Dinner decoded: 19 meals my family always wants

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Finding meals that everyone in the family loves can be a real puzzle. But once you crack the code, dinner time becomes a breeze. Imagine serving up dishes that get everyone excited to gather around the table, no complaints, no picky eaters, just happy faces and clean plates. If you’re tired of the dinner struggle, these 19 recipes are here to save the day.

Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray.
Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza is a regular on weeknight dinner menu for its quick prep and cook time. This dish consistently earns praise for its crunchy crust and customizable toppings. It’s a practical choice for families needing a meal that caters to various tastes without a lot of fuss. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a lazy Friday, this pizza ensures a no-stress dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you want to spice up your dinner routine, Camarones a la Diabla brings the heat. This meal is a favorite for its bold flavors and the excitement it adds to the dinner table. It’s a straightforward dish that cooks up fast for a lively weeknight meal. Ideal for those who enjoy a culinary kick, it keeps family members coming back for more at each serving.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A picture of beef stew with mushrooms carrots and thyme.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

For a comforting meal that’s always a hit, Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the solution. This dish is perfect for days when you want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal. Its hearty nature makes it a staple during the colder months, offering a warm welcome after a long day. Families appreciate the convenience and the deep, rich flavors that make it a requested dinner favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole is beloved for its creamy texture and hearty fill. This dish is often the centerpiece at family dinners, known for its ability to please a crowd. It combines ease of preparation with flavors that appeal to all ages, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Its popularity is due to both its comforting nature and its ability to make everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Bowl of Pumpkin Sage Pasta.
Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

This recipe is chosen for its unique flavor profile and its appeal to those seeking plant-based options. Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta offers a twist on traditional pasta dishes. It’s perfect for gatherings where dietary preferences vary, providing a satisfying meal without compromise. Its rich, aromatic qualities ensure it’s a top request, particularly during the fall season.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Sage Pasta

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu and broccoli on a plate.
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry is a light yet filling option that wins over health-conscious family members. This dish is known for its quick preparation and vibrant ingredients. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health benefits. Its popularity at family meals is a testament to its ability to satisfy diverse dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Families love the convenience of preparing this dish in the morning and enjoying a delicious meal by dinnertime. Slow Cooker Barbacoa is a dish that’s often requested for its tender and flavorful profile. This meal is perfect for weekends when the family gathers and enjoys a leisurely meal together. Its slow cooking process enhances the flavors, making it a standout dish for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

A skillet filled with beef, rice and vegetables.
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

When you need a quick dinner solution, Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner is a reliable choice. This dish is a frequent go-to because it’s simple to make and appeals to all ages, making it a perfect fit for a busy weeknight. Families appreciate its comforting consistency and the fact that it can be ready in no time, ensuring a stress-free evening meal that keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blackened Cod is favored for its light yet flavorful profile, ideal for those who enjoy a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent. This dish stands out because it’s not only quick to prepare but also impressively versatile, pairing well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat your family to something special, this recipe is a great way to make dinner interesting without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a taste of something uniquely flavorful, Smoked Chicken Al Pastor offers an exciting dining experience. This dish is perfect for when you want to bring some variety to the dinner table, combining rich flavors in an innovative way. It’s particularly great for gatherings, where its distinctive taste and appealing presentation can shine, making it a standout choice for those who love to host.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Sliced Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri on a white plate.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri is the dish to choose when you’re in the mood for something hearty yet refined. This recipe is a staple for weekend cookouts and special occasions alike, known for its robust flavors and straightforward preparation. It’s a crowd-pleaser, sure to satisfy anyone looking for a fulfilling meal that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Tortilla Pizza

A hand sprinkling fresh basil on top of a tortilla pizza.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: The Honour System.

If you’re after a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Tortilla Pizza should top your list. This dish is a fantastic way to get everyone involved in the kitchen, offering a customizable cooking experience that can suit any palate. It’s particularly popular among kids and is a brilliant pick for family movie nights or when you just need a quick, engaging meal.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback is perfect for those evenings when you want a dinner that feels gourmet without the hassle. This recipe is straightforward enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, striking an ideal balance between elegance and ease. It’s a dish that consistently receives compliments, thanks to its visually appealing presentation and flavors that provide a great dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This recipe is a beloved choice for its familiar flavors and homestyle feel, making it a comforting staple for any dinner rotation. Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings classic comfort food right to your dining room. It’s particularly appealing on those chilly evenings when you crave something warming and substantial. It allows you to enjoy a comforting meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Two salmon fillets with lemon sauce on a white plate.
Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to impress everyone at the table. With Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce, it’s all about that perfect blend of flavors that gets everyone excited. It’s a regular request and even the pickiest eaters come back for more, often leaving nothing behind. You can tell it’s a favorite by the way every plate comes back clean.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Hot honey lemon pepper wings on a dark blue plate surrounded by lemon pepper, lemons, a white linen, and lemonade.
Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

When it’s game night or just a casual dinner, these are always a hit. Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings draw everyone to the table, ready to dive in. It’s the kind of meal that sparks stories and laughter, making it more than just good food – it’s about good times. It’s the meal that tends to stick in everyone’s memory, always asked for by name.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Savory Stuffed Pumpkin

A pumpkin stuffed and bakked in a pan.
Savory Stuffed Pumpkin. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Around the time the leaves start to change, there’s a meal that becomes the center of attention. It’s the Savory Stuffed Pumpkin, which has a way of turning an ordinary evening into something a bit more special. Everyone seems to circle the kitchen, eager to help out, making it as much a family activity as it is dinner. It’s a dish that’s often the topic of conversation, even days after it’s been enjoyed.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Pumpkin

Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Asian glazed chicken in a skillet with lemon slices.
Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Even on the busiest nights, there’s always time for a meal that brings everyone together. Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken is the go-to for a blend of flavors that sets the right tone for dinner. It’s the request I hear often, and no one ever seems to get tired of it. From the first to the last bite, there’s a sense of comfort that accompanies this dish.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

On days when simplicity is key, this dish never disappoints. Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap is a favorite for its refreshing twist on dinner. It’s the one everyone asks for when we need a break from the ordinary, often leading to second helpings. After this meal, everyone seems to linger a little longer at the table, enjoying the last bits of their wrap and the conversation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

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