50 Easy Dinner Ideas with Baked Potatoes

“What’s for dinner?” That’s a question we think about daily. Baked potatoes are one of those magical dinner sides that check all the boxes: budget-friendly, filling, easy to prep, and loved by picky eaters. But what do you serve with them?

My girls absolutely love baked potatoes and would eat them every night of the week if I left them. My question has always been what to serve with baked potatoes for variety!

If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen with a hot baked potato and zero idea what to put on the plate next to it, this list is for you! I’ve pulled together 50 quick, no-fuss main dish ideas that pair perfectly with baked potatoes. Whether you’ve got leftover chicken in the fridge or a bag of frozen fish sticks, there’s something here to make dinner feel a little less overwhelming.

Let’s make dinner simple (and actually enjoyable!) again—one baked potato at a time.

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How to Bake the Perfect Baked Potato

Here’s my go-to method for fluffy, crispy-skinned baked potatoes:

1. Preheat your degree oven to 450°F.
2. Scrub your russet potatoes clean and pat them dry.
3. Place them directly on the middle oven rack or a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Carefully remove the hot potatoes and brush each one with a little olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender.

They come out perfect every time—crispy on the outside, soft and steamy on the inside. Just add a pat of butter and you’re golden! For favorite toppings, try sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, or even hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.

Now, what should we pair with those perfectly baked potatoes? Here are 50 easy dinner ideas for you.

Beef Dinners

1. Classic Meatloaf – Hearty, nostalgic, and always a hit with ketchup-loving kids.
2. Hamburger Steaks with Gravy – Think Salisbury steak but easier.
3. Beef Stroganoff – Creamy beef and mushrooms that feel fancy without the fuss. Serve this over or beside baked potatoes instead of noodles.
4. Slow Cooker Pot Roast – Toss it in the slow cookers and let dinner make itself.
5. Hamburgers – Instead of serving French fries, pair your burgers with baked potatoes.
6. Sloppy Joe Sandwiches – Messy, fun, and kid-approved – great with a baked potato on the side.
7. Taco Night – Instead of serving the taco meat in shells, try serving the meat and all your favorite taco fixings over baked potatoes!
8. Chili – Set your chili to simmer on the stove or crockpot, and pair with baked potatoes. This is an easy dinner kids and adults will love! (Because if your kids don’t like the chili, they can fill up on baked potatoes.)
9. Meatballs – Top your meatballs with your favorite sauce because meatballs go perfectly with baked potatoes.
10. BBQ Beef Sandwiches – Use leftover roast or deli beef with sauce for a quick fix.

Chicken Favorites

11. Grilled Chicken Breasts – Simple, protein-packed, and easy to flavor a dozen ways.
12. Baked Chicken Thighs – Juicy and forgiving in the preheated oven, even if you forget them for a bit.
13. Rotisserie Chicken – The ultimate grocery store shortcut for stress-free nights and is one of the easiest baked potato meals to make.
14. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – Sticky, sweet, and loved by little hands.
15. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken – Light and fresh but still cozy with a warm baked potato.
16. Chicken Cordon Bleu – A fancier feel from frozen or homemade – pairs great with a plain potato and a pat of butter.
17. Buffalo Chicken Tenders – Tangy with a little kick, serve with ranch to cool it down.
18. Parmesan-Crusted Chicken – Crunchy outside, juicy inside, and ready in under 30 minutes.
19. Chicken Alfredo Bake – Cheesy, creamy, and easy to prep ahead.
20. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs – Sweet-savory flavor combo with steamed broccoli on the side.

Pork & Ham Recipes

21. Pan-Seared Pork Chops – Quick to cook and easy to season however you like. Great with crispy potato skin.
22. Baked Ham Slices – Sweet or savory—great for leftover night too.
23. Pulled Pork (oven or crockpot) – Let it slow cook all day and dinner is basically done.
24. Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Rub – Fancy looking, but cooks fast and slices easily.
25. BBQ Pork Ribs – Finger-licking good with corn and a baked potato.
26. Sweet & Sour Pork Bites – Tangy and kid-approved when served with fruit or veggies.
27. Glazed Ham Steak – A quick stovetop dinner that feels like a holiday meal.
28. Pork Chops with Apples – Cozy fall vibes and super satisfying.
29. Maple Mustard Pork Medallions – A touch sweet and tangy for something different.
30. Smoked Sausage with Onions & Peppers – One-pan dinner that’s flavorful and filling.

Seafood & Fish

31. Baked Salmon with Lemon – Flaky, flavorful, and full of healthy fats. Try it with a little black pepper and melted butter on your potato.
32. Crusted Tilapia or Cod – Mild white fish with a crispy coating for texture.
33. Shrimp Scampi (served on the side) – Garlicky shrimp that feels special with minimal effort.
34. Fish Sticks (kid-friendly!) – A freezer favorite that never fails.
35. Cajun Blackened Fish – Bold flavors and a fast stovetop cook.
36. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet – One pan, 10 minutes, and packed with protein.
37. Salmon Patties – Budget-friendly way to use canned salmon or leftovers.
38. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas – Colorful, flavorful, and oven-easy.
39. Tuna Cakes or Croquettes – Quick pantry meal that feels like a treat.
40. Lemon Herb Baked Haddock – Light and flaky with a fresh finish.

Meatless & Veggie Options

41. Eggplant Parmesan – Saucy and cheesy comfort food without the meat.
42. Black Bean Burgers – Hearty and satisfying with a dollop of sour cream.
43. Stuffed Zucchini Boats – A fun way to serve up your veggies, and yes, goes well along side potatoes.
44. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Cheesy and filling—perfect for batch cooking.
45. Chickpea and Veggie Stir-Fry – Fast, healthy, and great for using up odds and ends.
46. Cheese or Veggie Quesadillas – Crispy, gooey, and great with salsa and sour cream.
47. Macaroni and Cheese – Homemade or from a box, kids will love this, especially with baked potatoes!
48. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms – Meaty texture makes them a main attraction.
49. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole – Creamy, comforting, and kid-friendly.
50. Vegetable Soup – Soup and baked potatoes are a perfect pairing!

Final Tip: If you’re baking potatoes anyway, toss in a few extras! Leftovers can be used for twice-baked potatoes recipe, breakfast hash, or even tossed into soups. One potato dish, endless possibilities.

Hope this list makes easy weeknight dinners a little easier tonight.