Have you ever spent hours thinking up what to eat for dinner, only to get stuck on the side dishes? Planning out a full-blown meal can be time-consuming, especially as a busy parent or college student.
There’s no need to reach for the takeout menu!
We have prepared a list of tasty dinner meat recipes so you can spend less time planning and more time cooking.
These recipes include beef, chicken, and turkey for a variety of options.
Each yummy dinner will leave your family asking for second helpings. Give the below a try and see what you think!
On those nights when you feel the need to pamper your family or friends, these 30 Unique Dinner Ideas to Impress, can help you choose the perfect recipe!
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1. Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Garlic butter seasoning on any dish makes it incredible! Tell me a dish with this combo that has been mouthwateringly good.
These herby steak bites will leave your tastebuds happy and your friends asking for the recipe!
Of course, black pepper, garlic, and parsley are included in this dish.
However, did you expect Italian seasoning to be used as well? It’s the secret ingredient that gives the steak an extra oomph.
Use your preferred spice mix instead if you’re not a fan.
2. Skillet Bourbon Steak Recipe
How much do you love one-pan recipes? They’re so easy to cook, and clean up is quick afterward.
These steak slices provide the ultimate flavor combination of smokey bourbon and spicy Dijon for an out-of-the-park dinner.
Soy sauce is the unexpected food item included, and it’s used to provide an umami flavor to the dish.
If you’ve run out of soy sauce, you can use liquid aminos instead. The taste is similar, though slightly more subtle.
3. The Best Swedish Meatballs
Have you been wanting to recreate Swedish meatballs at home after tasting them at your grandma’s house? Use this recipe for finger-lickin’ good meatballs. This appetizer is so good; it will impress your grandma!
You may be surprised to find out nutmeg is used to spice up these meatballs. It provides a nutty taste and adds a complex flavor. You can use mace instead to add a similar taste.
4. Paleo Cilantro Lime Chicken
Staying on a paleo diet can be tricky! Here’s one of the tastiest dinner ideas (meat-based) to help you stay on track. Lime juice balances out the freshness from the cilantro providing a delicious protein dish.
As lime is in the name of the recipe, it’s likely not a surprise ingredient. However, if you want a slightly sweeter taste, you can use lemon juice instead.
Tip: Chop some extra cilantro and keep it on the side to use as a garnish on the cooked chicken.
5. Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Haven’t you had chicken souvlaki before? It’s a Greek dish commonly served by street vendors. It has a similar appearance as chicken kabobs, with slightly different flavoring. Serving chicken on skewers is such a fun dinner idea!
White vinegar adds an unexpected tang to this dish. You can swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar which will provide a slightly sweeter taste. Or, for a less acidic dish, leave the vinegar out.
Serve chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread for a complete meal.
6. Simple Salisbury Steak
Most people were introduced to Salisbury steak during lunchtime in school.
This recipe will bring back those nostalgic feelings while providing a delicious, saucy dish.
The delicious sauce covering this steak is surprisingly made by using a brown gravy mix. If you want to spice up the dish even more, try using turkey gravy mix.
Enjoy the cooked steaks over mashed potatoes or rice so you can soak up all the saucy goodness.
7. The Best Meatloaf Recipe
If you’re hunting for new meat dishes, give this meatloaf recipe a try! Even if you have a go-to meatloaf dinner, this version will provide a unique experience.
Part of the reason this meatloaf is so yummy is the milk mixed in with the meat.
It helps keep the beef juicy while cooking and balances out the dryness of breadcrumbs. Use your favorite beef stock to keep this dish dairy-free.
Tip: Don’t add the onions in raw as they will not cook properly in the oven. Sauté them first.
8. Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Tired of using the same chicken recipes over and over again? This new take on chicken leaves you with a cheesy, crusty, irresistible dish.
Surprise, surprise -black pepper adds a nice kick to this dish. You can increase the heat by swapping out black pepper with a small amount of cayenne.
The best part about this chicken dinner is it pairs well with many sides. Try it with pasta, risotto, or grab some bread and make sandwiches with it!
9. Easy, Healthy Lemon Baked Chicken
Sometimes, you crave a healthier alternative for dinner. This lemony baked chicken tastes like homemade lemon piccata with less oil. It perfectly complements noodles and works well any day of the week.
The unexpected ingredient is honey – it helps cut the tang of the lemon juice in the sauce. You can substitute real maple syrup or even a small amount of sugar instead.
Tip: Use fresh herbs from your garden as an aromatic garnish.
10. Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef
You’ve indeed had barbacoa beef tacos in the past. Make your own at home with this delicious instant pot recipe.
Juicy meat is perfectly seasoned and dripping with adobo sauce – serve this tasty meal with tortillas.
If you’re not familiar with Mexican cooking, you may not realize spicy chiles are used for flavoring in this recipe.
If you’re not a spicy fan, use a milder pepper like jalapeños. This will help cut the spice in the dish.
11. Beef and Broccoli Recipe
You can never go wrong with beef and broccoli. It’s a tasty dish and one of the yummiest meat recipes for dinner. With this recipe, you’ll have a saucy meat and broccoli dish made in no time!
Cornstarch is the surprise ingredient in this recipe. It helps that yummy sauce thicken up. If you’ve just run out – you can substitute the same amount of flour.
Tip: If your sauce is not thickening up, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour and simmer.
12. Chicken Meatballs In A Cream Sauce
So, you’ve tried the Swedish meatballs, and you’re ready for a new flavor. Check out this chicken meatball recipe, also known as Tefteli, for the creamiest sauce ever.
These meatballs are pan-fried, then simmered in a thick, decadent sauce before being served.
You may find it unexpected that the meatballs call for cooked white rice. Of course, you can swap this out for the usual breadcrumbs.
The flavor and consistency will be slightly different, though the dish will be equally delicious.
13. Best Beef Stroganoff
I don’t know about you, but beef stroganoff is one of my favorites. The creamy, mushroom-filled sauce combined with pan-seared steak takes any pasta to the next level! You can also serve it over mashed potatoes for an even more decadent dish.
How is the sauce so rich and creamy? Crème Fraiche is incorporated into the recipe, which melds perfectly with the beef.
You can create a healthier alternative by using sour cream or even Greek yogurt instead.
14. Braised Short Ribs
Recipes from the Pioneer Woman never disappoint! This recipe offers short ribs braised in a red wine sauce to create the most tender meat you’ve ever tasted. While the recipe takes two hours to cook, the prep time is only 20 minutes making it a great meal for the weekends.
Surprisingly, shallots add some sweetness and additional flavor to this recipe.
They can be difficult to find at the store, depending on the area you live in. Swap in yellow onions for a similar taste.
15. Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Yum yum! This recipe is one you’ll want to bookmark every time you’re craving comfort food. Crunchy, sweet, breaded orange chicken is just an hour away from this recipe.
The surprise, or not-so-surprise, ingredient is an orange juice. Forgot to grab a jug when you were purchasing your groceries? Use some fresh squeezed orange juice instead.
Tip: The sugar in the sauce makes it extra hot when it finishes cooking. Give it a few minutes to cool before enjoying to avoid a burned tongue.
16. Million Dollar Casserole
Have you been eating the same pasta and marinara dish multiple times each week? Try out this spaghetti casserole instead.
You’ll find it to fall somewhere between mac and cheese and spaghetti with its rich, cheesy sauce.
Cottage cheese adds to the cheesiness of this dish. It’s the unexpected food item that gives the recipe extra oomph. You can substitute ricotta cheese instead for a similar creamy flavor.
Once you have this dish, you’ll never go back to regular spaghetti!
17. Oven Barbecued Beef Brisket
Who could turn down homemade beef brisket? This recipe has it all – a rub, sauce made from scratch, and fall-off-the-bone meat. You’ll want to make extra to freeze for later because it’s that good.
You’ll find paprika to be the unexpected spice in the rub, which adds a nice sweetness to the mix. Try using smoked paprika instead for an extra smokey flavor.
Tip: Make sure to add the sauce last so it doesn’t burn – this helps create the best brisket.
18. Easy Homemade Beef Stew
Beef stew might seem like a basic dish, but it’s one of the tastiest and always hits the spot! Plus, it’s perfect for helping warm you up on chilly nights and keeps your belly full.
Fresh thyme is added as a topping to make the dish stand out. If you’re growing other herbs in your garden like rosemary – you can add that instead. It will provide an excellent aromatic dish and some extra flavor.
19. Baked Turkey Meatballs With Garlic Butter Herb Sauce
I bet you’re thinking, another meatball dish?! I’m here to tell you that there can never be too many meatball recipes.
This yummy dinner offers turkey meatballs cooked to perfection, soaked in a delightful garlic butter herb sauce.
The secret ingredient in this one is hot sauce, specifically sriracha. It puts a pep in the meatballs’ step. Use your favorite hot sauce instead to fit your preferred level of heat.
20. Pepper Steak Fry Recipe
This pepper steak fry recipe offers a mixture of veggies and steak covered in a sweet, salty, spicy sauce.
It’s one of my favorite meat and veggie meals to prepare during the week. It’s easy to portion, too, if you’re looking for a recipe that you can take for multiple lunches.
The unexpected food included in this recipe? That would be the brown sugar to add sweetness. Honey or even white sugar will work in a pinch as replacements.
21. Chunky Beef and Mushroom Pie
Mushrooms, beef, vegetables, herbs, AND puff pastry? Yes, please!
This yummy recipe delivers a meal similar to beef stew and a pot pie for an unbelievable dinner.
Swiss brown mushrooms add texture and an earthy taste to this recipe.
If you aren’t a fan of the taste, you can swap them for the mushrooms you have on hand. Try adding slices of portobello mushrooms for some extra meatiness.
22. Beef Bourguinon
If you’ve watched the Julie & Julia movie about Julia Child, you’ll recognize this recipe quite quickly! This new take on the
French classic takes a few steps out so you can get to eating this decadent meal even faster.
To create this famous meal, you’ll need to use beef bouillon to add flavor. You can swap it out with beef stock or even chicken bouillon if needed.
Tip: Use less wine if you want a stronger beef flavor.
23. Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef Recipe
Looking for a homemade version of your favorite Chinese dish that’s also a healthier alternative?
Try out this Mongolian beef recipe. The outside is extra crunchy and covered in a sticky, sweet, spicy sauce.
Hoisin sauce is added as the surprise seasoning element. A yummy substitute is an oyster sauce that can be found in the
Asian aisle of the grocery store. It will add a slightly fishy taste to the dish, though it will work in a pinch.
24. Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
Still, looking for delicious dinner ideas? Why not give this restaurant-quality dish a try? The recipe only takes 15 minutes from start to finish and leaves you with a mouthwatering, herby steak dish.
The secret spice added to this dish is the red chili pepper flakes. They provide just enough heat without being overpowering.
Use a sprinkle of chili powder (any will do) as a swap.
Tip: Don’t overcook the beef, or it can become dry.
25. Ground Beef Gnocchi
Gnocchi is delicious, oval-shaped pasta usually filled with potatoes. These yummy potato bites are covered in rich tomato sauce and ground beef pieces. Your pickiest eaters will gobble up this recipe!
The base for the tomato sauce is canned tomatoes (and the juice!). Make the dish your own by using a can of roasted tomatoes instead. You’ll get a nice smokey flavor that perfectly complements the pasta and beef.
26. Garlic Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Whenever I can make food I usually buy as takeout, I instantly feel better about my food choices.
Making this garlic beef and broccoli lo mein at home allows you to adjust the salt and seasoning level to your preference. Take a bite out of this soft noodle, veggie-filled beef dish!
The yummiest part about this dish is the sauce which unexpectedly uses sesame oil for flavor. For those that don’t have sesame oil on hand, you can sub with olive oil. Expect a different, yet still delicious, taste.
27. Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Making rice bowls to take for lunch is quick, tasty, and great for meal prepping. Veggies, ground beef, and teriyaki sauce are served over a steaming bowl of rice.
This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also on the list of healthy meat recipes!
Surprise, you’ll be using broccoli in this meal! The taste of broccoli is not for everyone, though the flavors work well with most vegetables. Try using green beans or peas for a bright green color and extra nutrients.
28. Stuffed Peppers
Oops, did you buy a bunch of bell peppers, and now you’re not sure what to do with them? It happens to the best of us!
Recreate this stuffed pepper recipe filled with ground beef, tomatoes, and rice as the ultimate quick dinner.
The top of each bell pepper is covered with… drum roll…mozzarella cheese creating the perfect gooey recipe. You can use any melty cheese you have on hand, including cheddar or even an Italian blend.
29. Easy Hamburger Gravy
Leftover pasta is no good without sauce! You can make this tasty hamburger gravy and use it on the rest of that pasta. Or, eat it by the spoonful (yes, it’s that good!).
Worcestershire helps add saltiness and flavors to the dish. You can use soy sauce when you’ve run out of Worcestershire.
Tip: If you want a healthier dish, use ground beef with lower fat content.
30. Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
If you have extra time in your day and want to make an even tastier version of beef barbacoa – try this slow cooker version.
Cooking it for four hours allows the delectable flavors to soak into the beef. Yum!
You’ll be using chuck roast as the cut of beef in this tasty meal. Have some brisket on hand you want to use up? Swap it for an equally delicious barbacoa dinner.
The above recipes will blow your family out of the water in terms of flavor.
They’re great dishes to add to your repertoire when you aren’t sure what to cook. Have fun with the swaps and enjoy cooking these dinners up!
30 Easy Meat Recipes
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ c milk
- 2 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 3 slices bread crumbled
- 1 ½ lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 c shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ c shredded carrot
- ¼ c brown sugar
- ¼ c ketchup
- 1 tbsp prepared yellow mustard
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350F.
- Combine eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until mixed well. Next, mix in bread crumbs until they are no longer visible. Add remaining ingredients (except mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar) in with the eggs. Once mixed well, scoop the mixture into a loaf pan that is about 9x5 in size: mix ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar and brush on it over the top.
- Bake your meatloaf for about 1.25 hours until you can’t see pink in the middle.