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

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I 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), offers the noodles plenty of briny, spicy flavor, while a touch of butter curbs its intensity just right.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I 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 I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

Just as low-lift as grabbing a jar of store-bought pasta sauce from the cupboard and calling it a night—but so much more elegant. Add ground beef or crumbled sausage for a boost of protein.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I 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 easy dinner recipe is much better than mac and cheese from a box—and it's just as simple to prepare. Consider your picky kids satisfied at first bite.

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

Dream scenario: I'm jetting over to Italy in a few days to enjoy the real deal. But this simple take on the pasta dish, made with savory eggplant and fresh sauce, is the next best thing. "The Sicilian dish, which hails from from the city of Catania, traditionally stars...ricotta salata, a type of pressed and aged ricotta cheese," writes PureWow's recipe developer. "I subbed in pecorino, which is more widely available, but either will taste delicious."

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I 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 I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

This easy dinner recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. I 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 I 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 I Love It: <10 ingredients, one pot, beginner-friendly

I 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.) With just six ingredients—two of which are salt and pepper—this recipe is about as fuss-free as it gets.

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

Legumes stand in for traditional ground beef in this easy dinner recipe, starring an old-school sauce of ketchup, tomato paste and vinegar. "[Lentils] are just as quick-cooking and convenient for weeknight dinners," says PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen. "Top them with coleslaw and a sesame seed bun for the full effect."

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I 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. "I love me some crispy kale chips,” writes recipe creator Chanie Apfelbaum, "especially when baked with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor." Add bacon, sausage or any leftover protein to the mix to make it more filling.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I 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 less than an hour. (Chalk it up to limiting the seafood to shrimp and littleneck clams for a speedier prep.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I 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 to make this easy dinner recipe was throw all the ingredients in a skillet and wait 30 minutes for them to cook through.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I 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.) You can also use the filling for quesadillas, sandwiches, burrito bowls or salads.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I 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 gem, starring fresh summer tomatoes, tastes super decadent, but it’s also surprisingly healthy, high in protein and low in carbs.

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

These chewy, sticky rice cakes are about to win the dinner game. "You can find fresh rice cakes in Chinese or Korean grocery stores, usually in the refrigerated section near the fresh noodles and tofu," suggests recipe creator Diana Kuan. Grab the flavor-packed XO sauce from your local Asian market too; it does all the heavy lifting in the flavor department.

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

Any dinner that starts with a bag of frozen tots is one after my own heart. "Tortilla chips are great and all, but crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside potatoes just so happen to be an ideal base for nacho toppings," explains Gillen. Here, they're topped with all the fixings, including chorizo, avocado and quick-pickled onions.

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

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

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

Dishes? What dishes? I'm only making sheet pan meals from now on, and I'm starting with this dairy- and gluten-free dish. The rainbow aesthetic just might convince your picky eaters to give the veggies a try.

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

While standard lasagna can be tedious (all that assembly), this version is significantly less fussy. "In this dish, layer ravioli—meat, cheese, mushroom, whatever kind you're feeling—for the most epic baked pasta dish ever," writes PureWow's recipe developer. Bonus? It freezes like a charm.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I 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. Isn't the roasted head of garlic a nice touch?

• Time Commitment: 6 hours and 5 minutes
• Why I 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 while you wait and you'll be good to go.

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

Just ten minutes of prep work is all that's required for this crowd-pleasing easy dinner recipe. Serve the saucy, seasoned meat on brioche buns with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato, or use it in wraps, salads, quesadillas or rice bowls.

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

The answer to your dinnertime prayers? Spicy, nourishing burrito bowls. These feature succulent pork shoulder and can be portioned out for the entire work week (meaning your meal prep will be taken care of). You can thank us later.

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

Newly on keto? This gluten-free method of serving tuna salad substitutes carby bread with greens, so it's on your diet. "They’re a protein-packed, cheap lunch staple, but with lettuce instead of bread and plenty of our fave condiment, chile crisp," writes Gillen.

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

This easy dinner recipe requires as much work and know-how as opening 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 I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly

Rich, creamy and oh-so simple. Once you’ve mastered this decadent, five-ingredient easy dinner recipe starring cheese and black pepper, it’ll become your weeknight go-to.

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

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

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I 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. (I wouldn't blame you for adding a few crispy wonton strips to your bowl, though...)

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

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

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I 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. "It’s quick and easy enough for weeknights, but fancy enough for Saturday night with a glass of wine," asserts PureWow's recipe developer.

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

Three cheers for a quick, easy dinner recipe 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 I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Having friends over to watch the game? These mini snacks, 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 I 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 of this tropical, plant-based masterpiece for four people.

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

Rotisserie chicken, I salute you. (How else could I have a mouthwatering wrap ready to go in a mere 20 minutes?) The only "cooking" you'll need to do is toast the tortillas for about 30 seconds per side in a hot skillet.

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

It’s impossible to beat a summer salad, and this one is crowned with charred halloumi cheese, so it’s even better. "Think of this tomato salad...from Great Tastes by Danielle and Laura Kosann, as an uber-gourmet caprese that comes together in just ten minutes," writes PureWow's recipe developer.  

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I 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, I mean the creamy burrata cheese.

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

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

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

This tasty, chilled antidote for balmy nights is a million times more refreshing than hot tomato soup. (But I'm still having mine with a grilled cheese sandwich, TYVM.)

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I 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. The recipe calls for flambéing, which can be done easier with a few tips. "Always remove the pan from the heat before adding alcohol or you risk burning your eyebrows off (at the very least)," writes PureWow's recipe developer. "It’s also a good idea to keep a lid nearby if you need to put out any lingering flames."

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

Save a few strips of steak next time you're at the grill to make a drool-worthy salad with the leftovers that's ready in a flash. (Ground beef would work as a substitute, too.)

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

This easy dinner recipe boasts all the butter, garlic, lemon and white wine of its namesake, minus the high-carb pasta. Good looking out, zucchini.

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

Easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a dinner party. This 15-minute stunner is also super adaptable. "Don’t have leeks? Try shallots. Prefer short pasta? 'Rigatoni limone' might not have the same ring to it, but it will taste just as delicious," writes PureWow's recipe developer. I'll take crushed red pepper flakes on mine, please.

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

I love lobster...but my wallet could use a break. "These shrimp rolls can satisfy your craving without blowing your entire grocery budget," asserts Gillen. "They have all the elements you’re looking for: buttery buns, fresh herbs and a creamy-yet-light New England–style dressing that has just the right amount of mayonnaise." Feel free to mix it a day in advance.

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

"It features roasted chickpeas for a boost of protein that happens to be cheaper than chicken, plus a magical cheater’s Caesar dressing that skips the raw egg and anchovies," explains Gillen. Make the crispy chickpeas and dressing ahead so you can assemble the salad in a flash come dinnertime.

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

I know, cooking fish can seem intimidating. But as long as you use a nonstick pan (and maybe a fish spatula), this photogenic, easy dinner recipe is just as painless to prepare as chicken—promise. 

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

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. I love you, nonstick foil. Fire up the grill at the first sign of spring to tackle this recipe.

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

My favorite veggie makes cutting back on carbs a cinch. Oh, and did I mention that it'll only take you 30 minutes to prepare? An easy dinner recipe indeed.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I 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, or top it with salami or prosciutto.

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

This healthy, easy dinner recipe is more about assembling than actual cooking (especially if you roast the kale, boil the quinoa and sauté the shrimp all at once). And remember: When in doubt, watermelon radishes make everything look fancy. 

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why I 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 also basically impossible to overcook. They'll turn out crispier, juicier and less dry than your go-to cut.

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

Whip up a quick and easy Thai-inspired dish in 30 minutes flat. "If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry," writes PureWow's recipe developer. "Any of the veggies can be swapped for whatever you have in your fridge—broccoli instead of cauliflower, snap peas instead of bell pepper, green curry paste instead of red, you get the idea." Serve it with rice on the side and a flourish of scallions on top if you’re feeling ambitious.

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

So fresh, so clean and packed with 28 grams of protein per bowl. Feel free to mix and match with whatever fruits and veggies you have lying around, or nix the eggs to make the bowl vegan.

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

Remember the microwave noodles that fueled you through college? My take is significantly more grown-up, but not much harder to prepare. Finish this easy dinner recipe with a jammy egg, sliced scallions and all the sriracha you can handle.

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

Complete with tender potatoes and marinated onions. This Nigella Lawson recipe may sound time-consuming, but I promise it’s a breeze to make. (I'm talking only ten minutes of prep, folks.)

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

Bye, dinner rut. I'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 I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, dairy free

It’s basically a giant bowl of guac masquerading as a salad, and I'm not mad about it. In fact, that just might be the definition of my dream meal. "It’s fast, easy and protein-rich, thanks to black beans," says PureWow's recipe developer. "And if you have some leftover cooked quinoa, it’s ready in ten minutes."

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

Low-maintenance is the name of the game when it comes to finding easy dinner recipes. 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 I 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, and you'll be psyched to devour it.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I 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 assembled up to two days in advance. How's that for make-ahead magic?

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why I 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 I Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

"If you can’t source trout, [recipe creator Ali Slagle] suggests mackerel or bluefin as alternatives," explains PureWow's recipe developer. "You can also use tofu, chicken thighs, winter squash or a brassica (like cabbage, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts) instead of fish." If your ingredient of choice takes more than four minutes to cook, give it a head start by searing it before adding the sauce.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Why I 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. "Typically cooked on a rotisserie and shaved off in thin slices, my take on this classic Middle Eastern dish is much simpler to make at home," says PureWow's recipe developer.