After a long day, dinner should feel like a moment of joy rather than a chore. While breakfast and lunch often become an afterthought—quick, functional, and often uninspired—the final meal of the day has the power to bring a sense of satisfaction and relaxation. The key? Finding meals that are simple, packed with flavor, and maybe even a little nostalgic. To make sure you never fall into a dinner rut, here are five weeknight meals that are fun to cook and even more enjoyable to eat—plus a cocktail to round it all out.
1. Classic Tuna Melt
A tuna melt is the ultimate comfort food—quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Start with high-quality canned tuna, mix it with a touch of mayo, Dijon mustard, and plenty of chopped pickles. Layer it on an English muffin or sourdough bread, top with cheddar cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly. Serve it with a side of potato chips or a simple salad for an effortless meal.
2. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is deceptively simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients—shrimp, garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice—you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish in under 20 minutes. Toss it with pasta or serve it over crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the garlicky, buttery sauce. Bonus: Pair it with a glass of the same white wine you used for cooking.
3. Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken
Few things are as satisfying as roasting a chicken, and this one-skillet recipe makes the process weeknight-friendly. A quick marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. Searing the chicken in a cast-iron skillet before finishing it in the oven creates crispy skin and juicy meat. Serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple grain salad for a balanced meal that feels like a special occasion.
4. Kimchi Fried Rice
If you have leftover rice in the fridge, you’re halfway to making this punchy, umami-packed dish. Sauté chopped kimchi with garlic and scallions, add the rice, and stir in a spoonful of gochujang for extra depth. A fried egg on top, with its runny yolk, takes this dish over the edge. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers while still making something exciting and flavorful.
5. Five Guys-Inspired Burger & Dirty Martini
Sometimes, you just want a burger that rivals your favorite takeout joint. Make your own Five Guys-inspired smash burger by pressing ground beef onto a hot skillet for that signature crispy edge. Add American cheese, toasted buns, and your favorite toppings. To elevate the experience, pair it with a classic dirty martini—briny, cold, and the perfect contrast to a juicy burger.
Cooking dinner should be more than just a routine—it should be an experience that brings joy. Whether you’re indulging in nostalgia with a tuna melt or sipping on a dirty martini alongside a homemade burger, these meals prove that weeknight cooking can be both simple and fun. What’s your go-to dinner that never fails to bring you joy?
