Clean plates guaranteed with these 21 quick family dinner recipes

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If you’re looking for quick family dinner recipes that will leave everyone’s plates spotless, you’ve hit the jackpot. Let’s face it, between work, school, and the surprise science project due tomorrow, who has time to cook a complicated meal? These 21 recipes are the superhero of the kitchen, ready to rescue you from the brink of takeout temptation. They’re not only fast to whip up but are also packed with flavors that will have the whole family asking for seconds.

A fork with cheesy broccoli on it being pulled up from a loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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 top pick for a family dinner that gets rave reviews. This dish is packed with chicken, tater tots, corn, and cream of mushroom soup, all topped with melted cheese. Ready in less than an hour, it’s also perfect for making ahead and freezing for later. Easy to put together and a hit with both kids and adults, this casserole ensures you have a comforting meal ready quickly, giving you more family time. The crispy tater tots and cheesy topping make it a favorite among kids, while the hearty ingredients make it filling. It’s an easy way to prepare a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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 the answer to dinners that everyone will enjoy. Coat pork chops in mayonnaise, then seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and crispy. Ready in just 25 minutes, these pork chops make dinner quick and easy. The crispy coating and juicy meat make them a hit with kids. This recipe is great for parents who want to make a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. The simple preparation and short cooking time mean you can have a great meal on the table fast, perfect for those hectic evenings when you don’t have much time to cook. It’s an easy way to enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle.
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 is a great choice for a family dinner that gets everyone excited. This hearty meal combines ground beef, rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, cooking in just 45 minutes. It’s quick to prepare and serves as a full meal that fills up your family without hours in the kitchen. Perfect for evenings when you’re short on time but want to serve a nutritious dinner that everyone enjoys, even picky eaters. The flavors mix well to create a comforting dish. This casserole is a great way to incorporate veggies into a meal while still pleasing the whole family. It’s also easy to make in large batches for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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 perfect for busy evenings when you need a meal that everyone will enjoy and finish. It’s filled with egg noodles, peas, canned tuna, and cheddar cheese and bake. Ready in under an hour, this creamy, comforting dish is great for nights when you want minimal hands-on cooking. The creamy sauce and tender noodles make it a favorite among kids. It’s a one-dish meal that saves you time on both cooking and cleanup. This casserole is also easy to customize with your favorite veggies or cheese. It’s great for leftovers and heats up well for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle 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 perfect for those busy nights when you need a quick dinner that everyone will love. They mix ground chicken, bacon, eggs and shredded cheese. You can make them ahead of time, freeze them, and bake them when ready. Each popper bursts with chicken and bacon flavor, made more special with the tangy homemade ranch seasoning. Cooking time is short, making it perfect for busy nights. Kids will enjoy the bite-sized pieces and bold flavors, making dinner stress-free and fun. Plus, these poppers are great for a game night or casual gathering.
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.

Baked Ravioli is great for those hectic weeknights when you want a meal everyone will eat. This dish combines frozen cheese ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s like lasagna but with much less work. Kids will love the cheesy layers, and you’ll love the quick prep time. It’s easy to put together and bakes to gooey perfection in no time. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal that keeps everyone happy without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a comforting dish that brings everyone to the table.
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.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is a lifesaver on busy nights when you need a quick meal that everyone will finish. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s great for families on the go. Boil pasta and mix with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and mustard. It’s simple to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as you can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge. The flavors get even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers that everyone will enjoy. It’s also a great dish for potlucks or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

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 great choice for quick family dinners that’ll make everyone clean their plates. This dish mixes frozen broccoli and cauliflower with crispy bacon and lots of cheese in a creamy sauce. Toss everything in a baking dish, add extra cheese and bacon on top, and bake for 30 minutes. The result is a bubbly golden casserole that makes veggies exciting for kids. The rich flavors of cheese and bacon make this casserole irresistible. This recipe is perfect for busy parents who want to prepare a simple yet delicious meal that gets their kids to eat more vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to put together with ingredients you likely have on hand.
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 perfect for meals that everyone will love. Ready in just 20 minutes, these chicken pieces are coated in cornstarch, cooked to perfection, and then covered in a garlic butter sauce. The rich garlic butter flavor makes the tender chicken irresistible, especially for kids. This recipe is a go-to for parents who need to whip up a quick meal packed with flavor and sure to please picky eaters. The quick cooking time means you can have dinner on the table fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s easy to make and clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties are perfect for those nights when you need a quick dinner that everyone will eat without complaint. Made from canned chicken mixed with eggs, Parmesan, either ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour, and spices, then fried until crisp. Ready in 20 minutes, they can be served alone, with veggies, or on bread as a sandwich. The crispy texture and delicious flavor make these patties a hit with both kids and adults. They’re a great way to use up pantry staples and keep dinner prep simple. These patties are also freezer-friendly for easy meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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.

This dish is perfect for quick family dinners that get everyone to clean their plates. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and features ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese. Cauliflower rice adds a healthy touch, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional rice. This meal is easy to cook and even easier to clean up, so your evening routine will be smoother, giving you more time with the kids. This skillet is a lifesaver on busy nights, letting you whip up something delicious without much effort.
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.

This sheet pan meal is great for quick family dinners when you need something fast and filling. Ready in about 30 minutes, you’ll just lay sausages, peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan. It’s a colorful and healthy way to get the kids to eat their veggies. Cleanup is a breeze, letting you relax after dinner instead of dealing with a mess. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want a nutritious meal but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
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.

Perfect for busy days, Fajita Baked Chicken is full of flavor and ready in about 30 minutes. Brined chicken is seasoned with fajita spices and baked with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella. It’s a simple way to get a hot meal on the table that your kids will love. This dish simplifies your dinner process and brings a burst of flavor that will have everyone looking forward to mealtime. It’s great for those nights when you need something quick and delicious without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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 is great for quick, comforting dinners that kids will love. This 30-minute soup features Italian sausage in a creamy base with tomatoes topped with Parmesan and parsley. The hearty texture and flavorful sausage are tempting to kids and make for an easy meal. The creamy broth and sausage make this a comforting dish, perfect for any night of the week. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup easy so you can enjoy more time with your family after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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.

This casserole is great for hectic evenings when you need a quick family dinner. It’s filled with sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, topped with provolone cheese for a hearty meal ready in less than an hour. Minced garlic, butter, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella add extra flavor. It’s easy to prepare and filling, letting you feed your family without stress. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want a delicious meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
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.

This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick family dinner. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese into a cozy meal ready in about 30 minutes. High in protein and low in carbs, it tastes great even the next day. This dish makes veggies taste great to even the pickiest eaters, reducing dinner time struggles. It’s a practical option for getting a hearty and flavorful meal on the table quickly, ensuring everyone eats well without much hassle.
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 perfect for quick family dinners that everyone will enjoy. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, combining chicken thighs, cream cheese and spinach, all topped with mozzarella. The cheesy topping makes spinach good for kids, and it’s easy to make and clean up. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor mix well with the chicken, making it a hit for both kids and adults. You get a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste and keeps everyone happy.
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 great for fast and flavorful family dinners that’ll get plates clean. Ready in 20 minutes, this dish uses shredded cooked chicken mixed with green chiles, jalapenos, garlic, onions and spices topped with cheese. It’s a no-stress dinner that’s quick and perfect with tortillas or breadsticks. The mild heat from the chiles adds just enough kick without overwhelming young taste buds. It’s a perfect way to reinvent leftovers into something exciting and save time on busy weeknights.
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 option for nights when you need a hearty meal that kids will actually eat. This one-pot meal, ready in an hour, features tender chicken, carrots, celery and potatoes in a creamy broth. It’s comforting and easier for kids to enjoy while sneaking in more vegetables. The flavors of a classic pot pie in soup form make it both fun and familiar for kids. This dish gives you the comfort of a pot pie with the convenience of a soup, keeping dinnertime stress-free.
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.

This Cabbage and Sausage are perfect for quick family meals that are both hearty and delicious. This filling meal combines sliced sausage with cabbage and is ready in 25 minutes using one skillet. It’s quick and delicious and minimizes cleanup, giving you more time to relax after dinner. The tangy apple cider vinegar adds a boost of flavor to the hearty sausage and cabbage. This dish is a great way to get a balanced meal on the table fast without compromising on taste or quality.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is perfect for nights when you want a meal that feels special without a lot of effort. This one-pan meal, ready in 30 minutes, features chicken breasts simmered in a sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan. It’s a rich and creamy dish that feels gourmet without taking all evening. The garlic-infused cream sauce coats the chicken perfectly, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table quickly and easily.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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