When you’re in a pinch, last-minute family dinner recipes are a lifesaver. We all have those go-to pages that we keep bookmarked for when time is tight, but we still need to put a great meal on the table. These are the recipes you can count on to be quick, easy, and always a hit with the crowd. Whether you’ve had a busy day at work or the kids have just announced they’re starving, these 20 dishes are perfect for whipping up a good dinner without the stress.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole takes all the flavors you love in stuffed peppers and turns it into a simple, one-pot dinner that’s perfect for any weeknight. It’s easy to put together even if you’re new to cooking because you don’t have to stuff any vegetables. Just mix everything together, bake for 45 minutes, and you’ve got a filling meal that the whole family will enjoy. Dish it up straight from the oven and watch it disappear. Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Here’s a quick fix for dinner that won’t disappoint. These chicken bites are cooked in a garlic butter sauce that makes them irresistible. Ready in just 20 minutes, and using only one pan means less time cooking and cleaning. It’s versatile, too — throw them over some rice or a salad, and you’ve got a meal. Great for when you need to pull dinner together fast. These bites are perfect atop a fluffy bed of garlic mashed potatoes, soaking up that rich buttery sauce.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
If ever you find yourself needing to throw something together fast, this casserole is perfect for that. Grab some frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mix in cheese and bacon, and you’ve got a dish that’s both easy and hits the spot. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a solid pick for those nights when you need something hearty without the hassle. Definitely one for the bookmarks. To serve, a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and a fresh spin.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Throw sausages and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan, bake them, and in just 30 minutes, you have a great dinner ready. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights because it’s quick and easy, and you get your meat and vegetables all cooked together. It’s the kind of meal that makes your evening less hectic, giving you a delicious and hearty dinner without a lot of work. Slice it up and serve directly from the pan for an easy cleanup. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and are great for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Fajita Baked Chicken
When you’re looking for something a little different but still easy, this Fajita Baked Chicken is a winner. Chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella all in one dish, and it’s on your table in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for shaking up your dinner routine without taking up your whole evening. A great choice for a no-stress, flavorful dinner. For a complete meal, wrap it in tortillas or serve it alongside a heap of cilantro lime rice.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
This Chicken Corn Soup is a go-to option for a quick and flavorful meal that can be prepared in one pot. Ready in less than an hour, this soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley to bring out its fresh flavors. Perfect for cozy nights when you need warmth and comfort without spending too much time in the kitchen. This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this cabbage and sausage stir-fry is a quick solution for dinner. It’s very easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have. Perfect for busy weeks, make this recipe when you need to whip up an easy and filling meal. A dollop of mustard on the side adds a tangy contrast to the savory flavors. Cool completely before storing in the fridge, and enjoy the flavors even more the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
This is the kind of recipe you keep handy for those times when you’re staring at the clock and dinner is the last thing on your mind. It’s simple: pasta, peas, and tuna mixed together and baked to perfection. You can whip this up in less than an hour, making it a solid choice for a last-minute meal. It reheats well so if you make too much, you’ve got lunch sorted for the next day. It’s a real time-saver and a crowd-pleaser. Serve it straight from the oven with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Turn the timeless comfort of a chicken pot pie into a soothing soup in just one hour. This recipe simplifies dinner with easy-to-find ingredients and combines the same protein, veggies, and carbs as you would from the classic pot pie. Ready in just an hour, it’s a great choice for a comforting dinner on busy weeknights and laid-back weekends alike. Serve with a side of crusty bread to dip into the rich, creamy broth. Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge, and they’ll taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
With canned chicken and a few pantry staples, you can whip up these patties in 20 minutes. They’re straightforward to prepare — just mix, form, and cook on your stovetop. The result is patties that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve it with salads, veggies, or tucked into sandwiches for a well-rounded dinner. A side of steamed broccoli makes a simple, healthy accompaniment. Patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
In just 30 minutes, you can cook up this creamy and hearty dinner. This dish is a great option for busy nights, combining cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a wholesome meal all in one skillet. It’s easy, quick, and stores well in the fridge. Make this for meal prep and enjoy a filling meal any time with minimal effort. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving to add a burst of flavor. This skillet meal keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so it’s perfect for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
In about an hour, this soup brings together the creaminess of sweet potatoes and the natural sweetness of red peppers. It’s an easy process — prep, sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish — all in one pot. This wholesome and creamy soup is an excellent choice for any night of the week when you’re looking for a homemade meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. A swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley make the perfect finish. For best results, store this soup in the fridge and enjoy it within 5 days.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Spinach Chicken Bake
This dish bakes chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach into a creamy and hearty meal in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect pick for those evenings when you’re looking for something filling but don’t have a lot of time to cook. Make this when you need to get a delicious dinner on the table quickly to make your weeknights a bit easier. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete, balanced meal. This bake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you will have a delicious meal ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Italian Sausage Soup
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup, featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s simple to prepare in one pot, making it perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is your go-to for a filling dinner that’s both easy to make and clean up afterward. Perfect when you want an effortless meal that still tastes like you spent hours on it. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley to improve the flavors. Leftover soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prepare to serve up a dish that combines chicken breasts with a rich sauce made from Parmesan, garlic, and heavy cream, all in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. This recipe is a go-to for evenings when you’re craving something special but don’t have the time for complex cooking methods and preparations. It’s straightforward, quick, and sure to impress anyone who tries it. Serve over a bed of pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce. This creamy garlic chicken keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it a great choice for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy this savory dish that combines cabbage, bacon, and onion, all cooked in one pan. It’s incredibly easy to make and packs a lot of flavors, making it perfect for those nights when you need a quick and easy meal. Whether you serve it as a side or as the main dish, it’s sure to be a filling and flavorful part of your dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a fresh touch to this hearty dish. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge and reheated for up to 2 days.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Enjoy comfort food at its best with this one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Chicken thighs simmer in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, then finished with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper for extra flavor. This dish is not only hearty but also minimizes cleanup, making it a perfect dinner option for those busy nights when you want a comforting meal without the hassle. A side of fluffy quinoa or rice makes an excellent companion to this rich dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a quick and filling meal. You only need one skillet and about 30 minutes to get it done. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something that feels homemade. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies in your dinner in an easy and practical way. Serve hot, straight from the oven, for a cozy and comforting meal. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day; just store them in the fridge in a sealed container.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Spend an hour preparing these chicken poppers, and you’ll have a delicious meal or snack ready to go. Simply combine chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, roll them into balls, and bake until they’re golden brown. They’re fantastic for meal prep — make a batch ahead of time, freeze them, and just bake when needed. It’s the perfect solution for those moments when you need a quick meal without the long prep or cooking time. Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping to round out the flavors. These poppers freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them later.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Turn leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken into a new meal in 20 minutes with this easy recipe. Just one pan is all you need to mix shredded chicken thighs with green chiles for a meal that brings new life to your leftovers. It’s a fast way to get dinner on the table, especially on those evenings when you need to serve something hearty at the last minute. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, so it’s great for using up that leftover chicken in a delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs