19 easy family recipes for parents who dread cooking dinner

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These 19 easy family recipes make dinner simple for parents who just simply don’t like cooking but know they need to get a meal on the table. Each recipe here requires only straightforward ingredients with easy steps. This makes cooking as quick and stress-free as possible for enjoyable family dinners.

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

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This 30-minute meal mixes chicken, spinach, and cheese for a quick dinner. Marinate the chicken and prep the spinach earlier to save time. When you’re ready, just add cream cheese and bake. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for busy nights, offering a filling meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the flavors of chicken pot pie in a simple soup form. This one-pot, one-hour recipe is great for a comforting family dinner. It’s easy to make with basic ingredients. A perfect choice for parents who want a cozy meal without spending much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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.

This 30-minute dinner is all cooked on one sheet pan. Combine sausage and veggies and bake. It’s easy to prep beforehand, making it great for busy parents. This meal is both quick to make and clean up, simplifying your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This casserole takes 30 minutes and mixes broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. It’s easy for parents to prep ahead and bake later. Using frozen vegetables makes it faster. Bake it for a quick, warm meal. It’s a one-dish meal, so cleaning up is easy, making weeknights simpler.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

A spicy twist on chicken salad, this dish is quick to make. Prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge. It’s a convenient, make-ahead meal for busy parents. Simple ingredients and quick assembly mean less time in the kitchen. This dish offers a flavorful meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Season chicken breasts, top them with cream cheese and peppers, and bake. Prep ahead to make dinner easier. This recipe is simple and makes a warm, filling dinner. It uses one pan, so there’s less to clean. A quick, easy meal for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

Canned chicken patties on a plate with broccoli.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

These patties are a 20-minute meal, great for busy weeknights. You can make them in advance with canned chicken for a quicker prep. Heat them up when it’s dinner time. They’re ideal for a simple, quick dinner and go well with a side of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This soup only takes 20 minutes to prepare and then cooks in a Crock Pot. Brown the ground beef first and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s made with common pantry items, offering a hassle-free dinner. This soup is a smart pick for a stress-free weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Enjoy comfort food with this easy casserole. It combines bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. You can make it in advance. It’s a straightforward dish, perfect for a cozy family meal.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole in a dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach. It’s designed for busy parents, allowing for advance prep. When you’re ready, just bake it. This dish provides a convenient meal, especially on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This salad brings the flavors of a fast-food classic in a lighter form. Prepare it in advance for quick assembly at dinnertime. It’s simple to make with minimal ingredients. Keep it in the fridge for a fast meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is full of rich flavors and easy to make. Cook the rice while preparing the other ingredients to save time. It’s a great choice for parents who want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready in less than an hour, it’s ideal for a comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole with a wooden spoon in it.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is great for “breakfast for dinner” nights, with hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese. It’s easy to make and is surprisingly filling. Good for parents who want a simple meal — it turns a breakfast favorite into a no-hassle dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot, 30-minute meal. Prepare it ahead for an easy dinner. It’s simple and quick, making it a great choice for parents who need a fast dinner solution. This soup offers both ease and warmth on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon for this 30-minute soup. Prep the cauliflower and broth earlier for an even quicker dinner. It’s a warm and easy meal and is perfect for parents who are looking for simple and quick dinner options on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is a quick, flavorful meal that’s ready in under an hour. It combines chicken, vegetables, and broth in one pot. This soup is a go-to for parents who need an uncomplicated and hearty dinner option. It’s an easy way to bring a nourishing meal to the table.
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.

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup comes together in just 45 minutes. It’s a warming, flavorful meal that’s easy to make. This soup is perfect for parents who want a delicious dinner without complex cooking. It’s a great pick for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick to cook in just 20 minutes. They’re made with juicy chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is easy for parents who want a fast and flavorful meal. It’s a straightforward dish that brings a delicious dinner to the table with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

This one-pot soup combines sweet potatoes and red peppers for a creamy meal. Ready in an hour, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s an easy recipe, ideal for parents looking for a simple and hearty meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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