65+ Quick Dinner Ideas For Families (for busy weeknights)
Need easy family dinners that come together fast? This list of quick and easy dinner recipes is filled with cheap dinners for a family, easy weeknight dinners for family life, and kid friendly dinners even picky eaters will enjoy.
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From easy healthy dinner options to lazy dinners and easy supper ideas for family nights, these dinner recipes for family easy planning make weeknights stress-free.
Bacon Spaghetti
“Get ready to embark on a tasty adventure that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance! We’re about to introduce you to a match made in foodie heaven: a bacon spaghetti recipe. Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering explosion of flavors as crispy bacon entwines with perfectly al dente spaghetti, and a creamy sauce with garlic and parmesan!”
Italian Sausage Tortellini Casserole
This Italian Sausage Tortellini Casserole is the kind of cozy, cheesy dinner that feels homemade without a lot of effort. Tender tortellini is baked with savory Italian sausage, rich pasta sauce, and the perfect blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
“Do you love chili? If so, this instant pot turkey chili recipe is for you! This chili was inspired by Walt Disney’s PERSONAL recipe. You know, the one you can find at Disney Parks? This turkey chili has 2 different types of beans, ground turkey, stewed tomatoes, and gluten-free chili seasonings. You can serve this over some crispy fries and a delicious hot dog in a bun!“
Italian Pasta and Peas
“Pasta e piselli combines small ditalini pasta, sweet peas, and a few other simple ingredients, all swimming in a savory broth. Simple, affordable, and so-yummy classic Italian dish is one you’ll find yourself craving again and again.”
Big Mac Wraps
“Big Mac Wraps are all the rage on TikTok, offering those classic Big Mac flavors without the bun and wrapped snugly in a tortilla. It’s an easy and quick twist featuring dill pickles, lettuce, cheese, and that delicious Big Mac sauce, making every bite as delicious as the original.”
Simple Teriyaki Chicken
“Healthy and satisfying, this quick and easy stir-fry is the best teriyaki chicken with a sweet and sticky homemade teriyaki sauce. You’ll have a simple family dinner on the table in just 20 minutes.“
Sticky Baked Sesame Chicken
“Sticky baked sesame chicken wings and rice is the perfect balance of honey sweet, savory and sticky. Easy to make and perfectly delicious chicken wings as a main dish or appetizer.”
Instant Pot Lemon Rosemary Chicken
“These Instant Pot lemon rosemary chicken thighs are such a quick and delicious way to get dinner on the table! They’re great for a busy weeknight dinner. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, no defrosting required.”
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
“These easy Texas Toast Sloppy Joes have been a favorite on Tik Tok! A quick and easy meal with only 4 ingredients, here is how to make them for your family!”
Everything Bagel Chicken Bake
“This Everything Bagel Chicken Bake is a main course home-run with juicy chicken tenders, seasoned with everything bagel seasoning and crunchy panko. In less than 5 minutes, you can have this chicken recipe in the oven and baking for a delicious and simple entree the entire family with enjoy!“
Quick Taco Rice Bowl
“When time is something you don’t have, but you want something delicious and flavorful for dinner, THIS is the recipe you need! The Quick Taco Rice Bowl is only 6 ingredients and comes together in less than 12 minutes! It’s filling and makes enough for the family! This is your week-night go-to!”
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
“Break out your pasta bowels and crank up some Dean Martin “That’s Amore” for this one. This Quick Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is one to invite the neighbors over for. It’s 7 ingredients and a dump-and-go type of preparation. No need to throw the pasta against the wall for this one – it’s going to stick, guaranteed!”
Tater Tot Casserole
“Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food your family will love! It has a layer of ground beef mixed with a creamy veggie sauce and topped with crispy Tater Tots and melted cheddar cheese.”
Pizza Bagels
“Pizza bagels are easy and delicious! Top a split bagel with sauce, your favorite toppings, and some cheese for one of the best quick dinners you can make!”
Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole
“This mouthwatering and cheesy Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole recipe is a must-try. It is easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks!”
Asian Ground Beef Noodles
“Bored of the red tomato sauce pasta? Mix up your meals with these Asian ground beef noodles. It is loaded with Asian flavors, ginger, soy sauce, spring onion and Chinese dark vinegar, etc. This a quick yet satisfying one-pot meal recipe to simplify your weeknights.”
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
This recipe from Taste of Home is described as “satisfying and fast.” With chicken and eggs for protein and some frozen veggies, you’re looking at a wonderful meal tonight.
Kid Friendly Quinoa Bites (pizza flavored!)
Suburban Simplicity has created a pizza alternative that is so fun and simple!
With protein packed quinoa, melty cheese and tasty pepperoni, you can have these fun bites for supper tonight. Serve them with your favorite side and you have winner.
Oven Baked Burger Cups
Mason Fit has created a healthy cheese burger! With beef, cheese and some classic cheese burger condiments, you will have these made wicked fast and they are delicious.
Serve them with oven baked fries for a healthier version of a cheese burger and fries.
Spaghetti and Meatball Skillet
Is your family getting sick of spaghetti yet? We’re not quite there but we do have spaghetti a LOT. Taste of Home has a recipe that’ll get you excited for spaghetti again!
Packed with protein from the meatballs and beans plus the added healthiness of artichoke hearts, you really can’t go wrong with this recipe.
Lazy Lasagna
Okay, I’m real excited about this one because who has time to make full on lasagna with 4 kids (not me, that’s who!)
The Lazy Dish has made this mouthwatering recipe with just three ingredients! That’s wild. Frozen ravioli, cheese and pasta sauce are all that you need.
Burrito Casserole
Life Made Simple has made a flavorful and spicy casserole that can be served with warm tortillas or nacho chips.
Although there is more slicing and dicing in the recipe, it’s worth it because that’s the hardest part! The rest is layering and baking.
And the end result- a delicious and healthy casserole everyone in the fam will love.
One Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Easy, healthy, cheesy, garlicky goodness from I Food Real. This recipe is truly one pot and ready in under 30 minutes!
Chicken, spinach and peppers add a healthy flair while the parmesan cheese and garlic kick up the taste.
Black Bean and Corn Enchilada Casserole
Love Bakes Good Cakes has hit all the points for an easy and yummy Mexican dish.
This recipe packs a protein punch and will please even the quinoa haters! A delicious Mexican inspired casserole that is so healthy and tasty.
Veggie Fried Rice
Even though this recipe from Stylish Cravings is for veggie fried rice, you can definitely toss in an egg or some chicken for some extra protein!
Because this is made with precooked rice and frozen veggies… it really doesn’t get any easier!
5 Minute Instant Pot Chili Mac
Temecula Blogs has made a super quick and tasty meal- it’s ready in under 15 minutes using your instant pot!
Beef, noodles, cheese and tomatoes- yum.
Mexican Mini Lasagnas
Okay so not only is this recipe easy but it’s also FUN! Vegging on the Mountain has created this neat recipe using wonton papers.
Once everything is prepped, it’s all about making each mini lasagna quickly. They really come together with your favorite toppings- sour cream, salsa, guac. Mmmm.
One Pot Turkey Parmesan Pasta
It’s possible to have a filling and healthy meal for dinner- even on busy weeknights! One pot recipes are the secret.
Check out the recipe from Money Wise Moms, it looks amazing!
Sneaky Ground Beef and Mushroom Tacos
Need your kids to eat some more veggies? Sneak some mushrooms into taco night with this recipe! They’ll never notice.
Change Your Life Chicken
This recipe from The Lazy Genius Collective is one to save for sure because it’s so easy to switch up the combinations of veggies and spices- you can have a different meal each time you make it!
Healthy home baked chicken and veggies on one pan with no extra dishes. Done. Deal!
Easy Lo Mein
In just 15 minutes, you can have Lo Mein that is so much healthier than take out! Noodles always go over well with kids.
Mexican Chicken and Rice Dinner
With staples from your pantry and only one pan, this Mexican recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
Topped with ooey gooey cheese, your whole family will love this!
Easy Turkey Salisbury Steaks
These Salisbury Turkey Steaks from Recipes Food And Cooking come together really quickly with the help of Campbell’s soups.
The roasted potatoes, thick gravy and sharp cheddar make for one tasty meal!
Guacamole Tacos with Southwestern Salsa
Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole
Homemade Pizza Pockets
Vegetarian Zucchini Boats
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Chicken Hummus and Naan Wraps
The Rising Spoon has added a twist to a classic chicken wrap by using naan bread!
With hummus, feta, veggies and a red wine vinaigrette you’ll have a hit you can whip up again and again.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Savory Tooth has created a classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry and it’s ready in 25 minutes.
This makes for an incredibly quick and healthy meal for any day of the week.
Kid Friendly Pasta Salad
There is something so refreshing and healthy about a good pasta salad! My kids love anything with noodles, hopefully yours do too!
The dressing for this pasta salad is wildy simple- lemon juice, olive oil and salt! But you could use any dressing you like.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
“This easy chicken pot pie recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken and leftover veggies. It can also be made as a turkey pot pie or even ham pot pie!“
Vietnamese Fried Rice
“This Vietnamese fried rice, or cơm chiên, is my absolute favorite! It’s quicker than waiting for takeout and completely customizable with any of your favorite add-ins.“
Beef and Broccoli
“This Easy Beef and Broccoli in a mouthwatering savory sauce is a delicious dinner prepared in less than 30 minutes. It’s so much better than takeout and is easily customizable to your personal taste.”
Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
“This recipe uses simple fresh ingredients combined with homemade fajita seasoning to bring together Mexican-inspired flavors for an easy and healthy weeknight meal. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty fajita filling made from juicy chicken and tender-crisp veggies.”
Easy American Goulash
“This Easy American Goulash (also known as hamburger goulash or American chop suey) is a perfect dinner choice for busy weeknights. It’s budget-friendly, prepared in ONE POT for easy cleanup, and on the table in 30 minutes!”
Ultimate Chicken Casserole
“This ULTIMATE Chicken Casserole is loaded with flavor! Tender noodles, shredded chicken, bacon, corn, and more!“
Parmesan Chicken Casserole
“This Parmesan Chicken Casserole comes together in no time using only 6 ingredients! Flavorful, family approved, and a blog favorite!“
Greek Chicken and Potatoes
“This Greek chicken and potatoes is a one pan meal with marinated garlic and herb chicken and tender potatoes, all roasted to golden brown perfection. A super easy dinner for a busy weeknight.“
Cheeseburger Casserole
“This cheeseburger casserole is ground beef, bacon, macaroni and plenty of cheese, all baked together to perfection. A quick and easy dinner option that’s always a hit with both kids and adults!”
Pizza Pasta
“This pizza pasta is a one pot meal made with pepperoni, sausage and plenty of cheese, all mixed with pasta in tomato sauce. An easy dinner that’s family friendly and quick to make!”
3 Ingredient Sloppy Joes
“Nothing like a good old-fashioned 3-ingredient sloppy joes recipe that the whole family will love. The easy homemade sloppy joe sauce is made of only 2 ingredients and is gluten-free. Together they make this classic sandwich saucy, sweet, and savory with a bit of tang.”
Easy Chicken Teriyaki
“Make the most mouthwatering and easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe with only 5 ingredients – and in under 30 minutes! The family will wonder why you haven’t made this sooner as they lick their plates clean & kiss bottled teriyaki sauce goodbyeeee.”
Beef Yaki Udon Noodles
“Make a mouthwatering one-pot dinner with chewy noodles and juicy steak in just 15 minutes! This Easy Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner and lunch meal prep with minimal dishes left behind.”
Mini Chicken Pot Pies
“Prepare to indulge in comfort food heaven with these irresistible Mini Chicken Pot Pies! Packed with tender rotisserie chicken, creamy goodness of chicken soup, a cheesy twist, and a flaky biscuit crust, these individual-sized pot pies are the ultimate savory treat to warm your soul on chilly evenings.”
Beef Enchilada Pasta
“If you’re a fan of Mexican flavors and quick, one-pan meals, you’re in for a treat with this Beef Enchilada Pasta recipe! This delightful fusion of cheesy, savory goodness brings together the best of both worlds, making it a go-to dinner option for busy nights.”
Taco Twist Casserole
“We love Taco Tuesday night at my house! However, we do get tired of tacos, so why not try a Taco Tuesday casserole?? As a busy mom, I love how easy this is to make up and the kids loved it! “
Chicken Taco Wontons
“Chicken Taco Wontons “Cupcakes” are a simple healthy dish that is great for meal prep.“
Pesto Tortellini
“Busy weeknight dinners have never tasted so good! In just 15 minutes you will have a complete and absolutely delicious one-pot meal that your kids will be begging you to make again and again!“
Chicken Taco Spaghetti
“For a deliciously easy meal, look no further than this creamy chicken taco spaghetti recipe. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, combining savory chicken, taco seasoning, and a creamy sauce. Even the picky eaters will be asking for more!“
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
“Layers of shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and lasagna noodles are covered in a rich and savory Alfredo sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. This hearty Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna recipe is an indulgent dinner your entire family will devour in minutes!”
Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes
“If you’re looking for a super easy weeknight dinner, this air fryer chicken breast and potatoes is just the thing! We season the chicken breast and potatoes to make it extra tasty, then air fry up a quick family dinner in about 30 minutes.”
Baked Sticky Orange Chicken Drumsticks
“One of my most popular recipes, these Baked Sticky Orange Chicken Drumsticks are a crowd-pleaser with a mouthwatering glaze.”
Air Fryer Pork Chops
“These came out perfectly tender and juicy! It was my first time doing pork chops in the air fryer, and it definitely won’t be my last!”
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
“Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, an easy dinner recipe with chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. Stuffing is sprinkled over the top of the chicken casserole.”
More Great Meal Ideas From The Mommyhood Club:
49 Easy Beef Casserole Recipes For Dinner Tonight!
Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes To Make For a Quick Supper
Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for Families {healthy and fast!}
Easy Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Kids {including toddlers or picky eaters!}
