17 dinner recipes my family absolutely loves

Photo of author

| Published:

In search of dishes that can please everyone at the table? Look no further. These 17 dinner recipes have been chosen because they’re favorites in my family. Each recipe brings something different, making sure there’s always a new twist to your meals. Give your family something to look forward to at dinner time with these tried-and-true recipes.

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Forget the days when pasta was just a quick fix; here, it’s transformed into a rich experience with every bite. We rely on its classic charm but know that its simplicity hides a deeply comforting ritual for a cozy evening. For many, it represents a go-to comfort dish, best-enjoyed surrounded by loved ones. Each forkful of this Pasta Carbonara promises a creamy, heartwarming experience that tends to become a regular request at dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Recreating a fast-food favorite at home might just surpass the original, especially when the result is a burger that packs a punch. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and accompanied by a little kick, Homemade KFC Zinger Burger is a hit with everyone who tries it. Concocting this in your own kitchen allows for customization to individual preferences, a definite upside. The ritual of building each sandwich layers not just flavors but also shared family moments.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

An enduring classic, it’s familiar yet never fails to please a crowd. Around the table, it stirs up conversation and nostalgia while delivering wholesomeness in every spoonful. It’s a timeless dish that invites customization and effortlessly adapts to being the star of your weekly dinner rotation. Mastery of this Spaghetti Bolognese symbolizes a home chef’s love for rich, hearty meals that resonate with all ages.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Here’s a straightforward dish with the power to soothe any day’s weariness, offering both ease and nutrition. Its blend of ingredients fills the kitchen with an aroma that heralds a satisfying meal ahead. IChicken and Rice Casserole is a testament to how a few components, smartly put together, can make for a fulfilling dinner experience. Plus, it’s adaptable, favoring the occasional addition of your personal twist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When a restaurant favorite becomes a homemade hit, it’s bound to elicit smiles. With just a little effort, the Italian eatery ambiance transcends into your dining space, serving cosiness and indulgence in equal parts. It boldly stands as a tribute to signature dishes you can enjoy without stepping out. Every mouthful of this Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara reminds the family why going out isn’t always necessary to have restaurant-quality dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crafting Chick-fil-A Nuggets at home is akin to claiming a victory over those fast-food cravings. Not only can you control what goes into them, but you also get to witness the joyful reactions firsthand. These golden-brown pieces invite endless dipping possibilities and are a perpetual fixture in meals where everyone happily reaches for one or many. It’s fast food upgraded with a homemade touch that resonates with both adults and children.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes you want dinner with a bit of a kick, and what better way to achieve this than with pasta that pulls no punches? Its vibrant heat is a pleasant jolt to the routine, welcomed by those looking to liven up their mealtime. It’s as close to adventure as dinner might get on a weekday, with bold flavors that challenge the monotony. What’s more, Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a dish that comes together quickly, making it a perfect last-minute lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Patience rewards you richly when it’s time to uncover the slow cooker. The pulled pork emerges succulent, infused with hours of spice and tenderness. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is considered a triumph in many households for its minimal prep and ability to feed a crowd. Whether it’s piling high on buns or partnering with sides, it’s proof that some of the best dinners practically make themselves.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Chicken Tenders are the answer to a universally loved dinner option when you’ve got both kids and adults to please. Their undeniable crunch and juicy interior make for a compelling reason to stay in and cook. Plus, they’re a canvas for creativity, adapting to dips and sides of all sorts. Homemade tenders dismiss the need for a drive-thru, solidifying their spot in the weekly meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Envisioning a traditional family meal often puts pot roast at the center, simmering slowly in anticipation of the end-of-day gathering. It’s the kind of meal you love coming home to, with its deeply ingrained aromas suggesting a lingering labor of love. Yet its preparation is deceivingly simple, affording you time to spend with those waiting to partake. Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a testament to how low maintenance can yield a feast that showcases steadfast patience.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Elevated Ramen Noodles

A bowl of ramen with soft-boiled egg, vegetables, and sesame seeds.
Elevated Ramen Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Discard notions of ramen as mere college sustenance; it’s been revamped as a highly customizable dinner favorite. Home cooks prize it for its swift preparation, a blessing on nights when time slips by. For families, Elevated Ramen Noodles brings the fun of personalization to the dinner table, with each bowl serving as a canvas for creativity.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Moving away from the mundane, pork chops adopt a new identity with an infusion of Asian-inspired aromas. Asian Style Pork Chops absorb an array of delicate yet distinct flavors, transforming into a weeknight dinner that stands out. Its appeal lies in its simultaneous ability to be both an escape and a familiar comfort. A regular routine is all that’s needed to excel at this entree that far exceeds expectations.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine an all-in-one meal that’s well-suited for the heartiest appetites and simplest tastes. Cowboy Casserole is the kind of dinner that promises full bellies and satisfied nods over the dinner table. This casserole is hardy, scrumptious, and caters to the love of a good ol’ Western vibe. It’s like lassoing a bit of the frontier into your kitchen, proving that rustic charm has a place in the modern meal.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Infusing a little island life into your kitchen comes easy with Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders that are as pleasing to assemble as they are to eat. They’re the fun-sized reprieve from routine meals, inviting daydreams of beachside feasts. Each mini sandwich encapsulates the spirit of a luau, making them a joy at gatherings or simply as a twist on the standard dinner fare. It’s a small escape to the tropics, capable of brightening any evening.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s a particular joy in replicating a Cracker Barrel classic with the homestyle comfort of Chicken and Dumplings. Emulating this comforting dish provides a sense of accomplishment along with deep, soul-warming taste. Serving this meal confirms that some of the most satisfying dishes come from the simplest traditions.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing the essence of a barbecue indoors is possible and sensational with the right rib recipe. Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe emerge from the oven with a tenderness that speaks to slow-cooked dedication, without the need for a grill. This dish champions the power of your oven to deliver summer flavors any day of the year.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

A bowl of Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot, served on a blue woven placemat with a spoon on the side.
Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Harnessing the fusion of tropical and exotic is made effortless with this Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot. With the modern miracle of an Instant Pot, complex flavors meld together in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. It appeals to the adventurous and the time-constrained alike, showcasing how modern appliances can be allies in crafting memorable meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.