If you’re the type who thinks dinner isn’t complete without a hearty serving of meat, then these 27 dinner ideas are about to become your new go-to. Each dish makes meat the real MVP of the meal. These recipes are all about showcasing the best ways to enjoy meat, from quick weeknight dinners to more elaborate meals that are worth the wait. So, get ready to give your taste buds a treat with dishes that put meat front and center.
Korean Bulgogi Tacos
Wrap your taste around these Korean Bulgogi Tacos for an unforgettable meal. The marinated beef is grilled to perfection, offering a juicy, flavorful bite every time, nestled inside a soft taco shell with fresh toppings that add crunch and freshness. It’s a global twist on a classic that brings street food vibes right to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Korean Bulgogi Tacos
Mochiko Chicken
This crispy Mochiko Chicken will have you hooked from the first bite. Its unique batter creates a light, yet satisfyingly crispy coating, while the chicken inside stays tender and juicy. It’s a simple dish that packs a punch of flavor, perfect for those nights when you’re craving something a little different but utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Instant Pot Turkey Chili is a comforting meal that is full of flavor and easy to prepare. This recipe uses ground turkey as a leaner alternative to beef, and is packed with beans and spices that are cooked to perfection in record time thanks to the pressure cooker. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Pollo Pibil
A vibrant, citrus-infused chicken dish that’s steeped in the rich culinary traditions of the Yucatan. Pollo Pibil is slow-cooked to perfection, it’s tender, flavorful, and infused with a unique blend of spices and achiote paste. Serve this with handmade tortillas and fresh salsa for a meal that transports you straight to Mexico with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil
Mongolian Chicken
For those who love a good balance of sweet and spicy, Mongolian Chicken is the answer. This dish is all about tender pieces of chicken coated in a rich sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s quick to make and pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice to soak up all that sauce, making it a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Lamb Kofta Kebabs bring the flavors of the Middle East right to your dinner table, mixing ground lamb with a medley of spices and herbs for a simple yet exotic meal. Grilled to perfection, these kebabs are juicy, aromatic, and perfect for when you’re in the mood for something different. Serve them with tzatziki and flatbreads for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Pork Belly Banh Mi
Take a culinary trip to Vietnam with the classic Pork Belly Banh Mi, a sandwich that balances the richness of pork belly with the crisp freshness of pickled vegetables. This recipe is all about contrast, from the crunchy baguette to the soft, flavorful pork, making every bite a delight. Add a spicy kick with some sriracha mayo to complete this street food staple.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi
Green Chili Chicken Soup
When the weather calls for something warm and comforting, Green Chili Chicken Soup answers with its hearty blend of chicken, white beans, and green chilies. It’s a soup that packs a punch with flavor and warmth, making it a perfect pick-me-up. Top it with avocado and sour cream for a creamy texture that complements the spicy broth.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup
Pork Fried Rice
Turn last night’s leftovers into today’s feast with Pork Fried Rice, a dish that’s as versatile as it is tasty. With bits of pork, scrambled eggs, and veggies all tossed together in a savory sauce, it’s a complete meal in one pan. It’s the ultimate quick fix that proves you don’t need a lot of time to enjoy a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice
Jewish Brisket
Jewish Brisket is a slow-cooked marvel, tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork and rich in deep, meaty flavors. This dish is often the centerpiece of holiday dinners, simmered with onions and carrots for a simple yet satisfying meal. Pair it with some fluffy mashed potatoes to catch all the sauce, and you’ve got comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Jewish Brisket
Ramen Fried Chicken
Give your fried chicken a Japanese twist with Ramen Fried Chicken, where the crunch comes not just from the skin but from a clever coating of crushed ramen noodles. It’s quirky, yes, but the result is an ultra-crispy exterior with juicy meat inside. Serve this with a side of spicy mayo for dipping, and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken
Crispy Beef
Crispy Beef is the way to go when you’re craving something that’s both sweet and spicy. Thin slices of beef are flash-fried to achieve that irresistible crunch, then tossed in a sticky sauce that clings to every piece. It’s a dish that promises to liven up any dinner table, especially when served over a bed of steamed rice.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef
Spicy Miso Ramen
Spicy Miso Ramen is a bowlful of comfort, featuring a broth that’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s a complete meal with noodles, chunks of tender meat, and vegetables, all seasoned with the depth of miso. Whether you’re looking for warmth on a cold day or just a satisfying meal, this ramen hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen
Gochujang Chicken
Get ready for chicken that’s slathered in a gochujang glaze, offering the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s a dish that packs a punch and proves that chicken is anything but boring. Serve it with rice to soak up all that glorious sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s bold and beautiful.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Thai Turkey Meatballs
These aren’t your average meatballs; they’re packed with Thai flavors, making them light, fresh, and full of herbs. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and guilt-free, perfect for spicing up your dinner routine. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Turkey Meatballs
Thai Chicken Curry
Wrap yourself in the warmth of this coconut milk-based curry, rich with spices and tender chicken. It’s a dish that invites you to customize, whether you like it hot or not. Served over steamed jasmine rice, it’s comfort food with a Thai twist, ready to transport you with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
Who knew you could get such depth of flavor in a fraction of the time? This soup is a lively mix of tomatoes, peppers, and spices, coming together in a meal that’s both zesty and comforting. Topped with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of avocado, it’s a weeknight winner that’s both easy and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
Air Fryer Empanadas
Think flaky, golden pockets filled with savory meat and spices, all without the guilt of deep frying. These empanadas are proof that the air fryer is a miracle worker, turning out treats that are perfect for parties or a quick dinner. It’s all the flavor with none of the fuss, making everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
These wings are all about the simple pleasures: crispy skin, juicy meat, and a seasoning that’s straightforward but spot on. They’re the kind of snack that’s perfect for gatherings or a casual dinner, easy to make and even easier to love. Just be warned, they’re addictive.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
Thai Fried Rice
This fried rice is a feast for the senses, bringing a bit of Thailand to your table with its colorful mix of veggies and a hint of sweetness from pineapple. It’s a quick, satisfying way to turn leftover rice into something extraordinary. Throw in some protein, and you’ve got a one-pan wonder that’s both easy and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Here’s a steak that’s all dressed up with nowhere to go but your plate, topped with a chile butter that melts into every savory slice. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to do dinner, proving that sometimes, the best things in life are steak. Grill it up, serve it hot, and watch it steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Kung Pao Chicken
This dish is a fiery celebration of all things spicy and savory, with just enough sweetness to keep things interesting. Packed with peanuts and that signature Sichuan kick, it’s a lively way to do chicken that’ll keep you coming back for more. Just remember the rice; you’re going to need it.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Beef Birria
Beef Birria is a sumptuous, slow-cooked stew that’s rich in flavor and tradition. This Mexican classic is both a soup and a taco filling, making it incredibly versatile. Dip your tacos into the stew for an extra layer of flavor, and don’t forget to enjoy the hearty broth that’s perfect for sipping.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria
Thai Larb
Here’s a salad that doesn’t play by the rules, mixing minced meat with lime, chili, and fresh herbs for a result that’s light, zesty, and utterly refreshing. It’s the perfect choice for those days when you want something satisfying but not heavy, proving that salads can be the star of the dinner show.
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb
Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Bring the magic of Korean BBQ to your kitchen with these bowls, where marinated beef shines as the star. Served over rice with a side of veggies, it’s a balanced, flavorful meal that’s deceptively simple to put together. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best meals are also the simplest.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Tandoori Chicken
This chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled to smoky perfection, is a bold way to break out of your poultry rut. It’s vibrant, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Serve it with naan and some cool cucumber raita for a meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken
Air Fryer Enchiladas
Air Fryer Enchiladas bring a new twist to a traditional favorite, offering a crispy exterior without the need for baking. Filled with a hearty mixture of meat, cheese, and sauce, they’re a comforting meal that’s both quick and satisfying. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something warm and cheesy, these enchiladas prove that the air fryer can do wonders.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas
