Can’t decide what to cook? 19 quick & easy family recipes

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When the daily question of “What’s for dinner?” feels daunting, let this collection of 19 quick and easy family recipes be your culinary compass. Busy schedules leave little room for complex meals, and that’s where these recipes step in to save the day.

Whether you’re juggling work, school, or other commitments, these dishes have been carefully chosen to make your meal planning a breeze. From satisfying classics to innovative twists, these recipes ensure that your family dinners become a source of delight, turning your kitchen into a hub of creativity and deliciousness.

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hashbrown Casserole

When comfort food calls, Hashbrown Casserole answers with a warm and welcoming embrace. This timeless family favorite combines the creaminess of potatoes with a comforting blend of flavors, making it a go-to recipe for cozy gatherings. With its easy prep and hearty appeal, this dish is a reminder that simple ingredients can create enduring culinary memories.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Taco Rice Skillet

Gather the family around for a quick and easy feast with Taco Rice Skillet. This recipe effortlessly melds the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine into a comforting and satisfying one-pan wonder. A medley of ingredients combines to create a dish that not only fills hungry bellies but also brings smiles to the faces around the table.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup overhead shot of roasted salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and cherry tomatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Unlock the magic of sheet pan cooking with Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies, a recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. The marriage of succulent salmon and vibrant vegetables epitomizes the ease and appeal of quick and easy family dining, leaving more time for shared moments at the table.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinners with Tuna Pesto Pasta, a quick and easy family recipe that marries the richness of tuna with the freshness of pesto. This delightful combination of ingredients results in a pasta dish that’s both elegant and approachable—a testament to how a few quality elements can transform a meal into an experience worth savoring.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Whole wheat pasta salad in a white bowl.
Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta

Brighten up family meals with Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta, a refreshing choice that’s a symphony of Mediterranean flavors. Bursting with vibrant colors and zesty ingredients, this salad showcases the art of simplicity and balance, proving that wholesome and quick can happily coexist on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta

Chicken Pastina Soup

Embrace the heartwarming essence of Chicken Pastina Soup, a recipe that feels like a comforting hug on a busy day. Filled with tender chicken, delicate pastina, and nourishing broth, this soup embodies the essence of home-cooked meals that bring solace and warmth to both body and soul.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pastina Soup

low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kung Pao Chicken

Take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure with Kung Pao Chicken, a quick and easy family recipe that encapsulates the excitement of Asian cuisine. The harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors creates a dish that’s both familiar and exotic, making each bite a delightful journey of tastes and textures.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

When the need for comfort meets culinary flair, Creamy Italian Sausage Soup shines as a star. This hearty bowl of goodness boasts the robust flavors of Italian sausage and a luscious creamy base, making it a soul-satisfying choice for family dinners that call for both indulgence and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Busy weeknights meet plant-based perfection with 25 Minute Black Bean Burger. This quick and easy family recipe delivers a hearty, protein-packed burger that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The convenience of a 25-minute prep time ensures that even on the busiest evenings, you can serve up a delicious and wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Hearty Marinara Sauce

Elevate your family dinners with the rich and comforting flavors of Hearty Marinara Sauce. This recipe proves that a few simple ingredients, simmered with care, can yield a sauce that’s versatile enough to enhance pasta, meatballs, and more. By infusing your dishes with the warmth of homemade marinara, you create a culinary experience that’s rooted in tradition and love.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Roasted chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and shallots on a sheet tray.
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Embrace the flavors of the season with Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner, a delightful arrangement of autumn’s bounty. This recipe celebrates the colors and textures of fall produce, uniting them with tender protein for a meal that’s both visually appealing and nourishing—a Sunday night delight that brings family together.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry

Savor the fusion of textures and tastes with Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry, a family favorite that captures the essence of Asian-inspired cuisine. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles come together in a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and satisfying—a quick and easy way to transport your dinner table to distant lands.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Noodle Stir-Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Turn busy evenings into culinary adventures with Ground Beef Stir Fry. In just a few minutes, you can transform humble ingredients into a dish that’s bold in flavor and rich in nutrients. With its vibrant array of vegetables and savory sauce, this stir fry proves that wholesome meals can be both quick and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Chicken Bacon Ranch Delight

Experience the delightful medley of flavors in Chicken Bacon Ranch Delight, a recipe that turns the classic combination into a comforting casserole. Creamy ranch, savory chicken, and crispy bacon unite to create a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, making dinner a time to savor and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Delight

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with Mediterranean Chicken Bake. This recipe marries succulent chicken with vibrant herbs, tomatoes, and olives, resulting in a dish that transports your taste buds to the shores of southern Europe—a delightful reminder that family dinners can be both exploratory and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken Divan

Wrap yourself in comfort with Chicken Divan, a casserole that brings together tender chicken and creamy goodness. This recipe captures the essence of homestyle cooking, offering a meal that’s nourishing and satisfying—a testament to how simple ingredients can create culinary magic that resonates with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

A skillet with chicken piccata and sauce with a lemon wedge on it.
Easy Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Easy Chicken Piccata

Elevate your weeknight dinners with the sophistication of Easy Chicken Piccata, where zesty lemon and capers infuse tender chicken with a burst of flavor. This recipe transforms a few basic ingredients into a dish that’s both elegant and approachable, a reminder that fine dining can be achieved right at your own dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Piccata

Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

Serve up the timeless joy of classic burgers with Cast Iron Skillet Burgers. This recipe embraces the simplicity of a well-seasoned skillet, transforming ground beef into juicy, flavorful patties that satisfy everyone at the table. With minimal effort, you can create a quick and easy family recipe that encapsulates the essence of casual dining and shared moments.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Experience the rustic charm of Cast Iron Chicken Thighs, a recipe that brings a touch of comfort and warmth to family meals. This dish captures the essence of home cooking, combining juicy chicken thighs with aromatic herbs and the undeniable appeal of cooking in cast iron—a Sunday night tradition that bridges generations.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

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