The 27 family dinner recipes we always keep bookmarked

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When it comes to family dinners, we all have those no-fail favorites we keep bookmarked and ready to go. Keep these 27 recipes in your back pocket so you always have straightforward, flavor-packed ideas on hand that get everyone gathered around the table.

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.

Our family is all about this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole lately. Super easy to make, and you don’t even need to stuff any peppers. Just throw everything together, and in 45 minutes, you’ve got a solid meal on the table. It’s a weeknight winner that everyone gets excited about.
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.

On nights when we’re all running around and time’s tight, this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a lifesaver. Less than an hour and you’re eating something that hits the spot. The best part is that it’s just as good the next day, so we’re sorted for another meal. It’s straightforward, filling, and keeps the dinner drama to a minimum.
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.

If you have 30 minutes, it’s all you need for this Spinach Chicken Bake. It’s our quick fix when we want something good but don’t have the time or energy. Chicken, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella — it’s a simple mix but really delivers. It’s the kind of meal that makes our regular dinner rotation for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are quick, simple, and hit the spot every time. With just 20 minutes and a single skillet, you have a dish that pairs well with anything. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to keep things easy but still have a meal that everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

This dish is a winner for busy evenings. Just toss your sausages and veggies on a sheet, bake, and in 30 minutes, you’re all set. It’s a great way to get a balanced meal on the table quickly, with minimal cleanup afterward. Perfect for when you need something good but easy.
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.

Transform a classic into something new with Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It’s ready in an hour and combines all the comforting elements of a traditional pot pie into a soup form. It’s an excellent pick for dinner, especially since you can make it ahead. A filling meal that’s ready with little effort the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

Crock Pot Taco Soup is all about making dinner easy and pleasant. Brown your beef, add it to the Crock Pot with the rest, and let it cook. It’s our go-to for a laid-back meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, plus it keeps cleanup to a minimum.
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.

For a meal that combines comfort with convenience, look no further than Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s got all the flavors you crave in a form that’s easy to prepare. If you have leftover potatoes, even better. It’s a great choice for a no-stress dinner that’s both hearty and easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a delicious family dinner option that comes together in only 50 minutes. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who doesn’t want to spend endless time actively cooking in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is our go-to for a quick, no-nonsense dinner. Ready in less than 30 minutes and cooked in just one pan, it’s a straightforward meal that packs a punch. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something hearty for the family.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken shakes up our dinner routine in the best way. It takes the familiar flavors of fajitas and combines them with chicken, cream cheese, sweet mini peppers, and mozzarella, all in one pan. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you’re looking for something special but easy.
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.

Chicken Corn Soup is a top pick for a comforting meal that’s easy to whip up. It brings together chicken, corn, potatoes, and carrots in a creamy broth. Ready in less than an hour and super versatile — if you want to add more veggies, go for it! It’s a solid choice for a delicious, hassle-free dinner.
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.

Canned Chicken Patties are all about convenience and taste. They’re ready in 20 minutes, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Serve them with veggies, in a sandwich, or on their own — either way, they’re a hit. Perfect for those nights when you need a quick dinner solution.
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.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a crowd-pleaser that comes together fast. With a cooking time of 30 minutes and needing just one pot, it’s as easy as dinner gets. The combination of Italian sausage with a creamy tomato base is something everyone looks forward to. It’s our shortcut to a great family dinner night without the hassle.
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.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole turns veggies into something everyone’s excited about. In 30 minutes, you get a dish full of broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon that’s not just good but also easy to make and clean up after. It’s a smart way to get more greens on the dinner table without any groans.
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.

For a meal that’s both hearty and quick, this Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice hits the spot. Ready in 30 minutes and made in one pan, it’s a busy evening’s best friend. With just a few ingredients, it keeps dinner simple and cleanup light. It’s a go-to for a filling meal on the fly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

This recipe offers a quick and convenient way to make flavorful chicken and bacon poppers with a homemade ranch dressing. The poppers are oven-baked, and the ranch dressing is simple to mix up with pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is our pick for a comforting, nutritious meal that’s easy to make. Ready in an hour, it blends sweet potatoes and red peppers into a smooth, delicious soup. It’s great for those nights when you want something good without too much effort, perfect for winding down.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful fix for dinner. In 30 minutes, you get tender chicken in a garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that’s a hit with the whole family, serving up a filling dinner with minimal work and easy cleanup.
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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole is all about making dinner easy and cheesy. With beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese, it’s a complete meal that’s oven-ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to put a hearty meal on the table.
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.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a favorite for its simplicity and big flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, it pairs juicy chicken thighs with a rich mushroom sauce. It’s an easy pick for an appetizing dinner that works with any side, ensuring a meal that everyone will be happy with.
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.

Shake up your dinner routine with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. It’s a mix of chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and creamy dressing that brings a lot of flavors but feels light. Chill it for an hour before serving, and you’ve got an easy meal prep. It’s a fresh take on dinner that still leaves everyone happy.
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.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken makes your evening meal feel special without too much effort. Ready in 30 minutes and made in one pan, this dish has chicken thighs in a creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. It’s a great way to spice up dinner in a snap. Serve it with your favorite sides to complete the feast.
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.

There’s something about Wild Rice Mushroom Soup that just hits right, especially on a chilly evening. Made in one pot and ready in a little over an hour, it combines mushrooms and wild rice in a hearty broth. It’s a comforting, easy choice for a filling 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 meal that’s simple and quick, Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a go-to. It takes just 25 minutes to cook in one skillet, combining cabbage and bacon into a dish that’s easy to prepare and clean up. Whether you’re serving it as the main event or a side, it’s sure to be a hit.
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.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup brings a deep, creamy mushroom flavor in a savory broth, all from one pot. It’s the perfect choice for a comforting and nourishing dinner that doesn’t take all night to prepare. Paired with bread or a salad, it makes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs are our solution for a quick, delicious protein option at dinner. They require about 30 minutes of prep and are perfect for those nights when you need something easy yet flavorful. They’re versatile, making them an excellent pick for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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