Sometimes, cereal for dinner just isn’t enough. You might be surprised by how many quick and easy alternatives there are that beat a bowl of cereal in taste and satisfaction. From savory picks to sweet treats, these dishes can change your dinner game without requiring much more effort. They fit perfectly into any weeknight meal plan, making dinner more exciting. So, forget cereal for dinner with these 15 dishes that are way tastier (and not much harder!).
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Say goodbye to boring chicken salads; Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is here to save the day. This recipe gives a classic dish a new lease on life, adding bursts of tangy and crunchy textures. It’s light yet will leave you feeling content, perfect for those days you want a meal that’s big on taste but not on heaviness. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this modern take on chicken salad will have everyone at the table asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
Get a taste of down-home comfort without the trip to the steakhouse with the Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table eager and ready. It’s hearty, it’s satisfying, and it’s just as good as (if not better than) the real deal. Whether it’s game day or a chilly evening, this chili hits the spot every single time.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
Baja Fish Tacos
When you’re dreaming of those sun-soaked Baja beaches but stuck at home, get a taste of the coast with Baja Fish Tacos. These tacos bring the surf vibes straight to your kitchen with a crunch that echoes the waves. They’re the kind of meal that’s casual and chill, but every bite feels like a special occasion. And hey, who says you can’t create a beachy paradise on a plate? Whip these up, and you’ve got dinner sorted, fresh and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Dutch oven Carnitas
When you have a little more time and a hankering for something truly comforting, consider Dutch Oven Carnitas. You’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s tender, juicy, and so full of flavor it practically sings. It’s perfect for weekends, special occasions, or when you simply feel like treating yourself. Serve it up to family or friends, and watch as everyone tucks in gleefully, already looking forward to the next time you make it.
Get the Recipe: Dutch oven Carnitas
Steak & Pasta Salad
There’s no need to choose between steak or pasta when you can have both with this Steak & Pasta Salad. It’s the ultimate dish for when you can’t decide what you’re in the mood for. Light yet savory, this salad puts a zingy spin on your typical pasta dish. It’s great for picnics, potlucks, or just an average weeknight when you want dinner with a little flair. Grab a fork, and dig in; it’s the kind of dish that makes you glad you skipped the cereal.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Ever wanted chicken nuggets to grow up with you? Enter Air Fryer Chicken Fries: the adult version that’s still a total blast. They’re the perfect blend of crunchy and tender, making for a killer movie night snack or a casual dinner. They cook up in a snap in the air fryer, so you won’t be waiting long to chow down. In no time at all, you’ve got a platter that’s bound to disappear — they’re that irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
The Cuban Sandwich Casserole is a fun twist that deconstructs the classic grilled sandwich into a hearty baked treat. This dish keeps all the bold flavors you love but simplifies them into a casserole form that’s super shareable. It’s the closest thing to a foolproof dinner winner, turning a fan-favorite sandwich into a family-size meal. Easy to assemble and even easier to devour, it’s likely to make regular appearances on your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Brisket Fried Rice
Take leftover brisket on an Asian cuisine detour with Brisket Fried Rice. This is comfort food with a clever twist that rejuvenates your brisket into something entirely new. It’s hearty, it’s filling, and it makes last night’s dinner feel like today’s brand-new adventure. With its simple magic, you’ll be serving up smiles and hearty laughs around the dinner table. The best part? It’s easy, quick, and oh so satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
When your average sandwich won’t cut it, amp up the lunch game with a Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. It’s stacked, it’s packed, and it hits all the right notes for a midday feast or a casual dinner. You’ve got layers of flavor that make every bite interesting, with a classic combo that’s hard to beat. If you thought sandwiches were just for lunch, think again because this one’s hearty enough to call it dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Who knew that adding a bit of Italian flair with Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken could turn soup night into everyone’s favorite night? This bowl of goodness offers a hearty embrace on a chilly evening, and it’s got everything you want in a meal. It’s a cinch to whip up, making it an ideal contender for busy nights when time’s not on your side. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot, which means less cleaning up and more relaxing after a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg
Breakfast for dinner just got a serious upgrade thanks to Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. This powerhouse combo takes toast to heights you wouldn’t believe, turning it into a dish you’ll crave any time of day. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, salty, and egg-tastic goodness that will make you forget all about your standard bowl of cereal. Whip this up, and watch how a simple meal can become the highlight of your day.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Change up your soup game with Mexican Street Corn Soup; it’s a bowl full of fiesta that everyone will love. This recipe captures all the street-side flavors you love and delivers them in a spoon-friendly format. It’s a wonderful way to mix up your meal plan, offering a blend of creamy and savory that’ll impress. When you serve this up, it won’t just be your stomach that’s filled, but your whole kitchen will be filled with happy vibes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
If you’re craving bold flavors straight from the streets of Bangkok with a backyard twist, sizzle up these Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. This dish brings the heat and the crunch, making for a dinner that’s anything but ordinary. It’s quick, it’s spicy, and it’ll transform your evening meal into an international affair. If you’ve got a griddle and a love for Thai food, this recipe’s going to be a regular on your menu.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Tacos Dorados
Chuck the breakfast cereal and let Tacos Dorados be the star of your dinner tonight. Crispy on the outside with a satisfying bite, they’re a totally fun way to switch up your taco game. Serve them up at a family gathering or just spice up your Tuesday night; they’re that versatile. Plus, everyone gets to pick their favorite fillings, so it’s a win-win for the whole crew. Go ahead, make tonight a ‘dorados’ night and see those plates clean out in no time.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Keep the flavor high and the effort low with Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. These quesadillas are a great way to do dinner when you’re short on time but big on hunger. They’re melty, they’re cheesy, and they pack that perfect punch of spice. Best of all, they come together quicker than you can say “quesadilla”, making them a smart choice for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas