Easy Dinner Recipes Anyone Can Make
Easy doesn't mean boring. These dinners are rated beginner-friendly: short, clear steps, ingredients you can find in any supermarket and no techniques that need years of practice. They're the recipes we'd hand a friend who just moved into their first flat, or anyone who wants dinner to feel relaxed rather than like an exam. You'll find Swiss Älplermagronen, Turkish lentil soup, shakshuka, tacos and plenty more.
101 recipes
Swiss Älplermagronen
Hearty Alpine macaroni with tender potatoes, caramelized sweet onions, melted Gruyère, and cool apple sauce on the side.
30 min · Swiss · Vegetarian
Bubbly Raclette Toast
The cosy taste of a Raclette evening in 15 minutes — melty cheese over crusty bread, tiny potatoes, cornichons, and a pinch of paprika.
15 min · Swiss · Vegetarian
Savoury-Sweet Birchermüesli Dinner Bowl
Light, no-cook evening Bircher with grated apple, berries, Greek yoghurt, and crunchy hazelnuts — the Swiss answer to 'too tired to cook'.
10 min · Swiss · Vegetarian
Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Pantry magic: garlic-scented olive oil, blistered cherry tomatoes, chilli flakes, and basil tossed through glossy spaghetti.
15 min · Italian · Vegan, Vegetarian
Smoky Spanish Chickpea & Spinach Stew
A Sevillian tapas favourite turned dinner: chickpeas and spinach in a smoky paprika-tomato sauce, with crusty bread for dunking.
25 min · Spanish · Vegan, Vegetarian
Greek Lemon-Oregano Sheet-Pan Chicken
Sunny Greek flavours with zero fuss: lemony chicken thighs, crispy potatoes, red onion, olives, and a cool tzatziki dollop.
45 min · Greek · High protein, Gluten free
Crispy Halloumi Crunch Wrap
Squeaky golden halloumi, crunchy veg, and a lemony yoghurt drizzle rolled up tight — a 15-minute dinner that tastes like summer.
15 min · Mediterranean · Vegetarian, High protein
Weeknight Shakshuka
Eggs gently poached in a cumin-spiced pepper and tomato sauce, finished with fresh herbs. Mop it all up with warm flatbread.
25 min · Middle eastern · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek)
Velvety, golden lentil soup with cumin, a hint of mint, and a squeeze of lemon. Cheap, cosy, and even better the next day.
30 min · Turkish · Vegan, Vegetarian
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
Smoky chipotle chicken, lime rice, black beans, sweet corn, and creamy avocado — build-your-own fun for the whole table.
30 min · Mexican · High protein, Gluten free
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
Roasty cumin sweet potato, smashed black beans, crunchy red cabbage slaw, and lime crema on warm corn tortillas.
30 min · Mexican · Vegan, Vegetarian
15-Minute Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl
Sweet-savoury caramelised beef with garlic, ginger, and sesame over steamed rice with crunchy quick-pickled cucumber.
20 min · Korean · High protein, Dairy free
Kimchi Fried Rice with Fried Egg
The ultimate leftover-rice rescue: tangy kimchi, gochujang, and crispy rice crowned with a runny fried egg.
15 min · Korean · Vegetarian, Dairy free
Sticky Teriyaki Salmon & Greens
Glossy, sweet-salty teriyaki salmon from the air fryer with garlicky pak choi and rice — dinner in 20 minutes flat.
20 min · Japanese · Pescatarian, High protein
Thai Green Curry with Crispy Tofu
Fragrant coconut green curry loaded with crispy tofu, green beans, and sweet peppers — cosy, bright, and fully plant-based.
30 min · Thai · Vegan, Vegetarian
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Salad
Bún-style cold rice noodles with lemongrass chicken, heaps of fresh herbs, crunchy veg, and a zingy nuoc cham dressing.
25 min · Vietnamese · Gluten free, Dairy free
Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala
Tender spiced chicken in a creamy, gently warming tomato sauce. Serve with basmati rice and warm naan for a crowd-pleasing curry night.
35 min · Indian · High protein, Gluten free
Keto Garlic Butter Chicken with Zoodles
Golden garlic-butter chicken with Parmesan cream over silky courgette noodles. Low-carb, high-flavour, and done in 20.
20 min · American · Keto, Low carb
Sunday Ratatouille Bake with Goat's Cheese
Provençal veg slow-roasted until jammy and sweet, finished with creamy goat's cheese and basil. Lovely with crusty bread.
60 min · French · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Crispy Rösti with Fried Egg & Garlic Spinach
The Swiss Tuesday hero: a golden, crackly Rösti crowned with a runny fried egg and buttery garlic spinach. Cheap, cosy, and done in 25.
25 min · Swiss · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Bündner Barley Soup
A hug in a bowl from Graubünden: pearl barley, smoky bacon, and chunky root vegetables simmered into a thick, warming Alpine soup.
70 min · Swiss · Dairy free
Lemony Ricotta & Pea Pasta
Spring in a bowl, any time of year: creamy ricotta, sweet peas, lemon zest, and mint tossed through pasta in 15 minutes flat.
15 min · Italian · Vegetarian
Baked Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
Pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich tomato-basil sauce under a blanket of bubbling mozzarella. Pure Italian comfort with almost no effort.
30 min · Italian · Vegetarian
Nasi Goreng with Chicken & Fried Egg
Indonesia's beloved fried rice: smoky, sweet-savoury kecap manis rice with chicken, topped with a crispy fried egg and fresh cucumber.
20 min · Indonesian · Dairy free, High protein
Gado-Gado with Peanut Sauce
A colourful Indonesian salad of blanched veg, crispy tofu, eggs, and potatoes, smothered in a creamy, tangy peanut sauce.
30 min · Indonesian · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Ethiopian Misir Wot (Spiced Red Lentils)
Rich, warming red lentils slow-cooked with heaps of onion and berbere spice. Deeply comforting and naturally vegan.
40 min · Ethiopian · Vegan, Vegetarian
West African Peanut Stew
Creamy, gently spiced peanut and tomato stew with sweet potato, chickpeas, and greens. Hearty, vegan, and seriously satisfying.
35 min · African · Vegan, Vegetarian
Keto Smash Burger Bowl
All the joy of a diner smash burger without the bun: crispy-edged beef, melted cheddar, pickles, and tangy burger sauce over crunchy lettuce.
20 min · American · Keto, Low carb
Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders & Sweet Potato Fries
Golden, crunchy panko chicken tenders and crispy sweet potato fries with zero deep-frying. Kids cheer, grown-ups secretly too.
30 min · American · High protein, Dairy free
Baked Cod Puttanesca
Flaky white fish baked in a punchy tomato sauce with olives, capers, and garlic. Light, bright, and ready in 25 minutes.
25 min · Mediterranean · Pescatarian, Gluten free
Weeknight Chana Masala
Tangy, warmly spiced chickpea curry that's on the table in 25 minutes. Budget-friendly, vegan, and one of those dinners everyone goes back for.
25 min · Indian · Vegan, Vegetarian
Thai Basil Pork (Pad Kra Pao)
Thailand's favourite street-food lunch: fiery stir-fried pork with holy basil over jasmine rice, crowned with a crispy fried egg.
15 min · Thai · High protein, Dairy free
Sizzling Shrimp Fajitas
Juicy smoky prawns with charred peppers and onions, wrapped in warm tortillas with avocado and lime. Fajita night in 20 minutes.
20 min · Mexican · Pescatarian, Dairy free
Greek Lentil Salad with Feta
A no-fuss, protein-packed salad of lentils, crunchy cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta in a zesty oregano dressing. Perfect for lunch tomorrow, too.
15 min · Greek · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Sheet-Pan Chicken Shawarma Plate
Warmly spiced, crispy-edged chicken with roasted onions, warm pita, crunchy salad, and a garlicky yoghurt sauce. Street food, home-style.
35 min · Lebanese · High protein
Classic Croque Monsieur
Paris café comfort: ham and Gruyère toasties smothered in silky béchamel and grilled until golden and bubbling.
20 min · French
Swiss Cheese Toast (Chässchnitte)
Crusty bread soaked in a splash of white wine and baked under a thick blanket of molten Gruyère. Alpine hut vibes in 20 minutes.
20 min · Swiss · Vegetarian
Gschwellti with Cheese Platter
The coziest no-cook-cook dinner: steaming jacket potatoes with a board of Swiss cheeses, butter, pickles and pickled onions.
30 min · Swiss · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Hörnli mit Ghacktem
Switzerland's ultimate childhood dinner: little macaroni with a savoury minced beef sauce, grated cheese and a spoon of apple sauce on the side.
25 min · Swiss · High protein
St. Galler Bratwurst with Onion Gravy & Rösti
Zurich's street-food favourite gets the full dinner treatment: golden veal bratwurst, rich onion gravy and a crispy Rösti.
35 min · Swiss · Gluten free, High protein
Pasta e Fagioli
Italy's thrifty, hearty bean and pasta soup with rosemary and garlic. Thick enough to eat with a fork, cozy enough for every week.
35 min · Italian · Vegan, Vegetarian
Chicken Saltimbocca with Crushed Potatoes
Thin chicken escalopes wrapped in prosciutto and sage, pan-fried and finished with a buttery white wine sauce. Italian elegance, weeknight speed.
20 min · Italian · Gluten free, High protein
Penne all'Arrabbiata
Angry pasta in the best way: garlicky tomato sauce with a proper chilli kick. Pantry-friendly, vegan and done in 20.
20 min · Italian · Vegan, Vegetarian
Garden Minestrone
A big, colourful bowl of vegetables, beans and little pasta in a tomato-herb broth. Light, filling and better the next day.
40 min · Italian · Vegan, Vegetarian
Quick Pizza Margherita
Homemade pizza without the stress: store-bought dough, a quick tomato sauce, melty mozzarella and fresh basil, with a rocket salad on the side.
25 min · Italian · Vegetarian
Melanzane alla Parmigiana
Silky roasted aubergine layered with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. Southern Italian comfort that's naturally gluten-free.
70 min · Italian · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Trofie al Pesto Genovese
The Ligurian way: pasta, potatoes and green beans all cooked in one pot, then tossed with bright basil pesto. Carbs on carbs, and it works.
20 min · Italian · Vegetarian
Lemony Tuna & Caper Spaghetti
A store-cupboard hero: flaked tuna, lemon zest, capers, garlic and chilli tossed through spaghetti. Fifteen minutes, big flavour.
15 min · Italian · Pescatarian, Dairy free
Chicken Souvlaki Pita
Lemon-oregano chicken skewers wrapped in warm pita with tzatziki, tomato and red onion. A Greek taverna favourite at home.
30 min · Greek · High protein
Shrimp Saganaki
Juicy prawns baked in a garlicky tomato sauce with crumbled feta. Serve with crusty bread for mopping up every drop.
25 min · Greek · Pescatarian, High protein
One-Pan Greek Baked Orzo
Orzo baked with cherry tomatoes, olives, spinach and a whole block of feta that turns soft and creamy. Minimal effort, maximum cozy.
35 min · Greek · Vegetarian
Gigantes Plaki (Greek Baked Giant Beans)
Big, buttery beans baked in a dill-flecked tomato sauce until thick and sticky. Vegan, budget-friendly and loved all over Greece.
50 min · Greek · Vegan, Vegetarian
Gambas al Ajillo
Sizzling garlic prawns in golden olive oil with a hint of chilli. A tapas bar classic that becomes dinner with plenty of crusty bread.
15 min · Spanish · Pescatarian, Dairy free
Air-Fryer Patatas Bravas with Fried Eggs
Crispy potatoes with smoky spicy bravas sauce, topped with runny fried eggs. Tapas night that counts as a proper dinner.
30 min · Spanish · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Chicken with Romesco & Roast Potatoes
Golden roast chicken thighs and potatoes with a smoky Catalan sauce of roasted peppers, almonds and garlic.
40 min · Spanish · Gluten free, Dairy free
Salade Niçoise
The Riviera's classic composed salad: tuna, jammy eggs, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes and olives with a sharp Dijon dressing.
25 min · French · Pescatarian, Gluten free
Poulet à la Moutarde
Juicy chicken thighs in a creamy, tangy Dijon and white wine sauce. A French bistro hug with potatoes and green beans.
30 min · French · Gluten free, High protein
Turkish Menemen
Soft, silky scrambled eggs cooked into sweet peppers and juicy tomatoes with a pinch of Aleppo pepper. Turkey's favourite fast comfort, great with warm bread.
15 min · Turkish · Vegetarian, Dairy free
Quick Lahmacun Wraps
Thin flatbreads topped with spiced minced beef, baked crisp, then rolled up with parsley, onion and lemon. Turkish street food at home.
25 min · Turkish · Dairy free, High protein
Adana-Style Köfte with Rice Pilaf
Juicy spiced lamb köfte with buttery rice pilaf, a tomato-onion salad and cool garlic yoghurt.
35 min · Turkish · Gluten free, High protein
Fattoush with Crispy Halloumi
Crunchy Lebanese bread salad with radishes, tomatoes, cucumber, sumac and pomegranate molasses, topped with golden halloumi.
20 min · Lebanese · Vegetarian, High protein
Mujadara (Lentils, Rice & Crispy Onions)
Humble, magnificent Levantine comfort: spiced lentils and rice crowned with a tangle of sweet, crispy onions. Vegan and cheap.
45 min · Lebanese · Vegan, Vegetarian
Lebanese Beef Kafta with Hummus
Herby, spiced beef kafta skewers with creamy hummus, warm flatbread and a crunchy tomato-cucumber salad.
25 min · Lebanese · Dairy free, High protein
Harira (Moroccan Lentil & Chickpea Soup)
Morocco's soul-warming soup of lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes and herbs, gently spiced and brightened with lemon.
50 min · Moroccan · Vegan, Vegetarian
Moroccan Carrot & Chickpea Couscous Salad
A sunny, crunchy salad of fluffy couscous, sweet carrot, chickpeas, raisins and herbs in a cumin-lemon dressing. Perfect for meal prep.
20 min · Moroccan · Vegan, Vegetarian
Hummus Bowl with Spiced Lamb
Creamy hummus topped with sizzling cinnamon-cumin lamb, toasted pine nuts and herbs, with warm pita for scooping.
20 min · Middle eastern · Dairy free, High protein
Sabich Pita
Israel's iconic street sandwich: fried aubergine, boiled eggs, hummus, tahini, crunchy salad and pickles stuffed in soft pita.
25 min · Middle eastern · Vegetarian, Dairy free
Lemon-Herb Salmon with Herby Couscous
Pan-seared salmon with a crispy skin over lemony couscous with tomatoes, cucumber and plenty of herbs. Fresh, fast and filling.
20 min · Mediterranean · Pescatarian, Dairy free
Harissa Halloumi & Veg Traybake
Sweet roasted Mediterranean veg and chickpeas with spicy harissa and golden, honey-glazed halloumi. One tray, done.
35 min · Mediterranean · Vegetarian, Gluten free
Chicken Yakitori Rice Bowl
Sticky, smoky glazed chicken thigh pieces with spring onions over fluffy rice. Japanese izakaya flavours without the skewers.
25 min · Japanese · Dairy free, High protein
Miso-Glazed Salmon with Edamame Rice
Sweet-savoury miso glaze caramelised on tender salmon, with edamame-studded rice. Restaurant vibes in 20 minutes.
20 min · Japanese · Pescatarian, Dairy free
Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
Thin slices of beef and sweet onion simmered in a savoury dashi-soy broth and piled over rice. Tokyo's favourite fast dinner.
20 min · Japanese · Dairy free, High protein
Veggie Yaki Udon
Thick, chewy udon noodles stir-fried with mushrooms, cabbage and carrot in a glossy soy-mirin sauce. Fifteen minutes to slurp heaven.
15 min · Japanese · Vegan, Vegetarian
Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl)
'Parent and child' bowl: tender chicken and softly set egg simmered in sweet dashi-soy broth over rice. Gentle, cozy, very Japanese.
20 min · Japanese · Dairy free, High protein
Miso-Glazed Aubergine (Nasu Dengaku)
Silky roasted aubergine halves lacquered with sweet miso glaze and sesame, served with rice and cucumber. Vegan and seriously moreish.
30 min · Japanese · Vegan, Vegetarian
15-Minute Shoyu Ramen with Jammy Egg
Savoury soy-ginger broth with springy ramen noodles, jammy eggs, pak choi and nori. Your cozy ramen shop, minus the queue.
25 min · Japanese · Dairy free
Air-Fryer Korean Gochujang Cauliflower
Crispy cauliflower bites in a sticky, sweet-spicy gochujang glaze over rice. Plant-based 'fried chicken' energy.
30 min · Korean · Vegan, Vegetarian
Dakgalbi (Spicy Korean Chicken Stir-Fry)
Chicken, cabbage and sweet potato stir-fried in a fiery gochujang sauce. A Chuncheon favourite that gets everyone round the pan.
30 min · Korean · Dairy free, High protein
Soondubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Bubbling, spicy Korean stew of silky soft tofu, kimchi and mushrooms with an egg cracked in at the end. Pure comfort in a bowl.
25 min · Korean · Dairy free
Keto Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
Savoury garlic-ginger beef with a little chilli heat, spooned into crunchy lettuce cups. Low-carb, high-fun, 15 minutes.
15 min · Korean · Keto, Low carb
Prawn Egg Fried Rice
Better-than-takeaway fried rice with juicy prawns, fluffy egg, peas and spring onions. The best thing that ever happened to leftover rice.
15 min · Chinese · Pescatarian, Dairy free
Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Tender beef and crisp broccoli in a glossy garlic-ginger oyster sauce. The takeaway classic, faster at home.
20 min · Chinese · Dairy free, High protein
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Crispy chicken pieces with pineapple and peppers in a bright, tangy sweet and sour sauce. A family takeaway favourite made fresh.
30 min · Chinese · Dairy free, High protein
Chinese Tomato & Egg Stir-Fry
China's ultimate home-cooked comfort: fluffy scrambled eggs in a sweet-tangy tomato sauce over rice. Fifteen minutes, five ingredients.
15 min · Chinese · Vegetarian, Dairy free
Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
Fragrant, creamy coconut soup with chicken, mushrooms, lemongrass and lime. Soothing, zingy and gluten-free.
30 min · Thai · Gluten free, Dairy free
Thai Red Curry with Prawns
Juicy prawns and crisp veg in a fragrant red coconut curry with Thai basil. Ready in 25, so no need for takeaway.
25 min · Thai · Pescatarian, Gluten free
Larb Gai (Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups)
Zingy, herby minced chicken salad with lime, fish sauce, chilli and toasted rice, scooped into crisp lettuce cups. Light and full of punch.
20 min · Thai · Gluten free, Dairy free
Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)
Thai-style fried rice with chicken, egg, tomato and onion, finished with fish sauce and a squeeze of lime. Simple, satisfying street food.
15 min · Thai · Dairy free, High protein
Thai Peanut Noodle Salad
Cold rice noodles with crunchy veg, edamame and herbs in a creamy, zingy peanut-lime dressing. Your new favourite meal prep.
20 min · Thai · Vegan, Vegetarian
Lemongrass Chicken Bánh Mì
Crusty baguette stuffed with lemongrass chicken, quick-pickled carrot, cucumber, coriander, chilli and a swipe of mayo. Vietnam's best sandwich.
25 min · Vietnamese · Dairy free, High protein
Lemongrass Chilli Tofu Bowl
Crispy tofu tossed in a fragrant lemongrass-chilli caramel over rice with fresh herbs and crunchy veg. Vegan and vibrant.
25 min · Vietnamese · Vegan, Vegetarian
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Turmeric-marinated chicken skewers, charred and served with creamy peanut sauce, rice and cucumber. A crowd-pleaser for all ages.
30 min · Indonesian · Dairy free, High protein
Mie Goreng (Indonesian Fried Noodles)
Smoky, sweet-savoury fried egg noodles with chicken, cabbage and a kick of sambal. Indonesian street food in 20 minutes.
20 min · Indonesian · Dairy free, High protein
Dal Tadka
Golden, creamy yellow lentils finished with a sizzling tadka of cumin, garlic and chilli. India's everyday comfort and a vegan staple.
30 min · Indian · Vegan, Vegetarian
Aloo Gobi
Cauliflower and potatoes cooked with turmeric, ginger and warm spices until golden and tender. A cozy, budget-friendly vegan classic.
35 min · Indian · Vegan, Vegetarian
Goan Prawn Curry
Tangy, coconutty prawn curry with tamarind and gentle heat. Sunny Goan beach vibes on a Tuesday.
25 min · Indian · Pescatarian, Gluten free
Keema Matar
Spiced minced lamb with sweet peas, ginger and garam masala. A homely Indian one-pan dinner that's great for meal prep.
30 min · Indian · Gluten free, Dairy free
Crispy Sesame Tofu & Broccoli Bowl
Crunchy cornstarch-crisped tofu in a sticky sesame-maple glaze with broccoli and rice. Vegan, family-friendly and super quick.
25 min · Asian · Vegan, Vegetarian
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
Golden chicken thighs in a glossy honey-garlic-soy glaze with green beans and rice. Every kid's (and adult's) favourite.
25 min · Asian · Dairy free, High protein
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Tortillas rolled around chicken and black beans, smothered in smoky red sauce and baked under bubbling cheese. A guaranteed family hit.
45 min · Mexican · High protein
Chili con Carne
Rich, smoky beef and bean chili with a whisper of cocoa, simmered until thick. Even better tomorrow, which makes it a meal prep legend.
60 min · Mexican · Gluten free, Dairy free
What makes a dinner recipe easy
Few pans, few steps and forgiving timings. A soup that can bubble for five more minutes, a sheet-pan dinner that roasts while you set the table or a pasta sauce that only needs stirring. We skipped anything where one wrong minute ruins it.
Tips for no-fuss dinners
Get everything out before you start, taste as you go and salt in small steps. If a recipe offers a swap, use it: easy cooking means cooking with what you have, not chasing a perfect ingredient list.
FAQ
- What is the easiest dinner to cook?
- Raclette toast, spaghetti aglio olio with tomato and shakshuka are among our simplest.
- Do I need special equipment?
- No. Most easy dinners need just a hob and one pan or pot.
- Are easy dinners good for kids to help with?
- Many are. Assembling tacos, bowls and toasts is a great job for kids.
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