We’ve all been there—your workday runs late, and the fridge holds no clear dinner solution, or a family member surprises you with an unexpected guest. In moments like these, is there anything more valuable than a go-to list of the top 20 quick and easy dinner ideas? Let’s dive in!
Taco Meat: Master taco night with perfectly seasoned, tender taco meat ready in 20 minutes. Ideal for tacos, bowls, or salads.
Spicy Noodles: Quick and fiery noodles with a balance of heat, umami, and sweetness. Customize in under 15 minutes for a satisfying meal.
Skillet Pork Chops: Tender and flavorful pork chops made in a skillet. Easy and delicious, without any dryness.
Moo Goo Gai Pan: A Chinese classic stir-fry with chicken, mushrooms, and veggies in a simple, savory sauce. Skip the takeout!
Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian Fried Rice): A fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors, this fried rice features protein, veggies, and spices—perfect for leftovers.
Hunan Beef: A spicy stir-fry with marinated flank steak, bell peppers, and chilis in a bold, flavorful sauce.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers marinated in teriyaki sauce and grilled in just 10 minutes. Great for busy nights.
Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas: One-pan chicken and veggie fajitas that are juicy, seasoned, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Egg Roll in a BowlP: A quick, low-carb stir-fry featuring the flavors of a classic egg roll without the wrapper.
Chicken Shawarma: Spiced and marinated chicken cooked to perfection—ideal for wraps, salads, or meal prep.
Creamy Sausage Pasta: Italian sausage in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, paired with pasta for a comforting meal.
Thai Cashew Chicken: A flavorful stir-fry with chicken, cashews, and a savory sauce ready in minutes.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Juicy meatballs with a tangy glaze, colorful veggies, and pineapple chunks—a family favorite!
Firecracker Salmon: Sweet, spicy, and savory salmon baked to perfection in just 20 minutes.
Steak Gorgonzola Flatbread: Flatbread topped with steak, gorgonzola, tomatoes, and arugula—a quick and gourmet treat.
Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Vodka Sauce): Creamy pasta alla vodka with a spicy kick from chili flakes. Social media’s viral favorite!
Pastalaya (Jambalaya Pasta): A pasta twist on jambalaya with shrimp, chicken, sausage, and bold Louisiana flavors.
Chicken Tacos: Street-style tacos with juicy, well-seasoned chicken that’s always a hit.
Creamy Chicken Skillet: Golden chicken in a creamy sauce with veggies, ready in under 30 minutes.
Cajun Shrimp Scampi: A buttery, garlicky shrimp dish with Cajun spice and a splash of white wine—simple yet special.
Flank Steak Fajitas: Juicy flank steak with veggies, perfect for tortillas or low-carb bowls, made in under 30 minutes.
CUTE AND COLORFUL CROCHET MITTENS
Add some flair to your winter wardrobe with vibrant accessories! The best part? If you have a crochet hook and some basic skills, you can easily make your own. Fingerless crochet mittens are a popular trend right now—they’re quick to make, there are tons of free patterns online, and they’re highly customizable to your taste.
You can use leftover yarn to create fun, unique designs or head to a yarn shop for inspiration. These mittens are both cozy and practical, perfect for those who like to keep their fingers free for swiping on their devices during chilly weather. Check out the examples below and find free pattern links under each photo!
Freya Fingerless Gloves
Stay cozy this season with a simple crochet mitten design perfect for keeping your hands warm. Made with thick, insulating yarn, this pair is ideal for winter, but you can also use lighter yarn to make them suitable for fall and spring. The pattern is beginner-friendly, so no matter your skill level, you’ll be able to complete it with ease. Just follow the free crochet tutorial to get started!
DESIGNED BY: Sarah Ruane PROJECT TYPE: Mittens CRAFT: Crochet SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
This festive Christmas mitten design is the perfect handmade gift for your loved ones. Combining holiday charm with practical functionality, these mittens are both delightful and useful. If you’re searching for a thoughtful Christmas gift idea, this pattern is just what you need. Follow the free crochet pattern and start crafting today!
This timeless pattern combines the best of both worlds—fingerless gloves and mittens—making them warm and comfortable for any occasion. Beginners need not worry; this design is straightforward and works up quickly. Using simple double crochet, you’ll find it easy to complete. The crochet pattern is easy to follow and free, so check it out and see how it all comes together!
DESIGNED BY: Andy Semler PROJECT TYPE: Mittens and Gloves CRAFT: Crochet SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
Mittens are a timeless winter essential that everyone should have in their wardrobe. This pair features a unique reverse design with light colors, adding a cheerful touch to your outfit. Crafted from warm yarn, they’re perfect for even the coldest winter days. Don’t hesitate—check out the free crochet pattern on the website and keep your hands cozy!
These crochet mittens, designed by Karen McKenna, strike the perfect balance between simplicity and structure. The straightforward crochet technique adds dimension to the mitts, making them a versatile accessory. This free crochet pattern is ideal for creating transitional fingerless gloves; simply adjust the yarn weight to suit your needs. Use thicker yarn for autumn and winter, or opt for lighter yarn for spring and summer.
Zeens and Roger have designed these stylish wrist warmers using sock-weight yarn, creating a fashionable accessory for your arms. The tubular shape makes them easy to crochet, and the colorful stripes add a fun touch to any basic outfit. Both ends feature front post and back post ribbing, while the middle section is crafted entirely with htr stitches worked in the round. This pattern is perfect for beginners and works up quickly—ideal for a no-fuss project!
DESIGNED BY: Zeens and Roger PROJECT TYPE: Wrist Warmers CRAFT: Crochet SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
These one-size-fits-all crochet mittens are a fantastic accessory to keep on hand for everyone in the family. With a beginner-friendly pattern by Adina Bucknall, you can easily craft a pair of fingerless gloves for each member. Using chunky, soft yarn will provide extra warmth, while thinner yarn can create a version suitable for year-round wear. The beautiful stitching technique adds a subtle touch of elegance to the design.
Follow a video tutorial on YouTube, or read more about it on Ravelry.
Thrum Lovin’ Mittens
This crochet mittens pattern combines extra cuteness with exceptional warmth and softness. Using the thrumming technique, you’ll add adorable, colorful hearts on the outside while creating a soft cushion on the inside. This technique requires careful attention as you crochet the mittens, so make sure to study the pattern thoroughly before you start. The extra effort you invest in this design will definitely pay off!
DESIGNED BY: Brenda K. B. Anderson PROJECT TYPE: Mittens CRAFT: Crochet SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
This versatile crochet mittens pattern is designed to meet everyone’s needs, featuring a timeless herringbone look and instructions for multiple sizes, making it a seasonal staple for the whole family. The comfortable welt ensures that the mittens stay securely in place, while the dense stitching prevents cold air from getting in. With a soft interior, these mittens are incredibly comfortable to wear—even the pickiest kids will adore them!
These adorable crochet mittens by MJ’s Off The Hook Designs are simply fantastic! They are the ultimate fall accessory, guaranteed to keep your hands cozy and warm. The best part? You can make them in any size, from toddler to adult, making them perfect for the whole family!
DESIGNED BY: MJ’s Off The Hook Designs PROJECT TYPE: Fingerless Gloves CRAFT: Crochet SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
How adorable are these crochet mittens featured below? Designed by Brenda K. B. Anderson, these festive mittens are not only lovely but also surprisingly easy to create! The stitch pattern is a simple variation of double crochet, making it accessible for beginners. You’ll be able to craft a pair in no time!
DESIGNED BY: Brenda K. B. Anderson PROJECT TYPE: Fingerless Gloves CRAFT: Crochet SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
