Quick Family Dinners: Easy and Tasty Meal Ideas

Cooking for a busy family every night can sometimes feel overwhelming. We often find ourselves looking for dinner recipes and idea that are both quick and easy to make but healthy and delicious.

Trying to balance a busy schedule while making sure what we are eating is healthy is one of our biggest struggles, but having basic ideas, and staple recipes that we love to eat on repeat have helped saved those conversations last minute of what do you want for dinner.

One thing that we like to do if we cannot decide is we have a glass jar with about 30 recipes in their and will pick at random if we have to.

From one-pot pastas and easy stir-fries there is so much that you can do that don’t require to much time, effort or skill.

The biggest thing that we control is always picking high quality ingredients. By doing this, even the simplest dishes can pop just a little more.

The best part is that these recipes don't require hours in the kitchen or hard-to-find ingredients, making them approachable for cooks of all levels.

If you, like us, are on the lookout for hassle-free meals that bring smiles to the dinner table, these ideas might just become staples in your home.

And remember, it’s okay, even encouraged to make these your own. Add a little here, remove a little there.

Key Takeaways

• Quick pasta dishes and stir-fries offer a big punch with minimal cooking time.

• Slow cookers are perfect for stress-free, ready-to-eat family meals.

• Meal planning can simplify the dinner routine.

Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes

When we’re in a crunch for time but still want a hearty meal, we often turn to pasta dishes. They're versatile and can be whipped up with minimal fuss. We even look into pasta alternatives - think zoodles, gluten-free, and vegetable pasta’s.

One-Pot Spaghetti

We love making One-Pot Spaghetti - think big flavor and minimal dishes!

The key here is to simmer the spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce with things like garlic and onions, letting the pasta cook in the sauce cuts down on those dishes, but also lets the pasta get all of those flavors.

Sometimes we’ll toss in some ground beef or keep it vegetarian with mushrooms and zucchini or whatever your pick is. For the perfect al dente texture, we'll check the noodles often as they cook.

This is a great way to get picky eater to start eating veggies.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Creamy Tomato Pasta is comfort in a bowl.

We often begin with a base of sautéed garlic and onions, then pour in crushed tomatoes for a bit of tanginess.

Then, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese, this gives the sauce a little thickness and really starts to carry forward that flavor.

A generous sprinkle of basil and Parmesan cheese right before serving takes this dish to the next level.

It's a hit with both kids and adults!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Our Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a lightning-fast meal that feels fancy enough for guests.

We start with shrimp, sautéing them in a generous amount of butter and a heaping of minced garlic until they're just pink.

Then, we deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, add cooked pasta directly into the pan, and toss everything to combine.

A final zest of lemon and a shower of parsley give this simple dish a fresh, bright finish.

Hearty Casseroles for Comforting Dinners

In our kitchen, we love whipping up a warm, hearty casserole on chilly evenings.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Our Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its layers of tortillas, tender shredded chicken, black beans, and melted cheese.

It's drenched in a enchilada sauce that mixes the dish with classic Mexican flavors. Bake it until bubbly and serve it with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro.

Cheesy Beef Casserole

The Cheesy Beef Casserole is a great meal that combines ground beef, al dente pasta, and a variety of cheeses, baked under a crispy topping.

We especially like adding a sprinkle of parmesan for an extra flavor kick. Interested in this delicious casserole?

Vegetable Tater Tot Bake

For a veggie-packed option, our Vegetable Tater Tot Bake is a winner.

Imagine a mix of colorful vegetables topped with a layer of golden tater tots and finished off with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.

It's not only delightful but a smart way to include more veggies in your diet.

Stress-Free Slow Cooker Meals

In our experience, slow cooker meals are a must.

We are always running from one place to the next, and the weekends are never any slower.

Sometimes having the ability to just throw everything into a pot set it and forget it makes all the difference.

Beef Stew

Beef stew is always a hit, simmering in the slow cooker to for deep, comforting flavors.

We toss in chunks of tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and some beef broth. As it slowly cooks, the smell that fills the house is just irresistible.

If you're looking for a tried and true recipe, the Tuscan flavors of this CrockPot dish are bound to become a favorite.

Chicken Taco Chili

Bold and delightful, our chicken taco chili recipe is a blend of chicken breasts, beans, corn, and taco seasonings.

By letting it cook on low for the day, the chicken becomes super tender and the spices marry beautifully.

We love to serve it with a side of tortilla chips for added crunch.

Vegetarian Lentil Curry

For a meatless option, our vegetarian lentil curry is a great option.

The lentils and a variety of vegetables cook to perfection in a rich, Indian-spiced tomato-based sauce.

Plus, it's so versatile that you can add or swap out ingredients based on what's in your pantry. For the full recipe, click here.

Satisfying Soups and Stews

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. It's a classic choice that never seems to disappoint.

For a quick dinner, we simmer a broth with chunks of chicken, carrots, celery, and thyme. I always use egg noodles for that homemade touch. Here's our simple recipe:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast

  • 2 cups egg noodles

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup sliced carrots

  • 1 cup chopped celery

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Directions:

  1. Cook chicken in a pot until no longer pink, then remove and shred.

  2. In the same pot, add broth, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper.

  3. Bring to a boil, add noodles, then simmer until vegetables are tender.

  4. Return chicken to the pot and heat through.

Hearty Minestrone

Our minestrone is a colorful and hearty vegetable soup. We pack it with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a healthy option that's incredibly filling.

We often toss in whatever vegetables I have on hand, making every pot unique. Be bold with your choices! Our typical combination:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini, chopped

  • 1 yellow onion, diced

  • 1 can red kidney beans

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup small pasta shells

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Directions:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until softened.

  2. Add broth, tomatoes, beans, zucchini, and basil and bring to a boil.

  3. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

  4. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Beef Barley Soup

There's nothing quite like the rich flavor of a beef barley soup. We use beef chunks, barley, and a mix of vegetables in a beef broth.

It's a meatier option that's great for colder nights. Here's how we make our version:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat

  • ¾ cup barley

  • 1 cup chopped carrots

  • 1 cup diced potatoes

  • ½ cup chopped celery

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• Directions:

  1. Brown the beef in a large pot, then remove and set aside.

  2. In the same pot, add broth, Worcestershire sauce, carrots, potatoes, celery, and barley.

  3. Bring to a simmer and cook until the barley is tender.

  4. Add the beef back into the pot and warm through.

30-Minute Stir-Fry Favorites

The goal here is 30 minutes! Plus, the other goal is to only use one pan, if possible. Here are some of our go-to recipes for a quick family dinner.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

With an easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry, fresh broccoli florets and chicken are coated in a savory sauce. For a little more we can put together a side of quinoa, rice or pasta if we are in the mood.

It's a balanced meal that fits right into our busy schedule.

Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

For a colorful twist, we make our Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry with strips of beef and bell peppers. Cooking it altogether, add on our favorite sauce towards the end, and boom easy, quick, and fast clean up.

It's perfect for when we’re craving something hearty yet healthy.

Tofu Vegetable Stir-Fry

When I'm looking for a meat-free option, this Tofu Vegetable Stir-Fry is our top pick.

Loaded with crisp veggies and tofu that soaks up the rich sauce, it's a vegan favorite in our family.

Simple Sheet Pan Dinners

Sheet pan dinners…. it all started with sheet pan nachos for us, but we’ve found out we can expand this out to so much more!

They're incredibly straightforward, require minimal cleanup, and the oven does most of the work for us!

Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes

We love making this Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes dish when we want a change up.

We start with bone-in chicken pieces that we season generously with lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Make sure to toss some halved potatoes in the same herb mixture, then spread them evenly on the sheet pan.

It all roasts together, infusing the potatoes with the chicken's juices, making them irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Vegetable-forward, our go-to vegetarian meal is Balsamic Roasted Vegetables.

We chop a colorful mix of bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes, then drizzle them with a rich balsamic glaze.

The key is to roast them until they're perfectly caramelized. This offers a sweet and tangy contrast that elevates the dish, transforming humble veggies into a stand-out meal or side. We like to add a side of humus and pita bread on the side for a little more, if needed!

Teriyaki Salmon with Green Beans

When we’re craving something with an Asian twist, we prepare Teriyaki Salmon with Green Beans.

Brush the salmon fillets with a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, then they're placed onto the sheet pan alongside fresh green beans. If green beans are not your thing, pick what ever veggie or veggies you like! This is where you can absolutely make it your own.

The beans get tossed in a bit of sesame oil and garlic for added flavor.

As they cook together, the beans soak up some of the sauce's flavors, while the salmon gets that sticky glaze on top.

Deliciously Easy Rice Bowls

Rice bowls are a fantastic. They're versatile, allow for endless combinations of proteins, vegetables, and sauces.

Korean Beef Bibimbap

Korean Beef Bibimbap is loaded with savory flavors and a variety of textures.

For this, we start by sautéing ground beef with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar until it's caramelized.

Then, serve the beef on a bed of steamed rice, and top it with a mix of julienned carrots, spinach, cucumber, and a runny fried egg.

A dollop of gochujang (Korean chili paste) adds that spicy kick, if you’d like.

Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

The Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is a classic that’s both simple and tasty.

We make a homemade teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and fresh ginger for that rich, tangy flavor.

Then, marinate tender chicken thigh pieces in this sauce before grilling.

These pieces are then served over a bowl of rice - pair this will a little steamed broccoli and sprinkled with sesame seeds for a little crunch.

Vegan Burrito Bowl

For a plant-based, our Vegan Burrito Bowl is both hearty and healthy.

Instead of traditional meat, I go for a blend of black beans and corn, tossed with cumin, paprika, and lime juice for that zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

This mixture is served over rice, and then I add chopped tomatoes, avocado, and a generous handful of fresh cilantro.

A drizzle of creamy cashew sauce finishes it off beautifully.

Light and Healthy Salad Dinners

Not only are they quick to prepare, but every now and then we just need to switch things up with a light meal.

Cobb Salad

A classic Cobb salad.

Start with a bed of romaine lettuce, then add hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, grilled chicken breast, crisp bacon, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese.

For added fiber and to keep us full, I'll toss in some chickpeas, or chicken if you’d like. A drizzle of homemade balsamic vinaigrette brings it all together.

Quinoa Tabbouleh

This Middle Eastern-inspired salad has amazing flavors from fresh chopped parsley, mint, tomato, cucumber, and spring onions.

Served over quinoa makes this hearty enough to stand on its own. A zesty dressing of lemon juice and olive oil enhances the fresh ingredients.

Asian Chicken Salad

For a salad with an Asian twist, we like the Asian Chicken Salad.

We use shredded cabbage and carrots as the base, topped with slices of teriyaki chicken.

Crunchy cashews, sliced bell peppers, and mandarin oranges add texture and sweetness.

The dressing—a mix of soy sauce, ginger, honey, and garlic—ties this colorful dish together with a tangy, savory finish.

Chicken Bruschetta Salad

We came across this one and its become a quick staple in our household and should be in yours if you like bruschetta.

The idea is very simple - you take a very simple salad, cook your chicken how you would like, and add bruschetta. We think the reason that we like it so much it has such a different flavor than most all other salads out there and is awesome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy dinner recipes that kids will love?

Kids generally love dishes that are both colorful and mild in flavor.

We find that Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are a surefire hit. They're quick to make and perfect for little hands to enjoy. Using the air fryer on these is so great!

What are some family dinner ideas that are both fun and easy for a Saturday night?

Saturday nights are perfect for interactive dinners like make-your-own pizza or taco bars.

These options are not only fun but also allow each family member to customize their meal to their liking.

What are some meal options for a family with picky eaters?

Opt for build-your-own style meals where each person can choose their own toppings or ingredients, having the ability to not have to make two meals, but being able to add in or remove things that you know they will like is key.

For us, we will always try to incorporate a few new ingredients that the younger ones haven’t tried before.

What are a few basic dinner recipes that can be ready in 30 minutes?

When time is tight, we usually go for recipes that require minimal prep and cook time.

A Simple Stir-Fry, one pot meal or instapot with pre-cut veggies and quick-cooking protein like shrimp or chicken can be ready in no time.