15 family-approved meat dishes they’ll ask for on repeat

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When it comes to family dinners, everyone has their favorite meat dish that they just can’t get enough of. These meals always hit the spot and make everyone ask for seconds. They’re not only delicious but also adaptable, so you can tweak them to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Over time, these dishes become beloved traditions, the kind that families look forward to all week. With 15 family-approved meat dishes that they’ll ask for on repeat, you’re sure to keep everyone at the table happy and eager for the next meal.

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

Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin on a white plate, served with a side of greens in a black bowl.
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those days when you’re craving that slow-cooked barbecue flavor, Whole Baked BBQ Chicken has got you covered. It’s the kind of meal that inspires weekend vibes any day of the week. With this dish, you’ll have everyone looking forward to leftovers that can easily be reinvented into a savory breakfast scramble. Plus, it’s a recipe you’ll love because it’s just so simple to put together. The sheer joy of slicing into a well-cooked meal like this one can’t be overstated.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

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.

When you need to feed a hungry group without the stress, Spaghetti Bolognese saves the day with its crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s the mealtime hero that unites the table with its familiar taste and feel-good aura. And guess what, if you’re into morning hacks, why not twist it into a frittata for breakfast? This recipe has a way of becoming a regular on your weekly rotation because it’s just that good.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Chicken Tamale Pie

A serving of chicken tamale pie topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add a bit of Tex-Mex flair to your meal rotation with this hearty Chicken Tamale Pie. It’s a blend of comfort and excitement in every forkful, perfect for when you want to serve something different yet familiar. If leftovers stick around, they make for an incredible breakfast base—just add a fried egg on top. You can bet this is a recipe you’ll love getting requests for, especially on those relaxed family evenings. True to form, it’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Homemade Corn Dogs

Close-up of a bitten corn dog showing its interior with a layer of crispy fried batter and a hot dog inside.
Homemade Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring the fun of the fair to your dinner table with these crowd-pleasing Homemade Corn Dogs. Perfect for both kids’ parties or a nostalgic snack, you can’t go wrong with these on the menu. Turn your breakfast up a notch the next day by slicing it up for a corn dog omelet; now that’s a breakfast hack! This recipe is what you’ll love for both its taste and the smiles it brings. With these corn dogs, you’re not just serving food; you’re creating joyful moments.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The beauty of Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken lies in its set-it-and-forget-it simplicity. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s ready to greet you after a long day, warm and flavorful. And for the mornings, shred some over your avocado toast for a breakfast hack that will keep you fueled. Consider this recipe one you’ll love for the way it fills your home with mouth-watering aromas. Hands down, it’s the crowd-pleaser that asks for little but gives so much.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

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.

For nights when you need a change-up from the routine, this dish adds a new twist to your menu. These Asian Style Pork Chops are sure to liven up any meal with their bold flavors. Not only for dinner, but you can also transform the leftovers into a quick breakfast hash to start your day right. They’re the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. And for those who adore cooking at home, this recipe is something you’ll want to keep up your sleeve.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s nothing quite like a dish of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta to brighten up your dinnertime. It’s simple yet totally satisfying and is always a hit with the family. Try incorporating it into your breakfast routine by making the best of the leftovers with a fresh egg on top. It’s a recipe you’ll love for both the creaminess it delivers and the appreciation it receives. On a cool night, it’s the perfect meal to bring warmth and smiles to your table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

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.

During those busy weekdays, you’ll find comfort in knowing that a robust and savory meal like Cowboy Casserole is ready to satiate any appetite. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy without any pretense. For an added bonus, with just a few tweaks, you can serve it up as a breakfast casserole the next morning. It’s the hero of family meals, offering a heartiness that promises no one walks away hungry.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Close-up view of cooked bacon strips and fried eggs on a white plate, garnished with parsley.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Want to get that perfect crisp on your bacon without the usual greasy kitchen aftermath? Look no further than this Crispy Air Fryer Bacon technique. It’s perfect as a side dish, as a crispy addition to your salads, or as a genius breakfast hack by wrapping it around some asparagus for a morning treat. This dish is the kind of staple you’ll want in your weekend routine. Also, this recipe is a love letter to all bacon enthusiasts looking for a less messy way to enjoy their favorite treat.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When the family is rounding up for dinner, comforting classics like Chicken Pot Pie really set the mood right. It’s a dish that makes everyone feel at home, and it’s perfect when you want something satisfyingly filling. Picture it as the centerpiece during those chilly nights when you need a warm meal to brighten up the table. If you’re into breakfast hacks, try using the filling in a puff pastry for a quick morning fix. Also, this recipe is something you’ll love for its simplicity and homey touch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring the flavor of your favorite burger joint home with this mouthwatering Copycat Smash Burger. It’s everything you crave in a burger without the need to drive anywhere. Wake up the next morning, and with a brilliant breakfast hack, those patties can find new life in a hearty breakfast sandwich. It’s guaranteed to turn any regular evening into a fun burger night. Plus, it’s a recipe you’ll love to whip out whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgently satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

A serving of creamy chicken pot pie casserole with vegetables, lifted on a fork, with a flaky crust and garnished with herbs.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want all the homey goodness of a traditional dish half the time, Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is your friend. It’s a shared meal that brings people together, ideal for large family gatherings or a cozy supper. As a breakfast hack, indulge in its leftovers by serving a scoop over a buttery biscuit. For those who love recipes that remind them of their childhood, this dish will be a recurring request. It’s as comforting as it is tasty and will leave every plate clean.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie 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.

Serve these up at your next family get-together, and watch as everyone keeps coming back for more. Perfect for when you want something tasty without piling on the effort, these sliders are just the ticket. Whether it’s the middle of summer or you’re just craving something that hits the spot, Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders are your go-to. Think about enjoying a weekend meal that feels like a backyard BBQ without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

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.

On those evenings when nothing but creamy comfort will do, this Pasta Carbonara is just the thing to satisfy. It’s an impressive dish that doesn’t require a chef’s hat to pull off. For a creative breakfast hack the next day, you might just love tossing leftovers with scrambled eggs. This recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a family favorite. Considering how quickly it disappears from plates, it’s safe to say it’s a hit.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If Taco Tuesday needs a shake-up, enter Taco Casserole, your new weeknight staple. Everyone’s favorite taco flavors are now easier to serve and just as delicious to devour. For a morning twist, layer it with scrambled eggs, and you’ll have a breakfast hack that’s hard to beat. This is a recipe you’ll love for its convenience and the ease it brings to serving family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

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