50 Last Minute Dinner Recipes to cook right now!

We’ve all needed Last Minute Dinner Recipes when our plans change or we don’t want to eat what we planned. I’ve been there, even as a culinary dietitian and meal planning mom! I’m excited to share 50 ideas for you to use as fallback meals.

After the round up of 50 ideas, scroll to the bottom because I’ll teach you how to use a fallback/last minute dinner recipe effectively. It’s one thing to have a list of recipes in your back pocket but another to have tangible ways to use them.

I also am sharing 10 tips for Last Minute Dinner Recipes below – scroll down! You won’t want to miss them!

three ingredient teriyaki meat balls close up

3-Ingredient Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs

These easy teriyaki meatballs are perfect as a main dish, or served on toothpicks as an appetizer. With practically no prep time and a short cook time, you can enjoy delicious flavor in under 30 minutes! I would pair these with broccoli and rice.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

These air fryer chicken kabobs include juicy chicken chunks and fresh veggies topped with your favorite bbq sauce. It’s perfect for the whole family with simple ingredients. Plus, since you don’t marinate the chicken, it’s on the table in less than 30 minutes!

Check out this recipe

15 Minute Pasta with Tomato Sauce

This 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta has sweet sautéed onions, garlic, rich tomato paste, and a touch of cream combined for a flavor packed sauce that rivals any restaurant dish. This quick dinner winner that will make the whole family and your budget happy.

Check out this recipe

Sauteed Shrimp with Zucchini

This sautéed shrimp with zucchini showcases natural sweetness of shrimps and zucchini. The addition of garlic and lemon juice makes the dish flavorful and delicious. It is a quick and easy one-pan meal for busy days.

Check out this recipe

white serving dish with asian glazed salmon piece and garnish with greens and a bowl of rice next to it

15-Minute Asian Glazed Salmon

This Asian Glazed Salmon is so quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. It is delicious with medium pan-seared salmon and a honey fish sauce glaze.

Check out this recipe

Cheese Tortellini with Sausage and Mushrooms

Cheese Tortellini with Sausage and Mushrooms is an easy meal using all my pantry and freezer staples. This dinner is on the table in 30 minutes!

Check out this recipe

Pull Apart Pizza Bread

This Pull Apart Pizza Bread comes together in no time and makes a great appetizer, snack, or even meal option! Add your favorite ingredients and have fun with it!

Check out this recipe

white bowl with chickpea curry and white rice garnished with greens

Punjabi Chana Masala Recipe- Indian Chickpea Curry

Made in spicy onion tomato gravy and flavored with Indian spices, this Punjabi Chana Masala Recipe is heavenly and perfect for a weeknight healthy meal! This traditional Indian Chole Curry made with chickpea is one of the popular companions of our street food- Chole Bhature.

Check out this recipe

Simple Minestrone Soup in a white bowl with a gluten free dumpling and spoon on the side

The Best Recipe For Minestrone Soup To Try Now

You'll definitely want to try this delectable minestrone recipe with gluten-free Parmesan Dumplings. Although GF dumplings may sound difficult, they are actually quite simple.

Check out this recipe

Easy Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake

This easy tomato tuna pasta bake is a perfect delicious dish for busy weeknights that only requires a few ingredients, minimal time in the kitchen and is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Check out this recipe

Pasta E Ceci Pasta with Chickpeas

Pasta e Ceci is an easy and delicious vegetarian recipe. This classic Italian chickpea and pasta stew is comfort food to the max! Everything comes together in one pot on the stovetop, combining creamy chickpeas with perfectly al dente pasta in a veggie-loaded broth.

Check out this recipe

two halves of a cheese and bean burrito stacked on top of eachother

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos are the perfect quick and easy meal! Made with refried beans, super simple seasoned rice, and sharp cheese, this is the perfect vegetarian meal for busy nights or on the go.

Check out this recipe

square white bowl with ground beef and broccoli stir fry inside it

Ground Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

Asian-inspired ground beef broccoli stir fry is perfect if you are ready for a super fast allergy friendly low effort meal. This gluten free beef and broccoli stir fry is free from the top 9 allergens and dairy.

Check out this recipe

black bowl full of fried cabbage beef and vegetables

Ground Beef and Fried Cabbage

This Ground Beef and Cabbage is an easy budget-friendly one-pot ground beef cabbage recipe that is loaded with flavor.

Check out this recipe

American Goulash

American Goulash is an easy, one-pot, classic comfort food made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. Enjoy year-round, and delicious leftover, this irresistible Goulash Recipe is guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters!

Check out this recipe

sheet pan with greek sausage and vegetables

Greek Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

This Greek Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner is an easy and delicious everyday meal ready in an hour. The onions and red peppers are roasted with Greek sausages and potato wedges bringing out all their sweetness and flavor.

Check out this recipe

plate with air fryer mahi mahi and yogurt sauce with rice and asparagus

Easy Crusted Air Fryer Mahi Mahi with Yogurt Sauce

If you are looking for an easy air fryer recipe, look no further. Indulge in this delicious air fryer mahi mahi with a crunch, paired with a sweet and spicy yogurt dipping sauce that's simply irresistible. Better set the table soon since it's ready to serve in less than 15 minutes.

Check out this recipe

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This lemon ricotta pasta recipe features bright lemon flavors, creamy ricotta cheese, and chickpea pasta. Ready in under 20 minutes, one-pot ricotta lemon pasta is the perfect meal for any night of the week!

Check out this recipe

Easy Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Creamy, rich, and deliciously smoky, this 30-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara is a favorite. This is one of those meals that is fancy enough for entertaining on the weekend, but easy enough for a simple, delicious, weeknight dinner.

Check out this recipe

Chili Oil Ramen

Asian-flavored chili oil ramen has recently attracted a lot of attention. This tasty and flavorful chili oil ramen is easy to make, budget-friendly, and ready in about 15 minutes.

Check out this recipe

Easy Tofu Fajitas (Vegan)

Tofu fajitas are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken or beef fajitas. This protein-packed and filling meal is perfect for those looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet and is especially great for these busy weekdays.

Check out this recipe

white bowl of chickpea spinach curry with naan in background

Creamy Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Creamy coconut-based chickpea and spinach curry is a bowl full of bright flavors like turmeric, lemon, and seasonal greens. This warm, delicious curry can be made in just 20 minutes, flatbread included, for a quick weeknight meal the entire family will love.

Check out this recipe

Mushroom Aglio Olio

This mushroom aglio olio is a quick, easy and budget friendly dinner. With just six ingredients its on the table in twenty minutes.

Check out this recipe

Easy Fish Gyros

Simple, delicious. This recipe for Easy Fish Gyros, with crunchy fish and creamy Tzatziki sauce, is a perfect solution for a busy weeknight meal. Have it done in 25 minutes to move right on for the more important things in life.

Check out this recipe

dish of Vietnamese Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Vietnamese Ground Beef Rice Bowls (15 Minutes)

Meet a go-to lifesaver, the Vietnamese Ground Beef Rice Bowls! It’s my quick fix for busy days—only 15 minutes in the kitchen, zero prep needed. The real heroes? Lemongrass and fish sauce, guaranteed not to let you down!

Check out this recipe

red dish full of tuna and sweet corn pasta

Tuna and Sweetcorn Pasta Bake

Tuna and sweetcorn pasta bake is a very easy store cupboard recipe and a real family favourite for a mid week dinner. It's quick to make and needs just a few everyday ingredients

Check out this recipe

Sheet Pan Philly Cheesesteaks

Sheet Pan Philly Cheesesteaks are a delicious, easy and comforting dinner that cooks in the oven in just 30 minutes on one pan requiring minimal effort and dishes.

Check out this recipe

Bulgogi Bowl

This delicious 30-minute sweet and spicy Bulgogi Bowl comes together with a few simple ingredients for a quick and easy dinner that is full of flavor!

Check out this recipe

Johnny Marzetti – Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

Johnny Marzetti is a baked comfort noodle dish prepared with tomato sauce, ground beef, and topped cheese. It's a 100% delicious, fool-proof recipe and a family favorite!

Check out this recipe

Vegetable Quesadillas

Easy vegetable quesadilla recipe is a flavorful dish loaded with vegetables and cheese. Whip up a Mexican-inspired vegetarian quesadilla recipe that is both delicious and cheesy. Made with pantry ingredients, it's perfect for dinner, snack, or lunch.

Check out this recipe

Veggie Pesto Pasta

This pesto veggie pasta dish is loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a nutty, zesty pesto. On the table in 30 minutes, this is the perfect midweek meal.

Check out this recipe

Korean Beef

A quick and easy dinner that delivers! This Korean beef recipe, a dish made from pantry ingredients and done in under 25 minutes. Serve over white rice, garnished with sesame seeds for a flavorful meal. Pair with some vegetables and you're good to go.

Check out this recipe

ham delights slider made out of hawaiian roll

Ham Delights (Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders)

Ham delights are an old-school Southern favorite. This is an updated version of the classic recipe. It uses delicious honey-dijon butter, everything but the bagel seasoning, and sweet Hawaiian-style rolls to make irresistible little baked ham and cheese sandwiches.

Check out this recipe

casserole and plate dish with 5 ingredient baked ziti in them

5 Ingredient Baked Ziti (So Easy!)

Made with only a few simple ingredients, this 5 Ingredient Baked Ziti is a delicious vegetarian recipe the whole family will love! All you need is ziti, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta, and eggs!

Check out this recipe

Easy Frito Taco Pie

Easy Frito Taco Pie is a delicious dish combining classic taco flavors with the crunchy goodness of corn chips. This simple recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Check out this recipe

pesto naan pizza slice with cheese veggies

Pesto Naan Pizza (Air Fryer or Oven)

Pesto Naan Pizza makes the easy and quick vegetarian individual pizzas. You will LOVE this 30 minute easy naan pizza recipe. It is incredibly quick, full of flavors and uses wholesome ingredients.

Check out this recipe

Easy Spinach Garlic Pasta with Peas

This 20-minute spinach garlic pasta with peas is comforting, satisfying, and the perfect weeknight meal. Cooked pasta noodles, spinach, fresh basil, sugar snap, and sweet peas are all infused in extra virgin olive oil, sautéed fresh garlic, onions, simple seasoning, and creamy Parmesan cheese.

Check out this recipe

Indian Lentils in a dish with spoon and napkin

Indian Lentil Curry

Looking for a tasty, frugal meal that’s a snap to make? One taste of these Easy Indian Lentils and you’ll be surprised at how satisfying and delicious lentils can be.

Check out this recipe

easy creamy italian pasta in a skillet with fresh parmesan cheese on top

Easy Pantry Pasta with Evaporated Milk

This Pantry Pasta is an easy creamy pasta you can throw together in under 30 minutes! Grab a can of evaporated milk, Italian seasoning, a block of Parmesan and whatever bits and bobs you can find to make this weeknight staple. This endlessly versatile dish is a life saver!

Check out this recipe

Pepperoni Pizza Quesadilla

A Pizza Quesadilla is a fun new way to enjoy pepperoni pizza! This quick and easy 5-minute recipe is even easier than homemade pizza because you don’t even have to make the crust! It still has all the cheese and plenty of meat!

Check out this recipe

Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos

With just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, these EASY and delicious Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are an absolute lifesaver on busy nights! Enjoy them very simply, just rolled in tortillas … or create a festive taco bar featuring your family’s favorite toppings!

Check out this recipe

Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup

Making this budget friendly, plant heavy Black Bean Sweet Potato Soup needs to go on the top of your, “to cook” list. It’s a great recipe for the beginner cook to practice chopping, sautéing, and flavoring food to taste.

Check out this recipe

pumpkin feta quiche being served out of pan

Easy Crustless Pumpkin and Feta Quiche

An easy recipe for crustless pumpkin and feta quiche. This quick quiche takes your leftover roasted pumpkin to the next level. Nestled in a fluffy and rich egg mixture, and topped with creamy feta, this vegetarian pumpkin dish is a great low carb, light dinner. No pastry is required which makes this quiche a delicious make-ahead lunch as well.

Check out this recipe

honey garlic chicken on one pan with vegetables

One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

These One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs combine sweet and savory ingredients for the perfect symphony of flavors. With tender chicken and high quality results, this elegant dish is easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Check out this recipe

pan full of easy vegetable snow pea stir fry

Easy 15 Minutes One Pan Stir Fry Recipe

The best part is that it’s made with lots of veggies, doesn’t take too much work, and is packed with so much flavor. The entire family will request it on a regular basis.

Check out this recipe

One Pot Ratatouille Stovetop

This fresh vegetable Italian ratatouille is mouth-wateringly delicious and so easy to make on the stovetop! This healthy ratatouille is bursting with vegetables and flavor and only needs ONE pan (or pot) on the stovetop!

Check out this recipe

Butternut Squash Enchiladas

These butternut squash enchiladas are a veggie-packed version of the traditional Mexican dish. Filled with sweet roasted butternut squash and black beans and then smothered in a flavorful homemade enchiladas sauce, it is a warm and comforting dish guaranteed to be a hit during your next Mexican-themed dinner night!

Check out this recipe

hands holding an easy sweet potato burger

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Burgers

These easy Ground Turkey SweetPotato Burgers offer a delicious, flavorful twist on your original turkey burger. Turkey and sweet potato patties are chock full of antioxidants and can be made as a paleo turkey burger and gluten free bunless turkey burger.

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Super cheesy homemade mac and cheese with a secret healthy ingredient – pumpkin! Using pumpkin puree in this delicious fall pasta adds extra creaminess and richness to this dish. Plus, this pumpkin mac and cheese is ready in less than 20 minutes!

Check out this recipe

casserole dish with jiffy cornbread casserole in it

The Ultimate Jiffy Cornbread Casserole (Ready in 30 Minutes)

This Jiffy Cornbread Casserole features the hearty flavors of ground beef and onions, the tangy taste of tomato paste, and the comforting texture of cornbread and cheese for a satisfying weeknight meal. What’s best is that it can be ready in just 30 minutes!

Check out this recipe

How to Use Last Minute Dinner Ideas

As a dietitian who has been teaching people how to cook and meal plan since 2013, I know a thing or two about effectively finding and using a last minute dinner idea. One of the keys, is to have a go-to list of them before you need it. The second key, is to select two or three than have shelf stable ingredients you can keep on hand at all times.

Step One

To break this down, you first want to build up your master meal list and include a category of last minute dinner recipe ideas. Under that category, place some of your quickest and easiest meals you can rely on that your family likes and are simple to cook. Try to add as many meals to this as you can, whether they are recipes or a listed meal like, “turkey with peppers, onions and soy sauce over rice.”

Step Two

Next, select two or three (or more if able) recipes from your list that container mainly if not all shelf stable ingredients. That way, you can buy these at the beginning of the month and keep them on hand to use throughout the weeks as needed.

It’s helpful to rotate around a variety of last minute dinner recipes to figure out which ones work best for you. Don’t forget to add notes to your meal list of ideas to remind you of any shortcuts, changes, or substitutions you’ve made to a recipe.

10 Tips to Consider

Keep some of these general tips in mind if you’re trying to improve the dreaded, “what are we having for dinner tonight?”

Keep pantry staples stocked: Having essential pantry items like pasta, rice, canned beans, veggies, and sauces can make throwing together a quick meal easier.
Plan ahead: Spend a few minutes each week planning out some easy dinner options for busy nights. Having a plan can save you time and stress, read my stress free meal planning post here.
Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food when you have time and freeze portions for later use. This way, you’ll have homemade meals ready to go at the drop of a hat.
Use shortcuts: Don’t be afraid to use pre-cut veggies, canned beans, or cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time. Minced garlic and squeezable herbs can all help your fast meal be extra flavorful.
One-pot wonders: When you’re building your list of ideas, search for recipes that have minimal cleanup, such as soups, stews, and sheet pan meals, where everything cooks together in one piece of equipment.
Utilize leftovers: Get creative with leftovers from previous meals by repurposing them into new dishes. For example, leftover veggies can easily turn into a stir fry or at least frozen for a future meal.
Quick cooking methods: Know yourself in the kitchen, are you a whiz at sheet pan meals or does it feel clunky to you? Do you like grilling? Choose recipes with a cooking method you’re familiar with and good at when you’re trying to save time.
Keep it simple: Choose recipes with fewer ingredients (maybe around 5-10) and straightforward instructions to maximize efficiency in the kitchen. Last minute dinners may also be best if they are recipes you feel confident in making.
Prep in advance: Try spending a few minutes in the morning or night chopping vegetables to streamline dinner preparation. Pre-measuring spices is another great way to make the cooking process go faster.
Embrace breakfast for dinner: Breakfast dishes like omelets or pancakes can be quick, satisfying, and require minimal cooking skills. Add some frozen fruit and yogurt on the side and you’ve got a great dinner served.

I hope you found these ideas helpful and that you come back for more! Join my free Facebook Group for Stressed Out Parents who want easier and simpler ways to meal plan and cook. Click here to join!