10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Family That Everyone Will Love

10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Family That Everyone Will Love

Finding dinner ideas everyone in the family actually likes? Yeah, that can be tough. You want meals that are simple to make but still taste good enough for all ages.

A family gathers around a table filled with a variety of easy dinner recipes, including pasta, salad, and grilled vegetables

Easy dinner recipes for family help you save time while creating meals that bring everyone together around the table. These recipes fit into busy schedules without a lot of fuss or complicated steps.

1) Chicken Goujons with Honey Mustard Dip

A plate of golden-brown chicken goujons with a side of honey mustard dip, surrounded by colorful vegetables and a family-friendly dinner setting

Chicken goujons are a straightforward, tasty dinner pick for your family. They’re just strips of chicken breast coated in breadcrumbs and baked or fried until crispy.

A quick honey mustard dip makes them even better. Mix honey, mustard, and a little mayo for a sweet, tangy, creamy dip.

This meal comes together fast, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights. You can use the oven or an air fryer—either way, they’ll get nice and crunchy.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Honey
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cut chicken into strips.
  2. Beat eggs in a bowl.
  3. Dip chicken strips in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
  4. Place goujons on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
  6. Mix honey, mustard, and mayo for the dip.
  7. Serve goujons warm with the honey mustard dip.

2) Sausage and Gravy Biscuits

A table set with warm, flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy, surrounded by a bustling family dinner scene

Sausage and gravy biscuits are a cozy, easy dinner that’s always a hit. Start by browning pork sausage in a skillet.

Make a creamy gravy by adding flour and milk to the sausage drippings. You can use canned biscuits if you’re in a rush, or bake your own if you’re feeling ambitious.

This dish comes together in about 15 minutes. The rich flavors and soft biscuits make it a classic comfort meal.

For a full recipe with tips, check out this easy sausage gravy and biscuits recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pork sausage
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 buttermilk biscuits (store-bought or homemade)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
  2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Slowly add milk, stirring until the gravy thickens.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Warm the biscuits according to package directions or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes if homemade.
  6. Split the biscuits and pour the sausage gravy over them.

3) Quick Corned Beef Hash

A skillet sizzling with diced potatoes, corned beef, onions, and peppers, surrounded by a cozy kitchen setting with a family dining table in the background

Corned beef hash is one of those fast, filling meals you can throw together with leftover or canned corned beef. It’s just diced potatoes, onion, and corned beef cooked until everything’s crispy and golden.

You only need one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect when you want something simple but hearty.

Serve it with eggs or a side salad if you want to round things out. A sprinkle of black pepper or paprika adds a little extra flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups diced cooked corned beef
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add diced potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add diced onions and cook for 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in corned beef and cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

4) Puff Pastry Mini Pizzas

A kitchen counter with ingredients for puff pastry mini pizzas, including sauce, cheese, and toppings, with a baking sheet and oven in the background

Puff pastry mini pizzas make for a quick, fun dinner. Grab some store-bought puff pastry so you don’t have to fuss with dough.

Top with your favorite sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings you like—pepperoni, veggies, you name it. These bake up fast, usually in 10 to 15 minutes.

The pastry gets golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Kids love them, but honestly, adults do too.

You can switch up the toppings to fit everyone’s tastes. It’s a good excuse to get the whole family involved.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • ¼ cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, veggies, or herbs
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut puff pastry into small squares.
  3. Brush edges with beaten egg.
  4. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each square.
  5. Add shredded cheese and toppings.
  6. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

More tips are over at Cooking My Dreams.

5) Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

A rustic kitchen table set with a steaming tray of twice baked potatoes, surrounded by a family of four eagerly reaching for their dinner

Loaded twice baked potatoes are a classic comfort food that’s surprisingly easy. Bake big potatoes until soft, then scoop out the insides and mix them with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and butter.

Stuff the mixture back into the potato shells and bake again until the tops are golden and bubbly. This dish works as a main or a hearty side.

Add chives or green onions if you want a little extra kick. They’re filling and you can prep them ahead of time, which is always a win.

Ingredients

  • 4 large baking potatoes
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Fresh chives or green onions (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prick each potato with a fork 3-4 times and bake for about 1 hour.
  3. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
  4. Mix potato flesh with butter, sour cream, milk, cheese, bacon, salt, and pepper.
  5. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins.
  6. Bake again at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and tops are golden.

6) Easy Salisbury Steak

A sizzling Salisbury steak with gravy, served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans on a white dinner plate

Salisbury steak is one of those old-school dinners that’s still a crowd-pleaser. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes.

Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs and egg, then shape into patties. Brown them in a skillet, then simmer in a savory gravy made from onion soup or broth.

It’s pure comfort food, no complicated steps. There’s a straightforward version over at Belly Full.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • ½ cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
  2. Form mixture into 4 patties.
  3. Brown patties in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Pour onion soup over the patties.
  5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes at medium-low heat.
  6. Serve hot with sides.

7) Microwave-Poached Salmon

A piece of salmon sits in a microwave-safe dish, surrounded by lemon slices and herbs. The microwave door is closed, and the timer is set

Microwave-poached salmon is a lifesaver on hectic nights. All you need is salmon, a little butter, and your go-to seasonings.

Put the salmon skin-side up in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and let it steam. Microwave on high for about 8 to 9 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This method keeps the salmon tender and moist.

Pair with steamed veggies or a salad for a balanced dinner. It’s so easy, you might wonder why you ever bothered with anything else.

Ingredients

  • 1 salmon fillet (about 12 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: lemon slices or herbs

Cooking Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish, about 45 to 60 seconds.
  2. Add salmon, skin-side up, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.
  4. Microwave on high for 8 to 9 minutes until opaque and flaky.
  5. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Try this easy method for a quick family dinner. For more details, see microwaved poached salmon.

8) Veggie Frittata

A colorful array of fresh vegetables and eggs sizzling in a skillet on a stovetop

A veggie frittata is a fast, healthy dinner option. It’s packed with colorful vegetables, eggs, and cheese.

Use whatever veggies you’ve got—bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, whatever’s in the fridge. Everything cooks up in one pan, which is always nice.

It’s a great way to use up leftovers, and you can serve it warm or at room temp. Roasting the veggies first makes it extra cozy.

Pour the beaten eggs over the veggies and cook until set. It’s a solid weeknight go-to.

Ingredients

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, feta, or your choice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Heat some olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

  3. Toss in the vegetables and cook them until they’re tender. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

  4. Beat the eggs with milk, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.

  5. Pour the beaten eggs over the vegetables right there in the skillet.

  6. Sprinkle cheese on top.

  7. Let it cook on the stove for 3-4 minutes, just until the edges start to set.

  8. Move the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to be fully set.

  9. Let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice and serve.

For a few extra tips, check out this vegetable frittata recipe.

9) Black Bean Burgers

A sizzling black bean burger on a toasted bun, topped with avocado, lettuce, and tomato, served alongside a colorful mixed salad

Black bean burgers are a quick, healthy dinner option for your family. They come together fast and use simple ingredients you probably already have.

You can get these burgers on the table in under 30 minutes. Grill them or cook them on the stove—whatever works for you.

They’re filling, tasty, and honestly, a solid choice when you want something comforting. You can mix in spices, onions, or peppers to suit your family’s taste.

They’re also a nice way to sneak in an extra plant-based meal during the week.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 egg or flax egg (for binding)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mash the black beans in a bowl until they’re mostly smooth.

  2. Add the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, spices, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together.

  3. Shape the mixture into 4 to 6 patties.

  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).

  5. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side. You want them browned and heated through.

  6. Serve on buns with whatever toppings you like.

For more ideas, take a look at this easy black bean burger recipe.

10) Leek and Potato Soup

A steaming pot of leek and potato soup surrounded by fresh ingredients and kitchen utensils

Leek and potato soup is one of those simple, comforting dishes you can throw together in no time. It just needs a handful of basic ingredients like leeks, potatoes, and broth.

The soup turns out creamy and mild—honestly, it’s perfect for a family dinner or when you just want something soothing. If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of bacon.

It’s easy to make and really hits the spot on a chilly evening. You’ll probably find it tastes even better reheated the next day.

If you’re after a vegan version, just swap butter for olive oil and pick vegetable broth. It’s a classic that works when you’re short on time but still want something genuinely tasty.

Ingredients

  • 3 leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: herbs, bacon pieces for topping

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced leeks and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add diced potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve hot with optional toppings.

More details can be found in this Potato Leek Soup Recipe.

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