As a busy parent, cooking dinner for your family can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But feeding your family a home-cooked meal doesn’t have to be difficult! In fact, there are plenty of easy dinner ideas and recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.
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From classic comfort foods like tater tot casserole and sloppy joes to healthy meals with extra veggies, there are plenty of easy family dinner recipes that your entire family will love. And the best part? These easy recipes can be made in less time than it takes to order takeout.
PS- Grab a free weekly meal planner and grocery list here!
We’ll cover how to use kitchen tools like the air fryer and instant pot to create easy meals that require little time and effort. We’ll also show you how to make sheet pan suppers and pasta bakes that are a complete meal in one dish.
So, get ready to have some much fun with these easy dinner for families! These simple recipes are a great way to create a home-cooked meal that your whole family loves. With a little creativity and some good ideas, you can make an easy family-friendly meal that will bring everyone to the dinner table. Whether it’s homemade chicken nuggets, a cheese recipe with sour cream and mozzarella cheese, or even Ritz cracker chicken, these easy dinner ideas are sure to become a family favorite.
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!”
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 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:
99 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!}
