Feeding (and satisfying) everyone in the family with one dish is like trying to herd cats – you’ll always have a couple of grumpy meowers at the table! Some want their forever favorite potatoes, others like an all-meat extravaganza, and still others are always hoping there’s dessert after the meal.
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So, What Do You Do?
You look for trusty crowd-pleasers that’ll keep everyone full and happy. To give you a head start, here are some of our go-to easy family dinner recipes that guarantee big smiles and full bellies:
Baked Chicken Parmigiana
This classic Italian dish is a guaranteed hit. Crispy chicken cutlets drenched in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese – what more could the fam ask for? Serve with your go-to side dishes like pasta, mashed potatoes, or a salad. A generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese always brings rave reviews.
Baked Fish Tacos
If you’re in the mood for something different, why not try these baked fish tacos? All you need to do is fill some warm corn tortillas with your favorite flaky white fish, plus toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and cheddar cheese. These yummy grab-and-go tacos pair well with Mexican-style beans, rice, and corn.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Another hit from deep down the ocean, this recipe is ready to be gobbled in under 30 minutes. Prepare the marinade with olive oil, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings. Smother your cleaned shrimp with the marinade and skewer them, then grill to perfection. Serve with a side of your choice – we love roasted veggies like broccoli and cauliflower! There are a few ways to cook this shrimp skewers recipe, but each one delivers!
One-Pot Chili Macaroni
A one-pot meal can’t be beat when you’re short on time and energy. This chili macaroni recipe is just the thing – it’s ready in 30 minutes. The recipe only uses simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes, ground beef, elbow macaroni, and chili powder. Top with grated cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra cheesiness. Chili mac shines with a spinach salad side dish. You can also give flaky buttermilk biscuits a try – they’re delicious.
Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty shepherd’s pie is sure to please everyone in the family. It’s made with ground beef simmered in a savory gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and cheesy goodness, and baked until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve with a side salad to make it an even heartier meal. You can swap in ground turkey for a leaner option.
Cheeseburger Sliders
If there’s one thing that guarantees happy tastebuds, it’s mini burgers. Kids and adults alike love these miniature cheeseburgers. Fry them up with ground beef patties, melted cheddar cheese, a special sauce, and onion slices on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Serve with homemade fries or potato chips – the perfect bite!
Baked Ravioli Casserole
Ravioli lovers rejoice! This cheesy ravioli casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. Just as delicious as it sounds, this dish has frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and mozzarella that are baked until golden and bubbly. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread and a refreshing salad.
Pizza Casserole
When it comes to a family-favorite recipe, pizza casserole can’t take the backseat. This melt-in-the-mouth twist on pizza is easy to prepare, deliciously filling, and flavorful. Simply toss some cooked ground beef, mushrooms, onions, pizza sauce, and cheese in the casserole dish. Layer it all up with a bed of rotini pasta and bake until everything’s melty and gooey. Serve chicken wings or potato salad on the side, and you’ll hear no complaints – just mouthful munching!
Last-Minute Fried Rice
This last-minute fried rice is a fantastic way to use up leftovers. You only need cooked white or brown rice, eggs, frozen peas and carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh diced vegetables. Stir fry everything together until the ingredients are heated through and lightly browned – what could be easier? Serve with some roasted broccoli for an added crunch.
Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are an all-time favorite that never fails to please. Lean ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce served on soft buns – yum! This delicious dinner goes great with oven fries or potato salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to add condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo. To make it extra special, top your sloppy joes with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and some pickles.
Fettucine Alfredo
Here’s a classic Italian dish that never goes wrong. Fettucine Alfredo is the best way to show off your noodle-making skills. All you need is cooked fettuccine noodles and a creamy Alfredo sauce – it’s that easy! Add strips of grilled chicken or shrimp for an even more delicious bite. Mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and briskets are great add-ons, too.
Serve with roasted asparagus or garlic bread to round out your meal, and you’re ready to go!
Feeding the Fam Healthy
No matter which easy family dinner recipe you choose, your gang will thank you for serving up a delicious meal! Bon appetit!
With the right recipe and ingredients at hand, even novice cooks can whip up a delicious dinner in no time. Remember, preparation is key. So, save time by chopping veggies ahead of time and pre-measuring spices.