What to Make for Dinner Tonight: 20 Ideas

You need dinner and you need it now. Here are 20 ideas organized by how much effort you want to put in.

Zero Effort (No Cooking)

• Sandwich (deli meat + cheese + bread)
• Wraps (tortilla + hummus + vegetables)
• Cereal (yes, it counts)
• Yogurt + granola + fruit
• Cheese and crackers + fruit

Minimal Effort (5-10 Minutes)

• Quesadilla (tortilla + cheese + beans)
• Scrambled eggs + toast
• Grilled cheese
• Ramen + egg + vegetables
• Avocado toast

Some Effort (15-20 Minutes)

• Pasta + jarred sauce + garlic bread
• Fried rice (day-old rice + eggs + vegetables)
• Stir fry (protein + vegetables + sauce + rice)
• Tacos (ground beef + seasoning + tortillas)
• Bean burritos (beans + rice + cheese + salsa)

Worth the Effort (30+ Minutes)

• Homemade pizza (dough + sauce + toppings)
• Chicken parmesan (breaded chicken + marinara + cheese)
• Soup (any kind, simmer 30 minutes)
• Meatloaf (ground beef + breadcrumbs + glaze)
• Stuffed peppers (rice + meat + cheese + peppers)

Still can't decide? Spin our free Random Food Generator and let it choose for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a good dinner for one person?

Quesadilla, pasta, fried rice, or a wrap. All are quick, use common ingredients, and don't leave tons of leftovers.

What should I make for a date night dinner?

Homemade pasta with a simple sauce, pan-seared chicken with roasted vegetables, or homemade pizza. All are impressive but not difficult.