Hey there, cooking for a family can be a struggle. Not only do you need to find recipes that are filling and delicious, but you also want to make sure that everyone at the table will be happy with what you’ve prepared. It can be tough to please picky eaters, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these 10 easy family dinner recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
These recipes are not only simple to make, but they also use common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, they’re all packed with flavor, so you don’t have to sacrifice taste for convenience. From cheesy casseroles to zesty pastas, these recipes are sure to become a family favorite. So, grab a pen and paper and get ready to plan out your next week of meals!
Quick & Simple Recipes
Are you running short on time but still want to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal for your family? Try these quick and simple dinner recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights.
Taco Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 head lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Directions:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add in taco seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, chop lettuce and tomatoes.
- Once the beef is cooked, assemble the salad in individual bowls by topping lettuce with beef, tomatoes, cheese, and tortilla chips.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil and fajita seasoning over chicken and vegetables and toss to combine.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
One-Pot Meals
Cooking dinner can be a hassle, especially when clean-up is involved. But with these delicious one-pot meals, you can cut down on both cooking time and cleaning time. Simply throw all your ingredients into one pot or pan and let it simmer to perfection.
One Pot Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
- Stir in marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, break spaghetti in half and add to the pot, stirring occasionally until spaghetti is cooked and liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes).
One Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, combine chopped sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and arrange sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts around the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Crockpot Recipes
Get dinner ready without a fuss using your slow cooker. These easy crockpot recipes are perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen. Simply dump all the ingredients in the crockpot, set it and forget it until dinner time!
Crockpot Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
- Add beef mixture and all ingredients to the crockpot, stirring to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place pork shoulder and sliced onion in the crockpot.
- Pour BBQ sauce mixture over pork and onions and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Shred pork with a fork and serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
With these easy family dinner recipes, your family can enjoy delicious meals every night without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and simple meal, a one-pot wonder, or a crockpot classic, these recipes are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Give them a try and see how easy and delicious dinner can be!
Healthy & Nutritious Recipes
Good nutrition is important for health, particularly for growing children. With these healthy and nutritious recipes, you can provide your family with balanced meals that incorporate plenty of fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and lean proteins.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan or just looking to include more plant-based meals in your diet, there are plenty of easy and delicious options that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. One of the easiest vegetarian-friendly meals is a hearty vegetable stir-fry served over brown rice or quinoa. To create a vegan version, simply omit any animal products like eggs or dairy and use vegetable-based proteins like tofu or tempeh as a substitute. For a meat-free twist on classic comfort foods, try a vegetarian shepherd’s pie which is stuffed with lentils and topped with mashed sweet potatoes.
Low-Calorie Recipes
If you’re looking to cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor, these low-calorie recipes are the perfect solution. Start off with a light and refreshing salad like mixed greens with berries, almonds, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. For a satisfying dinner, try a grilled chicken breast with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. If you’re in the mood for pasta, swap out traditional noodles for zoodles, which are made from spiralized zucchini or other veggies, and top with a flavorful tomato sauce.
High Protein Recipes
Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, making it a vital component of a healthy family’s diet. Try out these high-protein recipes, which are both tasty and nutritious. Begin the day with a protein-packed breakfast smoothie, combining Greek yogurt, bananas, peanut butter, and spinach. For lunch, whip up a quinoa and bean salad with plenty of colorful veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. For dinner, grilled salmon, served with a side of asparagus, makes for a delicious, protein-rich meal.
Budget-Friendly Recipes
Feeding a family can be expensive, but with a little planning and creativity, it’s possible to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas for budget-friendly recipes:
Freezer-Friendly Recipes
When you’re short on time or energy, having a stash of freezer-friendly meals can be a lifesaver. Not only do they save you money, but they also reduce food waste by allowing you to use up leftovers and produce that’s on the verge of spoiling. These are some of our favorite freezer-friendly recipes:
- Vegetable lasagna
- Stuffed peppers
- Beef and vegetable stew
- Chicken pot pie
- Chili con carne
All of these recipes can be prepared in large batches and frozen in individual servings. Just be sure to label each container with the name of the dish and the date it was frozen, so you can keep track of what you have on hand.
Meals Under $10
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to resort to eating junk food or processed meals. With a little creativity, it’s possible to make wholesome and delicious meals for under $10. Here are some ideas:
- Spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce
- Vegetable stir-fry with rice or noodles
- Black bean and vegetable soup
- Grilled cheese and tomato soup
- Bean and cheese quesadillas
These meals rely on simple, affordable ingredients like pasta, rice, beans, and vegetables. By buying in bulk and focusing on in-season produce, you can stretch your budget even further.
Leftovers Makeover
Leftovers often get a bad rap, but with a little creativity, you can turn them into new and exciting dishes that the whole family will enjoy. Don’t let that half-eaten casserole or extra veggies go to waste – try these ideas to give them new life:
- Turn leftover chili into a taco salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.
- Mix leftover rice with cooked veggies and scrambled eggs for a quick and easy fried rice.
- Add leftover grilled chicken to a salad with greens, berries, and a honey mustard dressing.
- Use leftover roasted veggies as a pizza topping with some cheese and tomato sauce.
- Blend leftover roasted vegetables with some broth for a tasty soup.
By getting creative with your leftovers, you can minimize waste and get more bang for your buck.
Happy Cooking and See You Soon!
We hope that these 10 easy family dinner recipes have inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and try something new. Making delicious meals for your family doesn’t have to be a chore, and we hope these recipes have shown you just how easy it can be. Remember, the key to a successful family dinner is not just in the food, but in the togetherness and love that it fosters. So gather around the table, share your stories, and enjoy these delicious dishes with your loved ones.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on easy family dinner recipes. If you enjoyed these recipes and want to stay updated on all our latest content, be sure to bookmark our website and visit us again soon. We’re always working on new and exciting recipes that are perfect for busy families, so make sure to check back often for more ideas and inspiration. Until next time, happy cooking!
FAQ
Q. What are some quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas?
A. Some quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas include stir fry, pasta dishes, sheet pan meals, and tacos.
Q. How can I make my family dinners more enjoyable?
A. To make your family dinners more enjoyable, try involving your kids in the meal prep, playing games or having discussions at the table, and trying out new recipes together.
Q. What are some healthy dinner recipes for families?
A. Some healthy dinner recipes for families include grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, salmon with a side salad, and vegetarian chili.
Q. What are some budget-friendly family dinner ideas?
A. Budget-friendly family dinner ideas include spaghetti and meatballs, lentil soup, and slow cooker pot roast.
Q. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A. Yes, many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve them.
Q. Are these recipes kid-friendly?
A. Yes, these recipes are all kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Q. Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
A. Yes, feel free to substitute ingredients in these recipes based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Q. Do these recipes require a lot of prep time?
A. No, these recipes are all designed to be easy and require minimal prep time.
Q. Can I double these recipes for leftovers?
A. Yes, you can easily double these recipes to have leftovers for the next day.
Q. Where can I find more easy family dinner recipes?
A. You can find more easy family dinner recipes on our website or by searching online for recipe ideas.
