Make one of these 23 family dinners and start your week off right

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Starting the week with family dinners sets a positive tone. These 23 recipes are easy and quick, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more with your family. This helps make the start of your week just a little smoother. Each meal is a step towards a great week ahead!

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Start your week with the Spinach Chicken Bake, perfect for those busy evenings. It’s a quick 30-minute meal that simplifies your kitchen time, as everything is made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is easy to follow, great for those just getting comfortable in the kitchen. Serve it straight from the oven for a fuss-free, enjoyable family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a fast and straightforward family meal, try the Cabbage and Sausage. It’s a time-saver, requiring only a few ingredients and a single pan, which means less time cooking and cleaning. This dish stands alone as a full meal, ideal for busy families looking for a smooth start to their week. It’s a hassle-free option for any night.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Ease into your week with the Crock Pot Taco Soup, a perfect choice for a relaxed family dinner. Just spend 20 minutes prepping, and then let the slow cooker handle the rest. It’s made with simple ingredients like ground beef and pantry items, allowing you to multitask while dinner cooks. This soup is a great way to enjoy a home-cooked meal together and kick off the week in a cozy, stress-free manner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting dish, perfect for easing into the week. It combines vegetables, cheese, and bacon in one baking dish. This casserole is not only easy to put together but also customizable to your family’s tastes. Quick to prep and bake, it offers a cozy meal that helps set a good tone for your week.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a one-pot wonder that’s hearty, creamy, and cozy. It’s simple to make with straightforward ingredients and is ready in about an hour. This soup brings the comfort of a family dinner to your table, making it a heartwarming choice for starting off the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole with a wooden spoon in it.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a twist on dinner, try the Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. It’s a mix of hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese, making it both filling and customizable. This dish brings breakfast favorites to your dinner table in a fun and convenient way.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is a quick and easy meal for those busy evenings. It takes less than an hour to prepare and combines chicken, vegetables, and broth into a simple yet wholesome soup. This dish is ideal for a practical family dinner, offering a smooth start to a hectic week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole brings together comforting ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and cheese. It’s an easy recipe that can even be prepped in advance. Serve it hot for a filling and comforting meal, perfect for welcoming a new week.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a smooth, flavorful, and simple dish, ready in about an hour. It’s an excellent choice for families seeking a laid-back yet comforting meal. This soup helps everyone settle into the week with ease and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a quick, 30-minute meal. It’s a one-pan dish that’s filling on its own, combining beef, cheese, and cauliflower rice. This dish is an excellent choice for a hearty family dinner, especially when time is tight at the start of the week.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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 is a 30-minute meal that’s easy to prepare. It features Italian sausage in a creamy base, creating a hearty and uncomplicated dish. This soup is perfect for those seeking a quick, no-fuss meal to ease into the week, offering a warm and inviting dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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 Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a quick, 30-minute meal that’s both nutritious and straightforward. Roasted sausage and vegetables come together on a single sheet pan. This dish is an excellent choice for a stress-free dinner, helping you start your busy week with a healthy and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are a quick dinner option, taking just 20 minutes to prepare. Using canned chicken as the main ingredient, this recipe is ideal for kitchen beginners. The patties are versatile, great alone or in sandwiches. This dish is a time-saver, perfect for families wanting a homemade meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a 30-minute dish that combines tender chicken with a rich mushroom sauce. It’s cooked in one pan, making the preparation simple. This quick and flavorful meal is an excellent choice for a smooth and enjoyable start to your workweek.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is ready in just 30 minutes. It blends chicken with sweet peppers and cheese for a quick, hearty meal. The recipe is straightforward, making it a great choice for those new to cooking. This dish is a convenient option for a flavorful family dinner early in the week.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken, ready in about 30 minutes, is a simple yet rich dish. It combines chicken in a garlic cream sauce, ideal for a quick and easy dinner. This dish is a reliable choice for a smooth transition into the workweek, suitable for cooks of all experience levels.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a comforting choice, ready in just 45 minutes. It features a blend of mushrooms and spices, creating a warming and flavorful soup. This dish is straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for cooks at all levels. The comforting flavors are perfect for gathering the family and preparing for the week ahead.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole mixes beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, topped with melted cheese. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for feeding a crowd or planning leftovers. This casserole offers a comforting meal, setting a welcoming tone as you start a new week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a one-pan dish that you can cook in just half an hour. It combines shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach for a flavorful meal. It’s a good choice for busy families, especially on a Monday night. Even if you’re new to cooking, this dish is easy to make and enjoyable for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a quick, 30-minute meal. You cook chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, all in one pan. This dish pairs well with rice or pasta, creating a hearty meal to start your week. It’s an excellent choice for those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad combines spicy jalapeños, creamy mayo, and filling chicken. It’s an easy recipe, great for beginners. You can make it ahead and it stays fresh in the fridge, perfect for family dinners at the start of the week. It’s quick to prepare and a great addition to your meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple yet flavorful dish, ready in about 25 minutes. It combines cabbage, bacon, and onion for a hearty meal. This dish is perfect for those new to cooking, offering a straightforward approach to dinner. It’s a great choice for a nutritious family meal at the start of the week.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Big Mac Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Big Mac Salad brings the flavors of a fast-food favorite into a healthier format. It’s made with lettuce, ground beef, and a homemade special sauce. This recipe is simple and easy — a great choice for cooking novices. It’s a quick, enjoyable family dinner choice, ideal for kicking off a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

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