17 family-favorite dinners that stand the test of time

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Who doesn’t love a good family dinner? It’s the perfect time to gather around, share stories, and enjoy some seriously great food. But let’s be honest, we all get stuck in a recipe rut sometimes. To help you shake things up, we’ve rounded up some classic and not-so-classic recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From comfort food classics to exciting new twists, these dinners are easy to make and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

Close-up of a stuffed bell pepper filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and topped with melted cheese and parsley, served on a white plate with a decorative napkin in the background.
Sausage stuffed peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This may be the best meatloaf recipe you’ll ever taste. It’s easy to put together, tender, juicy, and topped off with a sweet and tangy glaze that coats each slice. This dish is a true family favorite that stands the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot bolognese recipe on a plate with a fork.
Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Making bolognese in the Instant Pot is a quicker and easier take on the classic Italian meat sauce. You’ll still get all the rich and hearty flavor in a fraction of the time. Serve it over pasta with parmesan cheese for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

BBQ pulled pork nachos on a plate.
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheddar cheesy BBQ pulled pork nachos are an easy crowd-pleaser. Load them up with fresh toppings like pickled red onions, green onions, and cilantro, or make it a meal with black beans, corn, and tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and cheese.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These chicken-stuffed poblano peppers are packed with melted cheese, black beans, and Mexican spices. This recipe brings comfort food vibes while being a delightful addition to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Bison Burgers

Two bison cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a wooden board, accompanied by sides of pickles and sweet potato fries.
Bison Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bison burgers offer a lean alternative to classic beef burgers. Cooked perfectly on the stove or grill, they’re loaded with toppings including melted cheddar and a crave-worthy burger sauce. This timeless meal is perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bison Burgers

Fried Chicken Tacos

Fried chicken tacos on a red plate.
Fried Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy fried chicken tacos blend Southern comfort food with a delicious Mexican twist. They make for a memorable family dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew

Summer beef stew topped with red onion and grated cheese.
Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This summer beef stew is made in the slow cooker, so your house stays cool. Enjoy this classic dish with a summer vegetable spin, perfect for easy, hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you love buffalo wings, you’ll enjoy this cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken soup with orzo. It’s a simple and easy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it great for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef pasta recipe can be made in under 30 minutes with any pasta you have. It tastes like it’s been simmered all day long on the stove, making it a quick and flavorful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stuffed chicken marsala is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. It features melted mozzarella, sweet and savory tomato butter, and fresh basil cooked inside the chicken.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Turkey Chili Pie

Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.
Turkey Chili Pie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chili pie combines a lean turkey chili recipe with a hearty cornbread topping, all baked together in one skillet. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple, classic peasant dish from Italy made with just five ingredients. This creamy pasta uses sheep’s milk Pecorino Romano cheese and starchy pasta cooking water to create an indulgent meal that’s both easy and economical.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pecan-crusted chicken is served with a honey dijon yogurt sauce that takes this easy weeknight meal to the next level. Crunchy and packed with flavor, it’s a dinner everyone will ask for repeatedly.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken sorrentino is a classic Italian recipe with a bit of everything you love in one dish. Breaded chicken is topped with prosciutto, eggplant, and plenty of cheese, then baked in a hearty tomato sauce for an irresistible meal you can easily make at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is an easy weeknight meal you didn’t know you needed. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese in this simple recipe that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and will become a fast family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Sausage Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sausage stuffed peppers are a complete meal, with bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground sweet Italian sausage, spinach, rice, creamy ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices. The peppers are sprinkled with grated parmesan for that cheesy topping we all love.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco lasagna is the creamiest, cheesiest Mexican-Italian mash-up you’ve ever tasted. If you’re looking for something new on taco Tuesday, this comforting dish is simpler than it seems and perfect for a family meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna

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