If you dread cooking family dinners, you’re not alone. These 17 recipes are for parents who would rather do anything but cook. We focus on straightforward, quick recipes that make dinner time less of a hassle. These meals are great for those busy evenings when you’re short on time with minimal energy.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in only 45 minutes and often yields some leftovers to you have tomorrow’s lunch or dinner already handled.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
On those nights when you’re juggling a million things, this chicken bake is a lifesaver. Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole combines chicken thighs, spinach, and a combination of cheeses for a meal that’s both hearty and easy. You can even marinate the chicken and prep the spinach ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything and pop it in the oven. This recipe is the epitome of ease and simplicity, perfect for hectic nights when you need a nutritious, family-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Cut down on dinner prep and cook time with this easy sheet pan dinner. Just toss sausages and your family’s favorite veggies onto a pan and let the oven take over. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want a filling and enjoyable meal without spending hours in the kitchen or cleaning up.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This recipe is all about making your life easier while keeping everyone happy and fed. Prep takes only 20 minutes which includes browning the ground beef, tossing in your ingredients to the Crock Pot, and then setting it to cook. The instructions are straightforward and it’s made with common pantry items, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute grocery runs. Set up your Crock Pot to cook in the morning and come home to a warm, ready-made family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Here’s a casserole that turns everyday veggies into a dish your family will ask for again and again. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon for a delicious and hearty meal. The use of frozen vegetables makes this recipe quick and easy. Perfect for those evenings when you need a flavorful, nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Canned Chicken Patties
In just 20 minutes, you can turn canned chicken into an easy and enjoyable dinner. These chicken patties are perfect when you’re pressed for time. After mixing the ingredients and forming the patties, you’ll just pan-fry them until crispy and golden. They’re incredibly easy to prepare and versatile too. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or tuck them into sandwiches for a quick, filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
For a quick and delicious dinner, try these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Ready in 20 minutes, chicken chunks are perfectly seared and then simmered in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, all in one skillet. It’s a perfect recipe if you’re looking for a quick meal that everyone will love. Pair these chicken bites with rice or veggies for a complete meal. They’re a great choice for busy parents needing a quick dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
When you’re looking for a meal that’s both light and packed with flavor, this salad is a perfect choice. It’s a combination of chicken, bacon, and jalapeños, creating a salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Make it ahead of time and include it in your dinner menu for weekdays when you’re in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This comforting casserole will save you on those busy weeknights. Mix potatoes, cheese, and bacon, pop it in the oven, and in half an hour, you’re all set. It’s the perfect meal for a relaxed family dinner, where you can enjoy the classic twice-baked potato flavors without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
You don’t have to spend all evening in the kitchen to enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie. Like the original, you get protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a balanced meal that’s sure to be a hit with the family. Ready in just an hour and with everything cooking in just one pot, this soup is a great comfort food choice for a weeknight dinner, and leftovers the next day will taste just as delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
You’ll appreciate how this chicken dish eases your dinner routine. Just season the chicken, add a few toppings, and let the oven do its magic. It’s a stress-free solution for those busy nights. You can even prep the ingredients earlier, to get ahead before dinner. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready and enjoy a warm and hearty dish perfect for those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
You’ll love how quickly you can get this delicious soup on the table. Prepared in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes, this soup combines savory sausage with a rich tomato base for a comforting and hearty meal. It’s a straightforward recipe that promises a warm and flavorful dinner, perfect for gathering the family around the table. Plus, the one-pot cooking means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
For those evenings when you want something hearty yet easy, try this “breakfast-for-dinner” recipe. It’s a delicious mix of hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese, and you can tweak it to your liking. Feel free to swap in different meats or cheeses, or add some veggies for a nutritious twist. It’s also perfect for meal prep — assemble it in the morning and pop it in the oven once you’re ready. It’s an effortless dish that promises a delicious dinner, and the leftovers are great for a quick breakfast the next day.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Chicken Corn Soup
In under an hour, you can serve a comforting combination of chicken, corn, and other veggies, all cooked in one pot. It’s the kind of meal that saves you time without skimping on flavor, perfect for those evenings when you need a hearty dinner without the hassle. Make it your own by using the veggies you have on hand. This soup is easy, simple, and perfect for busy parents who need to serve a nourishing meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This one-pot soup brings together sweet potatoes and red peppers for a creamy, comforting meal. Ready in an hour, it’s a great choice for a cozy dinner. Easy to prepare, it’s great for parents looking for a simple yet hearty meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Find relief on busy evenings in this simple yet hearty casserole. This casserole features ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, topping everything off with cheddar for a filling and savory meal. Perfect for the busiest weeknights, you can prep it in advance and serve this delicious dinner in just 30 minutes. Simple, delicious, and perfect for bringing everyone together, it’s the kind of meal that makes family dinners extra special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
As a busy parent, time is your most precious resource. Ready in just a little over an hour, the rice cooks while you simultaneously cook the other ingredients to save you time and ensure you can prep and serve the soup as quickly as possible. The flavors and textures from the mushrooms and wild rice pair together perfectly, so you can enjoy a wholesome and comforting soup, even on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup