If you’re a parent who dreads making dinner, these 17 easy family recipes are exactly what you need. Quick, simple, and requiring minimal prep, these dishes are perfect for busy nights. They use everyday ingredients to make hearty meals that everyone around the table will enjoy.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This 30-minute meal is a great pick for parents looking for an easy dinner solution. Combine chicken, spinach, and cheese, and you’re set. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the spinach in advance. When dinner time comes, just add cream cheese and bake. Simple and straightforward, this recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you need a filling meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Get dinner ready in 30 minutes with everything cooked on one sheet pan. Just mix sausage with your favorite veggies and bake. You can chop everything earlier in the day, making it a great option for parents who want to minimize kitchen time. This meal is not only quick to make but also easy to clean up, simplifying your dinner routine on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This soup requires only 20 minutes of prep and then cooks itself in the Crock Pot. Start by browning the ground beef and let the slow cooker take over. It’s made with ingredients you likely already have, making it a great choice for a hassle-free dinner. This soup is perfect for those evenings when you want a stress-free meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This 30-minute casserole blends broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a hearty meal. It’s a great choice for parents who can prepare it earlier and just bake it later. The use of frozen vegetables also speeds up the process. It’s a warm and nutritious dinner, perfect for those evenings when you want something easy yet comforting.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Enjoy this simple casserole that combines bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s a great dish to prepare in advance, perfect for a cozy family meal. This recipe makes comfort food easy — great for a relaxing dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Add a spicy twist to your dinner with this quick-to-make chicken salad. It’s a great recipe to prepare ahead and keep in the fridge. This dish is convenient for busy parents and is a flavorful meal that’s ready with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Canned Chicken Patties
These 20-minute chicken patties are a great solution for busy weeknights. You can prepare them in advance using canned chicken, which speeds up the process. Simply heat them up when it’s time to eat. They’re perfect for a simple, quick dinner, especially when paired with a side of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Enjoy the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in this simple soup form. This one-pot recipe takes an hour and is great for a comforting family dinner. It’s easy to make with basic ingredients, making it a perfect choice for parents who want a warm meal without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
Season chicken breasts, top them with cream cheese and peppers, and bake. Prepare in advance to make dinner time smoother. This recipe is simple and yields a warm, hearty dinner. Using one pan means less hassle in the kitchen, a plus for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Enjoy this one-pot, 30-minute meal featuring Italian sausage. You can prepare it ahead for an easier dinner time. It’s a straightforward and quick choice, great for parents needing a fast dinner solution. This soup brings warmth and flavor to your table on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole, ready in 30 minutes, is a mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach. It’s designed for busy parents and can be prepared in advance. Bake it when you’re ready for a quick, wholesome meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious dinner on hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Big Mac Salad
This salad captures the flavors of a fast-food favorite in a lighter version. You can prepare it beforehand for quick assembly at dinner. It’s simple, using minimal ingredients, and can be stored in the fridge for a speedy meal. Perfect for busy nights when you need a quick yet hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Full of rich flavors, this Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is straightforward to make. Cooking the rice while prepping other ingredients saves time. It’s a great pick for parents who want a flavorful meal without a long cooking process. Ready in less than an hour, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Try this casserole for a “breakfast for dinner” experience. It combines hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese. Easy to make and surprisingly filling, it’s a great option for parents who want a simple yet hearty meal. It transforms a breakfast favorite into a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Chicken Corn Soup
This Chicken Corn Soup is a quick, flavorful meal, ready in under an hour. It combines chicken, vegetables, and broth in one pot. An easy choice for parents looking for a straightforward and hearty dinner option. It’s an effortless way to bring a nourishing meal to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Ready in just 20 minutes, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are made with juicy chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is great for parents who want a quick and flavorful meal. It’s a simple dish that brings a delicious dinner to the table with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This one-pot soup brings together sweet potatoes and red peppers for a creamy, comforting meal. Ready in an hour, it’s a great choice for a cozy dinner. Easy to prepare, it’s great for parents looking for a simple yet hearty meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup