10+ Dinner Recipes for Family: Easy and Delicious Meal Ideas

Making dinner for your family can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Finding easy and delicious dinner recipes can help make mealtime enjoyable for everyone. With the right ideas, you can create meals that please both kids and adults, making your evenings a bit more relaxing.

Whether you need quick weeknight meals or something special for the weekend, there are plenty of options to explore. You’ll discover that cooking for your loved ones can be simple and fun, bringing everyone together around the dinner table.

1) Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic family dish that everyone loves. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a weeknight meal. You can make it easily with pasta, sauce, and some tasty ingredients.

You will need ziti pasta, ground beef or sausage, spaghetti sauce, and a blend of cheeses. This dish is not only filling but also a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 4 cups spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and brown the ground meat.
4. Mix the cooked pasta, meat, and spaghetti sauce in a baking dish.
5. Add ricotta and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well.
6. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

2) Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that your family will love. It features breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s both delicious and satisfying, making it perfect for dinner.

To make Chicken Parmesan, you will need skinless, boneless chicken breasts. You’ll season them with salt and pepper, dip them in eggs, and coat them with bread crumbs. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown.

After frying, place the chicken in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over it and sprinkle with cheese. Bake everything in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in eggs, then coat with bread crumbs.
4. Fry the chicken until golden brown.
5. Place chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts.

3) Taco Night

Taco night is a fun and easy way to bring the family together. You can set up a taco bar with various toppings and fillings to please everyone.

Start with some cooked ground beef or shredded chicken. You can season it with taco spices or use store-bought seasoning for convenience.

Don’t forget the tortillas! Hard shell or soft flour tortillas work great. Let everyone build their own tacos with toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or shredded chicken
• Taco seasoning
• 8 taco shells or tortillas
• Shredded lettuce
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa
• Guacamole

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef or shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
2. Stir in taco seasoning according to package instructions.
3. Warm taco shells or tortillas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Set up a taco bar with all toppings and let everyone create their perfect taco!

4) Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable stir fry is a quick and colorful dish that makes a great family dinner. You can use a mix of your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. The stir fry sauce is simple, often made with soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor.

To start, heat a bit of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chopped vegetables and stir them for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Then, pour in your sauce and mix well. You can also add tofu or chicken if you want some protein in your stir fry. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Oil for cooking
• Optional: Chicken or tofu

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped vegetables and stir for 3–4 minutes.
3. Mix in garlic and stir for 1 minute.
4. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

5) Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak is a comforting dish that’s great for family dinners. It combines seasoned ground beef patties with a rich gravy. You can make it quickly, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

You’ll want to serve your Salisbury steak with sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables. It’s a favorite for many due to its flavors and heartiness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• ½ cup (50 g) plain bread crumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (150 g) sliced mushrooms
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into patties.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the patties until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Remove patties and add mushrooms to the same pan.
5. Pour in beef broth and simmer for a few minutes.
6. Return patties to the pan and cook in gravy for an additional 5 minutes.

6) Microwave-Poached Salmon

Microwave-poached salmon is a quick and tasty dinner option. It keeps the fish moist and flavorful, making it perfect for a family meal. You can have this ready in just minutes.

To start, place salmon fillets in a microwave-safe dish. Season them with lemon juice and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs. You can add some butter or olive oil for extra flavor.

Next, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Cook on high for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Ingredients

• 1 to 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place salmon fillets in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Add lemon juice, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the dish.
4. Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Check for doneness; the salmon should be opaque and flake easily.

7) Chicken Goujons

Chicken goujons are a fantastic dinner option that both kids and adults love. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can serve them with a variety of sauces, making them a versatile choice.

To make chicken goujons, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. They’re easy to prepare, bake or fry, and perfect for busy nights. Pair them with veggies or wraps to create a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut chicken breasts into strips.
3. In one bowl, beat the egg. In another, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
4. Dip chicken strips in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

8) Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Buffalo chicken lasagna adds a spicy twist to the traditional dish. You will layer buffalo sauce with chicken and pasta, making a comforting meal that your family will love. This recipe uses creamy cheeses to balance the heat.

To start, you’ll need cooked lasagna noodles. Prepare them while you cook the chicken in buffalo sauce. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Combine the chicken with ricotta and ranch dressing for added creaminess. Then, layer the mixture with noodles and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a delightful dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 cooked lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken and buffalo sauce.
3. Layer 4 noodles in a baking dish.
4. Spread a layer of the chicken mixture, then ricotta, and cheese.
5. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

9) Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm and comforting dish that the whole family will love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with fresh broccoli. This soup makes a perfect meal for any time of year.

You can whip it up in about 30 minutes. Just cook some onions, add your vegetables, and stir in plenty of cheese for that delicious flavor. Your kids might even enjoy the broccoli!

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine.
4. Slowly add the broth, stirring until smooth.
5. Add the broccoli and carrots; cook until tender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and cheese until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

10) Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a hearty and healthy choice for family dinners. It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it both filling and nutritious. You can easily customize it based on what you have at home.

You’ll love how simple it is to make. First, sauté some onions, garlic, and carrots. Then, add in tomatoes and broth. Toss in your favorite vegetables and simmer until everything is tender.

This soup is perfect for chilly nights or any time you want a warm and cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup pasta
• Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Stir in beans and pasta. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Season with herbs, salt, and pepper before serving. Enjoy hot!