25 Last Minute Dinner Ideas

Last Minute Dinner Ideas is a great list of quick and easy meals the whole family will love. The perfect inspiration for a tasty weekday meal.

When it comes to easy last minute dinners, convenience and flavor don't have to be compromised. We've gathered a collection of quick and easy recipes that will rescue you on those busy evenings. Some without meat and some great chicken ideas.

Jump to:

• 1. Stuffed Pepper Casserole
• 2. Orange Chicken
• 3. Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
• 4. Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• 5. One-Pot Sausage and Bean Recipe
• 6. Garlic Pizza Bread
• 7. Garlic Noodles
• 8. Turkey Taco Bowl
• 9. Garlic Spaghetti
• 10. Provolone Grilled Cheese
• 11. Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
• 12. Air Fryer Quesadillas
• 13. Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad
• 14. Ground Beef Stir Fry
• 15. Spaghetti With Alfredo Sauce
• 16. Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
• 17. Sausage and Peppers
• 18. Five Cheese Marinara
• 19. Salmon Cakes
• 20. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
• 21. Tuna Sushi Bowl
• 22. Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
• 23. Sautéed Chicken
• 24. Ground Turkey Cabbage Soup
• 25. Air Fryer Chicken Tacos
• Recipe
• Last Minute Dinner Ideas

From 20-minute pasta dishes to one-pan wonders, these recipes are designed to simplify your meal prep. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or simply looking for inspiration, this list of recipes will help you put a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.

1. Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A family favorite for sure, this is a quick go-to meal. You can prep it with leftover rice and cooked brown sausage in less than 20 minutes. It's even gluten free!

2. Orange Chicken

This tasty chicken breaded with cornmeal and mixed with a zesty orange sauce is the perfect simple last-minute meal. A great meal for the whole family, and it's gluten free.

3. Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Enjoy this Chicken Parmesan made with homemade breaded chicken. Top it with your favorite marinara sauce for a meal ready in 35 minutes.

4. Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Combine your two favorite meals for this tasty recipe made in less than 30 minutes. It's a great family meal with that iconic McDonald's taste.

5. One-Pot Sausage and Bean Recipe

This is my absolutely favorite (and most popular!) last minute dinner ideas! Pre-cooked sausage, canned beans, canned tomatoes, and your greens of choice makes this a super fast and simple dinner with very little prep required!

6. Garlic Pizza Bread

Pizza made on Garlic Bread just like you've had at restaurants like Pizza Hut. It's quick and easy and everybody loves it. Top it with all your favorite pizza toppings.

7. Garlic Noodles

Tasty Garlic Noodles made with ramen noodles. In less than 20 minutes, get better than take out right at home.

8. Turkey Taco Bowl

A Mexican inspired dish made with ground turkey. Top with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy this easy last minute meal.

9. Garlic Spaghetti

A ten-minute meal to throw together during a busy weeknight. Kids and adults will love these well-seasoned spaghetti noodles.

10. Provolone Grilled Cheese

Up a standard grilled cheese sandwich by making this Provolone Cheese Grilled Sandwich. Make it with slices of sour dough for a great dinner. A simple recipe for kids.

11. Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

Up your chicken thigh game with seasoning like honey, garlic, and lemon pepper. These chicken thighs make a great meal with very little prep.

12. Air Fryer Quesadillas

Turn quesadillas into an instant hit with this quick and easy recipe. Top with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and queso. Or add protein like beans or chicken.

13. Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad

Fix this quick & easy buffalo chicken cobb salad in only 20 minutes. It's layered with lettuce, chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, bacon, and more!

14. Ground Beef Stir Fry

We love how quickly this recipe comes together. Try a new family meal on a busy weekday.

15. Spaghetti With Alfredo Sauce

Twist up spaghetti night with this homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready to eat in 10 minutes! A tasty recipe for kids.

16. Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Try this Instant Pot recipe for a quick and simple last minute dinner idea. Made with eggs, chicken, and your favorite Asian inspired sauces.

17. Sausage and Peppers

Try this Sausage and Pepper dish for a fast and delicious family meal. Packed with flavor and put together quickly.

18. Five Cheese Marinara

A family favorite, this easy pasta recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes and it tastes amazing. Made with five different cheeses, it makes a great and fast last minute dinner idea.

19. Salmon Cakes

Using canned salmon, you can have a simple last minute meal in no time at all. Full of nutrients, this dinner is a crowd pleaser and only uses a few simple ingredients.

20. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Dive into this one skillet meal with the flavor combination of sweet potatoes, ground turkey, and cheese. This quick meal is packed with flavor and will fill you up.

21. Tuna Sushi Bowl

Indulge in this tasty tuna sushi bowl when you want all the sushi flavor but are throwing together the best last minute family dinner. Made with canned tuna, cucumbers, rice, and nori, this hits all your favorite flavors.

22. Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

A quick pasta dish that feels fancy, but it's simple to put together. Made with penne pasta, ricotta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes you can put this recipe together in less than 30 minutes. A great recipe for kids.

23. Sautéed Chicken

Simple to make and quick, this Sautéed Chicken is a great meal with chicken made with easy ingredients. A great week day meal the whole family can enjoy.

24. Ground Turkey Cabbage Soup

Enjoy this easy soup made with ground turkey and delicious vegetables. A great soup you can quickly throw together and enjoy a last minute dinner idea.

25. Air Fryer Chicken Tacos

Wrapping up the list this quick and easy meal has saved us in a pinch more than once. Made with tender chicken and your favorite toppings, these tacos are ready in less than 30 minutes.

Recipe