Looking for extra easy meal ideas for stress-free family dinners? You’re in the right place. These 23 recipes are quick to make and easy to follow, perfect for busy parents juggling work and home life. With minimal prep and cooking time, these meals are straightforward and designed to get dinner on the table fast. This way, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying a good meal with your family.
Spinach Chicken Bake
This 30-minute dinner brings together chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach in one pan. It’s easy to make, even if you’re new to cooking. You can serve it hot straight from the oven. The single pan also means less time spent on washing dishes. It’s a straightforward option for a quick family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This dish combines steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon in one baking dish. It’s easy to make, and you can adjust the recipe to fit your family’s tastes. Serve it hot right out of the oven for a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare. The one-dish method also makes clean-up easy. This makes it a good choice for a hassle-free family meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
You only need cabbage and sausage for this simple meal. It’s cooked in one pan, so preparation and clean-up are easy. It’s a complete meal by itself, so no extra sides are needed. The quick cooking time makes this a smart pick for busy family nights.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This 30-minute soup uses just one pot and combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream for a filling meal. It’s an easy recipe, perfect for those new to cooking. The soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, with no need for additional side dishes. Quick to cook, it’s a practical option for a fast family dinner.
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Crock Pot Taco Soup
This slow cooker dish needs only 20 minutes of prep. Featuring ground beef and common pantry items, it’s an easy and straightforward recipe. Once everything is in the slow cooker, you can go about your day. It’s also a forgiving recipe, hard to get wrong. This makes it a convenient choice for families on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This 30-minute recipe uses ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all cooked together in a single skillet. The dish stands alone, meaning you don’t have to think about making side dishes. It’s quick to prepare, making it a good choice for weeknight family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In just 30 minutes, you can have chicken in a rich mushroom sauce, all prepared in a single pan. The uncomplicated steps make this an approachable choice for beginners. You can pair this main dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Quick to make, it’s a convenient option for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Fajita Baked Chicken
Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. The recipe is simple and ideal for those who are new to cooking. Serve it hot right out of the oven for a full meal. With its quick preparation time, it’s a suitable choice for a busy weeknight dinner with the family.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This 30-minute meal uses just one sheet pan and includes roasted sausage and vegetables. It’s a complete meal in itself, making it a practical option for busy evenings. The straightforward steps make this dish easy, even for those who aren’t experienced cooks.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
In about an hour, you’ll have a one-pot soup that’s both creamy and comforting. The combo of sweet potatoes and red peppers keeps things simple but flavorful. This soup is a no-fuss option, ideal for a weekend dinner when you’re not rushing through the evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This casserole is a surefire hit, combining bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese into the ultimate comfort dish. You can even prep it in advance to suit your schedule. It’s a hearty and complete meal that nails the family dinner vibe.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Get a full meal on the table in 30 minutes with this one-pan chicken dish. The garlic cream sauce makes the chicken rich and filling. Pair it with steamed veggies or rice, and you’re all set. It’s a straightforward but effective option, particularly if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This all-in-one casserole, done in 30 minutes, packs in ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. You won’t have to fuss with multiple dishes or complicated steps. Plus, it stores well for tomorrow’s meal. It’s a sensible pick for a weeknight family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Here’s a 30-minute salad that brings the heat with jalapeños and cools it down with a smooth mayo dressing. With chicken added, it’s substantial enough to be your main dish. It’s easy to throw together and perfect for enjoying as leftovers. This salad is a convenient choice for a speedy family meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
You’ve got 30 minutes? Great. That’s all you’ll need for this one-pan shrimp and spinach dish. It’s well-rounded, featuring garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. The steps are easy to follow, so it’s accessible even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen. A quick, yet refined option for family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This chicken dish is a one-pan wonder that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s got boneless, skinless chicken thighs and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce that’s easy to make. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this dish straightforward to prepare. You can make it a fuller meal by adding rice or pasta. Quick to cook and easy to clean up, it’s a smart pick for a hassle-free family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan meal combines cabbage, bacon, and onion. It’s easy enough for cooking beginners and doesn’t require any extra side dishes, making meal planning simpler. Plus, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash, which is always a win on a busy weeknight. It’s the kind of quick, no-fuss dinner that families appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Canned Chicken Patties
This recipe uses canned chicken and takes only 20 minutes to prep, making it super easy and fast. You can serve these patties on their own or turn them into sandwiches. It’s a versatile option that’s perfect for anyone new to cooking. Fewer ingredients and simple steps mean you can get dinner on the table quickly, making it a practical choice for families on the go.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Corn Soup
This one-pot soup is a quick option that’s ready in under an hour. It blends tender chicken with hearty veggies in a flavorful broth. It’s simple to make, meaning it’s a good pick even for those not too familiar with cooking. No need for any additional side dishes; this soup is a complete meal by itself. The quick cooking time makes it a smart option for a family dinner when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Here’s a warming soup that comes together in 45 minutes in a single pot. It’s easy to make and works well for both weeknights and weekends. Because it doesn’t require complicated steps, cooks of any skill level can make it. This soup stands alone, eliminating the need for side dishes. Cook it up quickly and enjoy a hearty meal ready without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
In just 20 minutes, you can have bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. It’s a simple stovetop recipe that doesn’t require any intricate steps. You can serve the chicken as is, or pair it with a side of your choice. It’s a quick and straightforward option that’s perfect for a family dinner when you’re pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Big Mac Salad
This salad brings the flavors of a popular fast-food burger but without the bun. It’s an easy recipe with lettuce, ground beef, and a special sauce. You don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to whip this up. It’s a complete meal on its own, making dinner planning easier.
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Shawarma Kebabs
This recipe offers skewers rich in flavor and protein, and they’re ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you choose to grill or broil them, the cooking method is up to you. It’s an easy recipe that anyone can tackle. Add a side of rice or salad, and you’ve got a complete meal. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s a practical dish for families on a tight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs