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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Easy Family Dinners That Take the Stress Out of Cooking

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated February 4, 2026 · Published February 15, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Finding time to prepare dinner for the family can be a challenge, especially on busy weeknights. These 18 simple recipes are designed to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. From quick "pizza" to easy casseroles, these ideas will help you create satisfying meals that everyone will love.

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casserole brings together ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese in one easy dish. It's great for a casual family dinner or a potluck with friends.

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    French Bread Pizza

    French bread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These pizzas are easy to make and have a nice crispy crust with plenty of cheese. They're perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Potato Tacos

    Crispy Potato Tacos.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crispy Potato Tacos are a favorite for the whole family, made with just a few spices and baked until they're nice and crunchy. They're filled with tortillas and topped with all the things you love.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Fritters

    Chickpea fritters on a plate.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    These fritters are great for any meal and can be enjoyed in many ways. You can dip them, toss them in a salad, or even use them in a burger.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is super simple to make. It's perfect for a quick family dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Oven-baked Chicken Tenders are quick and easy to make, taking only 25 minutes. These healthier chicken strips use simple ingredients and are great with your favorite dipping sauce or just on their own.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Cavatappi

    Pesto Cavatappi.
    Photo credit: The Belly Rules the Mind.

    Pesto Cavatappi is a delicious pasta dish made with fresh basil pesto that everyone will love. It's a simple and tasty meal that brings the family together at dinner time.

    Get the recipe

    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Easy homemade Turkey Burgers are perfect for busy weeknights, offering a tasty and satisfying meal. With just a few spices and a bit of lemon juice, you can whip up a delicious dinner in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Coconut Milk Pasta

    Coconut milk pasta in a skillet.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    A basic tomato sauce becomes a creamy treat with the addition of coconut milk, making for a satisfying dinner that's light and easy. This dish offers a comforting flavor without the richness of traditional cream.

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    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is perfect for busy families, featuring rotisserie chicken and a refreshing blend of lemon and rosemary. It's a simple and comforting dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table.

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    Vegan Sloppy Joes

    A vegan sloppy joe.
    Photo credit: Katie Trant.

    This vegan version of a classic dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's an easy and delicious option for a family dinner that everyone can enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is full of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, made with just a few easy ingredients. It's a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casseorle is loaded with all the good stuff: well-seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, sour cream and melted cheese on top. It's a great dinner any night of the week, and it comes together in under 30 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Meatballs

    A stack of meatballs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer meatballs are easy to whip up and take less than an hour to prepare. These Swedish-style meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, making them a great addition to any family dinner.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish takes gnocchi to the next level by frying it up with bacon and mushrooms. It's a tasty and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Air Fryer Steak Bites

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

    These tasty air fryer steak bites come together in less than 10 minutes. With a marinade of lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs, they make for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Orange Ginger Chicken

    Whole orange ginger chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A whole chicken is roasted with oranges, ginger, and dark soy sauce, resulting in a tasty dinner with a rich sauce. The mix of sweet oranges, zesty ginger, and savory soy sauce makes this dish perfect for any weeknight meal.

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    Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    Creamy pesto gnocchi.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This creamy dish is a favorite for family dinners and is easy to make. It's a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Tacos

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

    Tacos are a quick and easy meal that everyone loves. With homemade taco meat and crispy taco shells, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, topped with all your favorite fixings.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken soup.
      30 Easy Dinner Ideas You Can Make Tonight
    • Cherry cheesecake brownies.
      The Best Brownie Recipes for When You Need Chocolate ASAP
    • Jamaican jerk chicken.
      23 Effortless Crock Pot Chicken Dinners for Stress-Free Cooking
    • Meatball casserole.
      19 Easy Dump-and-Go Dinners Worth Making

    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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