31 Friday Night Dinner Recipes To Kick Start Your Weekend

After having a busy, eventful week, it can be quite easy to get into the mindset of not being bothered to make anything special for Friday night.

This Makes it easy to fall into the habit of ordering in your Friday night dinners. However, taking the time to make a delicious dinner on Friday sets the right tone for your weekend.

So, if you’re the type who’s always curious and pressed about what nutritious meals to make for dinner on Fridays, in this post, you’ll find some of the best Friday night dinner recipes.

Whether you’re a parent looking for a wholesome family meal or you’re simply looking for an easy date night dinner to make your Friday special, this list has something to suit everyone.

Quick Table: Friday Night Dinner Recipes

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Baked Chicken Taquitos	132	40 Minutes
Slow Cooker Ravioli	540	4 Hours 10 Minutes
Pot Bbq Pulled Chicken	225	45 Minutes
Roasted Poblano Pastsa	575	45 Minutes
Mexican Spagetti Squash Bake	311	1 Hour
Deep Dish Veggie Pizza	418	55 Minutes
Friday Night Salmon	310	40 Minutes
Cumberland Sausage Hot Dogs With Berry Onions	869	1 Hour 25 Minutes
Chicken Shawarma Salad	844	40 Minutes
Healthy Burrito Bowl With Southwest Shrimp	546	20 Minutes
Cheesy Garlic Rolls And BMT Salad	312	25 Minutes
Leftover Chicken Enchiladas	291	30 Minutes
Parmesan Kale Risotto With Scallops	411	30 Minutes
Pepperoni Stromboli Ring	283.6	30 Minutes
Taco Pizza	452	28 Minutes
Tilapia Fish Tacos	107	23 Minutes
Friday Night Pasta Dish	520	1 Hour
Cilantro Lime Steak	1235	8 Hours 40 Minutes
Inside Out Egg Roll	355	15 Minutes
Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry	412	30 Minutes
Easy Chicken Fajitas	614	30 Minutes
One Pot Beef-A-Roni	240	40 Minutes
Monte Cristo Sliders	183	40 Minutes
Classic Shepherd’s Pie	400	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Honey Garlic Chicken	472	20 Minutes
Tomato Risotto With Marinated Feta And Green Sauce	280	40 Minutes
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole	319	30 Minutes
Onion Soup Mix Meatloaf	890	1 Hour 25 Minutes
Friday Night Nacho Bake	470	40 Minutes
Coconut Curry Noodle Soup	360	25 Minutes
French Bread Pizza	538	25 Minutes

1. Baked Chicken Taquitos

A crisp taco loaded with delicious filling, these baked chicken taquitos will have you drooling with excitement. 

 These delicious treats are essentially corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken, Mexican cheese, and a host of different spices that are baked until golden brown.

They are the perfect light dinner to make on a Friday, and you can make them more filling by adding fun toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, or salsa.

Calories Per Serving: 132

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

2. Slow Cooker Ravioli

Friday nights are the best time to bust out your slow cooker and make a hearty meal like this slow cooker ravioli since you don’t have to worry about waking up early the next day.

This cheesy dinner has everything from ground beef, Italian sausage, and a generous amount of parmesan and mozzarella cheese to melt in your mouth.

Serve it up with some salad or garlic bread, and you have a masterpiece on your hands.

Calories Per Serving: 540

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 10 Minutes 

3. Pot Bbq Pulled Chicken

Looking for a versatile meat dish you can serve with everything from rice to sandwiches? This pot BBQ pulled chicken is the perfect dinner for you.

It is easy to make and only requires you to bring chicken breast, onions, seasoning, bbq sauce, and water to a simmer in an instant pot before shredding.

Season with a bit of pepper if you don’t mind a dollop of heat with your meals; the taste will wow you.

Calories Per Serving: 225

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

4. Roasted Poblano Pasta

We all love a creamy pasta dish, and this roasted poblano pasta has all the flavor and creaminess to become your go-to Friday dinner.

It features tagliatelle pasta perfectly coated in a rich and spicy sauce made from poblano peppers, heavy cream, chicken stock, cilantro, and a hint of garlic.

If you don’t have tagliatelle, you can still make this recipe with fettucini and get the same perfect result.

Calories Per Serving: 575

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

5. Mexican Spaghetti Squash Bake

Avoiding regular pasta because of your low-carb diet? A spaghetti squash bake like this might just be the perfect compromise.

It features a baked mixture of spaghetti squash, cheese, black beans, eggs, and a flavor-filled Mexican tomato sauce with hints of chili, oregano, and cumin.

It is a healthy gluten-free dinner with great flavors you can enjoy without worrying about calories.

Calories Per Serving: 311

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

6. Deep Dish Veggie Pizza

Pizza is a classic Friday night dinner, but you can make it extra special with a homemade variant like this deep dish veggie pizza. 

It is a healthy dinner made from whole wheat flour and loaded with fresh vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers while maintaining the gooey cheesy texture we all love about pizza.

This is a healthy pizza kids will devour without complaining, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch if you’ve got a big family.

Calories Per Serving: 418

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes 

7. Friday Night Salmon

A one-sheet meal you can throw in the oven while relaxing, this Friday night salmon is a mouthwatering way to get in a balanced diet.

With a well seasoned and zesty slice of salmon and broccoli florets coated in olive oil and black peper, this dish will quickly become your favorite dinner.

If you love a slightly crispt crust on your fish, coat the salmon with grated parmesan for a cheesy crust.

Calories Per Serving: 310

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

8. Cumberland Sausage Hot Dogs With Berry Onions

A hot dog that packs a punch when it comes to flavor and filling, these Cumberland sausage hot dogs are seriously going to elevate your hot dog game.

Fried Cumberland sausages are stuffed in a large french baguette and topped with garlic butter and sweet beery onions dripping with a lovely sauce.

The beery onions are a key element of this dish, so ensure you make enough in case anyone needs extra toppings.

Calories Per Serving: 869

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes 

9. Chicken Shawarma Salad  

A refreshing and filling salad perfect for those on a paleo diet, this chicken shawarma salad is the perfect dinner to serve on Friday nights.

It features a flavorful mix of lettuce, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and roasted chicken, all coated in a rich, tangy tahini sauce.

Serve this salad with some pita bread and hummus for a more filling dinner.

Calories Per Serving: 844

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

10. Healthy Burrito Bowl With Southwest Shrimp

With its packed,flavor-filled taste, this healthy burrito bowl will satisfy all your chipotle cravings while saving you some cash.

It is so easy to make and loaded with seasoned shrimp, cilantro lime rice, black beans, peppers, corn, and avocados.

To coat the shrimp, you’ll need to make a southwest seasoning mix with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano, but you can just use taco seasoning to save time.

Calories Per Serving: 546

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

11. Cheesy Garlic Rolls And BMT Salad

A simple bread roll with melty cheesiness and a light crisp exterior, these cheesy garlic rolls are seriously hard to resist.

The bread rolls are easily made from a dough of flour, yeast, garlic powder, basil, and cheese, all baked to perfection.

Paired with a refreshing salad that consists of mozzarella, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and balsamic vinegar, it is a great meal with the perfect balance of vegetables and carb loading.

Calories Per Serving: 312

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

12. Leftover Chicken Enchiladas

Got some leftover chicken you’re not sure what to do with? These leftover chicken enchiladas will transform your leftover chicken into an amazing dinner.

It is an easy, baked dish with tortillas stuffed with chicken, corn, chiles, and cheese and then topped with enchilada sauce and more cheese.

If you don’t have the time to make your own enchilada sauce, you can easily use any store-bought enchilada sauce you prefer.

Calories Per Serving: 291

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

13. Parmesan Kale Risotto With Scallops

If you’re looking for comfort food to make your Friday night special, this parmesan kale risotto is the perfect meal for you.

Creamy, buttery risotto cooked with kale and flavor-filled vegetable broth is paired with perfectly browned scallops for a decadent dinner that melts in your mouth with every bite.

A great way to make this dish even better is to drizzle some leftover browned butter used to cook the scallops over the risotto when serving.

Calories Per Serving: 411

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

14. Pepperoni Stromboli Ring

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This pepperoni stromboli ring has all the familiar flavors of a pepperoni pizza but somehow manages to taste ten times better.

Made from a baked pizza dough stuffed with pepperoni, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, and mozzarella cheese, it is the perfect meal to serve a big crown on game night or while watching a family movie.

Pair it with a marinara sauce if you are a fan of the tomato sauce flavors of a regular pepperoni pizza.

Calories Per Serving: 283.6

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

15. Taco Pizza

A dish that combines two of our favorite things in one? Sign us up! 

This taco pizza loads all your favorite taco toppings like Mexican cheese, black beans, salsa, and tortilla chips on pizza dough and bakes everything into golden brown perfection.

It is a filling and fun meal that’s really easy to throw together and make in a short time.

Calories Per Serving: 452

Preparation Time: 28 Minutes 

16. Tilapia Fish Tacos

A healthy taco packed full of flavor and delicious flaky fish, these tilapia fish tacos are the perfect tex-mex dinner to make if you’re a taco fanatic.

Pan-fried tilapia is stuffed into a warm corn tortilla and paired with any taco toppings you prefer, making this a less greasy alternative to the regular fish tacos that make use of breaded fish filets.

You’ll need to make a fresh pico de gallo to serve over these tacos, but if you can’t, don’t hesitate to buy some pico de gallo or salsa at the store.

Calories Per Serving: 107

Preparation Time: 23 Minutes 

17. Friday Night Pasta Dish

A one-pot pasta dish that requires very few ingredients, this Friday night pasta is so delicious you’ll want to make it every day.

It features a melty and cheesy bake of angel hair pasta, mozzarella cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pepperoni, and fresh herbs.

It stores really well, so you can even make a batch ahead to enjoy on Friday night and well into the weekend.

Calories Per Serving: 520

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 

18. Cilantro Lime Steak Salad

If you’re looking for a hearty meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for long, this cilantro lime steak salad is perfect for you.

Well marinated and baked steak slices are tossed with salad greens, avocado, and onion, in a creamy cilantro-lime dressing that’s bursting with flavor.

Feel free to use chicken or shrimp in place of the steak if you’re not a fan of the chewy texture of steak.

Calories Per Serving: 1235

Preparation Time: 8 Hours 40 Minutes 

19. Inside Out Egg Roll

If you’re an egg roll fanatic who’s constantly looking for ways to devour them, this inside-out egg roll is a great way to turn them into a healthy dinner.

It features a mix of ground beef, cabbage mix, coconut aminos, pepper,  and sesame seeds, all cooked in a skillet until soft yet still crunchy.

Don’t hesitate to add some rice or ramen noodles into this dish for your daily dose of carb loading.

Calories Per Serving: 355

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

20. Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

Looking for an affordable vegan dinner you can put together without much hassle? This teriyaki tofu stir fry might just be the meal you need.

Tofu cubes are coated in soya sauce teriyaki sauce and stir-fried with broccoli, carrot, and beans for a crunchy and flavorful veggie dinner.

Try to use frozen extra firm tofu when making this as it holds its shape better when used in stir fry.

Calories Per Serving: 412

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

21. Easy Chicken Fajitas

A chicken wrap with a spicy and smoky flavor, these chicken fajitas are easy and wildly delicious.

Chicken breast slices are served up with cheese, coriander, avocados, salsa, and jalapenos in warm flour tortillas.

Feel free to use gluten-free tortillas to make this a gluten-free dinner you can enjoy without any complaints.

Calories Per Serving: 614

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

22. One Pot Beef-A-Roni

This one-pot beef-a-roni is an easy dinner that has everything you need in a balanced meal.

Ziti noodles are cooked with peppers, onions, carrots, ground beef, cheese, beef stock, and milk for a creamy dish with delicious beef chunks following every bite.

If you have leftovers, they’ll only get better with time, so don’t hesitate to make a large batch.

Calories Per Serving: 240

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

23. Monte Cristo Sliders

A savory sandwich with a flaky sweet exterior, these Monte Cristo sliders are the perfect dinner for days when you need something light and tasty.

Hawaiian roll sliders are stuffed with cheese and ham and then brushed with melted butter, sugar, and everything bagel seasoning before being baked to a perfect shade of golden brown.

They can be enjoyed on their own or served with any jam of choice if you have a sweet tooth.

Calories Per Serving: 183

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

24. Classic Shepherd’s Pie

A hearty pie that’s filled with flavorful and filling ingredients, this shepherd’s pie is a tasty dinner that will become a favorite with anyone who gets a bite.

 A rich pie gravy made from ground beef,  carrots, peas, beef stock, onions, and Worcestershire sauce is baked with cheesy mashed potatoes until golden brown.

You can also make this pie ahead, so don’t hesitate to assemble the it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Calories Per Serving: 400

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes 

25. Honey Garlic Chicken

A sweet and savory chicken dinner you can pair with different sides, this honey garlic chicken is seriously one of the most versatile Friday night dinners ever.

Tender fried chicken thighs are cooked with a mix of butter, garlic, honey, stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until a thick and decadent sauce is formed.

Served over boiled rice or eaten on its own, this chicken dinner will surely delight your palate.

Calories Per Serving: 472

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

26. Tomato Risotto With Marinated Feta And Green Sauce

This tomato risotto dish is a spice-filled meal that will surely turn you into a lifelong risotto fan.

It features a flavorful risotto cooked with onions, tomatoes, chili, and garlic that is served with an herby green sauce and crumbled feta.

It is a filling dinner with bold flavors you’ll love if you’re looking for something special for Friday dinners.

Calories Per Serving: 280

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

27. Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole

A quick and easy enchilada you can make in a single casserole dish, this green chile chicken enchiladas are the perfect dinner for nights when you can’t be bothered to make something complicated.

You’ll only need to assemble the casserole by stuffing tortillas with a filling of green chiles and Monterey jack cheese and then top with cilantro and green onions after baking.

Calories Per Serving: 319

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

28. Onion Soup Mix Meatloaf

This meatloaf is a great way to use up those abandoned packets of Lipton onion soup mix you have lying around your kitchen.

It is a flavor-filled meat dish you can serve with vegetables, potatoes, bread, or even pasta.

Calories Per Serving: 890

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes 

29. Friday Night Nacho Bake

This nacho bake is the perfect dinner to make if you’re looking to transform all your favorite nacho flavors into a filling dinner.

It is a crispy and flavorful dish with crushed tortilla chips, cheese, salsa, onions, ground beef, tomatoes, and onions.

Calories Per Serving: 470

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

30. Coconut Curry Noodle Soup

If you’re looking for a comfort food you can enjoy for dinner in the colder months, this coconut curry noodle soup is perfect for you.

It is a Thai-inspired meal with pad thai rice noodles, soy sauce, cauliflower, bok choy, and onions, all brought to a simmer in a rich soup made of broth coconut milk, and red curry paste.

Calories Per Serving: 360

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

31. French Bread Pizza

This french bread pizza is a great way to enjoy all the familiar pizza flavors we all love with a twist.

It features thick slices of french bread topped with marinara sauce, Italian sausage, cheese, veggies, and pepperoni before being baked into a delightful meal with crisp edges and a soft cheesy middle.

Calories Per Serving:: 538

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Feed A Big Family For Cheap?

The best way to manage your cooking finances when you’re feeding a big family is to ensure you plan ahead and have a budget listed out. Doing this will help you keep track of how much you spend on groceries.

It is also important to make homemade dinners as often as possible, as those takeout and pizza deliveries can rack up a large bill very quickly if you’re ordering for a big family.

What Is The Cheapest Food For Dinner?

When you’re on a budget, opting for quick one-pot meals that don’t require too many ingredients is best. The most affordable foods you can make for dinner include pasta and rice dishes that are easy to make.

Sandwiches and sliders are also great inexpensive dinner options to choose from since they often only require a few basic ingredients like cheese and deli meats.

What Are Healthy Friday Night Dinners?

Healthy dinners you can have on Friday mostly depend on your dietary needs and preferences. However, some great health-conscious dinners to opt for include heart salads and baked veggies or potatoes.