In case you missed it, we published more than 150 recipes this year, which is a lot. We’ve already shared our most popular cookie recipe, which came as a bit of a surprise, so now it’s time to take the savory route and divulge our most popular easy dinner recipes of 2024. This is a group of dinners you couldn’t get enough of this year, and it just so happens that all of them can be whipped up in 40 minutes or less. So, whether you’re looking to give yourself a bit of a break after a busy holiday season (you’ve earned it!) or are simply on a quest to change up your dinner rotation in 2025, we’ve got you covered.
Thai Peanut Butter Ramen
You could order ramen and wait about 30 minutes (or more) before it’s delivered to your door, or you can make this popular ramen recipe at home in 20 minutes. You’ll need pantry staples like peanut butter and soy sauce to bring this dish to life, along with a handful of other ingredients, but it’s a cinch to prepare and only gets easier to make over time.
Creamy Potato-Cabbage Soup
Some soups need to simmer for hours on the stove, but this potato and cabbage number is ready in just 35 minutes. The base is a creamy combo of vegetable broth and sour cream, while green cabbage, onion, Yukon Gold potatoes, and carrots add plenty of body and flavor. Don’t skip the glug of white wine vinegar, which adds a wonderful acidity to this easy, comforting dinner.
Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese
Do yourself a favor and prepare this delightfully rich mac and cheese the next time you have 30 minutes of free time. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, and can be popped in the oven once you’re craving something comforting and decadent. Since this recipe is also a crowd pleaser, it’s great to prepare in advance for any visiting friends or family.
Quick and Easy Shepherd’s Pie
Perfect for a family of four, this British pub classic is ready in 20 minutes and has just four steps. You’ll start by browning ground beef, and will then add the spices and vegetables for flavor and texture. Then, top the whole dish with cheesy mashed potatoes and bake. It doesn’t get much easier (or tastier) than that!
Quick and Easy Chicken Pot Pie
CARA CORMACK
Not a beef fan? Try chicken pot pie instead! This similar dish features a frozen vegetable blend and shredded rotisserie chicken in a creamy sauce. Top the whole thing with puff pastry, bake, and get ready to dig in after fewer than 20 minutes.
Crunchy Nacho Bake
Greg DuPree
This easy nacho casserole recipe calls for less than 10 ingredients, which is probably why it’s one of our most beloved dishes. It features a ground beef base, as well as a creamy combination of black beans and tomatoes flavored with taco seasoning mix and a top layer of crunchy tortilla chips and cheese. Whether you serve this for dinner or as a loaded dip, it’s bound to impress.
One Pot Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Carson Downing, Props: Lexi Juhl, Food: Kelsey Moylan
Not only is this popular soup made in one pot, but it’s ready in just 30 minutes. As one satisfied reviewer put it: “[This soup is] always yummy, and super easy!” If you’re looking for a new soup to whip up, give this recipe a go and see for yourself.
Braised Fish With Spicy Tomato Sauce
With a 4.8 out of 5-star rating, this dish is one of our most beloved. It consists of a spiced tomato sauce with spinach, cod, and couscous, and is ready in just 25 minutes. When grocery shopping ahead of cooking this recipe, make sure your pieces of fish are around the same size. This will help ensure that they cook evenly in the sauce.
Chicken Orzo Skillet With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Jennifer Causey
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the backbone of this one-pot meal, which is made with an array of ingredients you likely already have at home. Here, orzo is studded with the aforementioned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of spinach. The balanced mixture boasts plenty of rich flavor thanks to some dry white wine, chicken stock, and creamy half-and-half.
Crispy Tofu Noodle Soup
This fan-favorite dish is proof positive that vegan soups can be just as cozy as their non-vegan counterparts. Here, you’ll find planks of crispy tofu, hearty rice noodles, and ribbons of Swiss chard in a spiced vegetable broth that’s spiked with ginger, garlic, tamari, and star anise. If you need to warm up, this is the recipe for you.
