21 quick and easy family meals that aren’t fast food

Photo of author

| Published:

You know how it’s a real hustle to whip up dinner when you’re beat? Well, guess what, there’s a whole world of quick and easy meals out there that can save your evening without having to resort to fast food. And yep, we’re talking about 21 awesome meal ideas that are all about making your family dinner time a breeze without sacrificing the yum factor!

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in 2 black dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Think of the cheesy goodness of pizza blended with the hearty comfort of a casserole. That’s Pizza Casserole for you. It’s a cinch to make, and everyone gets to enjoy their favorite pizza flavors baked into one tasty dish. Perfect for those nights when you want a quick and easy family meal that brings everyone to the table, laughing and sharing, instead of opting for fast food.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve got a skillet and a bit of time, you’re all set to make Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. It’s a tasty mix of chewy gnocchi and savory sausage, with a bit of green thrown in for good measure. Great for those days when you’re after something hearty but quick, proving fast food isn’t your only option for speedy meals.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Chicken Zoodle Soup

Hands holding a bowl of Chicken Zoodle Soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Swap out pasta for zoodles and voila, you’ve got Chicken Zoodle Soup. It’s a fun twist on your traditional chicken soup, lighter but still super satisfying. Whip this up when you’re craving comfort food but want to keep things healthy. It’s a perfect example of how quick and easy family meals can be packed with goodness and still keep everyone at the table happy, with no fast food required.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a plate.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever dream of walking into your home to a dinner that’s ready to dive into? That’s the magic of tossing some pork chops in a slow cooker. They cook themselves while you’re out, so you get to relax and enjoy a hearty meal with zero fuss. It’s the ultimate trick for those crazy days, showing that quick and easy family meals don’t have to be fast food.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Beef & Broccoli

A square plate with Beef & Broccoli on it with chopsticks.
Beef & Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Stir up some Beef & Broccoli and watch how fast it disappears from the plates. It’s a classic favorite that’s not only delicious but also quick to make. This dish proves you can serve up nutritious and mouth-watering meals in a snap—ideal for those evenings when you’re tempted by fast food but want to stick to quick and easy family meals that are homemade.
Get the Recipe: Beef & Broccoli

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

2 black dishes with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole in them.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Dive into a dish where chicken meets bacon and ranch in a delicious casserole. It’s a no-fuss, all-flavor kind of meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Assemble it, bake it, and you’re set to enjoy a comforting dinner. It’s a standout choice for anyone looking to whip up quick and easy family meals that offer a tasty alternative to the usual fast food fare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Low-Carb Breakfast Sausage

A plate of breakfast Sausage Patties.
Low-Carb Breakfast Sausage. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who says sausages are just for breakfast? These Low-Carb Breakfast Sausages are a hit any time of day. They’re easy to cook and packed with flavor, making them a great addition to any meal. If you’re hunting for quick and easy family meals that are a notch above fast food, these sausages are a fantastic pick. They show that homemade can be simple and delicious, without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Breakfast Sausage

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

In the mood for something sweet but not looking to spend hours in the kitchen? Molly Bars to the rescue! These bars are a breeze to make and a joy to eat, perfect for rounding off any meal. They’re the ideal treat when you want a quick and easy family meal that satisfies your sweet tooth without leaning on fast food or store-bought snacks. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the compliments!
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with asparagus.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a meal that’s quick to make and sure to please, try Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. These little bites are big on flavor and perfect for a busy night. They cook up in no time, offering a yummy alternative to hitting the drive-thru. If you’re all about quick and easy family meals that taste like you slaved over the stove (but didn’t), these chicken bites are the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Raspberry Crumb Cake

A piece of cranberry crumb cake on a plate.
Raspberry Crumb Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Treat your family to a Raspberry Crumb Cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This cake is a surefire hit with its tangy raspberry flavor and crumbly topping. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any meal feel special without requiring special effort. Perfect for those who love quick and easy family meals but still want to end on a sweet note, without resorting to fast food options.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a dish that screams summer no matter the season: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. It’s fresh, it’s zingy, and it’s got shrimp—what’s not to love? Whip it up in a flash and watch it disappear even faster. It’s a stellar example of how quick and easy family meals can be both light and satisfying without resorting to fast food.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Zucchini & Walnut Muffins

Zucchini muffins on a black plate.
Zucchini & Walnut Muffins. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Whip up a batch of Zucchini & Walnut Muffins when you need a quick, tasty, and nutritious addition to your meal. These muffins are simple to make and packed with flavor, making them a hit for any time of day. Whether you’re rounding off breakfast or looking for a snack, these muffins fit the bill. They’re proof that quick and easy family meals can be delicious and wholesome, steering clear of the fast food route.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Walnut Muffins

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover turkey gets a glamorous makeover in Turkey à la King. This creamy, dreamy dish is a cinch to whip up and tastes like you spent hours on it. It’s the perfect way to elevate leftovers and turn them into a meal that feels anything but leftover. A great choice for quick and easy family meals that are a step above the usual fast food fare.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says ‘fancy dinner’ quite like Roast Pork with Apples, but here’s a secret: it’s not that hard to make. Sweet apples paired with savory pork create a meal that feels special but is straightforward to cook. It’s a prime example of how you can have quick and easy family meals that feel like a treat, with no fast food in sight.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Butter Scones

Two butter scones on a plate with a cup of tea on a marble surface.
Butter Scones. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Whether it’s breakfast or tea time, Butter Scones are a treat that’s quick to bake and even quicker to disappear. They’re flaky, buttery, and just begging for a dollop of jam or cream. A perfect pick for when you want to bake something special without spending all day in the kitchen, showing that quick and easy family meals can include delicious homemade treats.
Get the Recipe: Butter Scones

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want a dinner that cooks itself? Try Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Just toss everything on a pan, and let the oven do the heavy lifting. You’ll get a flavorful, no-mess meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s dishes like this that make quick and easy family meals a breeze, showing you don’t need fast food when you’ve got recipes as simple and tasty as this one.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A white plate with a slice of Croissant breakfast casserole and orange next to it.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Kickstart your morning with a Croissant Breakfast Casserole, a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that feels like a weekend treat. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it’s the perfect way to make breakfast special without too much effort. This casserole is a shining example of how quick and easy family meals can be fancy enough for brunch but simple enough for any day.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brighten up your side dish game with Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. It’s light, it’s flavorful, and it’s ready in a snap. Whether you’re pairing it with fish, chicken, or just eating it by the forkful, it’s a fresh way to get your veggies in. A perfect example of quick and easy family meals that bring a burst of flavor to the table without relying on fast food.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something comforting, Beefy John Wayne Casserole has got your back. It’s a hearty, beefy, cheesy delight that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or just when you want some good ol’ comfort food, this casserole is a testament to quick and easy family meals that leave fast food in the dust.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got chicken and lemons? You’re halfway to making Chicken Piccata. This dish packs a punch with its lemony sauce and capers, turning simple chicken into a flavor fest. It’s a fuss-free way to add some pizzazz to your dinner routine, showcasing that quick and easy family meals can be both fancy and fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Stir up some Southern Ham Salad when you’re after something easy, tasty, and a bit different. It’s great on sandwiches or on its own, and it’s packed with flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. A no-fuss way to enjoy a delicious meal, this salad is all about keeping things simple yet satisfying, proving quick and easy family meals can be interesting and yummy.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Leave a Comment

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