This is a collection of Fun Dinner Ideas for those days when you need something outside of the box. When the weekly roasted chicken thighs or pot roast just won't cut it, try one these fantastic ideas!
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Sometimes that normal rotation of roast chicken or weeknight bowl of spaghetti can get a little...repetitive. Even for me. There will days when you just look at your people and you all know it's time to shake things up a bit.
I've got this awesome collection of fun dinner ideas recipes organized into dinners with beef, chicken, seafood, and bacon. Is bacon a dinner idea group? Why, yes. Yes, it is.
They're all easy, all delicious, and these recipes will help you get out of the weekly rut of the same old thing!
Beef Recipes
Cheeseburger Egg Rolls are the perfect marriage of a juicy cheeseburger and a crispy wonton. They are perfectly crunchy on the outside and filled with a superbly delicious and tender cheesy burger mix. And, let’s not forget the sauce. It is divine. I said it. DIVINE.
The egg rolls are simple to make and there is no deep frying needed. They crisp up in oven without the need to deep fry and the sauce takes mere minutes. It’s a win-win fun dinner ideas recipe that everyone will love!
2. Steak Sandwich With Horseradish Sauce
This Steak Sandwich is one of my all time favorite things to make because it comes together in no time, has a wonderful compound butter/crusty bread situation, and the most wonderful horseradish sauce that is perfect for spreading, dipping, or drizzling. Everyone love this amazing sando and you can serve it anytime, anywhere. It's a fantastic fun dinner ideas recipe or perfect for an easy weekend lunch!
Salisbury Steak Meatballs With Mushroom Gravy is a fun twist on the old-fashioned, comfort food recipe that will warm both your belly and your soul. Tender, succulent meatballs are finished in mouthwatering mushroom gravy. I serve mine over creamy mashed potatoes. What could be wrong about that? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
To say that I love this recipe is an understatement. It’s delicious and ooey-gooey. It’s simple and has the most amazing burger sauce ever. Everyone loves it. Cheeseburger Sliders are, and will remain, one of our family’s all-time favorites.
Philly Cheesesteak Dip is the dip of my dreams – and soon to be yours, too! It’s cheesy and melty and meaty and it pairs perfectly with warm pieces of crusty bread. What’s not to like that about that?! We make this a fun dinner idea often because everyone loves so much!
Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Wings are super simple, perfectly crisp, and have not one, but two amazing sauces! While the chicken wings take a quick trip in the air fryer, we will whip up an amazingly savory, slightly spicy Buffalo sauce and a classic ranch dip. It’s an easy and classic restaurant meal served from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for those times when you need a fantastic appetizer, but you have zero energy to go all out. Just a few basic ingredients and a quick trip in the slow cooker, and this dip is done! It’s wonderfully creamy, slightly spicy, and has that classic tang that we all love in a good buffalo chicken situation.
Baked Egg Bites are a handheld, high-protein, delicious breakfast or snack on the go. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, try these awesome little nuggets once and you’ll make them again and again. For a fun dinner idea, I love to serve this with a simple green salad. It's a win-win no matter when you enjoy them!
Homemade Chicken Taquitos are a fantastic Fun Dinner Idea. They’re crunchy and full of wonderfully creamy chicken seasoned with warm taco spices and store bought enchilada sauce. These taquitos crisp up in the oven or the air fryer. No deep frying needed! And, the Avocado Jalapeño Ranch? Out. Of. This. World.
Bacon Recipes - Yes, It's A Food Group.
10. BLT Sandwiches
A good BLT Sandwich is something we look forward to all year. The second the tomatoes in the garden become ripe, it’s time. And, we celebrate. The bacon, lettuce, and tomato are great as is, but add my two sauces and they’re out of this world. When we are tired of the same old thing, a BLT is one of the best fun dinner ideas!
Seafood Recipes
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is a one-pan, full-of-flavor, no-mess phenomenon. It’s all of the things you love about a classic boil, but so easy and delicious that it’s gonna be hard to drag out that big pot from now on. One of the best fun dinner ideas and even great for a lunch when you want something new!
Mexican Shrimp Ceviche is the delicious, citrusy, and so-easy-to-make-dish that you’ll serve it again and again. Great for a party appetizer, perfect for an lunch at the office, or even as a family dinner on a hot day, this fun dinner ideas recipe is one of my favorites. I think you’ll love it, too!
13. Kani Salad
Kani Salad is one of my very favorite dishes to order when we go out for sushi. I’ve taken that amazing dish and cleaned it up just a bit. Instead of the crab sticks that are used in most recipes, I use real crab, fresh veggies, and a phenomenal sauce. This kani salad recipe turns this into a craving I can’t get enough of. It’s so simple to throw together for one of my fav fun dinner ideas or lunch, tastes incredible, and it’s good for you!
Thank You!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Fun Dinner Ideas and fall in love with them. If you make any of these recipes, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or star rating below. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. I makes my heart so happy! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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If you guys make any of these Fun Dinner Ideas, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Other Fantastic Dinner Ideas You'll Love
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef - My favorite fun spin using a chuck roast!
Pasta Alla Genovese - Something that's not the usual spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce is incredible.
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Orzo - Quick and easy, chicken and pasta with an incredible built in sauce.
Coconut Curry Salmon - A one skillet meal with a rich and creamy coconut curry that is just out of this world!
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