Extra easy meal ideas for weeknight family dinners are a lifesaver when you’re busy. They’re quick, simple, and good for you. These 23 ideas are great for those nights when you’re short on time but still need to get dinner on the table.
![Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Loaded-Broccoli-Cauliflower-Casserole-1024x682.jpg)
Spinach Chicken Bake
![A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Spinach-Chicken-Bake-1024x723.jpg)
Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a meal that pleases everyone, this 30-minute dinner brings together chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach in one pan. This recipe is as straightforward as it gets — everything is cooked together in just one pan for convenience and easy clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cabbage and Sausage
![A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cabbage-and-Sausage-1024x682.jpg)
Bring a touch of nostalgia to your dinner table with this very easy dish. This meal features cabbage with smoky sausage in a single pan. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for a busy weeknight. You’ll appreciate how cabbage, often overlooked, soaks up the rich flavors, creating a comforting and filling meal. The process is straightforward, with ingredients you’re likely to have in your kitchen, making this dish a stress-free option for any family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
![A crock pot of taco soup.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Crock-Pot-Taco-Soup-1-1024x723.jpg)
This “set it and forget it” recipe is perfect for busy families. Spend just 20 minutes prepping, then let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. It combines everyday ingredients like ground beef and tomatoes into a comforting soup. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a flavorful meal that took almost no effort, making your evening smoother and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
![A fork with cheesy broccoli on it being pulled up from a loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Loaded-Broccoli-Cauliflower-Casserole-1024x723.jpg)
Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole turns simple and wholesome ingredients into a meal your family will love. This dish combines steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon in one baking dish. The use of frozen veggies makes this casserole not only convenient but also a great way to include more vegetables in your meals. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
![Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cheesy-Fajita-Baked-Chicken-With-Cream-Cheese-1024x723.jpg)
This one-dish bake combines chicken breasts with fajita spices, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, which the whole family can enjoy in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, yet delicious way to enjoy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen cooking.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
![Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sausage-And-Veggies-Sheet-Pan-Dinner-1024x682.jpg)
Sheet pan dinners always make dinners stress-free. You just need to evenly arrange your favorite sausage and a mix of vegetables on a sheet pan, and let the oven do all the work. In 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy a meal where the oven caramelizes the ingredients, making everything fork-tender and delicious. This one-pan recipe is meant to be a time-saver, leaving you with almost no cleanup. Customize it with whatever veggies you have for a versatile, flavorful meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
![Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Creamy-Italian-Sausage-Soup-1024x682.jpg)
In just 30 minutes, using only one pot, you can whip up this comforting soup. It’s a mix of creamy, tomato-based broth and hearty Italian sausage – a surefire hit with everyone at the dinner table. And the best part is you can tailor it to your family’s taste, adding more or less spice, or making it more wholesome by adding veggies. This soup is not just easy to make, it’s also easy to clean up, leaving you more time to enjoy your meals and relax with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
![Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Ground-Beef-And-Cauliflower-Rice-Skillet-1024x683.jpg)
Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is a breeze to make. It’s packed with ingredients like juicy ground beef and creamy cheddar, mixed with cauliflower rice. It’s the perfect pick for those new to cooking or anyone after a quick but flavorful meal. You’ll love how it’s not only easy to prepare but also leaves you with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
![A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Jalapeno-Popper-Chicken-Salad-1024x723.jpg)
Made with ingredients like chicken, bacon, and jalapeños, this salad transforms simple ingredients into a savory and enjoyable meal. The spicy kick of jalapeños paired with the richness of chicken creates the perfect balance. You only need 20 minutes to prepare it, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep, so you can have a grab-and-go meal for those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
![Twice baked potato casserole dish with cheese, bacon and green onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Twice-Baked-Potato-Casserole-1-1024x723.jpg)
This casserole is a combination of delicious flavors like bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. This is a version of the classic twice-baked potatoes but saves you the fuss of stuffing the skins. You can even use leftover potatoes to skip steps. This dish is perfect for your family dinners, easy enough for weeknights, and great for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
![Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chicken-with-Creamy-Mushroom-Sauce-1024x683.jpg)
Whip up something special tonight with Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. In just 30 minutes, using one skillet, you can cook chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce that’s perfect over rice or vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s easy, quick, and guarantees a great dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
![A bowl of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sweet-Potato-and-Red-Pepper-Soup-1-1024x683.jpg)
Cozy up your dinner time with a comforting soup, perfect for any night of the week. Within just an hour, and using only one pot, this recipe brings together the richness of sweet potatoes and the sweetness of red peppers. The steps are straightforward: sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish. Perfect for busy evenings, this soup is a warm, hearty option for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
![A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Creamy-Garlic-Chicken-1024x683.jpg)
This easy, one-pan recipe features chicken breasts in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for a quick family meal or a special occasion. You’ll love the simplicity and the flavors, plus there’s hardly any cleanup. Serve it over rice for a hearty, no-fuss dinner that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
![A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Beef-Casserole-with-Cauliflower-Rice-and-Spinach-1024x723.jpg)
Dinner in 30 minutes is a breeze with Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. You’ll mix beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, topping everything off with cheddar for a hearty meal. It’s perfect for those busy nights when time is short but you still want something filling. Plus, this dish is a good way to get extra veggies into your dinner, especially for the picky eaters in your family.
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.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tuscan-Garlic-Shrimp-and-Spinach-Recipe-1024x682.jpg)
Enjoy the combination of flavors in this quick dish, perfect for a busy evening. This one-skillet dish combines shrimp, spinach, and grape tomatoes in a savory garlic sauce. It’s easy for any night and special enough for guests. And with just one pan to clean, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more with your family.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
![Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creamy-Sun-Dried-Tomato-Chicken-1024x682.jpg)
In just 30 minutes, you’ll bring together chicken thighs and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce in just one pan. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that feels special but is very easy to make. Serve it with veggies or rice, and you’ve got a perfect family dinner that’s both hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
![Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fried-Cabbage-With-Bacon-1024x682.jpg)
Enjoy a warm, hearty meal with this Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Perfect for your busy evenings, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes and combines cabbage, bacon, and onion in one skillet for convenience. It’s easy to prepare but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Enjoy it as a main dish, or add it as a side for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Canned Chicken Patties
![A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Canned-Chicken-Patties-1024x683.jpg)
Fewer ingredients and simple steps mean you can get dinner on the table quickly. These chicken patties are a practical choice for families on the go. Ready in 20 minutes, these patties are crisp on the outside and tender inside. They’re incredibly easy to prepare – just mix, form, and cook. Serve them with a salad, steamed veggies, or in a sandwich for a versatile and light meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Corn Soup
![Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Chicken-Corn-Soup-1024x683.jpg)
You’ll love how quickly you can make this family-friendly Chicken Corn Soup. In less than an hour, this one-pot recipe brings together chicken, corn, and veggies for a creamy, hearty soup. It’s also a great way to use any leftover chicken or vegetables in the fridge. Make this easy one-pot soup fast to cozy up on busy nights, without spending a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
![A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hungarian-Mushroom-Soup-1024x683.jpg)
This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a hearty dish you can cook in just 45 minutes. This one-pot soup combines mushrooms into a creamy, savory broth. It’s simple to make — even if cooking isn’t your thing — and pairs well with bread or salad. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this soup is also great for storing, so you can enjoy it again later. It’s a great way to add some warmth and good flavors to your family meals.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
![A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Garlic-Butter-Chicken-Bites-1024x723.jpg)
Ready in just 20 minutes, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for your busy nights. You’ll cook juicy chicken in a savory butter and garlic sauce, all in one skillet. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that’s great with rice and veggies, or even with a salad. This recipe is perfect for when you need to serve dinner fast, and the best part is that there’s hardly any cleanup afterward.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Big Mac Salad
![Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bacon-Cheeseburger-Salad-1024x682.jpg)
With Big Mac Salad, you can enjoy your favorite burger flavors in a fresh, new way. It’s ready in 45 minutes and is so easy to make. After prepping the ingredients, you just need to everything together and that’s it. This salad is great for a fast weeknight meal and the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Shawarma Kebabs
![A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Shawarma-Kebabs-1024x670.jpg)
Shawarma Kebabs bring the rich flavors of the Middle East right to your table in about 30 minutes. Marinate, skewer, and bake – that’s all it takes. These kebabs are great for a high-protein weeknight dinner and are surprisingly simple to make. They’re perfect for meal prep too, so you can enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs