The 100 Best Dinner Recipes You’re Not Making Yet
Updated: Sep. 06, 2019It's easy to get stuck in the same cooking routine. These unique dinners will get you out of your rut!
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Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
This tangy shrimp is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois 2 / 100
Key West Flank Steak
My husband, Jason, is the cook in our family. This is his recipe, inspired by his Colombian roots and our visits to Key West. Sometimes we grill extra lime and onion slices alongside. Serve with sides of rice and fried plantains. —Gretchen Ospina, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
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Tangy Tropical Chicken
In this colorful dish, exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple beautifully complement the chicken and lend a pleasant hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a bit of soy sauce. —Christina Aho, Naples, Florida 4 / 100
Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice
The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas 5 / 100
Moroccan Flatbreads
My family loves these tacos with Middle Eastern seasoning lots of vegetables. Ground turkey or beef may be substituted for the lamb. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois 6 / 100
Thai Salmon Brown Rice Bowls
This speedy salmon recipe couldn't be any easier. The store-bought sesame ginger dressing saves time and adds extra flavor to this healthy dish. — Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida 7 / 100
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter
This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas 8 / 100
Hearty Pita Tacos
You don't need to skimp on flavor when trying to eat healthy. Our 9-year-old daughter enjoys helping us make these tasty tacos, and likes eating them even more. —Jamie Valocchi, Mesa, Arizona 9 / 100
Slow-Cooker Pad Thai
I love pad thai, but I hate standing over a hot stir-fry—especially in the summer. This slow cooker version lets me keep my cool and enjoy pad thai, too. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida 10 / 100
Sausage and Egg Pizza
I love breakfast pizza, but not all the fat and calories that go along with it. My lighter version gives you a big energy boost whether you eat it at brunch, dinner or somewhere in between. —Vicki Meyers, Castalia, Ohio 11 / 100
Ginger-Curry Chicken Tacos
I love tacos (who doesn't?), but I wanted to put my own unique twist on them by incorporating some Indian flavors. These ginger-curry versions hit the spot! —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California 12 / 100
Watermelon Shrimp Salad
Sweet, spicy and easy to make, this salad travels well in a cooler to picnics and summer gatherings. I love the combination of flavors, the colorful presentation, and of course, I love to see the happy faces of my guests once they've tried it. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida 13 / 100
Grilled Ribeyes with Greek Relish
The classic Grecian flavors of olives, feta cheese and tomatoes are a surefire hit. Combine them to complement a perfectly grilled steak, and it’s magic. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon 14 / 100
Alfredo Chicken & Biscuits
For a cute potpie presentation, dish this creamy chicken up in ramekins and top each with a biscuit. I sometimes serve it over hot linguine, too. —Jennifer Jordan of Hubbard, Ohio 15 / 100
Sausage-Tomato Coconut Curry
Made in one pan, this easy and tasty recipe can be altered to fit vegetarian diets. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California 16 / 100
Clambake Packets
I’ve long been a fan of things prepared in a foil packet—we’ll make them quite a bit when out on the boat or camping. This one, with fresh seafood, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes, just tastes like summer on the shore. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia 17 / 100
Sausage Cobb Salad Lettuce Wraps
I substituted sausage for the bacon to make a lettuce roll-up your family and friends will adore. It’s flavorful, crunchy and pretty on the plate. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut 18 / 100
Sweet and Spicy Peanut Chicken
Chicken thighs and a slow cooker— that's a marriage made in culinary heaven! Juicy and flavorful, this simple dish will make you swoon when you return home and find it ready. The filling is also excellent in lettuce wraps. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina 19 / 100
Oven-Baked Brisket
Texans like brisket cooked on the smoker, but this recipe offers convenient prep in the oven. Sometimes I make extra sauce to serve on the side. Round out the meal with potato salad and slaw. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, TX 20 / 100
Creamy Pasta Rags
This skillet meal was born out of necessity on a busy weeknight. I pulled together a package of turkey sausage links, lasagna noodles and a bag of frozen peas and went to work. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida 21 / 100
Marinated Steak with Grilled Onions
This marinade is magic —it will make even economy cuts of beef tender and delicious. —Gail Garcelon, Beaverton, Oregon 22 / 100
Spinach, Shrimp and Ricotta Tacos
I was looking for a new recipe for tacos, and this version was a perfect solution. With shrimp, green chiles, spinach and ricotta, it's made up of ingredients I love that aren't normally associated with traditional tacos. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida 23 / 100
Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
I created this recipe years ago after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I bruise the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding them to the buttermilk mixture; this tends to release the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 24 / 100
Cajun-Style Beans and Sausage
Beans and rice make the perfect meal because they're well-balanced, an excellent source of protein, and easy to prepare. The sausage adds full flavor to the recipe, and traditional pork sausage lovers won't even notice that chicken sausage is used in this dish. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island 25 / 100
Classic Cobb Salad
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I “plant” everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 26 / 100
Bayou Gulf Shrimp Gumbo
This recipe skips the traditional hard-to-find spices yet still delivers the true seafood flavor that’s beloved in the Louisiana bayou. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida 27 / 100
Slow Cooker Jerked Short Ribs
Sweet and spicy jerk seasonings give these saucy ribs an unforgettable taste! They're great in the summer because they don't heat up the kitchen. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin 28 / 100
General Tso's Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. This is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 29 / 100
Chicken Cordon Bleu Puffs
I bought a new jumbo muffin tin and wanted to use it. I love the flavors of chicken cordon bleu, but wanted a faster weeknight version, so I pulled this recipe togerther one evening. We loved it so much I had to make it again the next week! —Angela Keller, Newburgh, Indiana 30 / 100
East Coast Shrimp and Lentil Bowls
If you have frozen shrimp, a few seasoning ingredients, bagged spinach and lentils on hand in your pantry, you can make this dish in no time. It's so delicious, nobody needs to know that it's healthy, too! —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida 31 / 100
Barbecue Sliders
When guests dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —B.J. Larsen, Erie, Colorado 32 / 100
Chicken, Nectarine and Avocado Salad
This salad is really summery and comes together very quickly. Using granola adds crunch and makes it different. I've tried using a various types of granola, and our favorites have been those that aren't overly sweet but have lots of nuts. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah 33 / 100
Deluxe Deep-Dish Pizza
You don't have to be in Chicago to get delicious deep-dish flavor. My recipe makes it easy, using frozen bread dough. Load it with your favorite toppings, and keep a knife and fork handy. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio 34 / 100
Lime-Rosemary Shrimp Skewers
I had a big bunch of rosemary, so I turned the stems into skewers for grilling shrimp. Serve with rice or couscous and lime wedges. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California 35 / 100
Chicken Chop Suey with a Twist
If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a great way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty and traditional, and easy, too! 36 / 100
Pork and Balsamic Strawberry Salad
Serving this entree salad gives me hope that warmer days aren't too far off. If strawberries aren't in season yet, use thawed frozen in place of fresh. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts 37 / 100
Campfire Trout Dinner
Your fresh catch will taste even better with this simple treatment that keeps the fish moist. Carrots are an excellent accompaniment; cook up in a separate foil packet. —Wendy McGowan, Fontana, California 38 / 100
Sweet Ginger Ribs
People ask what’s in the marinade of my glazed sweet ginger ribs with ginger, garlic and peach preserves. Now you know! Psst: It works on steaks and chicken, too. —Grace McKeone, Schenectady, New York 39 / 100
Mango Salsa Chicken with Veggie Hash
This hash has the fresh flavors of spring. Using precooked grilled chicken strips makes the meal come together quickly. And the veggies make the dish so pretty! —Lori Mclain, Denton, Texas 40 / 100
Shortcut Sausage Lasagna
"My family and friends love this great tasting lasagna," writes Cindy Moore of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. "The recipe is almost foolproof. Best of all, there's no need to precook the noodles." 41 / 100
Zesty Apricot Turkey
You see a lot of steak, chicken and chops at cookouts, but how about something different? With its apricot-chile glaze, this juicy grilled turkey is one of our picnic faves. —Wendy Moylan, Crystal Lake, Illinois 42 / 100
Slow-Cooked Beef Burritos with Green Chiles
I created this recipe years ago, and it has become such a favorite that the wonderful aroma of it cooking makes my family instantly happy. It is hearty, flavorful and easy to prepare, and it uses the long, slow cook that truly defines comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado 43 / 100
Crab Egg Foo Yong
Enjoy a classic Chinese takeout without leaving your home. This makes a quick dinner and is as delicious as what you would get in any restaurant. —Beverly Preston, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 44 / 100
Bacon and Spinach Pizza
Our go-to pizza is a snap to make using packaged pizza crust and ready-to-serve bacon. The kids don't even mind the spinach on top! —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois 45 / 100
Salmon with Tomato-Goat Cheese Couscous
Rich with goat cheese and tomato, this recipe works for a weeknight supper or an elegant company dinner—and is adjustable for number of people. —Toni Roberts, La Canada, California 46 / 100
Peppered Pork with Mushroom Sauce
Using preseasoned pork tenderloin gives us flavorful, quick and satisfying meals without a big mess or leftovers. I have used all flavors of pork tenderloin for this recipe. Making the sauce doesn't take much extra time and results are well worth it. —Jolene Roszel, Helena, Montana 47 / 100
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
I created this easy skillet dish to use up the boil-in-a-bag rice in my cabinet. The result packs a lot of flavor. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York 48 / 100
Spinach-Feta Chicken Penne
I wanted a light sauce for pasta, so I cooked tomatoes with garlic, wine and olive oil. It’s a blockbuster combo for seafood, too. —Geralyn Sipos, Blandon, Pennsylvania 49 / 100
Mom's Roast Chicken
This is the best way to cook a whole chicken. It roasts up super juicy with crisp, golden skin. This chicken is simply seasoned, but packs in so much flavor. —James Schend, Taste of Home Food Editor 50 / 100
Thai Peanut Chicken and Noodles
This versatile chicken recipe is very similar to chicken pad Thai but easier to make and tastes just as good. Rice noodles can be swapped with mung bean noodles or any type of egg noodles. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York 51 / 100
One-Pot Salsa Chicken
This skillet recipe is a colorful and healthy main dish that can be on the table in just over an hour. The subtle sweet-spicy flavor is a nice surprise. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts 52 / 100
Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri 53 / 100
Slow-Cooked Mexican Meat Loaf
Chopped onion and garlic plus spicy seasonings add outstanding flavor to this attractive round loaf. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 54 / 100
Frogmore Stew
This picnic-style medley of shrimp, smoked kielbasa, corn and spuds is a specialty of South Carolina cuisine. It's commonly dubbed Frogmore stew or Beaufort stew in recognition of the two low country communities that lay claim to its origin. No matter what you call it, this one-pot wonder won't disappoint! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 55 / 100
Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole
We tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the slow cooker. It's easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen 56 / 100
Chicken Cucumber Pitas
I wanted a good recipe for pitas. Seeing the large stack of garden-fresh cucumbers on my counter, I decided to improvise and create my own filling. It was a huge hit. —Sheena Wellard, Nampa, Idaho 57 / 100
Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia 58 / 100
Feta Tomato-Basil Fish
I rely on my husband for the main ingredient in this fuss-free dish. He fills our freezer after his summer fishing trip. —Alicia Szeszol, Lindenhurst, Illinois 59 / 100
Pesto Shrimp Pasta
A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish from Gloria Jones Grenga of Newnan, Georgia. 60 / 100
Nacho Pie
In place of the ground beef and mozzarella cheese, consider topping this zesty pie with lean ground sausage and cheddar cheese. It tastes just as good.—LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota 61 / 100
Crumb-Topped Sole
Looking for a low-carb supper that’s ready in a hurry? These buttery sole fillets have just a dab of rich sauce and are topped with toasty bread crumbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 62 / 100
Garden Pork Stir-Fry
From Mendota, Illinois, Kim Marie Van Rheenen shares her recipe for an easy all-in-one skillet supper that's brimming with fresh-from-the-garden flavor. It's a tasty way to make the most of seasonal produce--from your backyard veggie patch or the farmers market. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois 63 / 100
Arugula Pesto Chicken
We had an abundance of arugula in our garden, so I turned it into pesto. The bold green color reminds my son of something the Incredible Hulk would eat. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas 64 / 100
Beefy Chili Dogs
For years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, Virginia 65 / 100
Shrimp and Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
When I meet former co-workers for lunch at our favorite restaurant, we always order this salad. I wanted to share it with my husband, so I made it my mission to re-create it. Mission accomplished! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi 66 / 100
Chicken Ranch Flatbreads
To get my son to try new things, I revamped this mini pizza. Mr. Picky ate it, so it’s definitely family-friendly, even for those with fussy tastes. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia 67 / 100
Grilled Garden Veggie Pizza
Pile on the veggies—the crisp, grilled crust can take it! This colorful, healthy pizza looks as fresh as it tastes. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas 68 / 100
Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers
My husband and I entertain a lot in summer, and this has quickly become the most-requested dish. I usually serve it with Mexican rice and a tossed salad. 69 / 100
Grilled Kiwi-Chicken Kabobs with Honey-Chipotle Glaze
When guests bite into these juicy grilled kabobs, their eyes always widen with satisfaction. Our four kids are crazy about the spicy-sweet sauce. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California 70 / 100
Grilled Salmon Wraps
We eat fish on Fridays, so I like to experiment with different types. I pulled salmon, spinach and avocado from the fridge for these wraps. My kids loved them, and I did, too! They're delicious, and they contain all five food groups right in one hand-held meal. —Jennifer Krey, Clarence, New York 71 / 100
Simple Grilled Steak Fajitas
After moving to a new state with two toddlers in tow, I came up with effortless fajitas. They make an easy weeknight meal on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet. —Shannen Mahoney, Odessa, Missouri 72 / 100
Smoked Sausage with Pasta
Loaded with sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes and basil flavor, this quick recipe satisfies the toughest critics. It's one of my husband's favorite dishes, and he has no idea it's lower in fat. Add a green salad for a delicious meal. —Ruth Ann Ruddell, Shelby Township, Michigan 73 / 100
Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington 74 / 100
Mimosa Roasted Chicken
This aromatic seasoned chicken with a rich and buttery champagne gravy will delight all who taste it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 75 / 100
Takeout Beef Fried Rice
Transform last night's supper into tonight's dinner for six. Hoisin-flavored chuck roast works wonders in this recipe, but you can use flank steak as well. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin 76 / 100
Grilled Brats with Sriracha Mayo
I am a Sriracha fanatic, so that’s what inspired this dish. You can boil the brats in your favorite beer to reduce the fat and give them flavor before grilling, or spread garlic butter on lightly toasted buns. —Quincie Ball, Olympia, Washington 77 / 100
Shrimp Puttanesca
I throw together these bold ingredients for a feisty seafood pasta. —Lynda Balslev, Sausalito, California 78 / 100
Lemon Salmon with Basil
At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini. —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon 79 / 100
Grilled Ham Burgers
My family loves my ham loaf, so I decided to make the ham loaf mixture into patties and grill them—it was an instant hit. Adding the arugula gives these burgers a peppery bite and honey mustard dressing adds just the right sweet and sour flavor. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania 80 / 100
Tangy Beef Turnovers
My mom's recipe for these flavorful pockets called for dough to be made from scratch, but I streamlined it by using crescent rolls. My children love them plain or dipped in ketchup — mustard works, too. —Claudia Bodeker, Ash Flat, Arkansas 81 / 100
Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California 82 / 100
Asian-Style Salmon Packets
My husband and I love salmon, so I'm always looking for fun ways to change it up. We both love the blend of heat and citrus, plus the foil packet makes for easy cooking and cleanup! —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California 83 / 100
Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls
This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania 84 / 100
Curried Pork and Green Tomatoes
When the tomatoes are green in the garden, my husband and sons are thrilled to know this dish will appear on several weekly menus. I've passed the recipe on more times than I can count. 85 / 100
Saucy Barbecue Shrimp
This old, rustic Cajun dish is one of our family favorites. Don't remove the shells from the shrimp—the beauty of this dish is peeling the shrimp and dipping it in the sauce. We've doubled and even tripled this barbecue shrimp to feed crowds and it's always perfect! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas 86 / 100
Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork I ate there, so I started making it for myself. The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can also use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas 87 / 100
Texas Chili Fries
The delicious chili goes together in minutes and then cooks while you run errands. The only way to make it even better is to pour it over crisp french fries and sprinkle with cheese. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 88 / 100
Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet
Here’s a good and hearty supper. If I have fresh mushrooms on hand, I slice them and toss them in the skillet. You could add cooked veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower, too. —Sandy Harz, Spring Lake, Michigan 89 / 100
Cheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads
When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin 90 / 100
German Brat Seafood Boil
The grilled bratwurst and onion add a smoky flavor to corn, potatoes and fish for a hearty meal that's always a hit with my family. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho 91 / 100
Garden Vegetable Gnocchi
When we go meatless, we toss gnocchi (my husband's favorite) with veggies and a dab of pesto. I use zucchini in this, too. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah 92 / 100
Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice
Poultry and freezer basics inspired this deliciously healthy combo. I have a hard time getting my family to eat healthy, but they have no problem cleaning their plates when I serve this dish! —Tracy Long, Bellwood, Nebraska 93 / 100
Grilled Tilapia with Mango
Here's a new twist on tilapia that I created for my wife. She enjoys the combination of mango with Parmesan. Somehow it tastes even better outside on the deck with a cold glass of iced tea. —Gregg May, Columbus, Ohio 94 / 100
Mexican Turkey Meat Loaf
Here's a zesty, flavorful meat loaf you can really sink your teeth into! Pair this with black beans, rice, green salad with lime vinaigrette or any of your favorite Tex-Mex sides. —Kristen Miller, Glendale, Wisconsin 95 / 100
Pork Tenderloin with Three-Berry Salsa
My husband came home from a work meeting that had served pork with a spicy blueberry salsa. He was amazed at how tasty it was, so I came up with my own rendition without seeing or tasting what he had. It took several tries, but this is the delicious result. —Angie Phillips, Tarzana, California 96 / 100
Peach-Glazed Ribs
For a fruity alternative to the usual barbecue sauce for ribs, try this slightly spicy recipe at your next picnic. The peaches add just the right touch of sweetness and a lovely color to this special sauce. —Sharon Taylor, Columbia, South Carolina 97 / 100
Tortilla Crunch Turkey Cutlets
I was inspired to create more Southwestern-flavored foods from our travels there. This is a great way to use leftover chips and salsa. You can substitute chicken cutlets for the turkey if you like. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas 98 / 100
Garden-Fresh Grilled Veggie Pizza
I have four gardens, including one just for herbs, so I always have a pretty good spread of produce. I created this loaded-up pizza as a fun summer appetizer using some of my best garden goodies. —Dianna Wara, Washington, Illinois 99 / 100
Glazed Spatchcocked Chicken
A few pantry items inspired this recipe, which I've since made for small weeknight meals or for big parties. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 100 / 100
Barbecue Chicken Tostadas
Lots of my recipes (just like this one) start out as fun ways to use leftovers. My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas Originally Published: May 20, 2019
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