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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Family-Friendly Dinners That Are Easy to Make

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 5, 2025, updated February 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinners that the whole family will enjoy can be a challenge. Here are 23 simple recipes that are not only delicious but also perfect for busy weeknights. From comforting pasta dishes to healthy stir-fries, these meals will keep everyone satisfied and happy.

    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are quick to prepare and are great for a cozy meal any night. This dish combines tender chicken wrapped in tortillas, smothered in cheese and zesty green chile sauce.

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    Chili Mac

    Gluten-free Chili Mac
    Photo Credit: Whole New Mom.

    This is a really simple dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. It all cooks in one pan and can be made dairy-free and gluten-free.

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    Peruvian Drumsticks

    Peruvian drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Jamil Ghar.

    Oven baked drumsticks are soaked in vinegar and seasoned with classic Peruvian spices like smoked paprika and cumin. This is a great meal for busy nights and can be ready in just 30 minutes!

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    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fresh salmon is seasoned and pan-fried in no time, creating a tasty dish that pairs perfectly with a simple Ginger Avocado Salsa. This is a healthy option that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

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    Rigatoni Bolognese

    Rigatoni Bolognese (1).
    Photo Credit: Living Lou.

    This easy Rigatoni Bolognese is a delicious Italian dish made with ground beef, pork, and sausage. It's a hearty meat sauce that's great for busy nights or when you want something special.

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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, perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Using everyday seasonings you likely have on hand, this meal is simple and sure to please the whole family.

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    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Oven baked chicken tenders are quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes. With simple ingredients you probably already have, they’re a healthier option than frying and perfect for enjoying with your favorite dipping sauce or straight from the oven.

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    Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

    Cheesy smoked sausage pasta on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: On My Kids' Plate.

    Cheesy sausage pasta is a quick and easy meal that comes together in under 30 minutes using just one pot. It's great for busy weeknights and can be adjusted based on what you have at home.

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    Crunchwrap Supreme

    Crunchwraps.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These homemade Taco Bell crunch wraps are packed with layers of flour tortillas, seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese, a crunchy tostada shell, cool sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and extra cheese. This quick dinner is a fun twist on taco night that you can whip up in just 20 minutes!

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    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    Looking for a new and simple pasta dish to try? This easy tahini pasta recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Creamy, tangy, nutty goodness – the flavorful tahini sauce on this pasta is SO GOOD!

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    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    The Easiest 15 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    Air fryer chicken tenders are crispy and juicy, and they come together in no time. This is a great option if you want something better than frozen chicken tenders.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    Creamy tomato basil chicken is full of flavor and made with basic ingredients. It's slow-cooked to bring out the best taste, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super easy to prepare. With only four ingredients and some ready-made items, you can have it ready in just 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

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    Indian Vegetable Curry

    Mixed vegetable curry on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: J's Cooking Odyssey.

    This veggie curry is a quick and healthy dinner option. Just add your favorite vegetables and some Indian spices for a tasty meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

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    Meatball and Rice Casserole

    Meatball and Rice Casserole
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Plain rice can get boring, but a meatball and rice casserole is a great way to spice things up. This dish is hearty, creamy, and satisfying, making it perfect for a simple dinner.

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    Cottage Cheese Lasagna

    Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Ambitious Foodie.

    Cottage cheese lasagna is a classic comfort food that's simple to make. You can prepare it up to five days ahead, so you can enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal whenever it suits you.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    Creamy feta cheese chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese adds a delicious twist to creamy pasta sauces. This is a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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    Savory Dutch Baby

    Dutch baby with peas.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This oven-baked pancake is a tasty twist on dinner that works well any time of day. It's thick and full of flavor, making it a great choice for a simple meal.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    The Walking Taco Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. With tasty ground beef, melted cheese, and crunchy Fritos, this is a great option for busy weeknights or fun get-togethers.

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    Perfect Patty Melts

    Perfect Patty Melts.
    Photo Credit: The View from Great Island.

    Patty melts are a delicious sandwich featuring juicy burgers topped with melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all grilled between crispy sourdough bread. This is a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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    Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Broccoli cheddar soup in a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy and comforting dish that combines broccoli, cheddar cheese, broth, cream, and seasonings. This simple recipe is great for a cozy dinner or lunch and can be adjusted to fit your taste.

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    Steamed Egg with Ground Beef

    Steamed Egg with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Steamed Egg with Ground Beef is a comforting dish that blends fluffy steamed eggs with flavorful minced meat. It's a satisfying meal that brings together different textures and tastes.

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    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a tender and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare. It's great for busy weeknights but tasty enough to impress guests.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Lasagna.
      22 Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Will Revolutionize Your Weeknight Meals
    • A veggie casserole.
      21 Vegetarian Casseroles That Will Change Your Dinner Game
    • Instant Pot French Onion Soup.
      18 Elegant Lunch Ideas to Impress Mom This Mother’s Day
    • Cheesburger sliders.
      18 Cheap Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Spring

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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