You’ll Ditch Happy Hour For These 19 Tempting Dinner Recipes
Let’s be honest, happy hour is great, but have you ever had the satisfaction of making an amazing dinner and enjoying it in the comfort of your own home? With these 19 dinner recipes, you might just find yourself looking forward to cooking. They’re easy, they’re tasty, and they might just save you from another night of the same old routine. So why not switch things up?
Mixed Bean Chili
Warm up with a bowl of mixed bean chili, a robust and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. This chili is a crowd-pleaser, packed with a variety of beans and spices to keep things interesting. It’s a comforting meal that’s as nutritious as it is tasty, ideal for those nights when you crave something hearty. Make this chili your go-to for a satisfying dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili
Easy Thai Peanut Curry
Take yourself on a journey with an easy Thai peanut curry that’s better than take-out. This curry balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a rich, creamy sauce that’s absolutely addictive. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Thailand without leaving your kitchen. Ditch the bar menu for this curry, and you won’t regret it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Peanut Curry
Pasta alla Norma
Dig into a plate of Pasta alla Norma, where the richness of eggplant meets the tanginess of tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is a Sicilian classic that brings a piece of Italy right to your dinner table. It’s simple, flavorful, and might just make you forget about heading out for drinks.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew
This vegan mushroom lentil stew is a powerhouse of nutrition and taste, offering a comforting bowl of earthy flavors and hearty lentils. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly evening, promising warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Opt for this stew for a wholesome and delicious alternative to your evening plans.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew
25 Minute Black Bean Burger
For a quick and satisfying meal, nothing beats a homemade black bean burger. They come together in just 25 minutes, making them a speedy solution for a busy evening. Choose these burgers for a meal that’s both easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger
Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew
Dig into a bowl of vegan chickpea and sweet potato stew, where the sweetness of sweet potatoes perfectly complements the nuttiness of chickpeas. This stew is a vibrant, nourishing option for any night of the week. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is healthy, making it a great reason to stay in and cook. Say goodbye to the usual and hello to a new favorite with this stew.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla
Get ready for a crispy, cheesy delight with an air fryer cheese quesadilla. This dish is a game-changer for quesadilla enthusiasts, offering a perfect crunch with every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ready in minutes, and a surefire way to satisfy your cheese cravings. Swap your bar stool for a seat at your dining table and indulge in this cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla
Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl
Assemble an easy vegan falafel bowl for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From crispy falafels to fresh veggies and tangy sauces, this bowl has it all. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a variety of ingredients in one dish, offering a fresh and satisfying meal option. Who needs happy hour when you have this colorful bowl waiting at home?
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl
Best Lemon Pasta
Indulge in the best lemon pasta, a dish that’s light, zesty, and incredibly refreshing. This pasta is the perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich Parmesan, creating a simple yet sophisticated flavor profile. It’s an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal, proving that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most impressive.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Vegetable Stir Fry
Whip up a quick and colorful vegetable stir fry, a perfect blend of crunch and flavor. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to use whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s a healthy alternative to takeout, ready in less time than it takes to decide where to go for happy hour. Turn up the heat and stir-fry your way to a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Sweet Potato Tacos
Bite into tacos filled with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, combined with a mix of your favorite fresh toppings. These tacos are a vibrant twist on a classic, perfect for those evenings when you crave something light yet fulfilling. They’re not just tasty; they’re a colorful way to add a healthy spin to taco night. Swap out the bar menu for a taco fiesta at home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos
Vegan Ratatouille
Ratatouille is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one dish. This French classic is a symphony of flavors, slowly simmered to bring out the best in every ingredient. It’s a vegan delight that proves a plant-based meal can be just as satisfying as any other. Say bonjour to a night in with this elegant dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Think of layers of creamy ricotta, spinach, and tender pasta baked to perfection. This spinach and ricotta lasagna is a comforting classic that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a rich and satisfying dish that makes skipping happy hour an easy choice. Let this lasagna be the centerpiece of your next dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Spaghetti Marinara
A testament to the beauty of simplicity, combining ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs over al dente spaghetti. Spaghetti Marinara is a classic for a reason, offering robust flavors in a straightforward package. It’s the kind of meal that makes you appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Forget about the bar; this pasta dish is all you need for a perfect evening.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Vegetable Stew
When the weather calls for something comforting, a hearty vegetable stew does the trick. It’s packed with seasonal veggies and simmered to perfection, offering a warming bowl of goodness that promises satisfaction. This stew is a hug in a bowl, ideal for cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stew
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Experience the unique and nutty flavor of Italian walnut sauce pasta, a less known but utterly delicious way to dress your pasta. This dish combines the rich taste of walnuts with the simplicity of pasta for an unforgettable meal. It’s a rustic, yet refined choice for dinner, bringing a taste of Italy to your table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
Delve into the creamy, savory world of vegan mushroom stroganoff, a dish that promises indulgence without the guilt. With its rich sauce and tender mushrooms, this stroganoff is a hearty meal that will make you forget all about those bar snacks. It’s a plant-based take on a classic that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
Veggie Burger
Upgrade your burger game with a mouthwatering veggie burger that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. These burgers are a far cry from the frozen options, offering a homemade taste that can convert even the most devout carnivores. It’s a fulfilling way to enjoy a classic, with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger
Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta
Savor the flavors of creamy vegan red pepper pasta, a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The sauce, made from roasted red peppers, is silky smooth and packed with flavor, coating the pasta perfectly. It’s a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve, offering a sophisticated dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta