Skip to Content

25 Dinner Ideas That Will Change Your Mind About Going Out

This lineup of smoky, grilled, and skillet-seared favorites gives you a variety of bold, satisfying options for dinner. Whether you’re firing up the smoker, using a cast iron pan, or pressing start on the Instant Pot, there’s a recipe here to match your energy and time.

From steakhouse-level roasts to budget-friendly pork chops, these recipes prove that big flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking. With clear methods and flexible prep, they’re easy to pull off whether you’re feeding the family or hosting guests.

Ready to turn up the heat or try something new? Scroll through and pick your next go-to dish—no steakhouse required.

Smoked Pork Crown Roast

Smoked Pork Crown Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This impressive roast is easier than it looks and perfect for holidays or gatherings. A smoker adds deep flavor, while the temperature guide ensures juicy, evenly cooked results every time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Crown Roast

Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Slow-cooked in a red wine and herb sauce, these beef short ribs turn meltingly tender and rich. A comforting, make-ahead meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Braised Beef Short Ribs

Smoked Tri-Tip

Smoked Tri-Tip. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Use the reverse-sear method to turn this budget-friendly cut into a steakhouse-level main dish. Smoking low and finishing hot gives you edge-to-edge pink with a crisp crust.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tri-Tip

Tri Tip Beef Birria

Tri Tip Beef Birria. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This bold Mexican-style dish features seasoned tri-tip simmered in a rich broth. Serve it with tortillas, in quesadillas, or on its own for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Tri Tip Beef Birria

Traeger Grilled Swordfish

Traeger Grilled Swordfish. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Swordfish steaks are grilled with a simple spice blend and a splash of lemon for a light and smoky seafood dinner. Quick to make and easy to pair with any side.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Swordfish

Teres Major Steak (Grilled or Pan Seared)

Teres Major Steak (Grilled or Pan Seared). Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

This underrated cut cooks up tender and flavorful. Baste with garlic butter for a simple, restaurant-style steak that feels like a splurge without the price.
Get the Recipe: Teres Major Steak (Grilled or Pan Seared)

Traeger Beef Wellington Recipe

Traeger Beef Wellington Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A classic Beef Wellington gets smoky depth on the Traeger grill. Puff pastry, tenderloin, and mushroom duxelles come together for a show-stopping main dish.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Beef Wellington Recipe

Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops

Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These pork chops are marinated in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce and grilled until tender and charred. Great for warm-weather dinners or a twist on traditional barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops

Sous Vide Prime Rib with Au Jus

Sous Vide Prime Rib with Au Jus. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Cook your prime rib to perfect doneness using sous vide, then finish with a flavorful au jus. This method guarantees edge-to-edge pink and juicy results every time.
Get the Recipe: Sous Vide Prime Rib with Au Jus

Herb Butter Prime Rib on Smoker

Herb Butter Prime Rib on Smoker. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This smoker-friendly prime rib gets coated in herb butter and slow-cooked for juicy, flavorful slices. A solid choice for holiday meals or a weekend roast.
Get the Recipe: Herb Butter Prime Rib on Smoker

Pulled Pork Burrito

Pulled Pork Burrito. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Wrap up tender pulled pork, beans, rice, and your favorite toppings in this satisfying burrito. Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep when you need something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Burrito

Traeger Smoked No-Wrap Pork Ribs

Traeger Smoked No-Wrap Pork Ribs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Skip the foil and smoke these ribs low and slow for that classic bark and deep flavor. Simple seasoning and a solid smoke make this a go-to for rib lovers.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked No-Wrap Pork Ribs

Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs

Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This step-by-step method makes rib cooking foolproof. Three stages of smoking, wrapping, and saucing give you tender ribs with just the right bite.
Get the Recipe: Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs

Grilled Pork Steak

Grilled Pork Steak. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pork steaks are seared on high heat then finished slow for juicy, flavorful results. A cost-effective cut that grills up beautifully with the right technique.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Steak

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Stetted.

Asparagus gets wrapped in bacon and roasted until crispy. This easy five-ingredient side dish is great for spring dinners, grilling season, or party platters.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Double-Cut Cast Iron Pork Chops

Double-Cut Cast Iron Pork Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Thick pork chops seared in cast iron get a golden crust while staying juicy inside. This method is simple but delivers steakhouse-level chops right from your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Double-Cut Cast Iron Pork Chops

Smoked Al Pastor Tacos

Smoked Al Pastor Tacos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Pork is marinated in traditional al pastor spices and smoked for bold, layered flavor. Serve in tortillas with pineapple and onions for a twist on a taco truck favorite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Al Pastor Tacos

Traeger Smoked Gochujang Pork Tenderloin

Traeger Smoked Gochujang Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This spicy-sweet pork tenderloin is coated in gochujang and smoked for bold Korean-inspired flavor. Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Gochujang Pork Tenderloin

Pressure Cooker Pork Loin, Stuffing & Gravy

Pressure Cooker Pork Loin, Stuffing & Gravy. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This all-in-one comfort meal uses a pressure cooker to cook pork loin with stuffing and homemade gravy. Perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Pork Loin, Stuffing & Gravy

Traeger Ribeye

Traeger Ribeye. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A simple seasoning and smoke treatment brings out the best in this ribeye steak. Perfectly cooked on the Traeger, it’s a low-fuss, high-reward way to enjoy steak.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Ribeye

Traeger Grilled New York Strip

Traeger Grilled New York Strip. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

New York strip steak is grilled with just salt and pepper to highlight its natural flavor. A quick and easy choice for anyone who loves classic steak.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled New York Strip

Carne Asada Fries

Carne Asada Fries. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Juicy grilled steak is layered over fries with guac, pico, and crema. This loaded dish is great for sharing—or not. A fun, indulgent way to use carne asada.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Fries

Instant Pot Pork Chops with Dijon Cream Sauce

Instant Pot Pork Chops with Dijon Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These pork chops cook quickly in the Instant Pot and are finished with a creamy Dijon sauce. A simple, flavorful dinner that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Chops with Dijon Cream Sauce

Reuben Strip Steak

Reuben Strip Steak. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A steakhouse-style strip gets topped with sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing for a mashup of Reuben sandwich and grilled steak. Great for a fun dinner twist.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Strip Steak

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This one-pan meal combines steak, potatoes, and peppers with smoky seasoning. Start it on the stove, finish in the oven, and serve a complete dinner in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet