Foodventures Abroad

  • About
  • Contact
  • Destinations
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Destinations
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Contact
    • Destinations
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Trending

    19 Main Course Ideas to Take Dinner to the Next Level

    Published: Jan 21, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Dinner can feel special with the right main course. Simple ideas can turn an ordinary meal into something memorable. These dishes bring flavor and excitement to the table, making every bite enjoyable.

    Vegan Ramen

    Vegan Ramen. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Indulge in a bowl of Vegan Ramen and discover how soul-soothing plant-based eating can be. It's not just soup – it's an experience, with layers of flavor that build one after the other. Gone are the days when vegan meant boring.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Ramen

    Black Bean Quinoa Burger

    Black Bean Quinoa Burger. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Black Bean Quinoa Burger is not your average veggie burger. It's packed with protein, it holds together beautifully, and most importantly, it's flavorful in a way that'll make you forget it's actually good for you. These burgers are where weekend vibes meet wellness.
    Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger

    Newsletter

    Sign up to receive our latest posts to your inbox! No spam ever.

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    Easy Creamy Mamaliga Recipe (Romanian Polenta)

    Easy Creamy Mamaliga Recipe (Romanian Polenta). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Elevate your side dish with an Easy Creamy Mamaliga Recipe (Romanian Polenta). It's a simple addition to any meal that's both filling and pairs well with a variety of toppings or sauces. Mamaliga brings a touch of Romanian comfort to any table.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Mamaliga Recipe (Romanian Polenta)

    Thai Drunken Noodles

    Stir-fried noodles with chicken, red bell peppers, basil, and peanuts in a skillet, accompanied by chopsticks and a soy sauce bottle.
    Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Spice up your dinner with Thai Drunken Noodles. This dish isn't just a meal; it's an adventure for your taste buds, with a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory that you won't soon forget. Get ready for a flavor kick that'll keep you coming back for more.
    Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

    Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen

    Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    For a seasonal take, try Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen. It's a perfect autumnal dish, with the butternut squash adding a creamy sweetness to the umami-rich broth. This ramen doesn't just fill your stomach; it soothes your soul.
    Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen

    Easy, Spicy Korean Gochujang Tofu (Vegan)

    Easy, Spicy Korean Gochujang Tofu (Vegan). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    For a bold flavor choice, try Easy, Spicy Korean Gochujang Tofu (Vegan). It's got a sizzling kick that's more than just heat – it's layers of flavor that make you take notice. This is a dish that's as exciting as it is vegan.
    Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Korean Gochujang Tofu (Vegan)

    Cauliflower Cheese

    Cauliflower Cheese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Cauliflower Cheese is like the best part of mac 'n' cheese but with a vegetable twist. It's baked until bubbly and golden, and it’s a side that could very well steal the show. It's comfort food that won't weigh you down.
    Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheese

    Pasta e Fagioli Soup

    Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Pasta e Fagioli Soup combines pasta, beans, and a rich tomato broth for a classic Italian comfort food experience. It's hearty, it feeds the soul, and it reminds you of what home-cooking is all about. Plus, it's great for any season.
    Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

    Pizza Bowls

    Pizza Bowls. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    If you're craving pizza but want to keep things interesting, Pizza Bowls deliver. They deconstruct the classic pizza flavors into a dish that you can mix and match to fit any craving. They're fun, customizable, and yes, they taste just as good as they sound.
    Get the Recipe: Pizza Bowls

    Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

    Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Chicken and Sausage Gumbo brings a taste of New Orleans into your kitchen. It's loaded with flavors, hinting at smoky, savory, and everything in between. This is the kind of meal that's both a treat and a staple.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

    Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

    Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    For a twist on a classic, Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili packs a punch. The acorn squash adds a natural sweetness that balances the spice, and the pressure cooker makes it a breeze to prepare. It's the kind of dish that'll make you wonder why you didn't try it sooner.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

    Air Fryer Short Ribs

    Air Fryer Short Ribs. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Get ready for Air Fryer Short Ribs to revolutionize your meat-cooking game. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. It's the kind of meal that'll make you feel like a pro without the effort.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs

    Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans

    Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Spice up your bean game with Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans. These aren't just any beans; the chipotle peppers give them a smoky depth of flavor that'll have everyone asking for seconds. And since it's from an Instant Pot, you know it's going to be easy.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chipotle Peruano Beans

    Air Fryer Pavlova

    Air Fryer Pavlova. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Why not switch up dessert with Air Fryer Pavlova? You get that nice crisp outer shell and a soft, marshmallow-like center, all with the convenience of your air fryer. It's an elegant dessert that's deceptively easy to make.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pavlova

    Potato Soup

    Potato Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Sometimes the simplest things are the most rewarding, and that's true for Potato Soup. It's creamy, it's comforting, and it's incredibly versatile – dress it up or down depending on your mood or the occasion. This soup just gets it right every time.
    Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

    Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is the set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal you'll look forward to all day. With ham and beans slowly simmering together, they create a rich and satisfying soup perfect for when you need a little bit of comfort.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

    Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

    Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    The Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe might just change your mind about meatless mains. With beets and walnuts, it has texture and taste that even the most avid meat lovers can appreciate. This dish is a conversation starter and a palate pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    If you’re after a no-fuss dinner, Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing ticks all the right boxes. It combines tender chicken with herbaceous stuffing, all slow-cooked to perfection. Just set it up in the morning and come home to dinner ready to go.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Change up your pasta routine with some Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. This dish is all about the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, making it an easy yet sophisticated option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It's pasta, but not as you know it.
    Get the Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Follow Us!

    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Foodventures Abroad | Luna Terra Sol Media