20 family staples that’ll guarantee extra clean plates

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Family staples have a way of bringing everyone to the table, and these recipes will make sure plates come back clean every time. You won’t have to worry about leftovers piling up or picky eaters pushing food around. These tried-and-true dishes are favorites for a reason — they get the job done and keep everyone happy.

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines bacon, cheddar, and mashed potatoes into something your family will love. With ingredients like sour cream, butter, and green onions, this dish has everything you need for a comforting meal. It’s easy to prep ahead, so it’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner to come together smoothly. Baking it twice gives the potatoes a crispy top that everyone will dig into. It’s a family favorite that makes sure every plate is spotless by the end.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are quick, crispy, and full of flavor, making them a great choice for a weeknight meal. It’s made with just a few ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes, so you can get dinner on the table without any hassle. Just coat the pork chops, bake them, and you’re all set. This recipe is perfect — you’ll have a table full of happy, clean plates by the end.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is a simple yet comforting dish that makes veggies easy to love. It’s ready in 50 minutes and pairs tender broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce. The crunchy topping adds some texture, making it even more appetizing. This casserole is perfect for family dinners when you want something easy but filling. And with all that cheesy goodness, the whole family will leave their plates clean.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup takes the best parts of the classic pie and turns it into an easy one-pot meal. It’s made with diced chicken breasts simmered with potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and herbs like thyme and parsley in a creamy broth, perfect for a cozy family dinner. It’s ready in an hour, so it works well for weeknights when you need something simple but filling. Serve it with some bread, and your family will be happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a true comfort meal that combines crispy tater tots, tender chicken, corn, and melted cheese, all topped with fresh green onions. It’s ready in under an hour and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. It’s affordable, easy to make, and perfect for feeding the whole family. This recipe is perfect for getting clean plates without any complaints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is a budget-friendly option that’s quick and easy to make. In just 40 minutes, you can mix up elbow macaroni, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a simple dressing made from mayo, mustard, and relish. It’s a perfect go-to for busy families who need something that comes together without much effort. You can also swap ingredients to suit what you have on hand. This salad works for dinners and lunches and is always a hit with the family.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken has a perfect mix of sweet and spicy, thanks to the hot honey sauce. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 45 minutes from start to finish, and the sauce can be made ahead for even less hassle. This dish will surely be a hit whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. It’s great for feeding the family or a group, and it’s one of those meals where no one leaves the table hungry.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need to get the family excited about eating vegetables, make Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It mixes broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a quick and simple dinner option. Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy it, and it’s a great way to add more veggies to the table without making it a big deal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Taco soup made in the crockpot means dinner is practically done before you even start. With only 20 minutes of prep, you brown some ground beef, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it simmer away. No beans here — just simple, flavorful ingredients that come together for a quick, no-stress meal. Top it with your favorites, and watch those bowls get emptied fast.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Forget about stuffing individual peppers — Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole simplifies everything in one pan. Ground beef, rice, and bell peppers come together in a way that’s simple yet full of flavor. It’s ready in just 45 minutes, so it’s great when you need something quick and hearty for dinner. Whether you’re new to cooking or just short on time, this dish is super easy to pull off. It’s a perfect family dinner that guarantees no leftovers, and it’s great for those nights when you need a meal that fills everyone up.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad takes everything you love about jalapeño poppers and turns it into a fun, flavorful meal. It’s quick to make and can easily be prepped ahead of time, which is perfect for busy days. The jalapeños give the dish a nice kick, perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s one of those dishes that always gets a great response, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, cleaning their plates without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil brings all the flavor of the classic dish but without the extra effort. Shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes are baked together in one pan, seasoned with Old Bay, and finished with lemon slices. It’s ready in less than an hour, making it a great choice when you want something filling and delicious. Plus, with everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon brings butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon together in a simple, no-stress way. Roasting these ingredients brings out their natural flavors — sweet, rich, and just a little crispy from the bacon. The red onions and spinach add a fresh touch, while a spoonful of sour cream takes it up a notch. It’s easy to make and works great for busy weeknights. You’ll love how it gets your family to eat more veggies without even thinking about it.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is an easy one-pan dish that comes together in 30 minutes. The chicken is cooked in a creamy mustard sauce with spinach and a sprinkle of crispy bacon. It’s full of flavor but still light enough to keep things balanced. Serve it with rice or bread so none of that sauce goes to waste. This recipe is quick, comforting, and perfect when you need a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Keto Zuppa Toscana takes the classic flavors of a hearty soup and makes it low-carb without losing the things that make it great. Radishes replace the potatoes, giving you that texture you love while keeping the meal light. Packed with sausage and creamy broth and ready in under an hour, this soup makes a great weeknight dinner when you want something comforting but still healthy.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Cottage cheese breakfast muffins on a plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a great way to start your day with a filling and protein-packed breakfast. Made with classic breakfast flavors of cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and eggs, the muffins taste rich but remain surprisingly light. The cottage cheese adds moisture and creaminess to the dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick breakfast before heading out the door.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole combines chicken, bacon, and cream cheese with just enough heat from the jalapeños. You can easily adjust the spice level if needed so everyone can enjoy it. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s rich, flavorful, and great for weeknights when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are fun, bite-sized snacks that bring together ground chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Made and ready to serve in an hour, these poppers are perfect for a quick dinner or a fun family meal. They’re easy to make, and with homemade ranch dipping sauce on the side, everyone will reach for more. You’ll have a happy family and clean plates before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot meal ready in 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you need something fast but filling. It combines Italian sausage, diced and pureed tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cream cheese, and heavy cream for a hearty and comforting soup. Serve it with bread for dipping, and you’ve got a simple meal that’s bound to be a hit with the whole family. It’s one of those dinners that’ll have everyone clearing their bowls and asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Meatza

A pizza with meat and sauce on a plate.
Meatza. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Meatza is an easy, quick take on pizza, using seasoned pork as the crust. It’s made and served within 40 minutes. The ground pork crust is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, chopped mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and dried oregano. It’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t want a lot of prep but still need a meal everyone will love. It’s a fun change from traditional pizza and still guarantees no leftovers at the end. Definitely one of those meals that disappear from plates without any complaints.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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