15 Family Dinner Recipes Everyone Will Enjoy

Juggling work, activities, and quality family time can feel like a constant three-ring circus. The last thing you need is another hurdle at dinnertime.

This collection of easy family dinner recipes offers delicious solutions to get everyone around the table without stress.

From speedy one-pot pastas to crowd-pleasing slow cooker dishes, these recipes prioritize both simplicity and flavor.

We’ve got options for every palate, including vegetarian choices and kid-approved classics. So ditch the takeout menus and dive into a world of delicious, stress-free family dinners!

1. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini

This is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Sautéed vegetables and Italian sausage simmer in a creamy tomato sauce with cheese-filled tortellini for a satisfying dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream, then bring to a simmer.
5. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir in tortellini and cook until tender and heated through.
7. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Serve with: A side salad or garlic bread.

Drink with: A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water.

2. Sheet Pan Fajitas

Toss chicken strips, bell peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning and roast on a single sheet pan for a fuss-free and delicious fajita fiesta. Serve with warm tortillas, your favorite salsa, and guacamole for a build-your-own fajita experience.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 3 bell peppers (various colors), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange chicken, bell peppers, and onion on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
5. Spread out in a single layer and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve with warm tortillas.

Serve with: Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

Drink with: A cold beer or margarita.

3. Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

This simple recipe lets the fresh flavors of lemon and garlic shine through. Salmon fillets are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before being baked to flaky perfection. Serve with roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the salmon.
5. Top with lemon slices.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.

Serve with: Steamed asparagus or a mixed green salad.

Drink with: A glass of Chardonnay or iced tea.

4. Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

A family favorite, enchiladas are easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser. Make them with shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite enchilada sauce. They can be customized with different toppings like sour cream, green onions, or sliced olives.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 8 tortillas
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, 1 cup cheese, enchilada sauce, sour cream, green onions, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill tortillas with the chicken mixture and roll up.
4. Place enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve with: Mexican rice and refried beans.

Drink with: A cold cerveza or horchata.

5. Hamburger Helper Mac and Cheese

This is a nostalgic comfort food made easy. Combine ground beef, vegetables, and your favorite hamburger helper mix with creamy macaroni and cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add macaroni, beef broth, milk, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
5. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve with: A side of steamed vegetables.

Drink with: A glass of milk or soda.

6. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wraps

These wraps are perfect for a quick and fun lunch or dinner. Spicy buffalo chicken tenders are tossed in a creamy ranch dressing and wrapped in tortillas with your favorite veggies like lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook chicken tenders until golden and crispy.
3. Toss chicken in buffalo sauce.
4. Assemble wraps by placing lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and chicken on each tortilla.
5. Drizzle with ranch dressing.
6. Fold and wrap tightly.

Serve with: Celery sticks and blue cheese dip.

Drink with: A cold lemonade or iced tea.

7. Tuna Noodle Casserole

A classic comfort food, tuna noodle casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight. Creamy noodles are combined with flaked tuna, peas, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a satisfying and nostalgic dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, mix tuna, soup, peas, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked noodles and mix well.
5. Pour into a baking dish.
6. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve with: A simple green salad.

Drink with: A glass of iced tea or lemonade.

8. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

This recipe is perfect for hands-off cooking. Chicken breasts are tossed with BBQ sauce and cooked low and slow in a crockpot. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw for a delicious and easy BBQ feast.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add BBQ sauce, chicken broth, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender.
4. Shred chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce.
5. Serve on hamburger buns.

Serve with: Coleslaw and pickles.

Drink with: A cold beer or iced tea.

9. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies

This sheet-pan meal is a great way to get a healthy and flavorful dinner on the table quickly. Chicken thighs or breasts are roasted with a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and potatoes, all seasoned with a simple lemon herb mixture.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange chicken, potatoes, and broccoli on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place lemon slices on top.
5. Roast for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve with: A side of rice or quinoa.

Drink with: A glass of white wine or sparkling water.

10. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a fun and interactive meal that allows everyone to customize their own creation. Fill flour tortillas with cheese, shredded chicken, beans, or your favorite ingredients and cook them on a griddle until golden brown and melty. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup onions, sliced (optional)
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese.
3. Add chicken, bell peppers, and onions if using.
4. Top with another tortilla.
5. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
7. Cut into wedges and serve.

Serve with: Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Drink with: A cold beer or soda.

11. Swedish Meatballs with Egg Noodles

These savory meatballs are simmered in a delicious gravy and served over a bed of egg noodles. They are a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, allspice, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form into meatballs and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
3. Remove meatballs and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour.
5. Gradually add beef broth and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
6. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the sauce.
7. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
8. Serve meatballs and sauce over noodles.

Serve with: A side of steamed green beans.

Drink with: A glass of red wine or cranberry juice.

12. Chicken Fried Rice

This classic takeout dish can be easily made at home. Cooked rice is stir-fried with scrambled eggs, vegetables like peas and carrots, and your choice of protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Push vegetables to the side and scramble the eggs in the skillet.
4. Add cooked rice, chicken, and soy sauce.
5. Stir everything together and cook until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with green onions.

Serve with: A side of egg rolls.

Drink with: A cup of green tea or iced water.

13. Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

This comforting dish is full of flavor and perfect for a cold winter night. Flaky pie crust encases a savory filling of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy gravy.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, diced chicken
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and cook onions, celery, and potatoes until tender.
3. Stir in flour and cook for a minute.
4. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Add chicken, peas, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour mixture into a baking dish.
7. Cover with pie crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits in the top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Serve with: A side salad.

Drink with: A glass of white wine or apple cider.

14. Black Bean Burgers

A vegetarian option, black bean burgers are a healthy and protein-packed meal. Mashed black beans are combined with spices and breadcrumbs and then formed into patties and cooked on a grill or stovetop. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Mash black beans in a bowl.
2. Add breadcrumbs, onion, egg, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well and form into patties.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook patties for about 5 minutes on each side or until crispy.
6. Serve on hamburger buns.

Serve with: Sweet potato fries.

Drink with: A cold soda or iced tea.

15. Breakfast for Dinner

Sometimes the best meals are unexpected. Pancakes, waffles, or eggs with toast are a fun and easy dinner option that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 batch pancake or waffle mix
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for omelets)
• 1 cup diced vegetables (for omelets)
• 4 slices bacon or sausage links

Instructions:

1. Prepare pancake or waffle batter according to package instructions.
2. Cook pancakes or waffles on a griddle.
3. For omelets, whisk eggs and milk together.
4. Cook eggs in a skillet, add cheese and vegetables, and fold.
5. Cook bacon or sausage in a skillet until crispy.
6. Serve everything together.

Serve with: Fresh fruit or yogurt.

Drink with: A glass of orange juice or coffee.

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