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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Easy Dinners So Good Your Family Will Be Begging for Seconds

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 15, 2025, updated May 14, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding easy dinner ideas that everyone in the family will love can be a challenge. These 29 simple recipes are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that will have your family asking for more. From comforting classics to fresh twists, these meals are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a simple and fast way to whip up a tasty pasta sauce. It brings together all the classic flavors into a filling meal with ingredients you likely have on hand.

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    French Bread Pizza

    French bread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These crispy and cheesy "pizzas" are quick to make and sure to please everyone at the table. They're perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Paella

    Paella.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This paella is a straightforward and enjoyable dish that the whole family will appreciate. It's filled with tasty saffron, shrimp, chicken, green peas, and bell peppers.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta

    Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Sausage rigatoni pasta is a simple and hearty meal that comes together in just 20 minutes with a few easy ingredients. It's a filling option that's perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Bites

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

    Air fryer steak bites are a quick and delicious dinner that everyone will love. Marinated in lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs, they turn any cut of steak into a flavorful and tender meal.

    Get the recipe

    Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy casserole in a white oven dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cowboy casserole is a simple dish that comes together in about an hour, mostly while it bakes. It gives a tasty twist to the classic tater tot casserole by adding taco seasoning, beans, corn, and salsa for a creamy and cheesy dinner.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.

    This 15-minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is an irresistible combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Follow this simple recipe to create an effortless meal that blends the best of seafood and pasta into a delicious dish the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to make, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a great option for a family dinner. Everyone will love it and will want to have it again.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Halloumi Tacos

    Halloumi tacos.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Halloumi tacos are a simple and tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy. They come together quickly, making them ideal for a busy night.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Cherry tomato pasta.
    Photo credit:

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta is full of fresh flavors and easy to prepare. Toss together some cooked pasta with roasted tomatoes for a meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Big Mac Cheeseburger Sliders

    Big Mac Cheeseburger Sliders.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cheesy Big Mac sliders offer a fun take on a classic favorite. These sweet Hawaiian rolls are packed with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and all the traditional toppings, making this a dinner everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken

    Oven baked BBQ chicken.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Oven-baked BBQ chicken is really easy to make with just barbecue sauce and chicken, plus a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. It comes out crispy and juicy, making it a favorite for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked chicken tenders are quick to prepare, taking only 25 minutes with ingredients you likely have on hand. They offer a healthier alternative to frying and are great for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying right out of the oven.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Creamy Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Sun-dried tomato pasta is a simple and delicious meal that you can prepare in just 20 minutes. Packed with fresh ingredients and a Mediterranean touch, it's perfect for a laid-back dinner or a hectic weeknight.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheeseburger Soup

    CHEESEBURGER SOUP.
    Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

    This meal is comforting and sure to please everyone at the table. It's rich and filling, and you can whip it up in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. It mixes creamy Carbonara sauce with tender shrimp, creating a satisfying meal that's easy to make.

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    Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.

    Flaky white fish grilled to perfection goes great with a sweet and spicy mango salsa, offering a tasty mix that everyone will enjoy. This dish is easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish comes together in just 20 minutes and is full of flavor. With a creamy sauce made from easy-to-find ingredients like crème fraîche and sun-dried tomatoes, it's sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Pesto Pasta

    Easy Pesto Pasta.
    Photo credit: Joy Food Sunshine.

    Pesto pasta is a quick and delicious dinner option that's great for busy weeknights. It can be served as a main dish or a side, and you can enjoy it warm or cold, using either homemade or store-bought pesto.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Meatballs

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

    Air fryer meatballs are easy to make and don’t require eggs or breadcrumbs. In under an hour, you’ll have delicious Swedish-style meatballs that are perfect for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy pesto pasta is a simple dish that comes together in just 10 minutes with only three ingredients. The combination of pesto and Greek yogurt makes a delicious meal that your family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a favorite for everyone, whether you're cooking for kids or food lovers. With halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, they come together in just 20 minutes and are packed with delicious flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy salmon dish uses only three ingredients, so it's quick to put together. It's a hit with the whole family and sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Spinach Lemon Orzo

    Spinach Lemon Orzo.
    Photo credit: Barley and Sage.

    Creamy spinach lemon orzo comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. With fresh spinach, lemon zest, and basil in a smooth sauce, it’s a simple yet delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Baked parmesan crusted chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Parmesan-crusted chicken is a tasty dinner that the whole family will love. It's cheesy and crispy, and you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, which is great for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

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

    This chicken stew is easy to prepare and uses rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s packed with fresh lemon and rosemary flavors that the whole family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with potatoes is a fantastic meal that’s both tender and juicy. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress at a special gathering.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

    Air fried chicken cutlets.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer chicken cutlets are a quick and easy dinner choice that everyone will enjoy. With a crispy outside and tender inside, they’re bound to be a hit at the dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta is super simple to prepare and great for a fast family dinner. It's a filling dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Hot honey garlic chicken.
      22 Dump-And-Cook Chicken Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine
    • Cheeseburger tater tot casserole.
      23 Hearty Ground Beef Dishes to Make When You’d Rather Not Cook
    • Spinach chicken artichoke casserole.
      25 Dump and Bake Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights
    • Chicken bacon ranch pasta salad.
      20 Summer Dinner Salads for Busy Evenings

    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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