After a busy day, the last thing I want to make is a complicated meal, but I still want to make sure my family gets something they love.
That’s why I turn to these easy family dinner recipes that I can either whip up in a flash or let the slow cooker do the work for me.
These 31 easy family dinner recipes are my favorites when I need something quick, filling, and budget-friendly, all without spending hours in the kitchen.
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5 Must-Know Tips for Easy Family Dinners
- One-pan wonders: Many of these meals can be made in one pot or one pan, saving time on cooking and cleanup.
- Slow cooker magic: Slow-cooked meals like chicken cacciatore and pork roast allow you to set it and forget it.
- Kid-friendly options: From BBQ chicken sliders to cheeseburger pasta, these recipes will please even the pickiest eaters.
- Quick and easy: Most of these recipes can be prepped in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful Options: Keep mealtime interesting with a wide range of chicken, beef, and pork dishes your family will love.
31 Easy Family Dinner Recipes That Are Perfect for Busy Days
Making family dinners doesn’t have to take a lot of time or be complicated. These easy dinner recipes will help you make dinners that everyone will love, and you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
Easy Chicken Family Dinner Recipes
1. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. The chicken, bell peppers, and tomatoes come together for a hearty dish. Just serve it over pasta or rice, and dinner’s done without much effort.
2. Slow Cooker Paprika Chicken
Slow cooker paprika chicken is an easy way to add some smoky, bold flavor to your weeknight dinners. The juicy chicken slow-cooks all day, soaking up the paprika for a rich, tasty meal. Serve it up with mashed potatoes or veggies for a simple, no-fuss dinner everyone will love.
3. Easy Chicken Cobbler
Think of chicken cobbler as a savory twist on the classic cobbler. Instead of fruit, you’ve got a creamy chicken and veggie filling, and it’s topped with soft, fluffy biscuits that bake up golden. It’s a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for when you want something warm and hearty without much fuss.
4. Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders
Pulled BBQ chicken sliders are always a hit! Juicy shredded chicken drenched in BBQ sauce, piled onto soft slider buns—what’s not to love? Add some coleslaw or pickles for a little extra crunch, and you’ve got yourself an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner for game night, parties, or just a fun family meal.
5. Chicken Noodle Casserole
Sometimes, you just need a little comfort food at the end of a long, busy day, and this creamy, cheesy chicken noodle casserole is the answer. It’s loaded with tender chicken, noodles, and veggies and baked until bubbly and golden—just the way you like it.
6. Crockpot Chicken Nachos
Spice up your dinner routine with crockpot chicken nachos! You’ll love this super easy meal – shredded chicken and gooey melted cheese on crispy tortilla chips! Plus, pile on your favorite toppings like sour cream and guacamole for a little extra kick.
7. Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla
Chicken, bacon, and ranch—what’s not to love? These chicken bacon ranch quesadillas are a family favorite, loaded with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken. It’s the perfect combo of flavors, and they’re super easy to make. Whenever I serve these, they’re always a hit!
8. Cowboy Chicken
Cowboy chicken is a fun way to shake up your weeknight dinners! This hearty, one-pan dish is loaded with bacon, beans, and lots of melty cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy. You can serve it up with tortillas or over rice for a complete and easy meal everyone will love!
9. Chicken Street Tacos
Chicken Street Tacos are the perfect way to liven up your next Taco Tuesday! These tacos are packed with seasoned chicken and piled high with all your favorite fresh toppings. They’re super easy to make and always a hit at the table.
10. Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
You are going to love how the sweet and savory flavors come together in this baked honey garlic chicken. The outside gets nice and crispy while the inside stays juicy and tender, making it an easy go-to for any weeknight dinner. Simple and delicious!
Easy Beef Family Dinner Recipes
11. Slow Cooker Black Bean Chili and Shredded Beef
My slow-cooker black bean chili with shredded beef recipe is packed with hearty black beans and tender beef that cooks low and slow for rich, flavorful goodness. Serve it up with some cornbread, or spoon it over rice for a meal that’ll warm everyone right up!
12. Cheeseburger Pasta
Think of all the best parts of a cheeseburger but in creamy pasta! That’s exactly what you get with this dish. It’s loaded with the flavors you love and comes together fast, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
13. Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf Muffins
Love BBQ? These cheesy meatloaf muffins are going to hit the spot. They’re packed with flavor, topped with gooey cheese, and bring a fun twist to the classic meatloaf. Perfect when you want something a little different but still comforting!
14. Big Mac Sliders
Switch up your dinner routine with these Big Mac sliders! They’re packed with all the classic flavors of your favorite fast-food burger in bite-sized form. My family loves them with fries or a simple salad for a fun and easy family meal.
15. One Pan Beef Ramen Stir Fry
This beef ramen stir fry is my go-to for busy nights when I need a quick and easy family meal. I love how everything’s cooked in one pan, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
16. Loaded Dorito Nachos
Make dinner a little more fun with these loaded Dorito nachos! Crunchy Doritos are topped with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite fixings. It’s an easy, fast meal that’s perfect for a fun and casual family dinner.
17. Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos
My slow cooker Korean beef tacos recipe is one of my favorites in my collection of easy family dinner recipes. They are loaded with sweet and savory flavors. The beef comes out perfectly seasoned and tender, making taco night simple and delicious!
18. Tangy Shredded Beef Sandwiches
A tangy, flavorful shredded beef sandwich is always an easy family dinner hit. These tangy shredded beef sandwiches are packed with flavor and are always a family favorite. The slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender, and the tangy sauce adds just the right kick.
19. Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Take your grilled cheese to the next level with this brisket version! Tender brisket and melty cheese tucked between crispy, golden bread make for a seriously delicious sandwich.
20. Easy Steak Fried Rice
Steak fried rice is the way to go when you are looking for an easy family dinner! It’s loaded with tender steak, veggies, and seasoned rice, all in one pan. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up any leftover steak and rice you’ve got hanging around – super simple and totally delicious!
21. Cheesy Skillet Lasagna
When you’re craving lasagna but need dinner fast, cheesy skillet lasagna has you covered. All the classic flavors you love in a fraction of the time, and it’s made in just one skillet. Perfect for an easy family dinner with minimal cleanup!
Easy Pork Family Dinner Recipes
22. Chili Hot Dog Casserole
Chili hot dog casserole is a fun, kid-approved meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s packed with chili, hot dogs, and melty cheese all baked together for an easy dinner with a little kick. Serve it with some fries or a side salad for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal!
23. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Sheet pan sausage and veggies are a simple dinners that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to put together and easy to clean up. Pair it with rice or some crusty bread for a hearty and easy family dinner.
24. Italian Grinder Sliders
For a quick dinner packed with flavor, these Italian grinder sliders are a winner. Loaded with Italian meats and cheese, they make a great weeknight meal or party appetizer. Add chips or a side salad to make it a complete meal.
25. Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Smothered pork chops are an easy family meal everyone will enjoy. The pork comes out juicy and tender, slow-cooked in a flavorful gravy. I love to serve it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all the sauce. It’s a simple dinner that’s big on flavor without much effort.
26. Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Pork Chops
Garlic butter pork chops with creamed corn may sound fancy, but this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together. The creamy corn and rich garlic flavors bring everyone to the table.
27. Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini
Creamy tortellini and savory sausage make for an easy family dinner that’s ready in no time—perfect for those busy nights when you need something fast and delicious.
28. Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
One of my family’s favorites is slow cooker pork roast with potatoes and carrots. The pork cooks all day and is so tender, and the veggies soak up all those rich flavors.
29. Sticky Glazed Pork Rice Bowls
Honey garlic pork rice bowls are an easy, go-to dinner to make. The pork is coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce and served over rice with your choice of veggies. It’s easy and perfect for a fast, customizable weeknight meal.
30. Instant Pot Pork Chops with Green Beans
Instant Pot pork chops with green beans is sure to become one of your favorite easy dinner recipes. It is such a simple one-pot meal. Pressure cooking the pork chops makes them come out juicy and tender while the green beans cook up perfectly.
31. Ground Pork Tacos
Ground pork tacos are a fun way to switch up taco night. The seasoned pork brings a new flavor twist, and you can use all your favorite toppings. Add salsa, guacamole, and some chips for an easy, flavorful dinner.
Other Simple Recipes
Check out these Crockpot Chicken Recipes for an easy family dinner. Let the slow cooker do its thing while you sit back and enjoy an easy meal the whole family will love.
And if you’re craving something a little more fun, be sure to try these Slider Recipes. I put together a list of sliders that are perfect for parties, quick dinners, or even just a cozy night in with the family.
FAQs
How can I make family dinners easier?
Using a slow cooker, meal prepping ahead of time, or sticking to one-pan easy family dinner recipes like Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies can make dinnertime a breeze.
Can I make these dinners ahead of time?
Yes! Many of these easy family dinner recipes, like Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore and Crockpot Chicken Nachos, are great for prepping ahead and reheating.
Final Thoughts
Family dinners don’t have to be hard or expensive! Whether you’re cooking chicken, beef, or pork, these easy family dinner recipes are here to help. They make getting dinner on the table easy and stress-free.
You’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your family with meals everyone will love. Perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and delicious!
With these 31 easy family dinner recipes, you can make tasty, comforting meals without spending all your time in the kitchen.
