21 family dinners that always have everyone asking for seconds

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Family dinners are all about coming together, and nothing pulls everyone to the table like a meal that guarantees a round of “Can I have some more?” These 21 recipes are champions at making that happen. They’re simple yet packed with flavor, the kind of dishes that make you a star in your own kitchen without breaking a sweat. Think of them as your go-to for those evenings when you want to serve something that’s both effortless and a crowd-pleaser.

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This Spinach Chicken Bake is a solid pick for a quick, hearty family dinner. It’s a simple mix of chicken thighs, cream cheese, and spinach that you bake in one pan. You can whip it up in 30 minutes with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s easy enough for beginners and a surefire hit for getting everyone to ask for seconds. Great for those busy nights when you need something filling without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole when you need a weeknight dinner that’s easy and loaded with flavor. No need to stuff peppers here. Just throw everything into one pot and get it on the table in about 45 minutes. It’s a straightforward dish that’s bound to become a family favorite, with enough gusto to have everyone reaching for another serving.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate family dinner winner, ready in just 50 minutes. Super easy and perfect for beginners or anyone looking to whip up something quick without sacrificing taste. It’s the kind of meal that has the whole family coming back for seconds, every single time.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

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.

For a dinner that cuts down on time without cutting out taste, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a winner. All it takes is 30 minutes to roast sausages and veggies on one pan. This meal is all about making life easier, especially on those hectic evenings. You get an wholesome meal with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family quickly and is sure to make them ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is your go-to for a flavorful family dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It combines seasoned chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all baked to perfection. Serving this over rice or alongside a salad or veggies makes for the perfect weekend meal. It’s easy, fast, and sure to have everyone coming back for seconds with its mix of delicious ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a dream for busy weeknights. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, baking up into a warming, hearty dish. Since it uses frozen veggies, you skip the hassle of rinsing and chopping, making this a super practical choice. Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole is bound to be a hit with the family. It’s a filling meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Transform the classic comfort of chicken pot pie into a flavorful soup in just an hour. This one-pot dinner features chicken and veggies in a creamy broth, embodying the essence of comfort food. It’s an excellent choice for a cozy weeknight dinner, and the leftovers are just as great the next day. This soup is a surefire way to wind down after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties are a lifesaver for those hectic days. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re simple to prepare and versatile. Whether you serve them with a side of veggies, a fresh salad, or as a sandwich, they make for an effortless dinner or a light lunch. They’re a straightforward solution for a quick and filling meal that will keep the whole family happy.
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.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is the ultimate in convenience. Spend just 20 minutes prepping, then let the slow cooker do the rest. Brown some ground beef, toss everything into the crock pot, and come back to a hearty, flavorful soup. It’s a dependable meal that serves up warmth and satisfaction any night of the week, proving to be a family favorite for its ease and taste.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, easy, and loaded with flavor, making them a winner for family meals. You can have them ready in 20 minutes, which is great for when you’re short on time. The combo of garlic and butter makes the chicken irresistible, so expect to be asked to make them again. They’re versatile too—great with rice, veggies, or on a salad.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage is your go-to for a quick, flavorful meal that’s on the table in less than 30 minutes. It’s as simple as sautéing everything together, making it perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. With minimal cleanup required, this dish is a winner for busy families, guaranteeing that everyone will be ready for round two.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a creative take on a classic favorite. It’s got all the good stuff: chicken, bacon, and jalapeños, chilled to perfection. It’s a solid choice for a light but filling meal you can make in 2 hours. Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad brings excitement to your weekly meal routine and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn to this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup for a reliable and hearty dinner option. With sausage, cream, and tomatoes, it comes together in 30 minutes as a rich one-pot meal. It’s the kind of soup that’s perfect for those nights when you need something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Great for when time is tight but you’re craving something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a hit for family dinners because it packs all the favorites—bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheese—into one dish. It’s easy to make and even easier to reheat, perfect for busy nights. Everyone will be asking for seconds because it’s just that good. Plus, it’s a great way to get that cozy feeling without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is the answer if you need a hearty meal with minimal effort. It’s simple, uses everyday ingredients, and is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a solid choice for a filling family dinner that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night. Plus, it’s savory enough to have everyone coming back for more, which is always a win.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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 Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a go-to for a comforting meal that’s easy to make. It’s a one-pot recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers big on taste. Perfect for those days when you need something warming and nutritious without the hassle. It’s the kind of soup that gets everyone at the table excited for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is all about big flavor without a big time commitment. It’s creamy, garlicky, and can be on your table in 30 minutes. This dish is a fantastic way to shake up your dinner routine and keep everyone happy and satisfied. It’s easy enough for any night of the week but special enough that the whole family will be asking for it again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole is a game changer for busy weeknights. It’s a one-skillet meal that’s ready in 30 minutes, mixing ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. It’s a smart pick for families looking to add more veggies to their diet without a fight. Plus, it tastes great the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to. Everyone will be asking for seconds because it’s just that good and easy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting pick for family dinners, ready in under an hour. It combines chicken and veggies in a creamy broth for a complete meal that’s both easy and filling. It’s especially great for using up leftovers, providing flexibility and ease on those days when you’re too tired to think about dinner. This soup is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for warming up and winding down.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a quick and delicious meal, Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce delivers. It features chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when time is tight, but you still want a meal that feels special. This dish will have everyone asking for seconds, proving that fast and simple can also be incredibly good.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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