15 Family Dinner Recipes for Delicious Quality Time

Gathering around the dinner table with family can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. Easy family dinner recipes can streamline your meal planning and delight every member of your household. You don’t have to stress about what to cook; simple and delicious options are at your fingertips.

Each recipe provides a chance to explore flavors and create meals that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for something quick after a busy day or a comforting dish that brings everyone together, you’ll find plenty of ideas to inspire your next family dinner.

1) Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting dish that your family will love. It combines creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and pasta for a satisfying meal. You can use cooked chicken, making it a quick weeknight dinner option.

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. Common choices include penne, rotini, or even classic fettuccine.

Using a jarred Alfredo sauce saves time, but you can also make your own. Top it with freshly grated cheese for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
• 1 cup grated cheese (like mozzarella or parmesan)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with grated cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Enjoy your meal!

2) Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow-cooker pulled pork is a great meal for family dinners. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can use a pork roast and add your favorite BBQ sauce for a tasty dish.

Start by seasoning the pork. Place it in your slow cooker and cover it with BBQ sauce. Cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours (about 93 to 104 degrees Celsius) or on High for 4 to 5 hours. The meat will be tender and shred easily with a fork.

For even more flavor, mix in some onion, garlic, and spices. You can serve the pulled pork on buns or with side dishes like coleslaw.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds pork roast
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork roast with salt and pepper.
2. Place the pork in the slow cooker.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic on top.
4. Pour BBQ sauce over the pork.
5. Cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours.
6. Shred the pork with two forks before serving.

3) Vegetable Stir-Fry

A vegetable stir-fry is a quick and healthy option for family dinners. You can use a variety of colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

To start, you can add your favorite protein, such as chicken or tofu, to make it more filling. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Feel free to customize the sauce with soy sauce, ginger, or garlic for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 1 cup protein (chicken, tofu)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Cooked rice or noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C).
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add protein and cook until done (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in soy sauce and garlic; cook for another minute.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

4) Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

Cheesy chicken quesadillas are a fun and tasty meal for your family. They are easy to make and everyone can customize them with their favorite ingredients.

Start with flour tortillas, as they provide a nice base. Fill them with shredded chicken, cheese, and any vegetables you like. Bell peppers and corn work great.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Add a little cooking oil to get that crispy texture. Cook each quesadilla until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cooked chicken
• Cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Bell peppers (optional)
• Corn (optional)
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet.
3. Add chicken and cheese on one half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla over the filling.
5. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Flip and cook the other side until crispy.
7. Remove and cut into wedges.

5) Classic Beef Lasagna

Classic beef lasagna is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners. It layers rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and pasta. This recipe is easy to follow and sure to please everyone at the table.

You will need to cook the ground beef with onions and garlic. After browning the beef, mix in tomato sauce and seasonings. Let it simmer to deepen the flavors.

Next, layer the cooked noodles, meat sauce, and ricotta or mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. Repeat the layers until you reach the top. Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
3. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic.
4. Add ground beef and brown it. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes.
6. In a baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, and cheese.
7. Repeat layers; top with cheese.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Enjoy!

6) Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a comforting and tasty dish perfect for family dinners. You can make them quickly, especially using frozen meatballs. They pair well with pasta, rice, or potatoes.

To start, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. You can create a delicious sauce with beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and some spices. You’ll see how easy it is to whip up this delightful meal.

These meatballs turn out juicy and flavorful. Your family will appreciate the creamy sauce that coats them, bringing a cozy feel to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 32 oz frozen Italian-style or homestyle meatballs
• 14.75 oz beef broth (50% reduced-sodium)
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 0.87 oz brown gravy mix
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup water
• 5 oz evaporated milk

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet, combine beef broth, mushroom soup, and gravy mix over medium heat.
2. Stir in garlic powder and water.
3. Add frozen meatballs to the skillet and stir gently.
4. Cook for 20 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in evaporated milk and heat for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

7) Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce

Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce is a delicious choice for family dinners. The tender salmon paired with a creamy dill sauce creates a satisfying meal. This dish is simple to make and perfect for any skill level.

To get started, you’ll need fresh salmon fillets. Season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the salmon for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until it flakes easily.

While the salmon is grilling, prepare your dill sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a bit of honey in a bowl. Mix well until smooth for a fresh and flavorful topping.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh dill
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Season salmon with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Mix yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, and honey in a bowl.
5. Serve grilled salmon topped with dill sauce.

8) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s simple and delicious. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a family dinner.

The key ingredients include spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, and garlic. The creamy sauce comes from mixing the eggs and cheese, which coat the hot pasta beautifully.

Start by cooking the pancetta until it’s crispy. Then, mix the cooked pasta with the pancetta and the egg mixture. This creates a rich sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz (115 g) pancetta, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat for about 8 minutes until crispy.
4. Add garlic to the pancetta for 1 minute.
5. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup cooking water.
6. Combine hot pasta with pancetta and egg mixture.
7. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

9) Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

Sheet pan chicken and veggies make a great family dinner. It’s easy to prepare and clean-up is a breeze. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand for this dish.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Chop up veggies like potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. Place them on a large baking sheet with chicken pieces.

Drizzle olive oil over everything and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Mix it all up so the chicken and veggies are evenly coated.

Bake the sheet pan for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Enjoy your delicious meal with your family!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Your favorite herbs (like rosemary or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Chop vegetables and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Add chicken to the sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and add seasonings.
5. Mix everything together.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked.

10) Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a colorful and tasty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It features pasta tossed with fresh vegetables, making it both healthy and delicious. You can use whatever seasonal veggies you find at the market.

Start with your favorite pasta, such as penne or spaghetti, and cook it according to package instructions.

Meanwhile, sauté vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots in olive oil.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the sautéed veggies. Add a splash of lemon juice and some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish is quick and easy, making it great for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Drain pasta and add to the skillet.
5. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

11) Taco Night with Homemade Guacamole

Taco night is a fun way for your family to gather and enjoy a meal together. You can customize each taco with your favorite toppings, making it a hit for everyone. Start with ground beef, shredded chicken, or a vegetarian option.

Don’t forget the homemade guacamole! It adds a creamy and delicious touch. Simply mash ripe avocados and mix in lime juice, salt, and diced tomatoes for added flavor. Serve it alongside your tacos for a tasty and refreshing addition.

Gather your ingredients for the tacos and guacamole. This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or shredded chicken
• Taco seasoning
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Lettuce, shredded
• Tomatoes, diced
• Cheese, shredded
• Avocados (for guacamole)
• Lime juice
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef or chicken in a pan over medium heat until done.
2. Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning.
3. For guacamole, mash avocados in a bowl.
4. Mix in lime juice, salt, and diced tomatoes to taste.
5. Serve tacos and guacamole for your family dinner. Enjoy!

12) Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic family dish that everyone loves. It’s tasty, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy dinner. You’ll enjoy the crispy chicken coated in marinara sauce and melted cheese.

To start, you need boneless chicken breasts. You can pound them to an even thickness for better cooking. After that, dip them in flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

Fry or bake the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, add marinara sauce and top it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake again until the cheese melts.

Serve it over pasta or with a side salad. This meal is sure to be a hit with your family!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. Season flour with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge chicken in flour, then breadcrumbs.
5. Fry chicken in olive oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each side.
6. Place chicken in a baking dish.
7. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
8. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

13) Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash mac and cheese is a tasty twist on a classic dish. This recipe combines creamy cheese and nutty squash for a comforting meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, and kids love it too.

To make this dish, start by cooking your pasta. You can use rotini, elbow macaroni, or any shape you prefer. While the pasta cooks, roast the butternut squash until it’s soft and flavor-packed.

For the cheese sauce, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring until the sauce thickens. Mix in your favorite cheese and season it with spices.

Finally, combine the pasta, squash, and cheese sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden on top for a delicious finish.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
3. Roast the butternut squash until soft.
4. In a pan, melt butter and whisk in flour.
5. Gradually stir in the milk until thick.
6. Add cheese and spices to the sauce.
7. Mix pasta, squash, and sauce together.
8. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

14) Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal that your family will love. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious on the table fast.

To make this dish, you’ll need tender beef strips and fresh broccoli. The broccoli adds a nice crunch, while the beef provides protein.

Start by cooking the beef in a hot skillet. Once it’s done, remove it and cook the broccoli until it’s tender. Then, mix everything with a savory sauce for flavor.

This dish is simple and colorful, making it a great choice for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Add beef strips and stir-fry until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add broccoli and cook for 4-5 minutes.
4. Mix cornstarch with water and add soy sauce and garlic.
5. Return beef to the pan and pour sauce over. Stir until everything is combined. Cook for another 2 minutes.

15) Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Herb-crusted pork tenderloin is a delicious choice for a family dinner. It’s easy to prepare and offers great flavor. You’ll love how tender and juicy it turns out.

To start, brush your pork tenderloin with a mixture of Dijon mustard and fresh herbs. This adds a wonderful taste. Brown the pork in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for a perfect crust.

Next, roast the pork in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in.

Ingredients

• 1-2 lbs pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix Dijon mustard and herbs in a bowl.
3. Brush the mixture onto the pork tenderloin.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Brown the pork on all sides in the skillet.
6. Transfer the pork to the oven and roast for 20 minutes.
7. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.