22 super family dinners that’ll leave nothing but an empty pan

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Family dinners can bring everyone together, and these dishes do just that. They’re the kind that has everyone reaching for seconds, scraping the pan clean just to get one more taste. These meals are more than just food — they’re the moments that make everyone feel at home. Even the pickiest eaters will find themselves enjoying every bite, turning dinner time into a cozy and shared experience.

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

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is great when you want something simple yet impressive. Toss shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes on a sheet pan, season with Old Bay, and have dinner ready in under an hour. Fresh herbs and lemon wedges brighten everything up. The mix of textures and flavors will have everyone going back for more. It’s all done in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Plus, leftovers make a delicious meal the next day, giving you a break from cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites bring big flavors in a short time. Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, fry them up and toss in a homemade garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you need something quick but comforting. The rich, buttery sauce with garlic makes these bites a hit with the whole family. Pair with rice or veggies for a complete meal that’s easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is all about bringing smiles to the table. Shredded chicken, corn, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots come together in under an hour. Kids and adults will enjoy the cheesy goodness and crispy topping. It’s also a great option for when you need to feed a crowd. And if there are any leftovers, they reheat nicely, making your next meal even easier.
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 quick to make and full of flavor. Coat the chops in a little mayo to keep them juicy, roll in seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake. The result is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s a perfect option for weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast but want something that feels like a treat. Pair with mashed potatoes or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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 a comforting dish that’s easy to make. Layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake until bubbly and golden. In about an hour, you’ve got a simple dish that feels like a treat. The cheesy layers paired with marinara make it a family favorite. It’s a great choice when you want dinner to be easy but filling. Serve with a side salad or bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls are a fun take on the classic sandwich. Thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing come together in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick meal that adds variety without much effort. Perfect for nights when you want something a little different but still comforting. Serve with some crusty bread if you want to make it extra filling.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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 way to make veggies the star of the meal. Broccoli and cauliflower are covered in melted cheese and crispy bacon, making them something everyone will want to eat. Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole is a sneaky way to get the kids to eat their greens without complaint. It’s perfect for those nights when you need a comforting side dish that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a quick way to get a wholesome meal on the table. Toss sausages, peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a pan, then let the oven take over. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a great pick for those busy nights when you want to serve something colorful and healthy. Plus, with everything on one pan, cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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 great choice when you’re looking for something quick and comforting. It mixes pasta, canned tuna, and hard-boiled eggs with a creamy dressing, a hint of mustard, and pickle relish. This comes together in 40 minutes and works well for an easy dinner or meal prep. Perfect for those nights when you need a break from cooking without sacrificing a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake makes family dinners feel special without the extra work. It combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, and spinach with a melty mozzarella topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish gives you a comforting meal that isn’t too heavy. It’s also a good way to sneak in some greens without any complaints. This bake has a way of making everyone want more, leaving the pan empty in no time.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 comfort food made simple. It’s creamy and ready in under an hour with egg noodles, peas, canned tuna, and cheddar. It’s a handy way to get some veggies into dinner without anyone noticing. This casserole brings together familiar flavors, making it an easy win on nights when you need a no-stress dinner. It’s great for family nights because it’s quick, filling, and leaves everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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 brings all the flavors you love in a stuffed pepper but in a simpler form. It’s got ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all seasoned just right. It’s ready in 45 minutes and makes a hearty meal that keeps everyone full. Perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that feels homemade without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties are a quick and clever way to use what you have in the pantry. Mix canned chicken with eggs, Parmesan, and spices to make patties that cook up golden and crisp. They’re ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for those nights when you need something fast but still want to serve something homemade. You can serve them on their own or in buns for a simple dinner that everyone will enjoy.
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.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a great way to make dinner easy and nutritious. In one pan, it combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar. In 30 minutes, you have a low-carb meal that’s hearty and full of flavor. It’s perfect for when you need something filling without a lot of hassle. Perfect for those nights when you want a simple but hearty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This Fajita Baked Chicken brings a little excitement to dinner time. With fajita seasoning, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and a lot of mozzarella, it bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s great for weeknights when you need something fast but want it to feel special. You can prep everything in one pan, which makes cleanup easy. It’s like having a mini celebration around the dinner table, with everyone wanting more.
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 perfect for when you need something quick and comforting. This creamy, tomato-based soup loaded with Italian sausage and topped with Parmesan and parsley is ready in just 30 minutes. The hearty flavors make it a meal on its own, bringing warmth and coziness to any evening. It’s the kind of recipe that has everyone scraping their bowls clean and feeling full and happy.
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.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole gives you all the comfort of the classic sandwich in an easy-to-make dish. With tender steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a creamy provolone topping, it’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for family nights when you want to serve something special without too much work. It’s filling and delicious, making everyone hang around the table for seconds.
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 Cheesy Beef Casserole is perfect for sneaking some veggies into dinner. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar come together in 30 minutes for a hearty, cheesy dish that’s great for busy nights. It’s low on carbs, so it’s a lighter option that still feels filling. The perfect way to make sure everyone eats well and no one even notices they’re getting a good dose of veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Green Chile Chicken

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

Green Chile Chicken is your quick and budget-friendly dinner fix. Shredded chicken, green chiles, jalapenos, and melted cheese come together in just 20 minutes. Great for nights when you’re craving something bold but need it on the table fast. It’s a smart way to use leftover chicken, so nothing goes to waste. You can serve it with rice, tortillas, or just as it is.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is an easy, no-stress dinner option. Just slice up some sausage, chop some cabbage, and let them cook together in a skillet. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s simple but still full of flavor, making it perfect for busy nights. This dish uses just a few ingredients to serve a filling and hearty meal. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table without hassle, leaving you with clean plates and happy faces.
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 adds a touch of comfort to dinner in just 30 minutes. Chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce that makes any meal a little more special. The sauce pairs well with rice or pasta, making it easy to round out the meal. Plus it’s all done in one pan, which means fewer dishes for you. Perfect for evenings when you need something that tastes like you put in extra effort but didn’t.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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 make dinner fun and easy. These bite-sized poppers mix chicken, bacon, and cheese into delicious little bites you can prep ahead and freeze. Ready in about an hour, they’re great for nights when you want something simple but tastes like a special treat. They’re perfect for dipping, so serve them with homemade ranch or your favorite dipping sauce. Kids and adults alike will love them, a family-friendly meal where everyone leaves the table happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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