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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Quick Family Dinners That Will Save Your Weeknight

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 13, 2025, updated January 10, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas for the family can be a challenge, especially on busy weeknights. These 18 simple recipes are perfect for getting a nutritious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. From one-pan dishes to speedy stir-fries, these meals will help you keep your evenings stress-free and enjoyable.

    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This Cherry Tomato Pasta with spinach and walnuts is quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes. Adding some mozzarella or burrata on top gives it an extra delicious flavor.

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    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Steak Tips.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Steak Tips are ready in just 10 minutes, making them a great option for a quick dinner any night. With just a few common seasonings, you can prepare a simple meal that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters are ready in just 15 minutes, offering crispy skin and juicy meat. The marinade with lime juice adds a nice kick and helps keep the chicken tender.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Tacos

    Ground beef tacos with salsa.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Ground Beef Tacos are a straightforward dish that you can whip up in no time. This quick dinner is sure to please everyone in the family and can be ready in under thirty minutes.

    Get the recipe.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak is ready in just 8-10 minutes. The marinade gives it great flavor while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

    Get the recipe

    Vegan Sloppy Joes

    A vegan sloppy joe.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegan version of a classic dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties are simple to prepare with fresh salmon and take only 6-8 minutes to cook. They are packed with flavor and require no chopping, thanks to the use of powdered seasonings.

    Get the recipe

    Ham Fried Rice

    Ham Fried Rice.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Ham Fried Rice is a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It's a great way to use up leftover ham and gives you that tasty takeout flavor at home.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fresh salmon can be cooked quickly and simply in a pan, seasoned just right. Pair it with a light Ginger Avocado Salsa for delicious Salmon Tacos that are healthy and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Flautas

    Ground beef flautas.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These crunchy flautas are filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, ready in just half an hour. They come with a refreshing avocado cilantro sauce that adds a nice touch.

    Get the recipe

    Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Taco stuffed sweet potatoes.
    Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a fun twist on taco night. You can fill sweet potatoes with your favorite taco toppings and have dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe.

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are loved by everyone, whether they’re picky eaters or food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, they’re full of flavor and can be made in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red pesto pasta is a simple and delicious dish that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. Loaded with vegetables and flavor, it works well with either homemade or store-bought pesto and is enjoyable both warm and cold.

    Get the recipe

    Sticky Tofu

    A plate of sticky tofu.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dish is great for a fast and simple dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you need to get a meal on the table quickly.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole puts a fun spin on tacos by mixing ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese into one simple dish. It's great for a quick family dinner or a potluck any night.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish gives a fun spin to the traditional carbonara, adding more flavor for a satisfying meal. It's perfect for a quick and enjoyable dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Stir-Fry

    Stir-fried ground beef.
    Photo credit: Foodess.

    Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and easy dinner loaded with vegetables. This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and has a delicious sauce that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    Creamy pesto gnocchi.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is creamy and tasty, perfect for a satisfying meal. It's a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something quick and enjoyable.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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