21 quick family dinners that’ll make ’em clean their plates

Photo of author

| Published:

Quick family dinners are all about getting everyone fed without the hassle, and these 21 recipes are here to make sure there’s not a crumb left on any plate. These dishes are straightforward, require minimal prep, and are packed with flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re juggling work, homework, or just trying to find a moment to breathe, you’re going to want to bookmark the recipes for these meals.

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 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 a quick, fun dinner option. They mix ground chicken, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and eggs. You can prepare these poppers ahead, freeze them, and bake them whenever you’re ready. Each bite is packed with chicken and bacon and served with tangy homemade ranch seasoning. They’re great for keeping dinner time stress-free and fun.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Baked Ravioli dish is a smart pick for hectic weeknights. It brings together the comforting flavors of a traditional lasagna with considerably less work. It features layers of frozen cheese ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and a mix of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This straightforward dish is a hit with the kids. It mirrors the comfort of homemade lasagna but is much easier to prepare. It’s a great way to serve a rich, cheesy dish that kids can’t resist with minimal kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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.

This Tuna Macaroni Salad comes together in a quick 40 minutes and is a great pick for busy families looking to serve up a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simple to make, even for those just starting to get the hang of cooking, and you might find you’ve already got everything you need in your kitchen. Just boil some pasta, toss it with canned tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and a dash of mustard. Plus, you can mix it up by using your favorite mustard or swapping some mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a different touch.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick dinner, try Canned Chicken Patties. The patties are made from canned chicken mixed with eggs, Parmesan cheese, either sunflower seed meal or almond flour, and a mix of spices, then fried until crisp and golden on both sides. These chicken patties come together in just 20 minutes and can be enjoyed on their own, with steamed vegetables, or served on bread as a sandwich. Crispy and flavorful, they’re a popular choice among kids. They’re a great alternative to regular burgers and keep dinner prep minimal, which is a plus on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a lifesaver on busy evenings. Combine egg noodles, peas, canned tuna, and cheddar cheese and bake. It’s ready in less than an hour and serves a creamy, comforting flavor with hearty tuna and soft noodles. This dish is perfect for nights when you need a dinner you can make quickly that fills everyone up and requires minimal hands-on attention while cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a quick, delicious option for dinner. It mixes frozen broccoli and cauliflower with crispy bacon and lots of cheese in a creamy sauce. Just toss it all in a baking dish, sprinkle some extra cheese and bacon on top, and bake for 30 minutes. The result is a bubbly, golden casserole that makes veggies exciting and palatable for kids. It’s a great way to keep dinner preparation easy while ensuring kids enjoy their greens.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a great choice for quick, flavorful meals. Ready in just 20 minutes, they feature chicken pieces coated in cornstarch, cooked to perfection, and then coated in a garlic butter sauce. The rich garlic butter flavor makes the tender chicken irresistible, especially for kids. It’s a go-to for parents who want to whip up a quick meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to please even picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish featuring crispy tater tots topped with cheese and garnished with chopped green onions and herbs.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a solid choice for quick meals that kids will love. It’s packed with chicken, tater tots, corn, and cream of mushroom soup and topped with melted cheese. Ready in less than an hour, this dish is also perfect for making ahead and freezing for later use. It’s easy to put together and a sure hit with both kids and adults. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a comforting meal ready quickly, leaving more time for family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot 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 your answer to a fast, delicious meal that kids will surely enjoy. Coat pork chops in mayonnaise, then seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and crispy. They’re ready in just 25 minutes, making dinner quick and easy. The crispy coating and juicy meat make these pork chops a hit with kids. This recipe is great for parents looking to make a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole combines ground beef, rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions for a hearty meal that cooks in just 45 minutes. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also serves as a full meal that will fill up your family without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a great choice for those evenings when you’re short on time but want to serve a nutritious dinner that everyone will enjoy, picky eaters included.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is perfect when you need a quick dinner solution. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheese, combining comfort with a hint of healthiness. The inclusion of cauliflower rice is a nutritious, fiber-rich alternative to traditional rice. This meal is a breeze to cook and even easier to clean up, making your evening routine smoother and allowing more quality time with the kids.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lay sausages, peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan and you’ve got a Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s colorful, healthy, and ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you need something quick and filling. This meal is a straightforward way to make sure your kids are eating their veggies while enjoying the flavors they love. Plus, the easy cleanup means you can relax after dinner instead of dealing with a mess.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is an easy-to-make dish full of flavor and ready in about 30 minutes. The chicken is brined and then baked with avocado oil, cream cheese, colorful mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella cheese. This dish not only simplifies your dinner process but also brings a burst of flavor that will have everyone looking forward to mealtime. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want to quickly get a hot meal on the table that your kids will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Chop up some sirloin steak, add bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, top with provolone cheese, and you have a Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. For added flavor, minced garlic, butter, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella are also added. It’s a quick, hearty meal that’s ready in less than an hour, perfect for those hectic evenings. This dish is both easy to prepare and filling, letting you feed your family a delicious meal without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach combines beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese into a cozy meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a practical option for busy nights and a hearty and flavorful way to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet. It’s high in protein and low in carbs, making it a healthy option that also tastes great the next day. This casserole is filling and delicious, making veggies taste great even to the pickiest eaters and reducing dinner time struggles.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It only takes about 30 minutes to put together. This dish combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, and spinach, all topped with a generous layer of mozzarella. It’s a straightforward way for your kids to get a good dose of greens, as the cheesy topping makes the spinach taste much better for them. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also leaves you with minimal cleanup, giving you more time to spend with your family.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is the perfect dish for turning your leftover chicken into a new and exciting meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe includes shredded chicken mixed with green chiles, jalapenos, garlic, onions, and spices, topped with cheese for a delicious finish. It’s a great option for a no-stress dinner that will be on the table fast. You can serve it with tortillas or breadsticks, and it’s sure to be a hit with kids who enjoy a little adventure in their food without too much spice.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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 is a great take on a classic, transforming it into a one-pot meal that’s ready in just an hour. Packed with chunks of tender chicken, carrots, celery, and potatoes in a creamy broth, it captures all the flavors kids love. This soup version of chicken pot pie is not only comforting on a cool evening but also much easier for kids to manage, especially the younger ones. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into their meals in a way that they’ll actually enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a great meal for when you need something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish comes together in just 25 minutes using a single skillet, combining sliced sausage with cabbage, onion, and a hint of apple cider vinegar for a boost of flavor. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want to put a great meal on the table. Plus, it keeps the kitchen clean-up to a minimum so you can relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Italian Sausage Soup

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

Italian Sausage Soup comes together in a snap, making it a perfect choice for a quick, comforting dinner. This 30-minute soup features Italian sausage in a creamy base with tomatoes, all topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and some parsley. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will draw everyone to the dinner table quickly and effortlessly. The hearty and creamy texture combined with the flavorful sausage is tempting to kids, making this a stress-free option for introducing more vegetables into their diet.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick, one-pan meal that’s great for busy evenings. You just cook chicken breasts and then simmer them in a sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan. It’s all done in about 30 minutes. This dish not only tastes like it’s straight from a restaurant but also appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, creamy sauce. It’s a great way to impress your family with a gourmet meal without spending all evening in the kitchen, leaving more time for family activities.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.