A metal skillet filled with easy skillet lasagna and garnished with basil leaves.Weeknight Winners®Six breaded oven fried chicken thighs with four lemon wedges in a parchment-lined dish.ChickenA sliced grilled steak with coffee spice rub and a carving knife lying beside itBeefA finished croque monsieur casserole in a white baking dish with a spoon resting inside.CasserolesA skillet filled with cacio e pepe, with a bowl of shredded Parmesan cheese on the side.PastaA marble slab with 4 vegetarian sloppy Joe sliders.HealthyA white oval serving plate filled with slow cooker coq au vin and a gold fork resting on the side of the plate.Slow CookerInstant Pot Thanksgiving turkey on a platter garnished with figs, oranges, grapes, and sage, beside a carving set.Instant PotA sliced steak chimichurri with a gravy boat filled with chimichurri on the side.Grilling

Easy Weeknight Favorites

More Weeknight Winners

Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Cheese with Jalapeños

Why put cheese only inside your grilled cheese sandwich? This beauty is filled with Cheddar and coated with Parmesan, which means you get a creamy, melty interior, and a crispy exterior. Basically, a perfect grilled cheese.

25 mins

Air Fryer Scotch Eggs

These Scotch eggs give you the irresistible combination of tender boiled egg, sausage, and crispy coating minus the mess of deep frying.

35 mins

Budget-Friendly Meals

See More

Main Dish FAQs

Choosing an entree can be tricky, particularly when you’re catering to various diets. These are the most common questions readers ask when looking for a main dish recipe.

Do main dishes have to contain meat?

No, not at all. Vegetarian main dishes can be as simple as pasta tossed in Italian tomato sauce or a serving of hearty vegetarian chili. If you’re experimenting with adding more meatless meals to your repertoire, check out our selection of vegetarian recipes for inspiration.

What are some main dishes that can be made ahead of time?

Soups, stews, and braises are excellent choices for making ahead of time, as their flavor tends to improve after resting overnight.

Can you suggest some popular potluck main dishes?

For a potluck, choose main dishes that travel well and can be kept warm. Slow cooker mains, such as pulled pork, BBQ meatballs, or beef chili are great choices because they can be transported and kept warm in the slow cooker. Casserole recipes are also popular, particularly our classic King Ranch chicken.

How should I store my leftovers?

Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours after cooking. Keep your food in airtight containers in the fridge and consume it within 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pappardelle

A metal skillet filled with sausage pappardelle with grated Parmesan on top.
: David Leite

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

more chicken dinners

Braised Chicken Thighs

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this cozy meal of tender chicken thighs that are gently cooked with vermouth, lemon, olives, and prosciutto.

Spicy Honey Lime Chicken

This easy-peasy marinated grilled chicken with sweet and spicy honey lime sauce is going to be on regular rotation at our dinner tables. We’re betting it will be at yours, too.

1 hr 30 mins

Honey Glazed Chicken with Garlic Confit

This simple, yet elegant roast chicken dinner features chicken pieces that are glazed with honey and vinegar, then slowly roasted in garlic confit until tender and golden. Do we have your attention?

1 hr 50 mins

All Mains

Garlic-Butter Shrimp Pasta

Only 30 minutes and a few simple ingredients stands between you and a warm bowl of pasta and shrimp bathed in lemon garlic butter. What are you waiting for?

30 mins

Grilled Beef Short Ribs with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

These tender beef short ribs are cooked low and slow, then slathered with a boozy homemade bbq sauce and finished on the grill. They're perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and summer celebrations.

5 hrs

Braised Chicken Thighs

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this cozy meal of tender chicken thighs that are gently cooked with vermouth, lemon, olives, and prosciutto.

Brie Mac and Cheese

The creamiest, cheesiest, most comforting mac and cheese you're ever going to try. Swear.

1 hr

Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

Haul out your Crock Pot. Grab a can of your favorite stout. Get ready to enjoy a big bowl of Irish-inspired beef stew piled atop a mound of garlic mashed potatoes.

8 hrs 45 mins

Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pappardelle

This easy one-pot pasta meal from Jamie Oliver features fresh pasta and sausage smothered in a luxurious tomato sauce. Our testers are calling it a "quick, elegant, comforting meal."

25 mins

Shanghai Fried Noodles

Skip the takeout and make this fast, easy, and oh-so-satisfying bowl of Shanghai noodles, crispy pork belly, and kale.

20 mins

Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp

Skip the takeout and whip up this fast and easy honey garlic shrimp. Your tastebuds and your wallet will thank you.

25 mins

Gnocchi Soup with Bacon and Cheese

Who can resist a comforting bowl of tender gnocchi in a creamy, cheesy broth that's laden with crispy bacon and plenty of vegetables? Not us.

1 hr 15 mins

Spicy Honey Lime Chicken

This easy-peasy marinated grilled chicken with sweet and spicy honey lime sauce is going to be on regular rotation at our dinner tables. We're betting it will be at yours, too.

1 hr 30 mins

Vietnamese-Style Caramelized Pork

This caramelized pork is sweet, salty, savory, and a little spicy. It's every bit as good as what you'll find in your local Vietnamese restaurant and completely doable on a weeknight.

1 hr

Honey Glazed Chicken with Garlic Confit

This simple, yet elegant roast chicken dinner features chicken pieces that are glazed with honey and vinegar, then slowly roasted in garlic confit until tender and golden. Do we have your attention?

1 hr 50 mins

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Our testers are calling this the best macaroni and cheese they've ever tried. Go on. See what all the fuss is about.

1 hr 30 mins