23 Weeknight Dinners So Good, I Wish I’d Doubled (Or Tripled) the Recipe
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I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wished I’d made a bigger batch of these dinners. They’re easy, foolproof meals that disappear fast and save me from weeknight chaos without sacrificing flavor. If you’re tired of meals that barely get the job done, these are the ones that actually deliver and leave everyone full and happy.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
This garlic butter shrimp comes together so fast, I always regret not throwing in double the amount. The buttery garlic sauce clings to every juicy bite, and once it hits the table, it disappears faster than I can blink. It’s one of those weeknight wins that feels fancy but barely takes 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables
I never learn with this sheet pan chicken, I make just enough and instantly wish I’d roasted a second tray. The juicy chicken and caramelized veggies are so full of flavor, everyone asks for seconds before I’ve even sat down. It’s a weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes, fast, healthy, and so ridiculously tasty.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables
Fish Tacos
These fish tacos always leave me thinking, “Why didn’t I triple this?” The smoky spice on the tilapia, that creamy avocado sauce, and the crunchy cabbage make every bite feel like something you’d get at a street cart. They’re light, bold, and totally craveable, perfect for a midweek meal that actually feels exciting.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos
Pan Seared Chicken Breast
This pan-seared chicken is one of those dinners I wish I had leftovers of every single time. It gets perfectly golden and crisp outside, stays juicy inside, and makes weeknight cooking feel way more rewarding than expected. It’s simple, comforting, and vanishes the second it hits the plate.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Taco skillet has a way of disappearing that makes me question why I didn’t make more. Between the melty cheese, seasoned beef, and all the taco goodness mixed into one pan, it’s basically guaranteed to get scraped clean. It’s my go-to weeknight meal that is fast, filling, and impossible not to love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Italian Chopped Salad
Every time I serve this Italian chopped salad, I wish I had prepped twice as much. The mix of fresh veggies, bold flavors, and that creamy, tangy dressing hits so hard, nobody treats it like just a side. It’s one of those weeknight meals that tricks everyone into eating healthy without even realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
I never make enough of this chicken bacon ranch casserole and immediately regret it once it starts vanishing spoonful by spoonful. It’s packed with all the good stuff, tender chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy ranch, and tastes even better than it sounds. Honestly, it’s the ultimate cozy dinner that makes weeknights feel like a win.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
This honey mustard salmon is always the meal I wish I’d tripled because it looks impressive and tastes even better. That sweet, tangy glaze caramelizes just right while the salmon stays flaky and tender, and the whole thing vanishes in minutes. It’s a go-to when I want a weeknight dinner that feels way fancier than the effort it takes.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Hamburger
The first time I made this Philly cheesesteak casserole, I couldn’t believe how fast it disappeared, and now I always think I should’ve doubled it. With just a few simple ingredients, it delivers big-time flavor that hits the spot after a long day. It’s hearty, cheesy, and exactly what I want on a night when I need dinner to work hard for me.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Hamburger
Chopped Chicken Salad
Chopped chicken salad is so good, I’m always mad at myself for not tossing together a bigger batch. The combo of protein, crunch, and bold dressing makes it way more than just a salad, it’s a full-on dinner I crave. It’s one of those weeknight lifesavers that feels light but fills me up in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Chicken Salad
Cheeseburger Skillet
Every time I make this cheeseburger skillet, I end up scraping the pan wishing I’d just doubled it from the start. It’s got all the juicy, savory cheeseburger flavor packed into one creamy, comforting skillet dinner, minus the bun, plus extra ease. Ready in 20 minutes and totally weeknight-friendly, this is the meal that keeps everyone full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet
Chicken Francese
The second everyone tastes this golden, lemony chicken Francese, they start asking for more, and I start kicking myself for not cooking a double batch. The tangy cream sauce and crispy chicken combo is so elegant, but somehow totally doable on a weeknight. It’s one of those meals that feels like a restaurant dinner but saves me the hassle and the bill.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese
Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
Pork chops this tender and juicy should not be this easy, which is why I always regret not popping in a few extra. The air fryer gives the outside that perfect crisp while keeping the middle moist, and they’re seasoned just right. With only a few ingredients and barely 20 minutes of effort, they’ve become a go-to weeknight dinner I can count on.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
I always wish I had a second pan of this beef and cabbage stir fry ready to go, because once it hits the table, it’s gone in a flash. It’s packed with flavor, cooks in one pan, and hits that perfect balance of protein and veg without making a mess. On the busiest nights, it’s my back-pocket recipe for keeping everyone fed and full.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with broccoli and chicken, this casserole is so good I’m always annoyed when the dish is scraped clean and there’s none left. It’s one of those weeknight comfort meals that comes together fast but tastes like it took way more effort. I should really start doubling it because it never sticks around for long.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole
Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
There’s something about the way this beef and broccoli casserole disappears that makes me wonder why I don’t just triple it every time. The cheesy, creamy combo with tender beef and broccoli is comfort food at its best. In under 30 minutes, I’ve got a hearty dinner that makes everyone go back for seconds, and sometimes thirds.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
After the first bite of this cabbage and sausage Alfredo, I know I should’ve made a bigger skillet, it’s that addictive. The creamy sauce hugs every strand of cabbage and piece of sausage, and the flavor is rich but totally balanced. It’s a cozy, craveable meal that makes our weeknights feel way more indulgent than they actually are.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Stir fry this good doesn’t last long around here, which is why I always regret not making extra. The ground beef soaks up all the saucy goodness, and the broccoli adds just the right crunch to keep things exciting. It’s my go-to when I want something easy, wholesome, and seriously filling, all in one pan, no stress.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Lemon, garlic, and juicy shrimp over zoodles always seems to vanish before I even grab a second helping, and I instantly wish I’d made more. It’s a light but flavor-packed dinner that checks every box for a fast, feel-good weeknight meal. With just one pan and 20 minutes, it tastes way fancier than it is.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Korean Ground Beef
The bold, sweet-and-savory flavor in this Korean ground beef is so addictive, I’ve kicked myself more than once for not doubling it. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and still feels like something special. Whether I serve it in a bowl or wrap it up, the whole family always wants seconds.
Get the Recipe: Korean Ground Beef
Blackened Pork Chops
These blackened pork chops come out so juicy and flavorful, I always end up wishing I’d tossed a few more in the skillet. That crispy, smoky crust seals in all the goodness and makes it feel like a treat even on a regular weeknight. Whether I pan-sear or grill them, they’re fast, crowd-pleasing, and gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Pork Chops
Healthy Chicken Salad
Every time I whip up this bright, creamy chicken salad, it disappears way too fast, and I’m left wishing I’d tripled the batch. It’s not the usual mayo-heavy version, this one’s loaded with avocado, lime, and a fresh mix of veggies that makes it feel light but super filling. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s my secret weapon for a no-cook dinner that still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Stir fries don’t usually get this kind of praise, which is why I always regret not making extra when I cook this ground beef version. It comes together in one pan, tastes better than takeout, and has that perfect saucy-salty balance everyone loves. In under 30 minutes, dinner’s done, and the pan’s scraped clean every time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry