17 family-approved meals that aren’t the same old thing

Photo of author

| Published:

Tired of the same old dinner options? It’s time to mix things up and bring some excitement to the family table. Exploring 17 fresh meal ideas that break the usual routine can be a game-changer. Each dish offers a unique twist, ensuring that meal times are anything but boring.

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

2 black dishes with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole in them.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This might be their new favorite if your family craves hearty comfort food. We’re talking about Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, a meal of delightful contrasts. With a rich, savory base, balanced by the creamy ranch flavor, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Low Carb Breakfast Sausage

A plate of breakfast Sausage Patties.
Keto Breakfast Sausage. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For those in your family following a keto diet, Keto Breakfast Sausage is a perfect start to the day. It’s full of protein and healthy fats to keep you satiated and energized until lunch. Even non-keto eaters in your family will find it hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Keto Breakfast Sausage

Raspberry Crumb Cake

A piece of cranberry crumb cake on a plate.
Raspberry Crumb Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Raspberry Crumb Cake is nothing short of a love affair with your favorite summertime fruit. The balance between the sweet, juicy raspberry layer and the crumbly, lightly toasted top is spellbinding. Trust us, this will be a hit at any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with asparagus.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Ever stumbled upon a meal winning over both adults and kids? Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is one such discovery, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fuss-free choice with an incredible combination of garlic butter flavor, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When it comes to dessert, who could resist Molly Bars? Swiftly flipped from oven to plate, they feature a perfect textural blend of cookie-like base and a smooth, sweetly enticing overlay. Enjoyment is an understatement.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who said veggie dishes are boring? Clearly, they haven’t tried Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. This recipe brings veggies to the forefront in the most invigorating way, making it a must-include in your family’s meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Zucchini & Walnut Muffins

Zucchini muffins on a black plate.
Zucchini & Walnut Muffins. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Bored of the regular breakfast lineup? Enter Zucchini & Walnut Muffins. They are a fresh, wholesome, and pleasingly nutty morning option that the whole family will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Walnut Muffins

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine a meal that’s wholesome and nourishing, yet feels like an indulgence. That’s where Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe steps in. Its fulfilling warmth makes it too good to pass over for any weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is perfect for those who prefer light and refreshing meals. It brings a fresh perspective to salad dishes, combining healthy ingredients with a satisfying flavor composition. You’ll find it makes a brilliant lunch or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Before you start yawning at the mention of another chicken dish, try Chicken Piccata. It’s a mouthwatering, tangy sensation that promises to break the monotony. The explosion of flavors in every bite is truly astounding.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With a name like Beefy John Wayne Casserole, expect nothing but a robust, protein-packed dish. It’s packed with all those flavors you seek in a satisfying dinner, making it a dependable choice for a hungry horde. Once on the table, watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for an innovative twist on a familiar favorite? Turkey à la King does just that. It’s a classic reinvented into a family-approved comfort dish that never fails to impress the dining table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Roast Pork with Apples turns a classic Sunday meal into something extraordinary. The juxtaposition of beautifully roasted pork with mouthwatering apples creates a medley that’s surprisingly refreshing and simply irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Butter Scones

Two butter scones on a plate with a cup of tea on a marble surface.
Butter Scones. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Nothing speaks tradition and comfort like Butter Scones. With their delicate crumb and the buttery richness, these scones are an understated entrée into baking finesse. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or tea time treat.
Get the Recipe: Butter Scones

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Southern Ham Salad encompasses all the heartfelt warmth of downhome cooking. It’s a splendid mix of salty, tangy, and a touch of sweet, making it a winning choice for lunch, dinner, or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A white plate with a slice of Croissant breakfast casserole and orange next to it.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Morning Chaos has met its match with Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Flaky, buttery croissants steal the show, transforming a regular breakfast casserole into a fabulous, family-friendly feast.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For busy households, Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is a life-saver. No-fuss yet wonderfully flavored, it’s an excellent combination of simplicity and taste. Your loved ones will definitely appreciate this straightforward yet fulfilling supper.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Leave a Comment

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