Nothing beats a home-cooked meal. This blog prepared simple family dinner ideas that will please everyone. From cozy casseroles to veggie-filled healthy soups and stews and easy pasta ideas, you’ll have an endless variety of family style recipes to choose from night after night, whether you have all day or just minutes to prepare.
What exactly constitutes a family dinner, you ask? That depends on each family and each child’s discriminating palate. We rounded up our favorite crowd-pleasers, easy-to-make meals for at least four people, and options for even the pickiest eaters. Look no further if you’re looking for quick, flavorful recipes that will please the whole family.
First, a few pointers to get you started. On the weekend or the night before you plan to cook with fresh produce, wash and dry it. On busy weeknights, this will save you a lot of time. Second, plan your meals ahead of time so that you can buy only what you need and avoid food waste. This doesn’t have to be rigid; you can plan a few meals and rely on leftovers on days when you don’t cook. Finally, keep cleaning as you go! While something roasts in the oven, wash a few pots or put away ingredients while the pasta water comes to a boil. Hopefully, these few pointers, along with these deliciously cheap and easy dinner recipes, will set you up for success when it comes to family cooking.
Looking for something to cook for dinner tonight? These meals are the epitome of comfort food. Make these comforting dinner foods when you need a home-cooked meal, from homemade chicken potpie to mom’s meatloaf.
- Fennel Roasted Chicken and Peppers
The addition of juicy chicken legs adds just the right amount of richness to this veggie-heavy dinner.
- Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes
“I was inspired to create this recipe after recalling a similar dish served in the cafeteria of my elementary school more than 50 years ago! It’s easy to make, and my husband and grandchildren enjoy it.”—Ronna Farley, Rockville, Md.
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Add a creamy tangy cream cheese and lemon sauce to classics like chicken and linguine.
- Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
When you bring macaroni and cheese to a potluck, you’ll always have a winner. Here’s a slow-cooker version that’s extra-rich and creamy. —Chicopee, Massachusetts resident Jennifer Blondek.
