21 quick family dinners that make second helpings mandatory

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If you’ve ever wished dinner could magically appear on the table, you’re not alone. These quick family dinners are easy, foolproof, and so good, your family won’t just eat — they’ll devour, and second helpings will become the norm. With these recipes, even the pickiest eaters will be coming back for more.

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. These bites are coated in cornstarch and fried until golden, then drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce that brings out the best in the tender chicken pieces. Thanks to its straightforward recipe and minimal clean-up required, this dish is a hit with kids and a stress reliever for parents. It’s a great choice for those nights when you want to whip up something delicious without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole combines the comforting flavors of chicken, tater tots, corn, and cheese, making it a real crowd-pleaser at family dinners. Ready in just under an hour, it’s perfect for busy nights and can also be prepared in advance and frozen for ready meals later. This casserole saves time and reduces clean-up efforts, making it perfect for those evenings when you need a quick yet delicious dinner for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are the answer when you need a quick, delicious meal that everyone will love. Coat the chops with a thin layer of mayonnaise, shake them in a bag with seasoning and breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy and golden. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re a practical choice for a weekday meal. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something home-cooked and comforting without spending too much time or effort. It’s a simple solution that delivers great flavors and happy faces around the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is a straightforward and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish layers frozen cheese ravioli with rich marinara sauce and a generous mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s easier and quicker than lasagna but just as good — if not, better. Ready in about an hour, this meal simplifies dinner time without compromising taste. It’s a hit with kids who love the cheesy goodness and parents who love the quick assembly. Serve this with a side salad to round out a meal that’s both quick to prepare and sure to be devoured.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls are a creative and quick dinner option that packs a lot of flavors. These bowls combine browned deli corned beef with coleslaw, sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese. Finish with a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing for a full meal that rivals the classic Reuben in just 30 minutes. They are perfect for busy evenings when you want to whip up something different without a lot of work. This dish keeps dinner exciting and stress-free, making it a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting and easy dish, perfect for getting kids to enjoy their veggies. It combines broccoli and cauliflower with bacon and cheese in a creamy sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. This casserole is ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise taste or nutrition. It’s a practical way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s meals while keeping everyone happy with the familiar cheese and bacon flavors.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is a quick and straightforward dish great for busy families. It combines pasta with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard in less than an hour. This salad is perfect for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day. It’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or whatever you have. This dish helps streamline your mealtime routine and is a reliable option that satisfies everyone without requiring much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

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 combines egg noodles, peas, canned tuna, and cheddar cheese into a one-dish meal ready in under an hour. This dish is a go-to for a no-stress dinner that saves you time on both cooking and clean-up. It uses everyday pantry items and is a lifesaver on evenings when you’re short on time but need a filling dinner. Plus, it’s a stress-free way to ensure everyone at the table is happy and fed without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a filling meal that combines ground beef, rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, all cooked in just 45 minutes. This dish is particularly suited for busy weeknights, serving a nutritious and hearty meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s also great for meal prep, as it reheats well, and you have a ready-to-go meal for even busier days. This casserole addresses the need for quick, wholesome dinners that keep everyone happy and well-fed without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are made with simple ingredients, including canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan, and spices. The ingredients are combined, formed into patties, and fried until crispy, all in just 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for using pantry staples and simplifies your dinner routine immensely. The patties are versatile and can be served in various ways to cater to everyone’s preferences. They are also freezer-friendly, making them a great option to prepare in bulk and serve as needed, perfect for reducing dinner prep on hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice takes about 30 minutes to make and features a mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese. Made in just one skillet, it significantly reduces clean-up time and serves a creamy, comforting taste that will have the kids returning for more. It’s a great solution for any night when cooking feels like a chore but you still want to serve a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a colorful and healthy option ready in about 30 minutes. Arrange the sausages, peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan and bake until everything is tender and caramelized. This meal is quick to prepare and incredibly easy to clean up, making it perfect for busy evenings. It’s a practical way to serve a nutritious dinner that keeps everyone happy and fits perfectly into a hectic schedule without sacrificing a good, hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is another dinner that will make everyone crave for second helpings. Seasoned chicken breasts are baked with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers and mozzarella and can be served in just 30 minutes. The creamy cheese and spiced chicken create a delicious combination that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. This dish simplifies dinner prep significantly and is great for a quick yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Italian Sausage Soup

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

Italian Sausage Soup comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for a delicious family dinner on hectic evenings. This soup combines the hearty flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy tomato broth, topped with Parmesan and parsley for an extra flavor boost. It’s not just great tasting but also super convenient with just one pot to clean afterward. This meal will cut down on your evening chores, leaving more time to spend with family or to unwind after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole serves one of the best comfort foods in less than an hour. This dish is made with a mix of sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all topped with creamy provolone cheese. The combination of minced garlic, butter, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella adds depth to the flavor, making this dish a hit at any family table. This casserole promises a no-stress meal that will leave everyone feeling full and content.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach combines ground beef with cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is quick to prepare. Taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is a smart way to sneak in vegetables while keeping the meal indulgent. It’s perfect for nights when you’re short on time and want to ensure everyone eats well. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge and enjoy the same great flavors for the next day. Its cheesy goodness and hearty texture make it a surefire way to please the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, and spinach under a layer of melted mozzarella, ready in about 30 minutes. This dish is a great way to introduce more greens into your family’s diet while keeping everyone happy with its creamy, cheesy topping. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up, making it perfect for those busy nights. It’s a great meal for those seeking something lighter without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is all about big flavors in a little time. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish mixes shredded chicken with green chiles, jalapenos, garlic, onions, and spices, topped off with a layer of melted cheese. Serve it with tortillas or breadsticks to soak up the flavorful sauce. This meal is also a great way to use leftover chicken, making it budget-friendly and delicious. Plus, it introduces new flavors for families looking to spice things up without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a simple yet delicious dish combining sliced sausage with cabbage in a single skillet in just 25 minutes. This meal is great for those evenings when you need something quick and easy that doesn’t require much clean-up. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your family’s diet in a way that everyone will love. The simple ingredients and quick cooking time make this dish a practical choice for any night.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken features chicken breasts cooked in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream, all in just 30 minutes. This dish brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table without the time commitment usually associated with gourmet meals. It’s perfect for those days when you want something more special for dinner — like a dining-out experience without the hassle or the expense.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers combine ground chicken, bacon, eggs, and cheese, served with homemade ranch seasoning. Prepare them ahead, freeze them, and bake them when you’re ready for a meal that comes together without hassle. They’re ready in about an hour, making them perfect for when you’re pressed for time. Kids love these fun-sized bites, and parents appreciate how they cut down on dinner prep during hectic evenings. They’re a great way to keep everyone smiling and satisfied with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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