Here are 25 ideas for tonight’s family dinner

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Looking for great ideas for tonight’s family dinner? You’ve hit the jackpot. We’re all about dishing out recipes that are easy to whip up and sure to be a hit with the kids. These 25 ideas are the kind of meals we love because they’re simple, quick, and always get the thumbs up from the little ones. Perfect for busy nights when you want to spend less time cooking and more time catching up with your family.

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Looking for a great dinner idea that’s both easy and packed with flavor? The Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is your go-to. It’s a one-pot meal that saves you time—no need to stuff any veggies here. In just 45 minutes, you can have a filling meal ready for your family. It’s perfect for anyone, even if you’re not too confident in the kitchen yet. A solid choice for a weeknight dinner that everyone will look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets — everything is baked together in just one pan for convenience and easy clean-up. This dish features chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. It’s a great way to bring a nutritious, family-friendly meal to your table on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Make your busy weeknight stress-free with this easy-to-make-and-bake sheet pan dinner. Just arrange your favorite sausage and a mix of vegetables on a sheet pan, pop it in the oven, and let the oven do all the work. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and wholesome family meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Serve a comforting bowl with the flavors of traditional chicken pot pie in a hearty soup form. It’s a one-pot soup that combines protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a perfect family dinner choice. It’s also freezer-friendly. Make it the day before for meal prep, or store your leftovers and enjoy a filling and protein-rich meal that’s just as delicious the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

How about shaking things up with breakfast for dinner? The Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a perfect pick. It’s super easy to whip up, making it great for those lazy evenings or a fun family brunch-turned-dinner. Loaded with hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese, it’s a hearty meal that’ll please the crowd. Plus, you can tweak it to your liking. A fantastic way to end the day on a good note.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Ready in just 25 minutes, this simple stir-fry dish is a great go-to for busy families. Cabbage pairs wonderfully with smoky sausage, creating a filling dish with minimal effort. It’s a great pick for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This casserole simplifies the classic twice-baked potato process, making it a great go-to on busy weeknights. This dish has all the familiar flavors your family will love — bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, it’s a dish that’s both hearty and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This easy, one-pan recipe features chicken breasts in a creamy sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. Perfect for busy evenings, you only need 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve it over rice for a delicious, hearty, and no-fuss dinner that everyone at the table will enjoy.
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.

In this dish, you’ll mix beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, and top everything off with cheddar for a hearty meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for those hectic nights when you need a delicious and hearty family meal that comes together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Packed with the rich flavors of Italian sausage and a creamy tomato base, it’s a surefire hit with everyone at the dinner table. It comes together in just 30 minutes and only requires one pot, making both cooking and clean-up a breeze. Serve up a bowl of this for a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect for any family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Here’s a new and more convenient take on the classic fajitas. In this dish, seasoned chicken breasts are topped with cream cheese, sweet mini peppers, and mozzarella and then baked to perfection in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy your family dinner without spending hours in the kitchen cooking.
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 casserole turns simple and wholesome ingredients into a meal your family will love. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon and bakes it until bubbling and golden. You’ll use frozen veggies in this dish, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

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

These chicken patties are a practical choice for families on the go. They’re incredibly easy to prepare and can be served in just 20 minutes. These chicken patties are crispy on the outside and oh-so-tender on the inside. The kids will really love this. Serve them with a salad, steamed veggies, or in a sandwich for a versatile and light meal.
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.

You only need 20 minutes to prep everything for this comforting taco soup. Just brown the ground beef, toss it in the Crock Pot with other ingredients, and let it cook itself. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a flavorful meal that took almost no effort, making your evening smoother and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken in a sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish features juicy chicken bites cooked in a savory butter and garlic sauce, all in one skillet. Ready in just 20 minutes. Everyone will enjoy this dish as it pairs well with anything from rice, veggies, or salad. And with just one skillet needed, you’ll have barely any clean-up, making your evening easier.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 dish is packed with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and a whole lot of cheddar. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a simple and hearty choice for a weeknight family dinner.
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.

Within just an hour and using only one pot, this recipe brings together the richness of sweet potatoes and the sweetness of red peppers. The steps are straightforward: sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish. It’s an easy recipe that’s both filling and flavorful, making it a great option for busy nights or relaxed weekend family meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

This salad is a great change of pace from your usual family dinners. The spicy kick of jalapeños paired with the richness of chicken creates the perfect balance. It’s surprisingly easy, needing just 20 minutes of prep. You can chill it for an hour before serving, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Featuring chicken thighs cooked in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan, this dish is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that feels special but is still very easy to make. Serve it with veggies or rice, and you’ve got a perfect family dinner that’s both hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with nutty wild rice in a creamy broth. The rice cooks while you simultaneously cook the other ingredients to save you time and ensure you can prep and serve the soup as quickly as possible. Ready in an hour, it’s a simple, one-pot meal that’s great for a hearty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Perfect for your busy evenings, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes and combines cabbage, bacon, and onion in one skillet for convenience. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken Corn Soup

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

This one-pot recipe brings together chicken, corn, and veggies for a creamy, hearty soup. It’s also very versatile, as you can add extra veggies to make it even more wholesome for the kids. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a great choice for family dinners as it’s a complete meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot soup blends mushrooms into a creamy, savory broth. It’s very easy to make and a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal with your family, especially on those cooler evenings. Serve it alongside bread or a salad for a more wholesome dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce garnished with fresh herbs.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This easy-to-cook recipe features chicken thighs simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for weeknights when you’re looking for something both hearty and easy to prepare. It’s an easy recipe that pairs well with rice or noodles, making it a quick and appealing choice for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make these impressive oven-baked Shawarma Kebabs. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare — marinate, skewer, and bake — that’s all it takes. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re a great go-to for busy families. They’re perfect for meal prep, too, so you can enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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