This lineup brings together a mix of comforting classics, easy weeknight meals, and flavor-packed dishes inspired by different cuisines. From tender short ribs braised in beer to quick Instant Pot chicken, there’s something for every craving. Pasta lovers will find several satisfying options, while handhelds and baked favorites round out the list. These recipes show how simple ingredients can be turned into hearty meals the whole table will enjoy.

Soy Garlic Chicken

A cooked chicken breast topped with chopped green onions and sauce is served on a white plate, making it perfect for easy main dishes on busy nights.
Soy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This dish combines salty soy sauce and sweet garlic for a glaze that clings to juicy chicken pieces. The balance of flavors makes it rich without being overpowering. It’s usually pan-fried or baked until caramelized on the outside. Garnish with sesame seeds or scallions for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Three glazed chicken thighs garnished with green onions on a wooden board, with rice, sauce, and parsley on the side—easy main dishes like this are perfect for busy nights meals. Fork and napkin are also shown.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Using the Instant Pot makes this dish fast and flavorful, with tender chicken soaking in a sweet and savory sauce. Honey adds depth while garlic keeps it bold. The sauce thickens nicely and can be spooned over rice. It’s a family-friendly option that comes together with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Beer Braised Short Ribs

Beer braised short ribs on a plate on top of a bed of mashed potatoes.
Beer Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Beef short ribs are slowly cooked in beer, creating tender, fall-apart meat. The braising liquid turns into a rich, hearty sauce that coats the ribs. The flavor is deep and slightly malty from the beer. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs

Baked Salsa Chicken & Rice

Baked Salsa Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Cook at Home Mom.

Chicken breasts are baked with salsa and rice in one dish, keeping everything moist and flavorful. The rice absorbs the salsa, creating a zesty base. It’s topped with cheese at the end for extra richness. This is an easy all-in-one dinner that doesn’t require much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salsa Chicken & Rice

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta with sliced grilled chicken, red bell peppers, spinach, lemon slices, and herbs—an easy main dish perfect for busy nights. Grated cheese and whole vegetables in the background complete this flavorful meal.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This dish pairs tender chicken with small, rice-shaped orzo pasta in a light lemony sauce. The citrus brightens the dish while the pasta adds heartiness. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill work well as garnish. It’s a simple but flavorful pasta option.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

A sliced quesadilla filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of red sauce.
Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Ground beef, cheese, and toppings are folded in a tortilla and crisped in a skillet. The crunch comes from a tostada or tortilla chip layered inside. Each bite has cheesy, beefy flavor with a satisfying crunch. These are fun for casual dinners or game-day meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps

Ground Beef and Noodles

A bowl of creamy beef stroganoff with egg noodles on a striped cloth next to a fork and a sprig of parsley.
Ground Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

A skillet meal that combines savory ground beef with tender egg noodles. The sauce is usually creamy and seasoned with garlic and onion. It’s filling and quick, making it a weeknight favorite. Serve with vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Noodles

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This salad uses chewy wheat berries as the base, giving it a hearty texture. Tuna adds protein while tomatoes bring freshness. A simple vinaigrette ties it together with tangy flavor. It’s best served chilled as a light main dish or side.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Baked tender, sticky, and savory Asian chicken wings on a plate.
Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These wings are coated in a sticky glaze made with soy, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Baking makes them tender, and the sauce clings beautifully to the skin. The flavor is bold with a balance of sweet and savory. Serve as an appetizer or with rice for a meal.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)

Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with sliced sausage, tomatoes, and grated cheese, garnished with herbs. A fork is placed beside the bowl.
Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Smoked sausage is sliced and tossed with pasta in a creamy or tomato-based sauce. The smoky flavor infuses the whole dish, making it extra savory. It comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. Fresh parsley or grated cheese finishes it off.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Sausage and Pasta

Beef Chow Fun Recipe (Beef Ho Fun, 干炒牛河)

A plate of stir-fried noodles with beef, green beans, bean sprouts, and onions.
Beef Chow Fun Recipe (Beef Ho Fun, 干炒牛河). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This Cantonese stir-fry uses wide rice noodles tossed with beef, bean sprouts, and soy sauce. The noodles are slightly chewy and pick up the smoky wok flavor. The beef is tender and cooked quickly for maximum flavor. It’s a classic takeout-style dish that can be made at home.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chow Fun Recipe (Beef Ho Fun, 干炒牛河)

Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Air fried blackened shrimp in a plate.
Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Shrimp coated in bold Cajun spices are cooked in the air fryer until slightly charred. The result is juicy shrimp with a smoky, spicy crust. They’re done in minutes, making them great for quick meals. Serve with rice, salad, or in tacos.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Baked Chicken and Orzo

A plate with baked chicken thigh and orzo pasta mixed with tomatoes, garnished with herbs, with a fork and knife beside.
Baked Chicken and Orzo. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken pieces bake with orzo pasta in a tomato or broth-based sauce. The pasta absorbs the juices, becoming tender and flavorful. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare. A sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pasta dish is tossed with olive oil, tomatoes, feta, and Mediterranean herbs. The flavors are light and fresh, with a salty punch from the cheese. Sometimes olives or spinach are added for extra variety. It’s a quick dish that works well year-round.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

A serving spoon lifting Salisbury steak with mushrooms and onions from a baking dish with sauce.
Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Ground beef patties are shaped into steaks and baked with gravy or onion sauce. The beef stays juicy while the sauce thickens as it cooks. It’s a comforting, diner-style meal. Mashed potatoes or green beans make great sides.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Hamburger Steaks

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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