Family meals at the start of the week set the stage for the days ahead. Easy, quick to prepare, and enjoyable, these 23 recipes are about spending less time cooking and more time at the table with loved ones. They’re designed to make the transition from weekend to weekday as smooth as possible.
There’s a range of straightforward, time-saving meals that are all perfect for busy evenings. They’re here to simplify your weeknights and get food on the table quickly.
Spinach Chicken Bake
This Spinach Chicken Bake is perfect for kicking off the week with a family meal. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes and requiring only one pan, it’s a hassle-free choice. Ideal for people who are newer to cooking, this recipe promises a quick, enjoyable dinner that sets a positive tone for the week ahead.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is an excellent choice to begin a busy week with a family dinner. It’s a no-fuss recipe that combines chicken, vegetables, and broth, all cooked in a single pot in less than an hour. This simple, wholesome meal helps your family smoothly transition into the new week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
Cabbage and Sausage is a great recipe to start your week with. It’s a one-pan, minimal-ingredient recipe that’s quick to make. It’s great for a hassle-free family dinner that’s hearty and a nice way to start the week off.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting dish that’s great for starting your week. It combines vegetables, cheese, and bacon in one dish. Easy to assemble and quick to bake, this casserole results in a cozy meal and, if you have any leftovers, is great for lunch or dinner tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is a quick, 30-minute meal that combines chicken with sweet peppers and cheese. It’s a straightforward recipe, great for beginner cooks or those who just don’t feel like spending endless time cooking. It’s always a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is an effortless family dinner option. With just 20 minutes of initial prep, the slow cooker takes over. It uses ground beef and pantry staples, freeing up your time while dinner cooks. This dish is a smart way to provide a home-cooked meal at the beginning of the week.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick 30-minute meal featuring a rich garlic cream sauce. Its simple preparation suits both beginners and experienced cooks. This dish is an excellent choice for a hassle-free dinner, easing you into the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a smooth, flavorful option for the week’s start. Ready in about an hour, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make. This soup is a great pick for families seeking a relaxed meal that helps them settle into the week.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
In just 30 minutes, the Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice brings together beef, cheese, and cauliflower rice in a filling meal. This one-pan dish is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a hearty family dinner at the beginning of the week.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines potatoes, bacon, and cheese in a classic comfort food recipe. It’s easy to follow and can be prepared ahead of time. Serve it hot for a meal that makes the start of your week more comforting.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Ready in just 30 minutes, Creamy Italian Sausage Soup features Italian sausage in a creamy base. This uncomplicated recipe is perfect for a quick and complete meal and doesn’t require extra side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a balanced, 30-minute meal featuring roasted sausage and vegetables. This single-pan dinner is especially easy to make. It’s a stress-free choice for providing a nutritious dinner as you begin a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a 30-minute meal that combines chicken with a rich mushroom sauce, all cooked in one pan. Its simple steps are perfect for those new to cooking. This quick, flavorful meal is an excellent choice for a smooth start to your week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is ready in 45 minutes and features a combination of mushrooms and spices. Its straightforward preparation makes it accessible to cooks of all levels. The comforting flavors of this soup are a great way to gather the family together at the start of the week.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole mixes beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, all under a layer of melted cheese. It’s ready in roughly 30 minutes and is a smart choice when you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers. The comfort-food feel of this dish sets a welcoming tone as you kick off a new week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is hearty and rich in flavor. The rice cooks while the other ingredients are prepared, saving time and ensuring a quick serving. This soup is a hearty choice for the start of your week.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a one-pan, 30-minute dish that combines shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a good pick for busy families, especially at the beginning of the week. This dish is easy to make and results in a flavorful and memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a quick and simple 30-minute meal. It’s prepared in one pan and can be easily paired with rice or pasta. This dish is a great choice for a hearty meal to start your week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad mixes spicy jalapeños with creamy mayo and chicken. It’s easy to make and stays fresh in the fridge, making it perfect for dinners at the start of the week and for meals later on. This salad is a quick, flavorful addition to your weekly meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a 25-minute meal that pairs cabbage, bacon, and onion. Simple enough for beginners, it doesn’t require side dishes. This dish is a handy choice for a nutritious family dinner to begin your week.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a quick, 20-minute dinner option. Using canned chicken as the main ingredient, this recipe is easy for anyone to make. These patties are versatile, fitting various meal plans throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a fun, easy-to-make dinner choice for midweek family meals. They combine ground chicken, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese. These poppers are a solid choice for families wanting a different yet straightforward meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a one-pot, creamy, and cozy recipe. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a family dinner, especially during the winter months. It’s ready in 1 hour and is a great meal to start your week off with.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup