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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    51 Easy Friday Night Dinner Ideas

    Published: Sep 22, 2022 by Kelsey Smith

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    These easy Friday night dinner ideas are for the whole family. These fun recipes include everything from sloppy joes to one-pot meals.

    Take pizza night to the next level with a delicious dinner for the entire family. The end of a busy work week calls for something simple and fun. That means simple ingredients, good food, great flavor, and easy recipes.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Collage with Rotel chicken spaghetti, hot dog casserole, mini pizza meatload, and sun-dried tomato pasta.
    Jump to:
    • Comfort Food
    • Pizza
    • Pasta Recipes
    • 20-Minute Dinners
    • Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Meals
    • Healthy Dishes
    • Seafood
    • Dessert

    Comfort Food

    If you’re looking for a hearty and wholesome meal that packs a punch, look no further.

    No-Boil Mac and Cheese
    This no-bake mac and cheese recipe is extra-cheesy and super creamy, made with Velveeta, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella.
    Get the recipe
    Closely cropped top down view of a baking dish of extra creamy extra cheesy mac and cheese.
    Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
    Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner is the perfect meal for a winter night! It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be easily customized to your liking.
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    Big Mac Sloppy Joes
    Big Mac Sloppy Joes, a sloppy joe variation with copycat McDonald’s Big Mac secret sauce made all in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. You'll love this copycat recipe.
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    Taco Cones
    Taco Cones (Ta-Cones) make taco night portable! Plus, they’re an easy make-ahead dinner recipe you can rewarm all week long! Great for taco bars, too.
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    Easy Grilled Buffalo Wings
    These grilled buffalo wings are the perfect Friday night treat. As a main dish or an appetizer, these hot wings are sure to be a hit.
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    Tater Tot Chili Casserole
    Tater Tot Chili Casserole is made with a hearty, homemade chili that’s loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, then topped with shredded cheese and tater tots that get baked to crispy perfection! Add a dollop of sour cream or sliced scallions for the finishing touch.
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    Walking Taco Casserole Bake
    Easy Walking Taco Casserole made healthy with ground turkey. Frito pie taco bake can be made with fritos, Doritos, or tortilla chips. You can even add black beans. This is an easy meal your family will love.
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    Mini Beef Pot Pies with Crescent Rolls
    Mini Beef Pot Pies with Crescent Rolls are filled with beef and vegetables soaked in a red wine sauce and just may be the easiest dinner ever!
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    Buffalo Chicken Thighs
    Buffalo chicken thighs are made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, baked for crispy skin then covered in homemade wing sauce.
    Get the recipe
    Close up of buffalo chicken thigh topped with avocado lime ranch and fresh parsley.
    Creamy Burrito Casserole
    Fall season calls for filling, warm meals and this creamy burrito casserole, with its spicy peppers, cheese and ground beef is exactly that.
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    Sloppy Joe Stuffed Rolls
    These kid friendly sloppy joe always gets huge raves and are always gobbled up fast. It’s an easy make ahead meal for those busy weeknights.
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    Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
    This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole recipe is the perfect dish for using up leftover chicken! The best, most flavorful cheesy casserole.
    Get the recipe
    Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    Pizza

    If Friday night is forever pizza night in your household, try one of these creative homemade pizza ideas.

    Naan Pizza in Air Fryer
    Air fryer naan pizza recipe makes best single serve Margherita Pizza in just 15 minutes. Naan is a flatbread that’s perfect for using as a pizza crust.
    Get the recipe
    Mini Pizza Meatloaves Recipe
    These Mini Pizza Meatloaves are a fun twist on traditional meatloaf! They’re made pizza style and come in under 150 calories each thanks to ground turkey.
    Get the recipe
    Easy Crustless Pizza Bowl
    This easy crustless pizza bowl is so much fun to make and can be customized however you like! It’s keto-friendly and low carb, too.
    Get the recipe
    Pizza Bombs
    If you’re looking for a fun dinner idea, this Pizza Bombs is it. They’re filled with cheese and sauce, making a delicious bite of pizza.
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    Tomato Pizza
    The ultimate comfort food, tomato pizza. A delicious and easy tomato pizza recipe that will please the whole family.
    Get the recipe
    Pizza Burgers
    Two of our favorite meals are pizza and hamburgers. Pizza burgers are a great combination of the two favorites into one delicious meal!
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    Pizza Bagels
    A super fun, quick, and easy recipe for the kids (and adults). Gluten-Free and vegan Pizza Bagels that are top 8 allergy-free, easy to assemble, and totally customizable.
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    Classic Naan Pizza
    This Naan Pizza recipe is an easy dinner idea that takes just 20 minutes from start to finish! The crust is brushed with buttery garlic Parmesan and the topping ideas are endless.
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    Pizzadilla (Pizza Quesadilla)
    This Pizzadilla recipe is the perfect easy pizza quesadilla recipe for busy weeknights! Quesadilla Pizza is a kid friendly food that you will LOVE.
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    Pasta Recipes

    Nothing sounds better than a big bowl of pasta after a long week. Plus, pasta dishes are easy to scale up to serve a crowd. Serve with crusty garlic bread, and your taste buds will thank you.

    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
    A quick and easy creamy and comforting sun dried tomato pesto pasta great for simple weeknight dinners.
    Get the recipe
    Shrimp Alfredo
    Rich, creamy and decadent, this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo dish is a fantastic quick and easy dinner to make during the week, and also great for entertaining!
    Get the recipe
    Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs
    Homemade Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs are the perfect addition to your favorite pasta or as the main part of a low-carb meal. Made with ground chicken, garlic, herbs, cheese, and some pantry staples, these baked meatballs are a healthier alternative that don’t sacrifice any flavor.
    Get the recipe
    Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    Rotel chicken spaghetti is an easy family meal. This creamy baked pasta dish features shredded chicken, Rotel, Velveeta, and cheddar cheese.
    Get the recipe
    Rotel chicken spaghetti being scooped out of a baking dish by a wooden spoon.
    Tahini Pasta
    This vegan tahini pasta is creamy and comforting. It’s full of bright, zingy flavor from plenty of fresh lemon zest and juice.
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    Spaghetti Sandwich
    Have you heard of a Spaghetti Sandwich? This fun grilled cheese stuffed with spaghetti is a tasty way to double purpose those leftovers!
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    20-Minute Dinners

    These quick dinners are ready to eat in 20 minutes or less and only call for a few ingredients.

    Easy Doritos Nacho Bake
    This easy Doritos Nacho Bake recipe is a casserole dish that the whole family will be looking forward to eating for lunch or dinner! This is an affordable, budget-friendly recipe and a quick dinner.
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    Air Fryer Frozen Coconut Shrimp
    These crispy air fryer frozen coconut shrimp take only 10 minutes to make. Straight from the freezer into the air fryer. Easy & delicious.
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    Air Fryer Shake and Bake Pork Chops
    These Air Fryer Shake and Bake Pork Chops are super easy and will quickly become one of your favorite air fryer meals. Super crispy and flavorful on the outside and juicy on the inside. The perfect easy dinner for your family, ready in less than 30 minutes. Even kids love them.
    Get the recipe
    Green Sauce Pasta
    This green sauce pasta recipe is packed with fresh flavors and nutrients. There’s no cooking required and it’s ready within 10 minutes!
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    Easy Teriyaki Chicken
    This easy teriyaki chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch. It’s made with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sambal, and more. This dish is great for meal prep as well.
    Get the recipe
    Easy Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Meals

    Fix it and forget it! Set up the Crockpot in the morning, and dinner will be ready in the evening. Or try a one-pot meal in your electric pressure cooker.

    Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi
    This Pulled Pork Banh Mi features Vietnamese baguette (banh mi) filled with tender and flavorful pulled pork, pickled vegetables, and tasty sauce.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
    These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are quick and easy to make. Plus, they’re sooo colorful you won’t be able to stop taking photos.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein Noodles
    Vegetable Lo Mein noodles are easy to make at home in Instantpot or stove top. This 20 minute vegan Chinese noodles recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Taco Pasta
    Instant Pot Taco Pasta is made with ground beef, black beans, corn, green chiles, and your favorite taco seasoning for Southwestern-inspired flavor.
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    Instant Pot Beef Taco Pasta topped with a dollop of sour cream and a lime wedge.

    Healthy Dishes

    These low-effort and healthy dinners are made with fresh ingredients.

    Taco Wonton Cups
    These taco wonton cups are a delicious party appetizer or lunch/dinner recipe. This version is plant-based.
    Get the recipe
    Asian Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
    These Asian Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Easy Peanut Sauce make a healthy, quick and tasty supper or appetizer. Gluten and Dairy Free.
    Get the recipe
    Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
    These honey lemon pepper wings are spicy, tangy, super crispy and delicious! Perfect for game day, family night or pretty much any time. This hot honey lemon pepper sauce is the perfect star for these perfectly crispy wings.
    Get the recipe
    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
    These Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas can be made in less than 20 minutes! This recipe is extremely flavorful, easy to make and customizable.
    Get the recipe
    Pesto Chicken Tray Bake
    This pesto chicken tray bake is a very flavourful and easy to make weeknight dinner perfect for all the family! Dairy-free and gluten free.
    Get the recipe
    Jerk Chicken Tacos
    Jamaican Jerk Tacos are spicy, sweet and tangy. We’ve brightened them with pineapple and lime for a flavorful unforgettable taco night!
    Get the recipe
    Beet Pasta Sauce
    This beet pasta sauce is perfect for a fun Friday dinner. This delicious, bright pink sauce is easy to make.
    Get the recipe
    The Best Easy Taco Salad Recipe
    Learn how to make the best easy taco salad recipe with fun ingredients like Thousand Island dressing and Nacho Cheese Doritos. Perfect for potlucks!
    Get the recipe

    Seafood

    You’ll love these simple seafood dinner ideas. Seafood isn’t just for special occasions, it's perfect for easy Friday night dinners.

    Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
    Amazing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are easier than you think and can be ready on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes!
    Get the recipe
    Crab Rangoon Pizza
    This crab rangoon pizza recipe is SO gooey and melty. Your friends & family won’t know how quick and easy it was for you to put together!
    Get the recipe
    Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
    This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil recipe is a complete dinner for the whole family! An easy way to have a traditional shrimp boil at home.
    Get the recipe
    Fish Tacos
    Fish Tacos are a healthy, tasty alternative to traditional tacos. Best of all you can customize each taco with toppings so the whole family can enjoy!
    Get the recipe

    Dessert

    The main course is over? Don’t forget dessert, it’s the best part! End your week with a sweet treat. You deserve it.

    Easy Homemade Fried Funnel Cake
    Homemade Fried Funnel is easy and doesn’t have to come from the state fair or boardwalk. Add your favorite toppings to your DIY funnel cake.
    Get the recipe
    No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bites
    Sweet, creamy and full of pumpkin spice, these no bake pumpkin cheesecake bites are the perfect fall treat.
    Get the recipe
    Easy Strawberry Jello Pie
    Strawberry Jello pie is a retro, no-bake dessert with fresh strawberries, gelatin, and a store-bought or homemade graham cracker pie crust.
    Get the recipe
    Slice of strawberry jello pie on a small plated topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

    See something you like? Bookmark these Friday night dinner ideas for next time, and your family members will thank you. Food is a great way to bring the whole family around the dinner table.

    51 Easy Friday Night Dinner Ideas

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    About Kelsey Smith

    I am a freelance content writer for college-level textbooks by day, mommy by night, and a blogger in between. I live in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband, Xavier. When I'm not working on college textbooks, you might find me here, sharing recipes, social media tutorials, and more.

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    Hi, I'm Kelsey! I am a freelance content writer for college-level textbooks by day, mommy by night, and a blogger in between. I live in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband, Xavier. When I'm not working, you might find me here, sharing easy comfort food recipes.

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