12 Dinner Staples Every Home Cook Should Know

Every home cook needs a few go-to dinner recipes that are easy to make and always turn out great. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, having a handful of reliable recipes can make meal planning much easier. These staple recipes can be adapted to fit your taste and are perfect for busy weeknights. They’ll give you something simple yet satisfying to enjoy at the end of the day. When you have a few solid dinner options under your belt, cooking becomes a lot less stressful and more enjoyable.

Mac and Cheese Casserole

A plate of creamy macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb topping sits on a wooden table. A baking dish with more macaroni and cheese and a white cloth can be seen in the background. — Mac and Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

A cheesy casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and this mac and cheese version is no exception. It’s a simple and hearty dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a quiet night at home. Serve it at family dinners or special occasions for a warm, filling meal everyone will love. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and tofu on a white wooden surface. Ingredients include carrots, red peppers, leafy greens, and sprinkled sesame seeds. A pair of chopsticks rests on the bowl's edge. — Pork Lo Mein. Photo Credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Pork Lo Mein is a quick and satisfying dinner, made easily in the Instant Pot. Tender pork, savory noodles, and fresh veggies come together for a filling meal with tons of flavor. Perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and delicious. Get the recipe: Pork Lo Mein

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A spoonful of broccoli soup is being served from a bread bowl. The soup contains visible broccoli florets and shredded carrots. In the background, a fresh broccoli head is partially visible on a marble surface. — Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, this broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort meal. The blend of cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli makes for a hearty, fulfilling dish. It’s perfect for chilly nights when you need something warming and satisfying. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup gives you all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a quick, one-pot version. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that combines rich flavors without the need to layer pasta. Great for busy nights when you want the classic lasagna taste but without the hassle. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup

Pasta Carbonara

Two plates of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and bacon bits, set on a white marble surface. A striped cloth is partially visible in the background. — Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s both rich and easy to prepare. The creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and pasta come together for a flavorful meal that’s quick enough for any night of the week. This dish is ideal for a simple family dinner or a casual date night. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Crusted Chicken Romano

A breaded and fried chicken cutlet is garnished with parsley and served on a white plate, placed on a patterned tablecloth. — Crusted Chicken Romano. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This Crusted Chicken Romano brings a restaurant-quality meal to your dinner table. The crispy panko coating and nutty Romano cheese make each bite flavorful and satisfying. It’s a simple dish that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. Get the recipe: Crusted Chicken Romano

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

A skillet filled with a dish topped with melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado, chopped cilantro, and a red sauce. There are colorful bell peppers and diced onions mixed with quinoa beneath the toppings. — Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

A one-pan meal that packs a punch, this cheesy chicken enchilada skillet is easy to make and full of flavor. Tender chicken, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese combine in a quick, satisfying dinner. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Sticky Wings

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The wings are served on a blue plate, set on a white marble surface. A blue cloth is visible in the background. — Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These sticky wings are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them an ideal meal for game day or any casual dinner. The sauce is both mouthwatering and caramelized, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. A crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

Ham and Cheese Wraps

Tortilla pinwheels filled with ham, cheese, and vegetables are cut in half and served on a marble surface. A small white bowl of dipping sauce is nearby. Garnished with chopped herbs. — Ham and Cheese Wraps. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Ham and cheese wraps are a quick and tasty dinner option, filled with flavor and easy to make. The combination of ham, creamy pimento cheese sauce, and soft tortillas is simple yet satisfying. A great meal for when you want something easy and filling. Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Wraps

Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Sheet pan with roasted chicken pieces, broccoli, red bell peppers, and red onions glazed in a thick, glossy sauce. The vegetables and chicken are caramelized, creating a vibrant, appetizing dish. — Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Chicken teriyaki with vegetables is a flavorful and easy dinner option. Tender chicken paired with crisp veggies and a savory teriyaki sauce make for a balanced, quick meal. Perfect for nights when you want a flavorful dish that comes together in no time. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef on a baking dish — Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This sheet pan beef and broccoli makes dinner easy with just one pan to clean. Tender steak and roasted broccoli cook together for a simple, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without the mess. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Honey Mustard Chicken

A plate with four pieces of glazed, seasoned roasted chicken thighs garnished with fresh green leaves. The plate is on a woven mat with utensils nearby, creating a rustic table setting. — Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Honey mustard chicken is an easy dinner choice with a sweet and savory kick. The simple marinade of Dijon mustard and honey makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. A great option for a quick and delicious meal everyone will enjoy. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken