These Last Minute Dinner Ideas are all you need next time you’re in a bind and short on time. Whether prepped ahead or tossed together a few minutes before, your evening meals will be utterly delicious and beloved by the entire family. From skillet meals, to salads, to breakfast-for-dinner, you will find inspiration for whatever you’re craving!
Please note this post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links. Please see my disclosure for more details.
This wraps up our “What’s For Dinner?” meal series, consisting of over 10 weeks of delicious and fun meals for busy weeknights. I hope you received some inspiration to help you decide what’s for dinner!
Make it a Meal!
Take these main dishes and pair them with a few sides and desserts for a bountiful meal
Sides
- Garlic Parmesan Green Bean and Mushroom Saute – A classic veggie side for any dish
- Pomegranate Basmati Rice – A must-have for the curry!
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes – Savory potatoes for a little extra fullness
- Sriracha Grilled Veggie Kabobs – More veggies? no problem!
Desserts
- The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies – Cannot go wrong with these cookies
- Swirl Bundt Cake – It’s always a good time for a fun bundt cake
- Very Berry No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream – Ice cream for everyone!
- Snowball Cookies Without Nuts – A year round favorite for all ages
Sweet Potato Thai Curry Bowls are bursting with immense flavor that will have everyone returning for seconds.
Instant Pot Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is defined by its ease and the depth of its rich Italian flavors. Dump and go for a stress free meal!
Slow Cooker Ultimate Baked Potato Bar allows for a unique DIY dinner experience and takes hands-off cooking to the next level!
Instant Pot Cabbage Rolls Unstuffed is a quick and fresh take on a beloved dish to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day or all year long.
Cheesy Broccoli & Rice Skillet Casserole with Chicken Sausage combines savory flavors to create the ultimate comfort-food dish.
Tropical Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowls are as delicious as they are vibrant. Customize with your favorite fruit and toppings!
Moroccan Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl is a light and healthy dish that combines golden couscous and a traditional spice blend rub.
Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Freezer Burritos introduce you to an unlikely combo that will send your taste buds soaring!
Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon and Vegetables is a satisfying and nutritious meal with only a few simple ingredients and little prep.
Southern Garlic Cheese Grits Bowls are a Southern staple- you cannot go wrong with serving up hot grits and enjoying breakfast for dinner!
Chicken Tamale Pie with Masa is smothered in enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and the comforting flavor of tamales without any of the hassle.
Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls are filled with southwestern flavors, rich vegetables, and a juicy rotisserie chicken to round out your meal.
Pin me!
Dinner time can be stress-less and tasty AND healthy! Which of these recipes will you be trying first?
Related Posts
The baked potato bar is an amazing idea for a fun dinner.
I would love quite a lot of these; I like anything that is delicious and simple or quick — thanks for sharing these!
Oh boy. Every dish listed here looks absolutely delicious and very appealing to me. Can’t wait to try, thanks a bunch.
There is some really great recipes in here! Thanks so much for sharing.
There are so many fantastic ideas here. Sometimes we all need some recipe inspo
These are some really helpful suggestions for meals. I have been on a weight loss journey and to eat better, I have been doing it for nearly 3 weeks and it has been really helpful in managing my pain. Easy to make meals are helpful when my pains are bad, so I want an easy to make dinner sometimes. Thank you for sharing your suggestions.
Lauren x
I’m instantly going to bookmark the sweet potato Thai curry bowl – that looks fantastic!
Some great ideas here to save for later.
What a great collection of recipes! Thanks for sharing!
A great list with lots of options! Thanks for putting up so much of effort to bring such a wonderful collection.
What a wonderful collections of recipes. Having these on rotation for weeknights for sure.
I love all these options! Definitely adding a few of these to my “I’m screwed what can I make list” hehe
I am a busy mom, and time means the world to me. Thank you for these great ideas!
This is ideal as I was just thinking about what to have for tea.
This post made my mouth water! Thanks for the tips. I’m always at a loss of what to make for dinner and feel like I’m eating the same thing over and over.
great round up. perfect when i don’t want to think what to make for dinner
thanks for the weekly inspo
So many options to try! I kike the stuffed cabbage and sweet potato wraps.
Love this roundup! So many amazing recipes!
Love the look of the chicken burrito bowl although I don’t think my OH would appreciate it! I’m always looking out for fast and last minute decisions, so some of these could work well with us
Oh wow these all sound delicious I can’t wait to make them all! I always need last minute dinner ideas for when I finish work late, thank you so much
I loved your slow cooker baked potato recipe! Can’t wait to try others, thanks!
So many wonderful dinner ideas! I am obsessed!
These recipes are so helpful for a busy person like me! Thanks for sharing!