10+ Best Rated Dinner Recipes for Delicious Family Meals

When you cook dinner, you want recipes that are delicious and easy to prepare. The best rated dinner recipes can make mealtime a delightful experience. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, having a collection of top-rated dishes will inspire you to whip up something special.

With countless options available, you can explore various cuisines and flavors that suit your taste. By trying these highly recommended recipes, you’ll discover new favorites that are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that many love. It features breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. This meal is often served with pasta or a side salad.

To make Chicken Parmesan, start with chicken breasts. You can cut them in half for thinner pieces. Then, bread them with flour, egg, and a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This gives the chicken a crispy texture.

Next, cook the chicken in a skillet until golden brown. Once cooked, place the chicken in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over each piece and top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until the cheese is bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• Flour for breading
• 1 egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut chicken breasts in half.
3. Dip each piece into flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden.
5. Place cooked chicken in a baking dish, add marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes until cheese melts.

2) Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a classic dish that’s perfect for special occasions. It features a tender filet mignon wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The layers of flavor make it a favorite among many.

For an elegant presentation, prepare a rich mushroom filling to add depth. You can also include some pâté and Dijon mustard to enhance the taste. This dish looks impressive and tastes amazing.

To serve, pair it with light sides like wild rice and steamed vegetables. This adds balance to the meal and complements the rich flavors of the Wellington.

Ingredients

• 1 tenderloin beef filet
• 1 package puff pastry
• 8 oz. mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 oz. pâté (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sear the beef tenderloin in a hot pan until browned.
3. Make a mushroom duxelles by cooking the mushrooms until moisture evaporates.
4. Roll out the puff pastry and spread mustard and pâté on it.
5. Place the beef in the pastry, add the mushroom mix, and wrap tightly.
6. Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

3) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for any dinner. It’s a classic Italian favorite that is sure to impress. You can make it with different types of mushrooms for extra flavor.

Start with Arborio rice, which gives risotto its creamy texture. You’ll sauté fresh mushrooms, onions, and garlic in butter. Then, gradually add warm broth, stirring frequently until the rice absorbs the liquid.

Finish it with Parmesan cheese for added richness. The key is patience; stirring helps the rice release its starch, creating that trademark creaminess. Serve your risotto hot, and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or your choice)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat broth in a pot and keep it warm.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
5. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gradually add warm broth, stirring constantly.
7. Continue until rice is creamy and al dente.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
9. Serve hot.

4) Coq au Vin

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that many love for its rich flavors. You can use chicken thighs braised slowly in a blend of red wine, bacon, and mushrooms. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

To make this meal, start by frying some bacon until it’s crispy. Next, add your chicken pieces and brown them nicely. After that, you’ll mix in vegetables and herbs for extra flavor.

Allow it all to simmer in the wine until the chicken is tender. The result is a hearty stew that tastes even better the next day. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 cup of red wine
• 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven until crispy.
3. Brown the chicken thighs in the bacon fat.
4. Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the pot.
5. Pour in the red wine and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until chicken is tender.

5) Lobster Bisque

Lobster bisque is a rich and creamy soup that offers a taste of luxury at dinner. It features tender lobster meat and a base of flavorful vegetables. You can make it at home with some simple steps.

Start by cooking onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in butter until soft. Then, add lobster meat, seafood stock, and a splash of white wine for depth. A little paprika and cayenne add flavor, while half-and-half gives it a creamy texture.

Let the soup simmer for a bit to blend all those wonderful flavors. You can blend it smooth or leave it chunky if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 2 lobster tails
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and cayenne pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Add lobster meat, seafood stock, and white wine.
4. Stir in paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Add half-and-half and stir well before serving.

6) Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that many people love. It layers tender eggplant slices, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This comforting meal is not only delicious but also satisfying.

To make Eggplant Parmesan, you’ll start by slicing the eggplant. Then, you can choose to bread and fry it or roast it for a healthier option. Next, you’ll prepare a simple marinara sauce to pour over the layers.

Assemble the dish by alternating layers of eggplant, sauce, and cheese. Bake it all in the oven until the top is bubbly and golden. The combination of crispy eggplant and melted cheese creates a delightful flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• Salt
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and pat dry the eggplant slices.
4. Layer the eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheeses in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy!

7) Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish that brings together hearty flavors in one bowl. It typically uses ground lamb, but you can also use ground beef for a delicious twist.

To start, you cook the meat with onions and carrots, adding some tasty seasonings. Next, mix in a rich gravy to give it a savory taste.

Top your meat mixture with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a perfect layer. Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until it’s golden brown. This warming meal is great for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and carrots until soft.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Stir in beef broth, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Spread meat mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

8) Taco Casserole

Taco casserole is a fun and tasty dinner option you can easily make at home. It combines all the delicious flavors of tacos in a warm and comforting dish. This meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

You can use ground beef, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian twist. Layer these ingredients with tortilla chips, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until everything is bubbly and golden.

This dish is not only delicious but also very customizable. You can add black beans, corn, or any veggies you like. Serve it with sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or chicken
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken until browned.
3. Add taco seasoning and black beans; mix well.
4. In a baking dish, layer tortilla chips, meat mixture, salsa, and cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve with sour cream on top.

9) Carbonara Pasta

Carbonara pasta is a delicious Italian dish that is quick and easy to make. It features a creamy sauce made with eggs and cheese. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

You will need ingredients like guanciale or bacon, eggs, Parmesan, and spaghetti. The combination of flavors makes it a favorite for many.

To cook, start by boiling the spaghetti in salted water until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, fry the guanciale or bacon in a skillet until crispy. Make sure to save some of the fat.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and combine it with the bacon and some reserved pasta water. Then, mix in the egg and cheese mixture to create a rich, creamy sauce.

Enjoy your Carbonara pasta with a sprinkle of extra cheese and freshly cracked pepper!

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Guanciale or bacon
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Pepper
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. Fry guanciale or bacon in a skillet until crispy.
3. Reserve some fat, then drain the pasta.
4. Combine spaghetti with bacon and reserved pasta water.
5. Mix in eggs and cheese until creamy.
6. Season with pepper and serve.

10) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that’s both comforting and delicious. It features juicy shrimp cooked in a savory sauce, served over creamy, cheesy grits.

To make this dish, start by cooking the grits until they’re smooth and creamy. You can use butter, milk, and cheese to enhance their flavor.

The shrimp are often cooked with ingredients like garlic, bacon, and spices to create a rich sauce.

This meal is perfect for dinner but can also be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grits
• 4 cups water (or milk)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 strips of bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water (or milk) to a boil.
2. Add grits and a pinch of salt. Then, reduce heat and simmer until thick.
3. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
4. Add garlic to the skillet. Then, add shrimp and cook until pink.
5. Stir in cooked grits, cheese, and bacon. Season to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!