17 family favorites you need to cook now!

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There’s something special about meals that bring the family together. These 17 family favorites are not just about filling the table with food; they’re about creating moments that everyone remembers. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone finds a dish they love. These recipes have stood the test of time, proving that good food really does make for great company.

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re in the mood for something light yet satisfying, Best Lemon Pasta offers a refreshing twist on a classic dish. It combines simplicity with flavor, making it a weeknight favorite that comes together in no time. It’s the kind of meal that proves simplicity can be incredibly appealing. Perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but not overly complicated.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a meal that brings the family together like no other, Beef Tacos are a go-to. They’re customizable, which means everyone can build their own perfect bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a fun activity for the whole family. Plus, the effortless prep makes this dish a winner on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seeking comfort food that feels like a warm hug? Easy Meatloaf Recipe is the answer. It’s a classic that never fails to please, with a taste that reminds you of home. Ideal for a hearty meal, it leaves everyone at the table satisfied and happy. Plus, leftovers make for great sandwiches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and healthful option that packs in plenty of veggies without skimping on taste. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something a bit lighter but still filling. The bright colors and fresh flavors are sure to win over everyone. It’s a fantastic way to get your family to eat their veggies while enjoying every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

A bowl of Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot, served on a blue woven placemat with a spoon on the side.
Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

If you’re looking to spice things up, Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot brings excitement to the dinner table. It’s a flavorful journey without leaving your home, offering a blend of rich, creamy comfort with a kick. This dish is proof that sensational meals can be hassle-free, thanks to the instant pot. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to expand their dinner repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

A serving of creamy chicken pot pie casserole with vegetables, lifted on a fork, with a flaky crust and garnished with herbs.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole transforms a classic favorite into an easier, crowd-pleasing version. It’s like taking the essence of home-cooked comfort and giving it a convenient twist. The crust is perfectly golden, enveloping a creamy, savory filling. It’s sure to become a requested meal, satisfying cravings for something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in a rich, creamy yellow sauce, garnished with chopped green onions.
Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for a party favorite that’s both innovative and easy? Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs are a guaranteed hit. They merge the convenience of slow cooking with the bold flavors everyone loves. It’s the perfect dish for gatherings or when you need a fun twist on dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want to mix up your weeknight routine, Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes offer a winning combination. The spicy kick of buffalo chicken paired with the comforting base of a baked potato is unexpectedly satisfying. This dish proves that great flavors can come in simple packages. Plus, it’s a meal that really lets you play with toppings.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving that fast-food flavor with a homemade twist? Copycat Smash Burger has you covered. Juicy, flavorful, and undeniably satisfying, it’s a DIY adventure in your kitchen that ends with a restaurant-quality burger. It’s a fun way to bring that dine-out experience into your home, without the extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Chicken Tamale Pie

A serving of chicken tamale pie topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a cozy dish that’s loaded with flavor, Chicken Tamale Pie is where it’s at. Combining the comforting elements of cornbread with the zestiness of tamale filling, it’s a fusion that’s bound to please. It’s a one-pan wonder that simplifies dinner into an enjoyable cooking and eating experience. This dish epitomizes comfort food with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taco Casserole turns taco night into a simple, oven-baked delight. It layers your favorite taco ingredients into one dish, encapsulating the flavor in every bite. It’s both easy to make and a real crowd-pleaser, making dinner time a breeze. Whether it’s a weekday or weekend, this casserole brings the fiesta to your table.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken makes for a stress-free dinner that’s both flavorful and versatile. It’s the kind of meal that works perfectly over rice, in tacos, or even as a filling for sandwiches. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing every bite with delicious ranch seasoning. This dish is a testament to the magic of set-it-and-forget-it meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Indulge in Penne Alla Vodka, where pasta meets a rich, tomato-cream sauce for a match made in heaven. It’s an irresistible combination that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. The dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, yielding a gourmet result that’s sure to impress. It’s the perfect meal for those nights when you want to treat yourself.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When craving something creamy, Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta is the way to go. It combines the sweetness of corn with tender chicken, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and flavor. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please, especially on those chillier evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Tamales

Two cooked tamales nestled in corn husks, with a bowl of fresh cilantro partially visible on the left side.
Tamales. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Experience the traditional flavor with Tamales, a dish that’s fun and comforting to make. It’s one of those recipes that brings the family together, both in preparation and enjoyment. Steaming these parcels of deliciousness reveals a savory filling that’s hard to resist. It’s a labor of love that pays off with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tamales

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those who love a bit of heat, Kung Pao Chicken is a stir-fry superstar. This dish brings the perfect balance of spicy and savory, with a hint of sweetness. It’s a quick and easy way to bring some excitement to the dinner table, proving that fast food can be both delicious and homemade. You won’t miss takeout with this in your cooking repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Close-up of two yellow bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of sloppy joe, black beans, and rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers offers a modern twist on two classic dishes. Using the air fryer speeds up cooking time and adds a comforting texture to the peppers. It’s a creative, wholesome alternative that still delivers the comforting taste of sloppy joes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

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