30 Easy Dinner Ideas for Two on Date Night
The best Valentine's Day plans start in your own kitchen.
After years of cooking up big batch family meals, Ree and Ladd Drummond are settling into a brand new chapter as empty nesters and proud grandparents. That change can feel a little strange at first, but it also opens up more chances to slow down and enjoy cozy dinners for two! Luckily, Ree has plenty of ideas for at-home date nights, whether it’s a regular weeknight when you want something comforting or a special occasion that calls for a little something extra. And after nearly 30 years with her favorite cowboy, Ree knows a thing or two about planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner that feels meaningful without turning the kitchen into a full-time job!
If you and your partner love a good steak dinner, you'll love Ree and Ladd's favorite date night dinner menu. From bacon-wrapped filets with cowboy butter to classic ribeye with a side of crispy potatoes, there's no better way to make dinner for two feel extra special. Looking for something different? Try the creamy meatball stroganoff, homemade crab cakes, or Instant Pot French onion soup.
All the recipes on this list are either perfectly portioned, easily halved, or make excellent leftovers for the next day, so you won't find yourself with too many helpings for just the two of you. Then, of course, to make your night complete, we've also made sure to include a few easy sides and small-batch desserts (like adorable mug cakes!) that are perfect for serving with two spoons. The best part of all: You won't have to worry about cleanup.
Hot Honey Pork Chops
Crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and finished with just enough heat to keep things interesting. This is a great dinner-for-two option because you really only need a couple of chops, and the hot honey glaze makes even a simple skillet dinner feel like something a little special.
Get Ree's Hot Honey Pork Chops recipe.
Meatball Stroganoff
Comfort food at its coziest! The meatballs make this feel hearty without needing a big cut of meat and the creamy sauce is perfect spooned over noodles for two. Any leftovers reheat beautifully!
Get Ree's Meatball Stroganoff recipe.
Steak Frites Salad
This is a nice way to stretch one good steak into a full dinner. Slice it up, serve it over greens with crispy fries, and try not to drink the hollandaise sauce straight from the blender!
Get Ree's Steak Frites Salad recipe.
Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip
Sometimes dinner for two starts with something warm and snacky while you finish cooking. This dip comes together quickly and is perfect for sharing, especially with a basket of crackers or sliced bread. You can also easily cut the recipe in half!
Get Ree's Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Dip recipe.
Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Say hello to your new favorite soup recipe! It has all the cozy flavor of the classic without spending hours watching onions. It’s perfect for a quiet night in with your favorite person.
Get the Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe.
White Lasagna
Ree loves lasagna in all its forms, but this white lasagna is a favorite for a reason. It’s layered with ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella plus a creamy béchamel sauce. If there are leftovers, dinner for two can stretch into tomorrow!
Get Ree's White Lasagna recipe.
Chocolate Cobbler
Ree's husband Ladd loves nothing more than a rich, fudgy chocolate dessert. If you're anything like him, this old-fashioned chocolate cobbler will be right up your alley.
Get Ree's Chocolate Cobbler recipe.
Steak with Onion Cream Sauce
This steak recipe is a go to for special occasions in the Drummond household, but it’s simple enough for a Friday night at home. The steaks sear in a skillet, finish in the oven, and the creamy sauce comes together in the same pan.
Get Ree's Steak with Onion Cream Sauce recipe.
Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta
If you love mushrooms, this pasta is a dream! With three kinds of mushrooms, plenty of garlic, and lots of black pepper, it's rich and cozy and easy to cook just the amount you want for two bowls.
Get Ree's Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta recipe.
Caprese Chicken
This chicken takes everything you love about Caprese salad but makes it far more filling. The cutlets are topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, pesto, and balsamic reduction, and since it makes more than two servings, you can count on leftovers.
Get Ree's Caprese Chicken recipe.
Steak Diane
Ree calls this dish "pure, unadulterated bliss." While the pan-fried steak is delectable, the real star here is the creamy, savory steak sauce. It's made of garlic, onion, thyme, cream, balsamic reduction, and a big spoonful of grainy mustard.
Get Ree's Steak Diane recipe.
Pasta Puttanesca
Pasta is always a great idea because it's easy to reduce the amount you cook if you're feeding less people. Try this classic that contains olives, anchovies, and tomatoes and only takes five minutes of prep.
Get Ree's Pasta Puttanesca recipe.
Surf and Turf
Impressive yet surprisingly easy to make, the combination of savory steak and flavorful shrimp can't be beat! Plus, you can serve it with any side of vegetables.
Get the Surf and Turf recipe.
Steak au Poivre
Both of you will really adore this classic French dish that starts with a peppercorn-crusted pan-seared filet. It's smothered in the most utterly delicious brandy sauce that's cooked in a skillet with all the leftover flavorful bits from the meat.
Get Ree's Steak au Poivre recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon
Got ten minutes? Good, then you can make this delicious and healthy meal. Salmon only needs a few seasonings and a splash of lemon, and it goes well with practically any side dish.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
Chicken Alfredo Soup
Cozy up with your partner over a bowl of soup! This one is a twist on creamy chicken alfredo and it even includes the classic fettuccine.
Get Ree's Chicken Alfredo Soup recipe.
Braised Short Ribs
Ree says that "beef short ribs are one of life's great pleasures" and we couldn't agree more! If this doesn't say romance, we don't know what will.
Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.
Mini Apple Pies
Bite-sized desserts with big flavor, these mini pies are the perfect ending for a meal when you want just a little something sweet. The leftovers will last a few days in the fridge, so you can enjoy the rest during the week.
Get Ree's Mini Apple Pies recipe.
Brownie in a Mug
You can make two of these decadent, warm brownies in a matter of minutes. But if you really want to impress your sweetie, top it off with a scoop of their favorite ice cream!
Get the Brownie in a Mug recipe.
Crab Cakes
Skip the fancy restaurant this Valentine's Day and try making crab cakes from scratch instead! With hints of Old Bay, lemon, and dijon, these fresh crabmeat patties are loaded with flavor. Serve them up with a side salad and spicy remoulade for dipping.
Get the Crab Cakes recipe.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Marry Me Chicken
Strawberry Sweet Rolls
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
