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    Home » Uncategorized

    31 Easy Dinner Ideas for Busy Families

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on March 6, 2025, updated February 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding quick and easy dinner ideas can be a challenge for busy families. With hectic schedules and little time to cook, it's important to have a list of simple meals that everyone will enjoy. Here are 31 dinner ideas that are not only easy to prepare but also satisfying for the whole family.

    Ground Beef Stir-Fry

    Stir-fried ground beef.
    Photo credit: Foodess.

    Ground Beef Stir Fry is a simple dinner packed with healthy vegetables. This quick recipe can be ready in just 30 minutes and features a delicious sauce.

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    Creamy Salmon Pasta

    A serving of creamy salmon pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Roasted salmon is flaky and tender, and it goes great with cooked linguini and a light herb lemon cream sauce. This is a simple and satisfying dinner option for any weeknight.

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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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    Oven Baked Nachos

    Oven baked nachos with cheese and lime wedges.
    Photo Credit: Free Your Fork.

    These nachos are quick to prepare and bake in just 10 minutes. With store-bought tortilla chips, shredded cheese, salsa, and canned beans, this is a great option for a snack, appetizer, or a last-minute dinner.

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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 dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be on your table in just 30 minutes!

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    Campbell's Tater Tot Casserole

    Campbell’s Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Mimi Loves Cooking.

    This is a new family favorite for busy nights when you need something quick and easy. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal!

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple with just 12 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pot. This is an easy option for busy weeknights.

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    Chili Rubbed Chicken Thighs

    Chili rubbed chicken.
    Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Broiled chili-rubbed chicken thighs are quick to prepare and use basic ingredients you probably already have at home. This dish is full of flavor and stays juicy, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

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    Creamy Garlic Parmesan Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli

    Creamy Garlic Parmesan Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Creamy garlic pasta is quick to prepare and packed with rich Parmesan flavor, complemented by tender-crisp broccoli. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Southern Smothered Chicken

    Smothered chicken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This Southern Smothered Chicken is a classic dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. With tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich gravy, it's a satisfying meal that's simple to prepare.

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    Shrimp and Orzo

    15-Minute Shrimp and Orzo
    Photo credit: Tried and True

    This 15-minute shrimp and orzo dish is super simple to prepare and really delicious. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Citrus Herb Grilled Shrimp

    Citrus Herb Grilled Shrimp.
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    This quick and tasty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It works well as a main course or a starter and is sure to please everyone.

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    Tuna Niçoise Salad

    Tuna Niçoise Salad.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Tuna Niçoise Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that will change your view on canned tuna. Packed with crunchy green beans, tender potatoes, briny olives, and a zesty red wine vinaigrette, this salad is a perfect light meal for any weeknight.

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    Orrechiette Pasta Salad

    Orecchiette Pasta Salad Recipe.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    Orecchiette Pasta Salad is a vibrant mix of vegetables and herbs that works well as a refreshing side dish. It's perfect for summer gatherings like barbecues or potlucks.

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    Chickpea Soup

    Chickpea Soup.
    Photo Credit: Narturallie Plant Based.

    Enjoy a comforting bowl of Tuscan Chickpea Soup, perfect for chilly evenings. This creamy soup blends Mediterranean flavors like sundried tomatoes and fresh herbs with hearty chickpeas, making it a new favorite.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. It's loaded with veggies and flavor, and you can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, enjoying it hot or cold.

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    Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken

    ©Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks

    Chinese five-spice chicken is marinated overnight with a mix of five spice, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, then baked to achieve a beautiful glaze. This dish is packed with flavor and goes perfectly with a ginger scallion sauce.

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    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Firecracker Salmon is a quick dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes, featuring a spicy and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the salmon. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will definitely impress everyone at the dinner table.

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    Red Curry Tofu Stir Fry

    Red curry tofu stir-fry in a pan.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This flavorful curry is a great alternative to takeout. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Easy Turkey Shawarma Meatballs

    Easy Turkey Shawarma Meatballs
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    These Middle Eastern meatballs go great with saffron rice and a zesty hummus sauce. It's a simple meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These burgers are juicy and cooked just right, perfect for serving with your favorite toppings. You only need ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to whip them up.

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    Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Swirls of Flavor.

    Chicken becomes tender while simmering in enchilada sauce in your slow cooker. Layer in corn tortillas, cheese, and olives for a delicious casserole dinner.

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    Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

    Grilled chicken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Jamil Ghar.

    Grilled chicken drumsticks are a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. These flavorful and healthy chicken legs are easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

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    15 Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta

    Pasta with creamy tomato sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A creamy sun-dried tomato sauce wraps around tender noodles and seasoned chickpeas, providing a satisfying meal. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something quick and filling.

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    Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

    A bowl of fettuccini alfredo.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish is creamy and full of flavor. It's a simple one-pot meal that practically cooks itself.

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    Thai Ginger Coconut Soup

    20-Minute Almost Vegan Thai Ginger Coconut Soup
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This Thai Ginger Coconut Soup is a simple and quick dish that’s great for springtime. It’s inspired by the classic Tom Kha recipe, using ginger instead of galangal, and offers a warm, comforting flavor with the sweetness of coconut milk.

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    Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

    Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: Salted Mint.

    This creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and hearty wild rice in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make soup will quickly become a family favorite.

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    Vegan Red Lentil Soup

    Vegan Red Lentil Soup.
    Photo Credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    This vegan soup is packed with protein from red lentils and loaded with fresh veggies like carrots, potatoes, and greens. The fire-roasted tomatoes give it a rich flavor, making it a great choice for a cozy meal.

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    Beef Chow Fun

    beef chow fun.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Beef Chow Fun is a simple dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. Featuring rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, and flank steak, it's a satisfying option that will leave you wanting more.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Barley and Vegetable Soup

    Mediterranean Barley and Vegetable Soup.
    Photo Credit: it's Not Complicated Recipes.

    This soup combines pearled barley with a mix of vegetables and classic Mediterranean herbs, creating a healthy and satisfying meal. It's also easy on the wallet, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    Pasta aglio e oglio.
    Photo credit: The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

    Pasta with garlic and oil is a simple yet delicious dish that elevates plain noodles to something special. It's a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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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 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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