27 extra easy dinners for weeknight family meals

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Looking for easy dinners for weeknight family meals? You’ve come to the right spot. We’re all about whipping up dishes that are super easy, cutting down on kitchen time so you can kick back a bit more. These 27 recipes are perfect for when you’re in a rush or just don’t feel like spending the whole evening over the stove. We’re talking quick, straightforward, and still really good meals that’ll get everyone to the table with minimal effort.

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

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Made with ingredients you likely already have, this dish is an excellent choice for those evenings when you need a hearty meal without a lot of prep. It’s very easy to make as everything comes together in just one pan and can be served in just 20 minutes. Feel free to try different types of sausage to keep this meal exciting and new every time you serve it.
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.

You only need 20 minutes of hands-on time on this dinner, and that includes browning the beef, adding all the ingredients to the Crock Pot, and then setting the timer. This dinner practically cooks itself, and by dinner time, you’ll have a hearty soup ready for everyone to enjoy. This recipe is especially convenient for parents looking for an effortless way to feed their family a wholesome and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a straightforward and quick meal, try the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s ready in under an hour and is super easy to put together. Plus, it reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. This casserole is a go-to for those nights when you need something dependable but still want to keep dinner simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese into a casserole that you simply have to bake. You can even prepare the chicken and spinach ahead of time, so all you need to do is bake it when dinner rolls around. This chicken bake is a great way to quickly get a filling dinner on the table, making it a solid choice for parents who’d like to spend more time relaxing than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Spice up your dinner routine with this easy fajita chicken dish. It combines seasoned chicken breasts with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella in just 30 minutes. Everything is baked together in one dish to simplify both prep and cleanup. You can also prepare it ahead of time and just bake it when you’re ready. This recipe is a great way to make dinners easier for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

When cooking is the last thing on your mind, this sheet pan dinner comes to the rescue. Just toss sausages and your favorite veggies on a pan, bake, and in 30 minutes, dinner is served. This dish is also very customizable. Feel free to try different vegetables, sausages, and seasonings to keep it fresh and exciting every time you make it. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great go-to for busy parents who need a quick, easy, and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Juicy chicken bites are cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce in a single skillet and can be served in 30 minutes. Serve these bites with some rice or your favorite veggies to round out the meal. It’s an excellent pick for busy weeknights and will surely be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This casserole is a great go-to for nights when you’re pressed for time but still want a hearty and delicious family meal. This recipe uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower to simplify the process and then mixes in with a creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon. Everything is baked together and can be served in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, so you can prepare everything ahead of time and bake it once you’re ready.
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.

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup turns your favorite pie into a quick, one-pot dinner that’s perfect for any weeknight. It’s creamy, filling, and gets the job done in just 1 hour. It uses simple ingredients and is great for when you want something comforting without spending all night in the kitchen. A great choice for a fuss-free family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole makes weeknight dinners easy. No need to stuff peppers when you can throw everything into one pot and have it on the table in 45 minutes. It’s perfect for beginners and anyone looking to whip up a hearty meal without the hassle. This dish is a smart pick for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Broccoli Casserole is all about keeping dinner easy and enjoyable. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s a no-brainer for a weeknight family meal. This recipe is especially good for those who’d rather spend less time cooking and more time eating. It’s a great way to enjoy dinner without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This hearty soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. It comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and filling dinner. Everything cooks in just one pot, meaning less cleanup and more quality time to spend with your family.
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.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is everything you need on a busy weeknight — it’s easy, quick, and uses staple pantry ingredients for convenience. This one-skillet dinner brings together ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms into your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make this for meal prep or save any leftovers for a hearty and ready-made dinner on hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

This salad brings together chicken, bacon, and jalapeños with a creamy dressing for a meal that’s ready in no time. It’s a fun take on traditional jalapeño poppers but is easy to whip together and is perfect for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time and pull out a ready-made dinner off the fridge on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Made with comfort food ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and bacon, this dish will surely be a hit with the whole family. You can even prepare it beforehand and just bake it when dinner time comes. This dish is a practical choice for a hearty meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Cook up some chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is easy. It’s all done in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. Serve it with rice, pasta, or your favorite veggie side for a complete and filling dinner.
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.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combining the sweetness of red peppers with the smooth texture of sweet potatoes, this soup is a hearty and wholesome meal that’s ready in about an hour. It’s filling, flavorful, and requires minimal hands-on time, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something filling yet simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This dish brings together tender chicken breasts with a creamy sauce made of garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for those evenings when you’re looking for something quick that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve it over pasta or rice to complete the dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

In 30 minutes, ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach come together with a generous serving of melted cheddar. You can also prepare it beforehand and heat it up when you’re ready to eat, making it a practical option for a busy family. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick to prepare and a complete meal in itself, this casserole is a great choice.
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.

Featuring shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach with a savory garlic sauce, it’s a cozy dinner perfect to start your week. You can customize it and add some smokey paprika or top it off with a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. Serve this with a side of pasta or rice for a well-rounded meal.
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.

Ready in just 30 minutes, chicken thighs simmer in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, finished off with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Serve it over rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal on a busy night, making your weeknight routine a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Cook cabbage, bacon, and onion in one pan, season to taste, and it’s ready to serve. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s full of flavor. Whether as a side or the main dish, it’s filling and hits the spot on busy nights. It’s especially good for those just getting started in the kitchen, as it’s simple and doesn’t need anything else to make it a meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Canned Chicken Patties

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

In 30 minutes, ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach come together with a generous serving of melted cheddar. You can also prepare it beforehand and heat it up when you’re ready to eat, making it a practical option for a busy family. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick to prepare and a complete meal in itself, this casserole is a great go-to.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken Corn Soup

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

This soup brings chicken, corn, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a creamy broth in less than an hour. Everything is made in just one pot, follows easy cooking steps, and requires staple pantry ingredients. It’s also a great way to use any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand, making this a practical option when you need dinner on the table fast. It’s a great choice for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to serve your family a wholesome and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Ready in 45 minutes and made in just one pot, this soup is a great option for those evenings when you want to serve a simple yet hearty dinner. This dish features sautéed mushrooms simmering in a creamy, flavorful broth. The spices, sour cream, milk, and butter enhance the flavors without any complicated prep or cooking. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh herbs before serving to add an extra layer of comfort. Serve it with bread, salad, or veggies for a complete and filling dinner that will wrap up your day on a good note.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Big Mac Salad

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

This salad features all the flavors you love in the classic bacon cheeseburger but in a lighter version. It packs the same ingredients you love — bacon, beef, pickles, and greens — tossed with a creamy Big Mac sauce and sprinkled with cheddar cheese. You can prepare the ingredients in advance and toss everything once you’re ready to make your dinner rush smoother. It’s a great choice for quick weeknight dinners, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s an easy but impressive recipe that is perfect for beginners. After prepping the ingredients, you’ll marinate the chicken, skewer, and then bake. In no time, you’ll have tender, juicy kebabs ready, perfect for a high-protein dinner. They’re also great for meal prep, making your busy weeknights smoother.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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