Easy Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family

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Dinnertime  can  be  a  stressful  time  for  busy  families.  Juggling  work,  school,  extracurricular  activities,  and  other  commitments  can  make  it  hard  to  find  the  time  and  energy  to  cook  a  healthy  and  delicious  meal.  But  it  doesn’t  have  to  be  that  way!  With  a  little  planning  and  some  easy  recipes  up  your  sleeve,  you  can  create  delicious  and  satisfying  dinners  that  everyone  will  love.

This  article  will  provide  you  with  a  wide  range  of  easy  dinner  recipes  for  families,  catering  to  different  dietary  needs  and  preferences.  We’ll  cover  everything  from  quick  weeknight  meals  to  weekend  feasts,  all  designed  to  be  delicious,  nutritious,  and  budget-friendly.

One-Pan Wonders

One-pan  meals  are  a  lifesaver  for  busy  weeknights.  They  require  minimal  cleanup  and  often  involve  minimal  chopping,  making  them  perfect  for  nights  when  you  don’t  have  a  lot  of  time.

1.  Sheet  Pan  Chicken  Fajitas

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  boneless,  skinless  chicken  breasts,  sliced  into  thin  strips
  • 1  red  bell  pepper,  sliced
  • 1  green  bell  pepper,  sliced
  • 1  yellow  onion,  sliced
  • 1  tablespoon  olive  oil
  • 1  teaspoon  chili  powder
  • 1/2  teaspoon  cumin
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper
  • Tortillas,  sour  cream,  salsa,  guacamole,  and  cilantro  for  serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  400  degrees  Fahrenheit  (200  degrees  Celsius).
  2. Toss  chicken,  bell  peppers,  onion,  olive  oil,  chili  powder,  cumin,  salt,  and  pepper  in  a  large  bowl.
  3. Spread  the  mixture  in  a  single  layer  on  a  baking  sheet.
  4. Roast  for  20-25  minutes,  or  until  chicken  is  cooked  through  and  vegetables  are  tender.
  5. Serve  with  tortillas,  sour  cream,  salsa,  guacamole,  and  cilantro.

2.  Salmon  with  Roasted  Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  salmon  fillets
  • 1  pound  mixed  vegetables  (such  as  broccoli,  carrots,  Brussels  sprouts)
  • 2  tablespoons  olive  oil
  • 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  400  degrees  Fahrenheit  (200  degrees  Celsius).
  2. Toss  vegetables  with  olive  oil,  salt,  and  pepper.
  3. Spread  vegetables  in  a  single  layer  on  a  baking  sheet.
  4. Place  salmon  fillets  on  top  of  the  vegetables.
  5. Roast  for  15-20  minutes,  or  until  salmon  is  cooked  through  and  vegetables  are  tender.

3.  Sausage  and  Potato  Sheet  Pan  Dinner

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  Italian  sausage,  casings  removed
  • 1  pound  baby  potatoes,  halved
  • 1/2  cup  chopped  onion
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  fresh  parsley
  • 2  tablespoons  olive  oil
  • 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  400  degrees  Fahrenheit  (200  degrees  Celsius).
  2. Toss  sausage,  potatoes,  onion,  parsley,  olive  oil,  salt,  and  pepper  in  a  large  bowl.
  3. Spread  the  mixture  in  a  single  layer  on  a  baking  sheet.
  4. Roast  for  25-30  minutes,  or  until  sausage  is  cooked  through  and  potatoes  are  tender.

Pasta Power

Pasta  is  a  family  favorite  for  good  reason!  It’s  affordable,  versatile,  and  quick  to  cook.  These  recipes  use  simple  ingredients  and  can  be  customized  to  your  family’s  preferences.

4.  One-Pot  Creamy  Tomato  Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  pasta  (such  as  penne,  rotini,  or  farfalle)
  • 1  (28-ounce)  can  crushed  tomatoes
  • 1  (14.5-ounce)  can  diced  tomatoes,  undrained
  • 1/2  cup  heavy  cream
  • 1/4  cup  grated  Parmesan  cheese
  • 1  tablespoon  olive  oil
  • 1/2  teaspoon  dried  oregano
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat  olive  oil  in  a  large  pot  over  medium  heat.
  2. Add  pasta  and  cook  according  to  package  directions,  stirring  occasionally.
  3. While  pasta  is  cooking,  add  crushed  tomatoes,  diced  tomatoes,  heavy  cream,  Parmesan  cheese,  oregano,  salt,  and  pepper  to  the  pot.
  4. Bring  to  a  simmer  and  cook  for  5  minutes,  or  until  sauce  has  thickened.
  5. Serve  immediately.

5.  Easy  Chicken  Pesto  Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  cooked  chicken,  shredded
  • 1  pound  pasta  (such  as  penne,  rotini,  or  farfalle)
  • 1/2  cup  pesto
  • 1/4  cup  grated  Parmesan  cheese
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  fresh  basil
  • Salt  and  pepper  to  taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook  pasta  according  to  package  directions.
  2. While  pasta  is  cooking,  combine  pesto,  Parmesan  cheese,  and  basil  in  a  large  bowl.
  3. Add  cooked  pasta  and  chicken  to  the  bowl.
  4. Toss  to  coat  and  serve  immediately.

6.  Tuna  Noodle  Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1  (12-ounce)  can  tuna,  drained
  • 1  (10.75-ounce)  can  condensed  cream  of  mushroom  soup
  • 1/2  cup  milk
  • 1/4  cup  grated  Parmesan  cheese
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  onion
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  green  bell  pepper
  • 1  (10.75-ounce)  can  cream  of  chicken  soup
  • 1  (10-ounce)  package  egg  noodles,  cooked  according  to  package  directions
  • 1/2  cup  bread  crumbs
  • 2  tablespoons  melted  butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  350  degrees  Fahrenheit  (175  degrees  Celsius).
  2. In  a  large  bowl,  combine  tuna,  cream  of  mushroom  soup,  milk,  Parmesan  cheese,  onion,  and  green  bell  pepper.
  3. Stir  in  cooked  noodles.
  4. Pour  mixture  into  a  greased  9×13  inch  baking  dish.
  5. In  a  small  bowl,  combine  bread  crumbs  and  melted  butter.
  6. Sprinkle  bread  crumb  mixture  over  casserole.
  7. Bake  for  20-25  minutes,  or  until  heated  through  and  golden  brown.

Quick and Easy Meals

These  recipes  are  perfect  for  nights  when  you  need  something  on  the  table  fast.  They  use  minimal  ingredients  and  can  be  prepared  in  under  30  minutes.

7.  Chicken  Quesadillas

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  cooked  chicken,  shredded
  • 1  (10-ounce)  package  flour  tortillas
  • 1/2  cup  shredded  cheddar  cheese
  • 1/4  cup  salsa
  • Sour  cream,  guacamole,  and  salsa  for  serving

Instructions:

  1. Heat  a  large  skillet  over  medium  heat.
  2. Place  one  tortilla  in  the  skillet.
  3. Sprinkle  with  chicken,  cheese,  and  salsa.
  4. Top  with  another  tortilla.
  5. Cook  for  2-3  minutes  per  side,  or  until  cheese  is  melted  and  tortillas  are  golden  brown.
  6. Cut  into  wedges  and  serve  with  sour  cream,  guacamole,  and  salsa.

8.  Taco  Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  ground  beef
  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  black  beans,  drained  and  rinsed
  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  corn,  drained
  • 1  (1-ounce)  packet  taco  seasoning
  • 1  head  lettuce,  chopped
  • 1  cup  shredded  cheddar  cheese
  • 1/2  cup  chopped  tomato
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  onion
  • Sour  cream,  salsa,  and  guacamole  for  serving

Instructions:

  1. Brown  ground  beef  in  a  large  skillet  over  medium  heat.
  2. Drain  off  excess  grease.
  3. Stir  in  black  beans,  corn,  and  taco  seasoning.
  4. Heat  through.
  5. Serve  over  lettuce,  topped  with  cheddar  cheese,  tomato,  and  onion.
  6. Add  sour  cream,  salsa,  and  guacamole  as  desired.

9.  Easy  Chicken  Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  boneless,  skinless  chicken  breasts,  sliced
  • 1  tablespoon  olive  oil
  • 1  cup  broccoli  florets
  • 1/2  cup  sliced  carrots
  • 1/4  cup  soy  sauce
  • 2  tablespoons  honey
  • 1  tablespoon  cornstarch
  • 1  clove  garlic,  minced
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper
  • Cooked  rice  for  serving

Instructions:

  1. Heat  olive  oil  in  a  large  skillet  over  medium  heat.
  2. Add  chicken  and  cook  until  browned.
  3. Stir  in  broccoli  and  carrots.
  4. In  a  small  bowl,  whisk  together  soy  sauce,  honey,  cornstarch,  garlic,  and  black  pepper.
  5. Pour  sauce  over  chicken  and  vegetables.
  6. Bring  to  a  boil,  then  reduce  heat  and  simmer  for  5  minutes,  or  until  sauce  has  thickened.
  7. Serve  over  rice.

Family Favorites

These  tried-and-true  recipes  are  always  a  hit  with  families.  They  are  comforting,  satisfying,  and  perfect  for  sharing.

10.  Classic  Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  ground  beef
  • 1  (28-ounce)  can  crushed  tomatoes
  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  tomato  sauce
  • 1  (15-ounce)  container  ricotta  cheese
  • 1/2  cup  grated  Parmesan  cheese
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  fresh  basil
  • 1/2  teaspoon  dried  oregano
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper
  • 12  lasagna  noodles
  • 1  cup  shredded  mozzarella  cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  375  degrees  Fahrenheit  (190  degrees  Celsius).
  2. Brown  ground  beef  in  a  large  skillet  over  medium  heat.
  3. Drain  off  excess  grease.
  4. Stir  in  crushed  tomatoes,  tomato  sauce,  ricotta  cheese,  Parmesan  cheese,  basil,  oregano,  salt,  and  pepper.
  5. In  a  9×13  inch  baking  dish,  spread  a  thin  layer  of  sauce.
  6. Top  with  4  lasagna  noodles.
  7. Spread  with  another  layer  of  sauce.
  8. Top  with  4  more  lasagna  noodles.
  9. Spread  with  another  layer  of  sauce.
  10. Top  with  remaining  4  lasagna  noodles.
  11. Spread  with  remaining  sauce.
  12. Sprinkle  with  mozzarella  cheese.
  13. Bake  for  30-40  minutes,  or  until  cheese  is  melted  and  bubbly.
  14. Let  stand  for  10  minutes  before  serving.

11.  Shepherd’s  Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  ground  beef
  • 1  (10.75-ounce)  can  condensed  cream  of  mushroom  soup
  • 1/2  cup  water
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  onion
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  green  bell  pepper
  • 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper
  • 1  (10-ounce)  package  frozen  peas  and  carrots,  thawed
  • 1  (10.75-ounce)  can  refrigerated  mashed  potatoes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  350  degrees  Fahrenheit  (175  degrees  Celsius).
  2. Brown  ground  beef  in  a  large  skillet  over  medium  heat.
  3. Drain  off  excess  grease.
  4. Stir  in  cream  of  mushroom  soup,  water,  onion,  green  bell  pepper,  salt,  and  pepper.
  5. Stir  in  peas  and  carrots.
  6. Pour  mixture  into  a  greased  9×13  inch  baking  dish.
  7. Top  with  mashed  potatoes.
  8. Bake  for  20-25  minutes,  or  until  heated  through  and  golden  brown.

12.  Chicken  Pot  Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1  pound  boneless,  skinless  chicken  breasts,  cooked  and  shredded
  • 1  (10.75-ounce)  can  condensed  cream  of  chicken  soup
  • 1/2  cup  milk
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  onion
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  celery
  • 1/4  cup  frozen  peas
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper
  • 1  (10-ounce)  package  refrigerated  pie  crusts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  375  degrees  Fahrenheit  (190  degrees  Celsius).
  2. In  a  large  bowl,  combine  chicken,  cream  of  chicken  soup,  milk,  onion,  celery,  peas,  salt,  and  pepper.
  3. Pour  mixture  into  a  9-inch  pie  plate.
  4. Top  with  pie  crusts.
  5. Bake  for  30-35  minutes,  or  until  crust  is  golden  brown.

Vegetarian Options

These  recipes  are  perfect  for  those  who  follow  a  vegetarian  diet  or  simply  want  to  add  more  plant-based  meals  to  their  week.

13.  Vegetarian  Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  black  beans,  drained  and  rinsed
  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  kidney  beans,  drained  and  rinsed
  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  diced  tomatoes,  undrained
  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  corn,  drained
  • 1  onion,  chopped
  • 1  green  bell  pepper,  chopped
  • 2  cloves  garlic,  minced
  • 1  tablespoon  chili  powder
  • 1  teaspoon  cumin
  • 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat  a  large  pot  over  medium  heat.
  2. Add  onion,  green  bell  pepper,  and  garlic.
  3. Cook  until  softened.
  4. Stir  in  black  beans,  kidney  beans,  diced  tomatoes,  corn,  chili  powder,  cumin,  salt,  and  pepper.
  5. Bring  to  a  boil,  then  reduce  heat  and  simmer  for  30  minutes,  or  until  flavors  have  blended.
  6. Serve  with  shredded  cheese,  sour  cream,  and  chopped  onions.

14.  Black  Bean  Burgers

Ingredients:

  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  black  beans,  drained  and  rinsed
  • 1/2  cup  bread  crumbs
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  onion
  • 1  clove  garlic,  minced
  • 1  tablespoon  chili  powder
  • 1  teaspoon  cumin
  • 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper
  • 1  egg,  beaten

Instructions:

  1. In  a  large  bowl,  mash  black  beans  with  a  fork.
  2. Stir  in  bread  crumbs,  onion,  garlic,  chili  powder,  cumin,  salt,  pepper,  and  egg.
  3. Form  mixture  into  4  patties.
  4. Heat  a  large  skillet  over  medium  heat.
  5. Cook  patties  for  5-7  minutes  per  side,  or  until  cooked  through.
  6. Serve  on  buns  with  your  favorite  toppings.

15.  Stuffed  Bell  Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 4  large  bell  peppers
  • 1  cup  cooked  rice
  • 1  (15-ounce)  can  black  beans,  drained  and  rinsed
  • 1/2  cup  chopped  onion
  • 1/4  cup  chopped  green  bell  pepper
  • 1  (10.75-ounce)  can  diced  tomatoes  and  green  chilies,  undrained
  • 1  tablespoon  chili  powder
  • 1  teaspoon  cumin
  • 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black  pepper
  • 1/2  cup  shredded  cheddar  cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  375  degrees  Fahrenheit  (190  degrees  Celsius).
  2. Cut  tops  off  bell  peppers  and  remove  seeds.
  3. In  a  large  bowl,  combine  rice,  black  beans,  onion,  green  bell  pepper,  diced  tomatoes  and  green  chilies,  chili  powder,  cumin,  salt,  and  pepper.
  4. Stuff  bell  peppers  with  mixture.
  5. Place  bell  peppers  in  a  baking  dish.
  6. Sprinkle  with  shredded  cheese.
  7. Bake  for  30-35  minutes,  or  until  bell  peppers  are  tender.

Dessert Time

No  meal  is  complete  without  dessert!  These  easy  recipes  are  perfect  for  satisfying  your  sweet  tooth  without  requiring  a  lot  of  effort.

16.  Chocolate  Chip  Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1  cup  (2  sticks)  unsalted  butter,  softened
  • 3/4  cup  granulated  sugar
  • 3/4  cup  packed  light  brown  sugar
  • 2  large  eggs
  • 2  teaspoons  vanilla  extract
  • 2  1/4  cups  all-purpose  flour
  • 1  teaspoon  baking  soda
  • 1  teaspoon  salt
  • 2  cups  chocolate  chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat  oven  to  375  degrees  Fahrenheit  (190  degrees  Celsius).
  2. In  a  large  bowl,  cream  together  butter  and  sugars  until  light  and  fluffy.
  3. Beat  in  eggs  one  at  a  time,  then  stir  in  vanilla.
  4. In  a  separate  bowl,  whisk  together  flour,  baking  soda,  and  salt.
  5. Gradually  add  dry  ingredients  to  wet  ingredients,  mixing  until  just  combined.
  6. Stir  in  chocolate  chips.
  7. Drop  by  rounded  tablespoons  onto  ungreased  baking  sheets.
  8. Bake  for  9-11  minutes,  or  until  edges  are  golden  brown.
  9. Let  cool  on  baking  sheets  for  a  few  minutes  before  transferring  to  wire  racks  to  cool  completely.

17.  Fruit  Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1  cup  strawberries,  sliced
  • 1  cup  blueberries
  • 1  cup  raspberries
  • 1  banana,  sliced
  • 1  kiwi,  peeled  and  sliced
  • 1/4  cup  honey
  • 1/4  cup  lemon  juice

Instructions:

  1. In  a  large  bowl,  combine  strawberries,  blueberries,  raspberries,  banana,  and  kiwi.
  2. In  a  small  bowl,  whisk  together  honey  and  lemon  juice.
  3. Pour  honey-lemon  mixture  over  fruit  and  toss  to  coat.
  4. Refrigerate  for  at  least  30  minutes  before  serving.

18.  Ice  Cream  Sundaes

Ingredients:

  • Your  favorite  ice  cream
  • Whipped  cream
  • Chocolate  syrup
  • Sprinkles
  • Cherries

Instructions:

  1. Scoop  ice  cream  into  bowls.
  2. Top  with  whipped  cream,  chocolate  syrup,  sprinkles,  and  cherries.
  3. Enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Dinner with Kids

Involving  kids  in  the  cooking  process  can  be  a  fun  and  educational  experience.  It  can  also  encourage  them  to  try  new  foods  and  appreciate  the  effort  that  goes  into  preparing  a  meal.  Here  are  some  tips  for  making  cooking  with  kids  a  success:

  • Choose  age-appropriate  tasks.  Younger  children  can  help  with  simple  tasks  such  as  washing  vegetables,  stirring  ingredients,  or  setting  the  table.  Older  children  can  handle  more  complex  tasks  like  chopping,  measuring,  and  following  recipes.
  • Make  it  fun.  Play  music,  tell  stories,  or  let  them  choose  the  recipe.  Make  cooking  a  positive  experience  that  they  will  look  forward  to.
  • Be  patient  and  encouraging.  Cooking  can  be  messy  and  sometimes  frustrating,  so  be  patient  with  your  kids  and  offer  praise  and  encouragement.
  • Let  them  make  choices.  Give  them  options  for  what  to  eat,  how  to  prepare  it,  or  what  toppings  to  add.  This  will  make  them  feel  more  involved  and  invested  in  the  process.
  • Clean  up  together.  Make  cleaning  up  part  of  the  fun  by  making  it  a  team  effort.  Put  on  some  music  and  work  together  to  get  the  kitchen  back  in  order.

Conclusion

Cooking  dinner  for  your  family  doesn’t  have  to  be  a  chore.  With  these  easy  and  delicious  recipes,  you  can  create  a  variety  of  meals  that  everyone  will  love.  Remember  to  keep  it  simple,  have  fun,  and  don’t  be  afraid  to  experiment!  By  making  cooking  a  family  affair,  you  can  create  memories  and  traditions  that  will  last  a  lifetime.

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