The 19 Most Popular Dinner Ideas of the Last Decade

Looking for dinner inspiration? You’ll love these popular ideas from the last decade!

These dishes have stood the test of time and become family favorites across the country. From comforting casseroles to trendy grain bowls, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to spice up your weeknight routine and impress your guests with these crowd-pleasing meals.

1) #Taco Tuesday

Tacos have become a weekly tradition for many families. They’re fun, customizable, and easy to make. You can go classic with ground beef and crunchy shells, or mix it up with fish tacos and soft tortillas.

Toppings are where you can get creative. Try fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, or tangy sour cream. For a twist, make taco salad or nachos instead of traditional tacos.

Kids love building their own, so set out bowls of toppings and let everyone assemble their perfect taco. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in dinner prep and enjoying a meal together.

2) Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot beef stew is a game-changer for busy weeknights. You get all the rich flavor of slow-cooked stew in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooker tenderizes tough cuts of beef quickly, while infusing the veggies with savory goodness. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that warms you up on chilly evenings. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra veggies in your fridge. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete dinner that’ll make your whole family happy.

3) Sheet Pan Salmon

Sheet pan salmon is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can throw together a complete meal on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Salmon pairs well with veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or potatoes.

For extra flavor, try adding herbs, lemon, or a tasty sauce. It’s an easy way to get healthy protein and vegetables in one dish. Plus, it cooks fast – perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time.

4) Zoodle Stir Fry

Zoodle stir fry is a great way to enjoy a low-carb meal that’s still full of flavor. You can use zucchini noodles as a base and add your favorite veggies and protein. Try mixing in some colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. For extra taste, toss in ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and tasty.

5) Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo cauliflower bites are a tasty veggie twist on classic chicken wings. They’re crispy, spicy, and fun to eat. You can serve them as a snack or side dish. They’re great for game nights or parties.

These bites are easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve them with ranch dip and celery sticks for a complete experience.

6) Beyond Burger

You’ve probably heard of Beyond Burgers by now. These plant-based patties look and taste a lot like beef burgers. They’re great for vegetarians or anyone wanting to cut back on meat.

Beyond Burgers cook up quick and easy on the grill or stovetop. You can dress them up just like regular burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Try them on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a classic combo. Or get creative with toppings like caramelized onions, vegan cheese, and BBQ sauce. Pair with sweet potato fries or a side salad for a tasty meal.

7) Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp

Chili lime grilled shrimp is a tasty and simple dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts. You’ll love the zesty flavors and how quick it is to make. The shrimp can be served in many ways – as an appetizer, in tacos, or on top of salads. It’s a healthy choice too, packed with protein and low in calories. For a fun twist, try serving it with mango salsa or guacamole.

8) Quinoa Salad with Avocado

Quinoa salad with avocado is a tasty and healthy dinner option. You’ll love the mix of protein-rich quinoa and creamy avocado. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

Try adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for extra crunch and flavor. A simple lemon and olive oil dressing keeps it light and fresh. You can eat it on its own or pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal.

9) Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

You’ll love this tasty dish that’s become a dinnertime favorite. Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for soaking up the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s quick to make, taking only about 15 minutes. The sticky glaze adds a nice touch, and you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Serve it with rice and veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

10) Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a fresh and tasty dinner option that’s perfect for spring and summer. You’ll love how colorful and vibrant it looks on your plate. This dish mixes pasta with lots of crisp veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, and carrots. The light cream sauce ties it all together without being too heavy. It’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have in your fridge. Plus, you can easily make it vegetarian or add some grilled chicken if you want extra protein. It’s quick to make and feels fancy enough for guests too.

11) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and tasty dinner option that’s both filling and nutritious. You can customize the stuffing to suit your tastes – try ground beef, quinoa, or even a vegetarian mix.

Bell peppers are perfect vessels for holding all sorts of yummy ingredients. They’re easy to prep and look great on the plate. Plus, you can make them ahead of time for busy weeknights.

12) Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s gained huge popularity over the past decade. This creamy, mildly spiced dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing dinner guests. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Serve it with fluffy rice and naan bread to soak up the rich sauce. For a healthier twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream. Butter chicken is also great for meal prep – make a big batch on Sunday for tasty leftovers all week long.

13) Loaded Sweet Potato

You can’t go wrong with loaded sweet potatoes for dinner. They’re tasty, filling, and easy to customize. Sweet potatoes offer a nice mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Top them with your favorite protein, veggies, and sauce. Try black beans, corn, and avocado for a southwest twist. Or go classic with cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream.

These are great for busy weeknights. Just pop the sweet potatoes in the oven or microwave, then add toppings. You can even prep the toppings ahead of time for a super quick meal.

14) Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna roll ups are a fun twist on traditional lasagna. You get all the flavors you love in neat little packages. They’re great for portion control and easy serving.

Kids love these too – they’re like savory cinnamon rolls! You can customize the fillings with different cheeses or veggies. Make a big batch and freeze some for later.

They’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

15) Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo Bake is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You get all the creamy goodness of classic chicken alfredo, but in a convenient casserole form.

It’s easy to customize with your favorite pasta shapes and veggies. The cheesy, bubbly topping adds an irresistible touch. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time for stress-free dinners.

16) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. You’ll love the creamy texture and earthy flavors. It’s a great way to use seasonal mushrooms and impress dinner guests. Try adding truffle oil for extra luxury. Vegetarians can easily make it with veggie broth. Pair it with a crisp white wine for a delicious meal.

17) Sriracha Honey Wings

Sriracha honey wings offer a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. You’ll love how the sticky honey coating balances out the kick from the sriracha sauce. These wings are great for game day snacks or as a fun weeknight dinner.

They’re easy to make – just bake or fry the wings until crispy, then toss in the sauce. Serve them with celery sticks and blue cheese dip for a classic combo. For extra flavor, try adding some lime juice or garlic to the sauce.

18) Turmeric Lentil Soup

Turmeric lentil soup is a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights. The bright yellow color from turmeric looks great in your bowl. Lentils give you protein and fiber to keep you full. You can add veggies like carrots or tomatoes for extra nutrients. This soup warms you up on cold days. It’s vegan-friendly too, so it works for many diets. Try it with some crusty bread for a cozy meal.

19) Shakshuka

Shakshuka has become a trendy dinner option over the past decade. This Middle Eastern dish features eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

You can customize shakshuka with different spices or add-ins like feta cheese or spinach. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

It’s a great choice when you want something comforting yet impressive. Plus, it works well for breakfast or brunch too.