Weeknight Dinner Ideas
If you’re stuck in a dinner rut or just need a few new recipes to liven up your weeknights, you’re in the right place. I rounded up five of my absolute favourites—each one easy enough for a weeknight, but good enough to crave again and again.
From crispy sheet pan tacos to a creamy one pot pasta, these meals hit that sweet spot between quick and satisfying. A little cozy, a little fresh, and all ready in around 45 minutes (or less!). Just click the recipe name to head to the full blog post with ingredients and instructions. Full grocery list is included too for easy shopping!
These Sheet Pan Beef Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema have officially blown up on TikTok, and it’s all thanks to you making them, loving them, and sharing them with your friends. Seriously, thank you! If you haven’t tried them yet, consider this your sign. Ground beef gets seasoned and browned to perfection, then loaded into tortillas with cheese and baked until melty, crispy, and golden. The avocado lime crema is fresh, tangy, super easy to make, and takes these tacos to the next level.
This Sticky Sesame Dijon Chicken is cozy, savoury, and so flavourful you’d swear it marinated overnight. The chicken thighs get perfectly caramelized on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. Serve it over rice with the quick cucumber salad on the side for a simple, seriously satisfying meal.
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo is proof that a few simple ingredients can still deliver big flavour. Everything comes together in one pan in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. It serves 2 as a main or 4 as a side with your favourite protein, grilled veg, or a crisp salad—whatever you’ve got. Save this one for when you want a midweek dinner that feels like a treat without the extra effort.
This Perfect Salmon Salad is a veggie + fiber packed option for when you’re craving something super fresh that will still hit the spot. The heartier roasted brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes are balanced with crisp salad greens and shredded cabbage, chickpeas, and some orzo for good measure. Top it with a piece of pan-seared salmon (or any protein you’d like) to complete the salad. The best part? Any leftovers you have will make the BEST lunch for the next day.
A recipe is always a win in my house if it’s enjoyed equally by me, my husband, and our toddler. These Lemon Chicken Florentine Meatballs definitely fit that bill. Ground chicken gets combined with some grated zucchini and chopped spinach, which gives the dish a veggie boost and also keeps the meatballs SO tender. They get baked in the oven with some cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavour, then served over the most delicious pearl couscous that comes together quickly while the meatballs . A total win.
I hope this list gives you some dinner inspiration for the week—or at the very least, a few ideas you can put your own spin on! If you make one, be sure to tag me (@britacooks)—I love seeing your recreations. Nothing makes me happier than your tags! xx

Weeknight Dinner Grocery List
Ingredients
Produce
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 zucchini
- 1 lb brussel sprouts
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 1 avocado
- 1 jalapeño (optional, for Sheet Pan Beef Tacos)
- 1 lemon
- 1 lime (2 limes if you want to have extra for garnishing)
- 1-2 cups red cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli/carrot or rainbow slaw
- 1 bag fresh spinach
- 1 bag mixed salad greens (optional: you can skip it and use the spinach again for Perfect Salmon Salad)
- 1 head garlic
- 1 large onion
- 1 shallot
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 bunch chives
- 1 bunch basil (optional, for garnishing)
- 1 bunch cilantro
- Few sprigs of fresh dill
Meat
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 salmon filets or protein of your choice
Dairy/Perishable
- 1 stick butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 block colby jack cheese grated
- 1/2 cup sharp cheese like cheddar grated
- 1 chunk parmesan cheese to grate
- 1 egg
Pantry
- 2 cups orzo
- 1.5 cups pearled couscous
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crackers pulsed into crumbs
- 1/2 can chickpeas
- 1 tube tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Honey, maple syrup, or agave
- Dijon mustard
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil
- Rice wine vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup white wine
Spices
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Celery salt















