallets could use a break. (Inflation and all.) Luckily, shrimp is more affordable and can give you the summery sammy you're craving. Feel free to mix the salad up to a day in advance.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy

Fact: Everything tastes better in miniature form…including these two-bite pockets made with chicken tenders, soft pita and creamy herb sauce.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly, high protein

We know, cooking fish can seem intimidating. But as long as you use a nonstick pan, this photogenic dish is just as easy to prepare as chicken, promise.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein

Allow us to introduce you to a cooking technique that gets dinner on the table quickly and leaves the chef with zero dirty dishes to wash. We love you, nonstick foil.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, low carb, keto-friendly

Our favorite veggie makes cutting back on carbs easy. Oh, and did we mention that it'll only take you 30 minutes to prepare?

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Thanks to store-bought dough, this beautiful ’za is as easy to toss together as your go-to kale Caesar. Drizzle it with a generous dose of olive oil before digging in.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why We Love It: high protein, make ahead, beginner-friendly

This healthy dish is more about assembling than actual cooking. (Just roast the kale, boil the quinoa and saute the shrimp all at once.) And remember: When in doubt, watermelon radishes make everything look fancy.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, kid-friendly

Always reaching for chicken breast at the grocery store? Here’s a little secret: Thighs are not only more flavorful, but they're basically impossible to dry out.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, high protein

Whip up a quick and easy Thai-inspired dish in 30 minutes flat. Serve it with rice on the side and a sprinkle of scallions on top, if you’re feeling ambitious.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free

So fresh, so clean. Feel free to mix and match with whatever fruit and veggies you have lying around, or nix the eggs to make the bowl vegan.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, high protein

Remember the microwave noodles that fueled you through college? Our take is significantly more grown-up. Finish it with a jammy egg, sliced scallions and all the sriracha you can handle.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, dairy free, gluten free, high protein

Complete with tender potatoes and marinated onions. It sounds time-consuming, but we promise it’s a breeze. (We're talking only ten minutes of prep, folks.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, high protein, make ahead

Bye, dinner rut. We’ll see you never, thanks to these adorable pepper boats filled with tangy, creamy chicken salad. (It's made with chopped rotisserie chicken, BTW.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, dairy free

It’s basically a giant bowl of guac masquerading as a salad, and we’re not mad about it. In fact, that just might be the definition of our dream meal.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, kid-friendly, make ahead

Low-maintenance is the name of the game. Make this spicy-sweet number the night before (it takes just 35 minutes) and reap the rewards when your stomach growls the next day.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, gluten free

Who says eating healthy has to be boring? This fresh legume-veggie-yogurt combo will fill you up without weighing you down.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: make ahead, vegan, beginner-friendly

The only cooking these wraps call for is blanching the collard greens. Not only are they portable, but they can be made up to two days in advance.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, keto-friendly, high protein, low carb

Game day grub has never been easier. Use store-bought everything bagel seasoning or make your own with spice rack staples, like dried onion flakes and minced garlic.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why We Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

If you can't find trout, mackerel or bluefin tuna would be fine substitutes. But TBH, the sweet, savory marinade will work on everything from tofu to chicken to cauliflower.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly

Make the crispy chickpeas and fish-free dressing ahead so you can assemble the salad in a flash come dinnertime. (Oh, and make a second batch of chickpeas just for snacking.)