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These Thursday night dinner ideas include family favorite recipes that are a breeze to throw together on busy weeknights! With tasty casseroles, easy crockpot recipes, hearty stews, and quick protein options, this list has a little bit of everything! For great ideas on what to serve for dinner tonight, you've come to the right place!
Easy Thursday Night Dinner Recipes
It's been said that one of the hardest things about 'adulting' is coming up with family dinner recipes every night of the week. Luckily, I've had time to taste test all of these recipes with my family and it's safe to say we have more than a few favorites to share!
From classic crockpot recipes to quick and easy entrees, this list has something for everyone (and everything is easy to prepare)! If you're having a hard time coming up with Thursday night dinner ideas, just bookmark this page and you'll have a great place to start!
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- Easy Thursday Night Dinner Recipes
- 1. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
- 2. Baked Cheeseburgers
- 3. Ground Beef Stroganoff
- 4. Doritos Casserole
- 5. Baked Mahi Mahi
- 6. Baked Rigatoni
- 7. Air Fryer Thick Cut Pork Chops
- 8. Fried Chicken
- 9. Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
- 10. Ground Beef Stew
- 11. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
- 12. Panda Express Orange Chicken
- 13. Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- 14. Pan Seared New York Strip
- 15. Frutti Di Mare
- 16. Baked Chuck Steak
- 17. Fried Shrimp
- 18. Sous Vide Lamb Chops
- 19. Pan Seared Wahoo Saku Block
- 20. Steak au Poivre
- 21. Pad Thai
- 22. Instant Pot Minestrone
- 23. Mississippi Pot Roast
- 24. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- 😋 More Tasty Family Dinners
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 23+ Best Thursday Night Dinner Ideas: Baked Cheeseburgers (+More Great Recipes To Make!)
- IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric
- Instructions
- Notes
- 💬 Reviews
1. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food that can be easily made in your crockpot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it takes minimal effort and time to prepare.
The tender and juicy steak is cooked in a flavorful gravy that will keep your family coming back for more! Enjoy the savory taste of this classic Salisbury steak recipe with your loved ones tonight!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak With Mushroom Gravy
This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy days, this dish combines juicy beef patties with a rich mushroom gravy, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Prep time is minimal, and the result is a mouth-watering meal that's sure to please the whole family.
Check out this recipe
2. Baked Cheeseburgers
Baked cheeseburgers are the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families. Not only are they delicious and satisfying, but they're also incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Add your favorite burger toppings and these baked cheeseburgers are sure to please everyone at the dinner table!
Baked Cheeseburgers
Oven baked cheeseburgers are just as delicious as their pan-seared or grilled counterparts but with much less mess! It is truly one of the easiest ways to make a burger as well as one of the healthiest. And because baked cheeseburgers are incredibly customizable, they make a great dinner for the whole family!
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3. Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground beef stroganoff is a classic weeknight meal that is easy to make and great for the whole family! This version of stroganoff is made with ground beef, mushrooms, and buttery egg noodles all smothered in a creamy stroganoff sauce. It's a simple dish that will be sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Ground Beef Stroganoff (Easy Hamburger Dinner!)
My ground beef stroganoff is a quick and tasty recipe done in less than 30 minutes! This easy-to-make stroganoff recipe is filled with flavorful, tender browned ground beef, tangy sour cream, earthy mushrooms, and served over delicious buttered egg noodles.
Check out this recipe
4. Doritos Casserole
This cheesy and flavorful casserole is made with layers of nacho cheese Doritos, taco-seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, black beans, corn, and cheese for a hearty meal the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. So if you're looking for a delicious way to please the entire family in one dish, try this Doritos casserole!
Doritos Casserole
This quick and easy nacho cheese Doritos casserole is a family favorite dinner that combines hearty ground beef with crunchy Doritos and more! It's incredibly easy to make, layered with gooey deliciousness, and never fails to please!
Check out this recipe
5. Baked Mahi Mahi
Looking for a quick and easy dinner that's full of flavor? Baked mahi mahi with lemon butter is the perfect answer! This white fish is packed with protein and is incredibly versatile.
With just a few simple ingredients and some of your favorite mahi mahi side dishes, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time!
Baked Mahi Mahi
My Baked mahi mahi with lemon butter is the perfect choice for a light dinner. Mahi mahi is a mild white fish that is slightly sweet. It becomes perfectly tender and flaky after just 15 minutes in the oven. Baked mahi mahi makes a great dinner for 2, but you can easily make it for the whole family!
Check out this recipe
6. Baked Rigatoni
Baked rigatoni is an easy and delicious Italian dish that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. It combines Italian sausage, melted cheese, and pasta sauce with rigatoni for a hearty and flavorful meal.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings as it's sure to please everyone! With its classic Italian flavor, baked rigatoni will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Baked Rigatoni with Tomato Sauce & Italian Sausage
My easy baked rigatoni is an incredible comfort food featuring al dente rigatoni pasta, pasta sauce with Italian sausage, and melted cheese! You can't go wrong with this simple rigatoni pasta bake because it's a delicious dinner that the whole family will enjoy! Once you try this cheesy baked rigatoni with Italian sausage, you'll want to make it every week!
Check out this recipe
7. Air Fryer Thick Cut Pork Chops
If you're looking for an easy and delicious dinner that requires minimal effort, air fryer thick cut pork chops are the perfect choice. With only 3 ingredients, you can have a delicious pork dinner ready in no time!
Check out my page on what to serve with pork chops for side dish suggestions to complete your meal!
Air Fryer Thick Cut Pork Chops (Easy, Tasty & Juicy!)
This is the best air fryer thick cut pork chops recipe because it is practically hands off. No breading and only requires 3 ingredients! These thick pork chops are not breaded, so they are much healthier and cook faster! As if you could love your air fryer more, these air fryer thick cut pork chops might just be the best chops you'll ever have!
Check out this recipe
8. Fried Chicken
You can't go wrong with crispy Southern fried chicken. This recipe calls for a whole chicken, so your family will have their pick of wings, breast, drumsticks, and thighs!
The secret to the most tender chicken meat, is to dredge it in buttermilk before adding the coating (it's a simple thing that makes the most delicious fried chicken)! Whip up a few of your family's favorite side dishes and dinner is served!
Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken recipe is the perfect dinner! This recipe is classic buttermilk fried chicken that uses the whole chicken. Perfect so you can choose your favorite piece of meat!
Check out this recipe
9. Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
If you're looking for a quick and easy seafood dinner, look no further than these seared ahi tuna steaks. This dish is packed with flavor, and it only takes 10 minutes to prepare.
Plus, the sesame seed crust adds an extra crunchy texture that's sure to please everyone at the table. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this amazing ahi tuna recipe!
Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
Making perfectly seared ahi tuna is easier than you may think, and adding a golden sesame seed crust takes it over the top! Ahi tuna sears quickly and doesn't require much for it to be totally delicious, so follow this recipe, and you can serve a gourmet fish dinner at home!
Check out this recipe
10. Ground Beef Stew
Nothing says comfort food like a rich and hearty ground beef stew! This easy recipe is perfect for those cold winter days when you want something warm and comforting to fill you up.
It's packed with vegetables, making it both delicious and nutritious! Enjoy a bowl of this stew on its own or serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal.
Ground Beef Stew
Ground beef stew is an amazing, comforting, and easy stew that is great for busy weeknights or really any night of the week! Flavorful and rich ground beef with tender, perfectly cooked veggies combine to give you all that classic beef stew flavor in less time!
Check out this recipe
11. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
If you're looking for an easy and delicious way to use up leftover spaghetti, then a baked spaghetti and meatballs casserole is the perfect solution! This tasty casserole combines cooked spaghetti, homemade (or frozen) meatballs, a flavorful tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Serve your baked spaghetti with some quick air fryer garlic bread for an irresistible dish that will be sure to please.
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Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Baked spaghetti and meatballs is an easy casserole with layers of spaghetti coated in sauce, cheese, and meatballs! This tasty comfort food dinner can be loaded with cheesy goodness to please your entire family. Plus, it's the perfect use of leftovers from a spaghetti dinner!
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12. Panda Express Orange Chicken
If you love Panda Express orange chicken but don't live near a restaurant, don't worry! This copycat recipe is just as delicious as the original and can be on the dinner table in just 30 minutes flat.
It has the same tender bites of chicken and sweet, tangy orange sauce that you know and love. So the next time you're craving some Panda Express, give this easy homemade version a try!
Panda Express Orange Chicken
Panda Express Orange Chicken is the perfect combination of wok-fried chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce! The whole family loves this better-than-takeout version of the popular original orange chicken that I can make at home any time I want!
Check out this recipe
13. Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Bacon wrapped meatloaf is a delicious and easy recipe that is perfect for a weeknight family dinner! The bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to the meatloaf, and the tangy ketchup sauce is the perfect finishing touch. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
A delicious, traditional, home-style Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is topped with tangy ketchup sauce, a family favorite! This stand-by family dinner is always a quick and easy hit and is made even better with bacon wrapping!
Check out this recipe
14. Pan Seared New York Strip
Steak is one of those classic, elegant dishes that is easy to prepare but always impresses. This pan seared New York strip steak is a perfect weeknight dinner, because it only takes 15 minutes to cook!
The key to a great steak is to get a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside nice and juicy. This recipe achieves that perfectly, resulting in a delicious, flavorful steak that will have your famil savoring every bite!
For recipes to pair with your delicious steak dinner, take a look at all of my favorite side dishes to serve with steak!
Pan Seared New York Strip Steak
A pan-seared New York strip steak is easy to make at home, especially with a great cast iron skillet and the right seasoning. It's a simple method that results in better-than-steakhouse-quality steaks every time! My perfect medium-rare NY strip steaks are on the table in just 15 minutes for a fabulous date night or special occasion meal.
Check out this recipe
15. Frutti Di Mare
This fully-loaded seafood pasta looks like it would take a lot of time slaving over the stovetop, when in reality it only takes 30 minutes to prepare! It combines tender fettucini pasta with flavorful arrabiata sauce, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and squid.
Frutti di Mare
Frutti di mare is a flavorful, decadent pasta dish that’s full of mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and squid to make this incredibly delicious seafood pasta! The seafood is cooked in layers to add flavor as it cooks and to keep the different seafood varieties from overcooking in this tasty Italian dinner! It is then coated in a spicy marinara sauce for the perfect dish!
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16. Baked Chuck Steak
This easy baked chuck steak is a delicious and simple dinner option that can be scaled up to feed the whole family. Seasoned with my easy homemade steak seasoning, this steak is packed full of flavor and the meat becomes buttery tender when baked in the oven.
Baked Chuck Steak
This baked chuck steak comes together so easily and quickly that you'll want to add it to your go-to list of hearty beef dinner recipes! It's perfectly seasoned with my savory steak seasoning blend before searing in beef tallow for extra rich flavor! You can enjoy this steak on your own, or you can easily scale up the recipe for a fantastic family dinner!
Check out this recipe
17. Fried Shrimp
This recipe for fried shrimp is quick, easy, and the shrimp come out crispy and golden every time! The panko breadcrumb coating gives them a nice crunch, and they're perfect for dipping in co*cktail, tartar sauce, or ketchup.
Enjoy this delicious dinner with some fried hush puppies and french fries for a homemade shrimp basket!
Fried Shrimp
This fried shrimp recipe is a Southern classic appetizer or dinner that is effortless to make and has a delightful crunch bursting with flavor! A pound of shrimp is coated with flour, eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs! They're the perfect thing to whip up when you are entertaining guests at a party or when you want a light and flavorful meal!
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18. Sous Vide Lamb Chops
Sous vide lamb chops are make an easy and delicious weeknight meal. These chops are cooked sous vide until they are super tender, then finished with a reverse sear for a crispy crust.
Add a few of my favorite side dishes to pair with lamb chops for an elegant and delicious lamb dinner!
Sous Vide Lamb Chops
These sous vide lamb chops are some of the most delicious and decadently tender lamb chops you'll ever have! I use a simple marinade of herbs, oil, and lemon juice that perfectly complements the rich flavor of lamb meat for restaurant-quality lamb chops at home! Once you see how easy it is, you'll want to sous vide your lamb from here on out!
Check out this recipe
19. Pan Seared Wahoo Saku Block
Wahoo saku is a tender white fish that tastes incredible with a simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and lemon (and maybe a little drawn butter on the side). The meat is mild and tender, with no fishy taste at all!
Pan Seared Wahoo Saku Block
This pan seared wahoo saku block recipe is super quick and simple for an extra tasty fish dinner that can be enjoyed at a moment's notice! It's ready to eat in just 10 minutes, making this a great option for any last-minute meals. Serve it alongside some drawn butter and enjoy this delicious dinner!
Check out this recipe
20. Steak au Poivre
Steak au poivre is a classic French recipe that is perfect for a quick and easy steak dinner! The steak is pan-seared and then smothered in a rich and flavorful cream sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight meal and can be on the table in just 30 minutes.
Steak au Poivre
This steak au poivre is a classic French dish that features perfectly seared New York strip steaks and a rich and flavorful cream sauce! It's an easy, yet elegant and impressive meal to make for a family dinner or any special occasion! The best part is that you will only need one pan to make it, and it will be ready to serve in under 30 minutes!
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21. Pad Thai
Are you in the mood for some delicious Thai food but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This easy pad thai recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty family dinner. Made with beansprouts, roasted peanuts, scrambled eggs, and rice noodles, this dish is just as delicious as your favorite takeout restaurant. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to make!
Pad Thai
This pad Thai recipe is easy to make, ready in only 30 minutes, and tastes better than any takeout version! Simply combine some fresh veggies, eggs, and noodles with a delicious homemade pad Thai sauce for a truly authentic dish! It's sweet, tangy, and so tasty that you won't even miss the restaurant!
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22. Instant Pot Minestrone
Looking for a warm and hearty soup to make for dinner tonight? Try this delicious Instant Pot minestrone soup! This easy-to-make soup is packed with pasta, veggies, and a delicious tomato broth. It's the perfect meal to make for your family on a cold winter night.
Instant Pot Minestrone
Instant Pot minestrone is an easy version of the classic Italian soup that is loaded with tender pasta and vegetables in savory tomato broth! This wonderfully hearty soup is just the thing to warm everyone up during colder weather, but you'll find yourself wanting to make it all year long! Serve it with some garlic bread and a salad for a tasty dinner everyone will enjoy!
Check out this recipe
23. Mississippi Pot Roast
This fall-apart-tender Mississippi pot roast only requires 5 ingredients and is packed with flavor! The ranch dressing seasoning and au jus gravy mix give it a rich and zesty flavor, while the pepperoncini add a delightfully tangy element. Put it in the crockpot before work, and you'll have dinner ready by the time you get home!
Mississippi Pot Roast
This Mississippi pot roast uses only 5 ingredients, is made in your slow cooker, and is packed with tons of flavor! It's completely effortless as all you have to do is place the ingredients into your crockpot and then set it and forget it! Pair it with some mashed potatoes and bread for an unforgettable and shockingly easy meal!
Check out this recipe
24. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
This recipe for air fryer chicken tenders is quick, easy, and produces golden and crispy chicken that the whole family will love. It's a great recipe to have on hand for busy weeknights or any time you need a last-minute meal.
We love dipping our tenders in Cajun dipping sauce, homemade ranch dressing, or white country gravy!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These air fryer chicken tenders are incredibly easy to whip up as a snack, appetizer, or main course for any night of the week! They're juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and super flavorful! You'll love that this recipe has almost no prep work before the air fryer takes over - plus, these tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike!
Check out this recipe
I hope these Thursday night dinner ideas help make your busy weeknights a little bit easier. Let me know which recipes you try in the comments down below!
😋 More Tasty Family Dinners
- Ritz Chicken Casserole - This creamy and crunchy family-favorite casserole is made with just 3 simple ingredients!
- Fajita Quesadillas - Tender strips of steak and veggies with plenty of cheese inside two crispy tortillas!
- Beef Enchilada Casserole - A super meaty and cheesy casserole with all the classic flavor of beef enchiladas.
- Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie - Ditch the pie crust for biscuits in this easy-to-make chicken pot pie casserole!
- BBQ Meatloaf - A classic family dinner with a sweet and tangy BBQ twist!
- Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs - It doesn't get easier than this mac and cheese with hot dogs recipe, and adults will like it just as much as the kids!
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23+ Best Thursday Night Dinner Ideas: Baked Cheeseburgers (+More Great Recipes To Make!)
These Thursday night dinner ideas include family favorite recipes that are a breeze to throw together on busy weeknights! With tasty casseroles, easy crockpot recipes, hearty stews, and quick protein options, this list has a little bit of everything! For great ideas on what to serve for dinner tonight, you've come to the right place!
Author | Angela
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 487kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 27 minutes minutes
Total Time 32 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 ground chuck is my preferred)
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 hamburger buns
Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Mix the salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until thoroughly combined. Form 5 or 6 evenly sized patties from the ground beef and season all over with the seasoning blend.
Place the seasoned patties on top of a wire cooling rack or broiling pan that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray.
Cook in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes (depending on the thickness of the patties).
Burgers are done when they have an internal temp of 160°F (71°C). Top with cheese and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until melted.
Place cheeseburgers on buns with any desired additional toppings and serve.
Notes
- To get a soft bun and melted cheese, wrap the whole burger in aluminum foil and let it bake for a couple of minutes. You can also wrap them in parchment paper and pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to get that steamed bun effect like your favorite fast-food restaurant.
- Additional toppings to try on your burger: bacon, lettuce, onion or red onion, tomato, ketchup, mayo, mustard, AI, BBQ sauce, onion rings, Swiss cheese, sauteed mushrooms or sauteed mushrooms and onions.
- After they cool, store cooked burgers in a shallow airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, you may use the microwave or pop them in the oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 350°F(175°C) for 5-10 minutes depending on thickness.
Nutrition
Calories: 487kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 23g (8%) | Protein: 28g (56%) | Fat: 31g (48%) | Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 102mg (34%) | Sodium: 833mg (36%) | Potassium: 390mg (11%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 4g (4%) | Vitamin A: 199IU (4%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 303mg (30%) | Iron: 4mg (22%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Baked Cheeseburgers, best dinner ideas for thursday night, easy family dinners for thursday nights, great weeknight meals to make this thursday, Thursday Night Dinner Ideas, what to make for thursday night dinner
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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