19 small family dinner ideas with big taste you need to try

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If you’re always searching for flavorful yet manageable dinner ideas for the family, you’re in luck! I’ve rounded up some amazing small family dinner ideas that are big on taste and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From comforting classics to exciting twists on familiar favorites, these recipes strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, making them a must-try for any busy household. So, whether you’re cooking for two or a few, get ready to upgrade your weeknight dinners with these delicious and satisfying dishes!

A creamy baked pasta dish topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon bits, served in a white ceramic dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the simplicity and fresh flavors of Baked Lemon Butter Fish for a delightful family dinner. With minimal preparation and a quick baking time, this dish is perfect for busy evenings. The zesty lemon butter sauce adds a burst of brightness to the tender fish, making it a crowd-pleaser. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Chili for Two is a convenient and comforting option for a small family dinner. Let the slow cooker do the work as the flavors meld together to create a rich and satisfying chili. It’s ideal for busy days when you want a fuss-free meal that still packs a punch. Serve with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Creamy Chicken Curry

Chicken curry with rice.
Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat your family to the creamy goodness of this Chicken Curry. With its comforting blend of spices and creamy sauce, it’s sure to be a hit. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve over rice for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow cooker pork chops with rice and sauce on a plate.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops are a hassle-free way to enjoy tender and juicy pork. Let the slow cooker work its magic while you attend to other tasks. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying dinner ready when you are. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream Cheese Chicken offers a creamy and flavorful twist to your dinner routine. With tender chicken cooked in a rich cream cheese sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a great option for a cozy family dinner. Serve over pasta or rice for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken Chop Suey

Stir-fried chicken chop suey in a skillet.
Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Chop Suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Packed with tender chicken and crisp veggies, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Pouring savory sauce over a bowl of rice topped with beef and bell peppers.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a convenient and flavorful dish for a family dinner. Let the slow cooker tenderize the beef while infusing it with savory flavors. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Serve over rice or noodles for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background.
Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Crab Pasta for a memorable family dinner. This dish combines tender crab meat with al dente pasta for a delightful meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate.
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs offer the perfect combination of tenderness and crispiness. With the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy delicious ribs with minimal effort. They’re perfect for a family dinner when you’re craving something savory and satisfying. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce and sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Salmon pasta Alfredo served on a white plate with lemon.
Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon Pasta Alfredo is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Creamy Alfredo sauce coats tender salmon and pasta for a decadent meal. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want something special without the hassle. Serve with garlic bread and a salad for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Pancit Bihon Guisado

A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry.
Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pancit Bihon Guisado is a Filipino noodle dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Loaded with flavorful ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and noodles, it’s a complete meal in one dish. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious. Serve with calamansi or lemon wedges for extra zest.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it.
Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce is a savory and satisfying dish for a family dinner. Tender steak and earthy mushrooms are elevated by a rich balsamic sauce. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Two cabbage rolls on a plate with fork.
Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish for a family dinner. Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of meat and rice, then simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Quick to prepare, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious. Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch sauce, it’s comfort food at its best. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Korean Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Tender beef is stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce. Quick and easy to make, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a savory and satisfying dish for a family dinner. Tender steak bites are cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and delicious. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Pork Stir Fry is a flavorful and versatile dish for a family dinner. Packed with veggies and protein-rich pork, it’s a nutritious meal that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and delicious. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops are a comforting and flavorful dish for a family dinner. Tender pork chops are filled with a savory stuffing mixture, then baked to perfection. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Loaded with savory ground beef, tangy sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious. Serve with a side of veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

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