23 family recipes to start your week off right

Photo of author

| Published:

Family recipes help make meal planning easy and set the stage for a good week. These 23 recipes will give you a mix of easy-to-make ideas that can become your new go-to options. They aim to make your life simpler while keeping mealtime interesting, helping you start your week off right.

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

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Start your week with a quick 30-minute Spinach Chicken Bake – a great choice for a busy family dinner. You can cook it all in one pan, which makes cleanup easy. This recipe is simple, so even if you’re new to cooking, you won’t have any trouble. As soon as it’s out of the oven, it’s ready to eat, and it won’t take up much of your time. It’s a practical option for a family dinner that sets a good tone for the week.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Looking for a fast and easy family dinner to kick off your week? Cabbage and Sausage is a great choice. You only need cabbage and sausage, and you cook it all in one pan, making both cooking and cleaning up a breeze. It’s a complete meal by itself, making it a smart option for families who want a simple and satisfying start to their week.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

For an effortless family dinner, you can’t go wrong with Crock Pot Taco Soup. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare, and then the slow cooker does the rest. You can use ground beef and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This leaves you free to do other things while dinner cooks. It’s a great way to treat your family to a homemade meal and start the week off right.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Here’s a comforting and straightforward dish that’s perfect for easing into the workweek. Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole combines vegetables, cheese, and bacon in a single baking dish. It’s easy to assemble, and you can adjust it to fit your family’s preferences. Quick to prep and bake, this casserole yields a cozy meal that helps set a good tone for your week.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Looking for a hassle-free meal to start your week right? Consider Chicken Corn Soup. You can enjoy a hearty blend of chicken, vegetables, and broth in under an hour. It’s a simple option, perfect for busy weeknights. All the ingredients come together in one pot, providing a complete meal to help your family transition smoothly into the week ahead.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Savor the comfort of Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup, ready in about an hour. This smooth and flavorful soup is a practical choice for families seeking a relaxed start to their week.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

In just 30 minutes, whip up a filling meal with Ground Beef Skillet featuring beef, cheese, and cauliflower rice. This one-pan wonder eliminates the need for extra side dishes, making it perfect for those short on time but craving a hearty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Enjoy this cozy Twice Baked Potato Casserole, combining classic ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and cheese. This recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in advance, serving up a comforting meal to begin your week.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In only 30 minutes, you can enjoy Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, featuring Italian sausage and a creamy base. It’s a straightforward recipe, ideal for both cooking novices and seasoned chefs alike. This quick and flavorful meal ensures a smooth start to your bustling workweek.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage 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.

In just half an hour, whip up a balanced meal with Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner, featuring roasted sausage and vegetables. This straightforward, one-sheet meal is a great choice for anyone new to cooking and looking to make a nutritious dinner to start off a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Effortlessly serve up a high-quality dinner in only 30 minutes with Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. This one-pan dish pairs chicken with a rich mushroom sauce, featuring simple steps perfect for those new to the kitchen. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that will ensure a smooth start to your busy week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

In just 30 minutes, prepare this quick and filling Fajita Baked Chicken. Made with chicken, sweet peppers, and cheese, it’s a recipe perfect for beginner cooks. Make it when you have a busy upcoming week and still need to get a filling and protein-packed meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

The rich garlic cream sauce is perfect in this Creamy Garlic Chicken. It’s an impressive dish ready in about 30 minutes. Make it today for dinner tonight to start your week off on the right foot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy the warmth of Hungarian Mushroom Soup, ready in just 45 minutes, featuring a combination of mushrooms and spices. With straightforward steps, this soup is extra easy to make and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare a one-pan dish in half an hour with this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach, combining shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a great choice for busy families, especially early in the week. This dish requires just one pan, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a hearty, impressive meal that is surprisingly quick and simple to prepare. You can make this flavorful meal in just 30 minutes and with one pan. The sun-dried tomato sauce pairs perfectly with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Whip up this spicy and creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad in no time, even if you’re new to cooking. This salad stays fresh in the fridge for several days, making it a convenient choice for family dinners at the beginning of the week and beyond. No special cooking skills are required for this one.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish pairs cabbage, bacon, and onion for a meal that’s ready in about 25 minutes. It’s simple enough for those new to cooking and doesn’t require any additional sides. The speed of preparation makes it a handy option for hectic weeknights. This dish is an easy way to serve up a nutritious family dinner at the start of the week.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Looking for a quick dinner option that’s ready in just 20 minutes? This recipe uses canned chicken, making it easy even for beginners. You can enjoy these patties on their own or in sandwiches, and they fit well into your weekly meal plans. It’s a time-saving choice for families looking for a homemade meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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 casserole combines beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, all covered in melted cheese. It’s ready in around 30 minutes and is perfect for serving a group or having leftovers. The comforting flavors of this dish set a welcoming tone for the start of your week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Big Mac Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bring the flavors of fast food to your kitchen without the bun for a lighter option. Lettuce, ground beef, and a homemade special sauce are the stars here. The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it a quick solution for a family dinner at the beginning of a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This casserole is a perfect combination of spicy and creamy, all cooked in a little over an hour. It features chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños. It’s a comforting meal that’s a good fit for early-week family dinners when you’re looking for something simple yet hearty.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a fun twist on dinner, make these chicken poppers. Ground chicken, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese create a satisfying base. Add a creamy ranch sauce, or just enjoy them as they are. Make them and kickstart your week off the right way.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Leave a Comment

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