17 family-approved dinner ideas

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Revolutionize your dinner game with 17 recipes so irresistible, you’ll be reaching for that bigger pot before you even start cooking. From one-pot wonders that’ll save your sanity on busy weeknights to weekend showstoppers that’ll make you feel like a culinary genius, we’ve got your back.

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

A plate of salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, and mixed peas and carrots on a blue cloth.
Slow Cooker Mississippi Salisbury Steak. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This classic comfort food becomes effortless with the slow cooker method. The long cooking time results in tender beef patties and a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s a hands-off way to create a delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Olive Garden Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot version of a restaurant favorite is ready in 30 minutes. Packed with vegetables and flavor, it’s a nutritious one-pot meal. It’s a quick, delicious dinner option that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Beef and Broccoli

Close-up of a dish featuring beef strips and broccoli florets, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. The meal appears to be cooked in a savory sauce.
Panda Express Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This 20-minute meal brings takeout flavors to your home kitchen. The quick cooking time preserves the crisp texture of the broccoli while ensuring tender beef. It’s a speedy, delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This healthier take on fried chicken delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The air fryer method reduces the mess and grease typically associated with frying. The result is a crowd-pleasing dinner that captures the essence of classic fried chicken with less hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This casserole combines all the flavors of a walking taco in an easy-to-make dish. Ground beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos come together for a fun and delicious dinner that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos with cabbage and lettuce on a white plate.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These tacos feature perfectly seasoned shrimp and a creamy garlic aioli. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re a quick and delicious dinner option that’s bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This one-pot meal combines the best of chili and mac and cheese. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a rich, hearty dish that’s perfect for a no-fuss dinner. The combination of flavors makes it a crowd-pleasing meal for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Taco Rice Skillet

Cast iron skillet with easy taco rice dinner.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This one-pan meal brings taco flavors to your dinner table in about 20 minutes. With only 8 ingredients, it’s a quick and delicious dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This one-pot meal brings convenience to your dinner table. Simply add ingredients to the crock pot and return to a steaming, flavorful bowl of ramen. The hands-off cooking method makes this a delicious dinner option for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These country style ribs cook to perfection in the slow cooker. The combination of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a sweet and savory flavor profile. This effortless, delicious dinner is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This 20-minute meal recreates the popular P.F. Chang’s dish at home. The air fryer gives the beef a crispy texture while maintaining its juicy interior. The sweet and salty sauce coating makes it a mouthwatering dinner option that both kids and adults will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This homemade version of a beloved soup is rich and velvety. The slow cooker method makes it an effortless meal, resulting in a delicious dinner that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich with tomato, lettuce and cheese.
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This homemade version of a fast-food favorite delivers a crispy, juicy chicken patty. The air fryer method makes it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results at home. It’s a quick, delicious dinner option for when you’re craving a crispy chicken sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

BBQ Salmon Tacos

Three chicken tacos with lettuce and mango salsa are arranged on a gray surface. There is a small green lime and a bowl of mango salsa on the side.
BBQ Salmon Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This recipe offers a fresh take on taco night with a healthier protein option. The combination of smoky salmon and tangy mango salsa creates a complex flavor profile. It’s a quick, delicious dinner that brings variety to your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Salmon Tacos

Honey Sesame Chicken

A dish with fried chicken pieces, yellow bell peppers, and green beans, topped with sesame seeds, in a pan.
Honey Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This homemade version of a popular takeout dish is both easy and flavorful. The combination of honey and sesame creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s a quick, delicious dinner that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sesame Chicken

Taco Bubble Up Bake

A close-up of a cheesy taco casserole topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream, being served.
Taco Bubble Up Bake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This creative casserole merges taco ingredients with fluffy biscuits. The combination creates a unique texture and flavor profile. It’s a quick, delicious dinner option that offers a fun twist on traditional taco night.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bubble Up Bake

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This creamy chicken dish is perfect for hectic days. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, combining spices and tender chicken into a flavorful meal. It’s a delicious dinner option that requires minimal prep work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

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