Starting your week with well-planned family dinners can set a positive tone for the days ahead. These 23 recipes are chosen to ease you into the weekday routine with minimal stress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, each dish is practical, quick to prepare, and versatile enough to fit a range of tastes. Focusing on meals that also make great leftovers, these recipes aim to help you save time and effort later in the week, ensuring you start on the right foot.
Spinach Chicken Bake
This Spinach Chicken Bake is a fast, 30-minute meal that’s great for a busy start to the week with the family. You can make it all in one pan, so cleaning up is easy. It’s a simple recipe, so even if you’re new to cooking, you won’t mess it up. Straight from the oven, this dish is good to go without taking up too much of your time. It’s a practical choice for a family dinner that sets a good tone for the week ahead.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cabbage and Sausage
This Cabbage and Sausage is quick to make and works well for a busy family dinner. You only need cabbage and sausage, and you cook it all in one pan. This makes both cooking and cleaning up afterwards a breeze. It’s a full meal by itself, which makes it a smart pick for families who want an easy but good start to their week.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
For an easy family dinner, you can’t go wrong with Crock Pot Taco Soup. You just spend 20 minutes getting it ready, and then the slow cooker does the rest. You can use ground beef and items you likely already have in the pantry. This leaves you free to do other things while dinner cooks. It’s a good way to give your family a home-cooked meal and start the week off right.
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Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Here’s a dish that’s comforting and straightforward, perfect for easing into the workweek. Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole combines vegetables, cheese, and bacon in a single baking dish. It’s easy to put together, and you can even adjust it to fit your family’s preferences. Quick to prep and bake, this casserole makes for a cozy meal that helps set a good tone for your week.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Chicken Corn Soup
For a quick meal that requires little fuss, consider Chicken Corn Soup. This soup can be ready in under an hour and offers a blend of chicken, vegetables, and broth. It’s simple to prepare, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights. All the ingredients cook together in a single pot, providing a complete meal that helps everyone transition smoothly into the week ahead.
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Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This is a comforting soup that’s ready in about an hour. Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is smooth and flavorful, yet simple to make. It’s a smart choice for families looking for a laid-back yet comforting meal that helps them settle into the week without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Ground Beef Skillet dish brings together beef, cheese, and cauliflower rice in just 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan meal that’s filling on its own, so no need for additional side dishes. Quick to prepare, this dish is an excellent choice for those who are short on time but want to kick off the week with a hearty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines classic comfort ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and cheese. The recipe is easy to follow and can even be prepared in advance. Serve it hot for a filling meal that makes the start of your week a little more comforting and manageable.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This soup can be on your table in just 30 minutes, featuring Italian sausage and a creamy base. It’s an uncomplicated recipe, ideal for those who are new to cooking or are looking for a quick meal. With no need for extra side dishes, it’s a practical way to serve a full meal that will help your family ease into the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
In just half an hour, you can have a balanced meal featuring roasted sausage and vegetables. This single sheet pan dinner is particularly straightforward, making it a top pick for anyone who’s new to cooking. It’s a stress-free way to provide a nutritious dinner as you navigate the start of a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This dish offers an efficient way to serve a high-quality dinner in just 30 minutes. Chicken is cooked alongside a rich mushroom sauce, all in one pan. The simple steps are ideal for those who are inexperienced in the kitchen. This quick, flavorful meal is an excellent choice for those wanting to maintain a smooth pace during a bustling workweek.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Fajita Baked Chicken
Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken with sweet peppers and cheese for a quick and filling meal. With uncomplicated steps, this recipe is a great starting point for novice cooks. It’s a convenient, flavor-packed option that makes it easy to gather around the table early in the week.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken
A rich garlic cream sauce enhances this chicken dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Its straightforward preparation makes it a reliable pick for anyone, from beginners to seasoned cooks. This quick and easy dinner helps you transition into your workweek without a hitch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
This warming soup comes together in just 45 minutes, featuring a blend of mushrooms and spices. Its straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels. As a bonus, the comforting flavors of this soup are a great way to gather the family and prepare for the week ahead.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole mixes beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, all under a layer of melted cheese. It’s ready in roughly 30 minutes and is a smart choice when you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers. The comfort-food feel of this dish sets a welcoming tone as you kick off a new week.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Here’s a one-pan dish that combines shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. You can cook it in half an hour, so it’s a good pick for busy families, especially on a Monday night. The best part is that you only use one pan, which makes both cooking and cleaning a breeze. Even if you’re new to cooking, this dish is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This chicken dish is both quick and simple. You only need one pan and 30 minutes to make a hearty meal. Cook the chicken in a sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes for rich flavor. It’s easy to pair this dish with rice or pasta, making it a filling meal to start your week off right. The quick cook time and easy cleanup also make it a go-to for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This salad mixes spicy jalapeños, creamy mayo, and filling chicken. It’s easy to make, even if you’re new to cooking. The salad can sit in the fridge for a few days without losing its freshness, making it great for family dinners at the beginning of the week and for meals later on. You don’t need any special cooking skills, and it’s a quick dish to put together.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This dish pairs cabbage, bacon, and onion for a meal that’s ready in about 25 minutes. It’s simple enough for those new to cooking and doesn’t require any additional sides. The speed of preparation makes it a handy option for hectic weeknights. This dish is an easy and straightforward way to serve up a nutritious family dinner at the start of the week.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Canned Chicken Patties
Here’s a dinner option that’s quick to prepare, needing only 20 minutes. Canned chicken is the main ingredient, making it an easy recipe even for kitchen novices. The patties can be served alone or used to make sandwiches. It’s a versatile dish that can easily fit into various meal plans for the week. It’s a great time-saving choice for families wanting a homemade meal without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Big Mac Salad
This salad brings fast-food flavors right into your kitchen, without the bun for a lighter meal. Ingredients like lettuce, ground beef, and a homemade special sauce are all you need. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible for those who are new to cooking. It’s a quick way to put together a family dinner that everyone will enjoy at the beginning of a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Get ready for a blend of spicy and creamy flavors, all cooked in under an hour. This casserole includes chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños. The steps are straightforward, so even cooking beginners can manage this recipe. It’s a comforting meal that’s a good fit for early-week family dinners when you’re looking for something simple yet hearty.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
For a fun twist on dinner, these poppers are easy to make and work well for midweek family meals. Ground chicken, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese provide a filling base. Add a creamy ranch sauce, or just enjoy them as they are. They’re a solid choice for families who want something different but still easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers