Our 25 current favorite family dinner recipes

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We’re talking about our 25 current favorite family dinner recipes — those meals that have effortlessly claimed their spot as our top picks. They’re straightforward, packed with flavor, and just perfect for bringing everyone together around the table. It’s all about the dishes that make us say, “Yes, let’s have that again!” every time.

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.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
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

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 the go-to meal for busy evenings, ready in just 30 minutes. It features chicken thighs mixed with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a comforting dish. This recipe is super simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for a family dinner night. It’s all about getting a delicious meal on the table quickly, without compromising on taste or quality.
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.

For a no-fuss family dinner, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Just toss sausages and a variety of vegetables on a sheet pan and bake. Ready in 30 minutes, this meal minimizes cleanup while maximizing the natural flavors of the ingredients. It’s an easy way to serve a balanced meal that everyone will love, proving that great dinners don’t have to be complicated.
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.

Turn a classic into your next family favorite with Chicken Pot Pie Soup, which you can have ready in an hour. It packs all the comforting flavors of the traditional chicken pot pie into a hearty soup filled with protein, veggies, and carbs. This dish is a great choice for any family dinner, making it one of the 23 go-to meals that guarantee a perfect family dinner night. Plus, it’s also great for preparing ahead of time. Cook it the day before and you’ll have a filling meal that’s just as good the next day, proving that great meals can also be easy and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

In 20 minutes, create Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, a simple yet flavorful dish. Chicken pieces browned and sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce pair well with rice, vegetables, or salad. Using only one skillet, this recipe makes cleanup easy, ensuring a stress-free evening with a meal everyone will like.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

Make this Crock Pot Taco Soup for an effortlessly cozy meal. Simply brown the beef, add it to the Crock Pot with other ingredients, and let it simmer. Great for evenings when you need an easy family-friendly dish, it also simplifies cleanup by using just one pot.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Invite everyone to the table for a Twice Baked Potato Casserole that’s all about comfort and ease. Featuring a mix of bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheese, this dish streamlines the traditional twice-baked potato method for hassle-free prep. It’s a smart pick for busy nights and works well with leftover potatoes, making it a practical yet hearty choice for family dinners or laid-back gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and Sausage dish makes preparing dinner easy, all in one pan and ready in 25 minutes. It’s a simple yet hearty meal that combines the flavors of cabbage and sausage. Great for nights when you’re pressed for time but still want to serve something filling.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Transform your dinner with Fajita Baked Chicken, a dish that brings a new spin to fajitas — all in one pan. Seasoned chicken breasts meet cream cheese, sweet mini peppers, and mozzarella, all baked in one pan for 30 minutes. This recipe is great for those nights when time is tight but you still want a meal that’s both scrumptious and filling.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Choose Chicken Corn Soup for a delicious meal that’s simple to make on any busy night. This soup combines chicken, corn, potatoes, and carrots in a smooth, creamy broth, all cooked in a single pot for ease. It’s not just delicious but can be made even healthier by tossing in more vegetables. With its quick prep time and easy-to-follow recipe, this soup is a fantastic choice for family meals, ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn 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 quick fix, ready in 20 minutes. They come out crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and are sure to please everyone. Whether served with vegetables, in a sandwich, or by themselves, these patties are a great choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

For a meal that is always a favorite, the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is your go-to. Ready in 30 minutes and cooked in just one pot, it’s the definition of easy prep and quick cleanup. The rich taste of Italian sausage combined with a creamy tomato base makes this soup a favorite for all ages, promising a perfect family dinner night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage 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.

Get ready for a Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole that makes eating greens a joy. Ready in 30 minutes, this veggie-packed dish combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a delicious meal. It’s a fantastic way to encourage more vegetable intake. Plus, its simplicity and easy cleanup add to the reasons why it’s a must-have for your family dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower 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.

Prepare a hearty meal with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheddar cheese that comes together quickly in one pan. This dish is ready in 30 minutes, great for busy evenings. With easy instructions and common pantry ingredients, it’s a great choice that keeps dinner hassle-free and cleanup to a minimum.
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, ready in an hour, is a nourishing and comforting option for dinner. The combination of sweet potatoes and red peppers in a smooth broth makes for a nutritious meal. It’s an accessible recipe for busy nights or relaxed weekend dinners that delivers both taste and convenience.
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.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe, which you can cook in 30 minutes, features tender chicken in a creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. It’s a quick solution for a busy evening, providing a filling meal with minimal cleanup required. This easy-to-make dish consistently pleases the whole family.
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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this Cheesy Beef Casserole blends beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese into a delicious baked meal. It’s an efficient option for when time is scarce but you still want to serve a hearty dinner. Quick to prepare, this casserole ensures a filling meal without the lengthy kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a hit for family dinners, ready in just 30 minutes. With chicken thighs simmered in a lush mushroom sauce, it’s a simple recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste. Perfect for those evenings when you need something filling but easy, it pairs well with any side dish for a meal that’s guaranteed to please.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Turn dinner into something exciting with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. It blends chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Chill it for an hour before serving to make meal prep a breeze. This salad is perfect for a lighter dinner option that still brings a lot of flavor.
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.

Create a special dinner in just 30 minutes with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. This one-pan meal features chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. It’s a great pick for those evenings when you’re after something a bit more special but still easy to pull together. Pair it with your favorite veggies or rice to complete the meal.
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.

Serve a comforting bowl of Wild Rice Mushroom Soup, ready in a little over an hour. This soup melds the rich flavors of mushrooms with wild rice in a smooth broth. Cooking everything in one pot makes it a convenient option for a filling 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.

For a quick and easy dinner, try Fried Cabbage with Bacon, ready in 25 minutes. This one-skillet meal combines cabbage and bacon for a dish that’s simple to make and clean up. It works well as both a main dish or a side, ensuring a meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Make and enjoy the rich taste of this Hungarian Mushroom Soup, a one-pot wonder that brings mushrooms together in a savory, creamy broth full of flavor. It’s an excellent option for a nourishing family dinner on chilly nights. Pair it with bread or a salad for a filling meal that’s both simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Shawarma Kebabs

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

These kebabs are easy to make and serve as a wonderful source of protein for your family dinner. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes, they’re perfectly suited for quick weeknight meals or meal prep, making them a practical yet flavorful choice for any evening.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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