40 Family Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love

With savory, nutritious, simple, and make-ahead options, I have family dinner ideas that suit everyone. In my viewpoint, dinner reminds me of the images of a happy family gathered over a large meal. Dinners allow family members to gather together, deepen relationships, and establish stronger ties.

If your life has got too hectic, you should try these recipes because they just need little preparation and provide hassle-free clean-up. From effortless sheet-pan dish to one-skillet meal and everything in between, I have rounded up the 40 best family dinner ideas, and you are sure to find something that is perfect for your family.

What Are The Best Dinner Ideas For Your Family?

Here are some family-friendly dinner ideas that you should try. I just choose the quick and simple recipes to prepare with oven, skillet, slow cooker, and I also include some vegetarian recipes for healthy plant-based dishes.

Quick And Easy Sheet-Pan Dinner Ideas

1. Sheet-Pan Beef And Broccoli
2. Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas
3. Rich Pork Stew Recipe with Root Vegetables
4. Honey Citrus Sheet Pan Salmon
5. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
6. Sheet Pan Sausage And Root Vegetables
7. Za’atar Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Potato, and Cauliflower
8. Homemade Fish Sticks
9. Old Bay Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
10. Maple Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

One-Skillet Family Dinner Ideas

11. Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
12. Easy Flank Steak Fajitas
13. Catalina Chicken with Broccoli
14. Chicken Parmesan Pasta
15. Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet
16. Beef Burrito Skillet
17. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
18. Spicy Ground Pork & Zucchini Stir-Fry
19. Garlicky Shrimp with Tequila and Lime
20. Salsa Simmered Halibut

Slow Cooker/ Crockpot Dinner Ideas

21. Crockpot Taco Soup
22. Creamy Beef Stroganoff
23. Macaroni and Cheese
24. Turkey Chili
25. Spaghetti and Meatballs
26. Thai Peanut Chicken
27. Kung Pao Chicken
28. Tacos Al Pastor
29. Philly Cheesesteaks
30. Chicken and Dumplings
31. Chicken Marsala
32. Mexican Beef Stuffed Peppers

Simple Casserole Dinner Recipes

33. Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole
34. Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
35. Turkey-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole
36. Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole
37. Tuna Casserole

Top Vegetarian Family Dinner Ideas

38. Healthy Caprese Skillet Lasagna
39. Lentil Dal with Spinach Sauce
40. Vegetarian Quesadilla

10 Quick Family Dinner Ideas That You Can Just Throw In The Oven

The majority of these quick and nutritious family dinner recipes just require a few minutes to prepare. What you need to do is prepare the ingredients, lay them on the sheet pan, and the oven will do the rest of your job! Making delicious dinner has become easier than ever since cleaning is a breeze!

1. Sheet-Pan Beef And Broccoli

Let’s say “Hi” to the simplest 15-minute sheet pan beef and broccoli you’ve ever had! There’s less mess, less clean-up, less hassle, and it’s a million times better than take-out. The juicy and tasty flavor of beef combines with tender and crispy broccoli, this dish is just incredible!

This recipe is prepared in the convenience of an oven, eliminating the need to stand over and spend time monitoring the dish in front of a skillet. I am a fan of a nice sheet pan dish, I really love how easy it is to prepare dinner with the oven, and I highly recommend you try this recipe!

2. Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas first appeared in the 1930s in Western Texas. Chicken fajitas are a quick and delectable weekday dinner. In this traditional Mexican dish, you season chicken, sear, and cook to perfection before mixing it with sautéed bell peppers and onions.

This easy sheet-pan chicken fajitas recipe is not only a perfect family dinner idea, but it can also be a convenient on-the-go meal or quick-packed lunch for your children. Chicken fajitas are full of flavor because of the delectable and nutritious ingredients that go along with them. Your kids will love this meal!

3. Rich Pork Stew Recipe with Root Vegetables

Pork Stew is a rich and hearty soup with succulent pieces of pork and vegetables. Boneless pork roast with root vegetables make this a hearty and delicious dish on winter nights. Its perfect taste and aroma will make the whole family ask for more!

Pork Stew is somewhat similar to my Beef Stew. It combines soft chunks of meat, vegetables, and herbs in a rich, substantial, and extremely flavored broth. Potatoes, carrots, and onions thicken it slightly, and you may want to serve this dish with bread.

4. Honey Citrus Sheet Pan Salmon

Are you craving a healthy bite on tonight’s dinner? This honey citrus sheet pan salmon is such an excellent idea. Light and fresh, it will be a nutritious meal that all your family members will love.

I myself adore a delicious salmon meal, notably when salmon is paired with a burst of citrus flavor. It’s so satisfying that you can serve it at any food party on Saturday nights with your friends. Additionally, the honey provides a pleasant sweetness to the juicy salmon.

5. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

If you are a fan of chicken, let me introduce you to this tasty weeknight dish: Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken. Teriyaki is actually a Japanese culinary technique, it means you grill and boils food with soy sauce and sugar.

This dish is ideal for summer evening food cravings, and it is perfect for cooking in the oven. You can make the delicious homemade pineapple-flavored teriyaki sauce yourself. If you do not have enough time, the store-bought sauce can also suffice.

Nothing can beat the sweet, delicious pineapple blended with vegetables and succulent and juicy chicken in a delightful teriyaki sauce. Moreover, everything is prepared in the oven, and cleaning will be a breeze!

6. Sheet Pan Sausage And Root Vegetables

Cooking food in the oven practically ensures wonderful flavor, particularly with regard to veggies. I would like to recommend you this dish because it is quick and simple to prepare. Moreover, it is also a huge hit with your taste receptors!

This dish can also be a great meal prep idea since you can cut the vegetable ahead of time, it is such a perfect choice for busy moms. It takes less than an hour to prepare, and the entire meal is handled by the oven, eliminating the need to monitor the cooking process as well as the hassle of clean-up!

7. Za’atar Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Potato, and Cauliflower

After a long hard working week, I know you will need a quick and uncomplicated dinner idea. So, here I’ve got the Za’atar pork tenderloin with sweet potato and cauliflower. This one-pan dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, and it is a perfect match if you need something nutritious.

This accompanying dish with pork tenderloin requires few ingredients as well as little preparation. Za’atar pork tenderloin is a real dump-and-bake recipe that will satisfy the whole family.

To avoid overcooking this dish, the cauliflower should be preserved in big chunks, and you should also cut sweet potatoes into smaller items for faster cooking.

8. Homemade Fish Sticks

Crispy and delicious, these oven-baked homemade fish sticks are simple and quick to prepare. Forget the store-bought fish sticks and look no further than the homemade fish sticks that are crispy outside while juicy and tender inside.

This recipe is easy to follow and yields the finest fish sticks. Your kids will certainly love this dish, and it is never out of the question to serve fish sticks with fries or sweet potato fries. You are going to love the pop of flavor these fish sticks bring, so let’s try this recipe!

9. Old Bay Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

If you are fed up with pork, chicken, or beef and crave seafood, try this recipe right now. Old Bay Shrimp and Sausage sheet pan dinner is not only easy to make but it is also filled with incredible taste.

I love how easy it is to prepare this meal, so it is one of my favorite dinner ideas. The combination of rich and savory chicken sausage, asparagus, and fresh, juicy shrimp make this dish worth trying.

10. Maple Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

This quick salmon sheet pan dinner comes with so many pleasant flavors! You will find it difficult to resist this dish because it’s always flawlessly juicy and delicious when preparing in the oven following this recipe.

Delicious, smokey, and flavorful salmon goes perfectly with sweet potatoes and asparagus. This fantastic comfort recipe is ideal for our hectic schedules, and you should try it right away if you are a salmon lover.

10 One-Skillet Family Dinner Ideas For Any Day Of The Week

When you rush out for time and need a quick dinner with less mess, just put a load of nutritious stuff into a frying pan. Here are some one-skillet family dinner ideas you should look through.

11. Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein

Do you want to cook some homemade Chinese dishes yourself? Let’s try chicken Lo Mein for tonight’s meal. Lo Mein is a Chinese dish that often includes egg noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, and pork.

If you are fed up with chicken Lo Mein, you can try other variations of this dish. This recipe only takes 30 minutes to prepare, so you should not miss this takeout-inspired dinner!

12. Easy Flank Steak Fajitas

Steak fajitas are a convenient and simple recipe that is ideal for weeknight meals or weekend get-togethers! This dish is usually a crowd-pleaser, and it is best to serve with tortillas and sauces.

Quick and easy to make, steak fajitas is such a life-saver for hectic nights or last-minute dinners. I usually prepare the ingredients ahead of time for easy preparation the next day. Succulent, luscious steak pieces with bell peppers and onion, this dish is hard to resist!

13. Catalina Chicken with Broccoli

Catalina chicken with broccoli is a surefire supper hit if you are looking for a dinner meal that is healthy and delicious! With just a few ingredients such as chicken breast, broccoli, Catalina dressing, cashew, soy sauce, and seasonings, you can make your family’s favorite dish.

Before serving, you should remember to pour the excess sauce over chicken and broccoli for optimum flavor. This meal only takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, so every busy mom should try this once!

14. Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Quick and tasty, chicken parmesan pasta is my favorite one-skillet dish, and it is always my choice when I am in need of simple comfort cuisine. This dish is not only tasty, but it is also simple, inexpensive, and highly addictive with the melty stretchy cheese!

I’m crazy for quick skillet chicken dinners, and you’ll never imagine how simple it is to cook spaghetti in a frying pan. Another reason why I love this dish so much is that it requires less clean-up. Look through the recipe below for detailed instructions and full ingredients!

15. Cheesy Baked Meatball Skillet

Let’s satisfy your family with this perfect dish! Cheesy baked meatball comprises homemade meatballs that are broiled to perfection, then top with tomato sauce and stretchy melted cheese. If you are a fan of cheese, you should not miss this dish!

Cheesy baked meatball can be made with one skillet in under one hour. I love both meatballs and cheese, and fortunately, my family also loves them. Who can resist the covering of melting cheese? Your family will be surprised if you make this dish!

16. Beef Burrito Skillet

Fulfill your burrito cravings with this quick and delightful supper: the beef burrito. This one-skillet recipe only takes about half an hour to be ready. Beef burrito is a delicious Mexican one-pan dinner, and you can eat it plain or top with a variety of delectable toppings to enhance your burrito pleasure.

Ground beef, cheddar cheese, salsa, and tortillas are all prepared in one pan. The tortillas are softened to become nearly dumpling-like. You’re stuck for supper ideas this week, right? Keep this beef burrito skillet in mind!

17. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

The finest stir-fry recipes are those that use vegetables since they are quite adaptable, and you can use fairly almost any leftover food in your refrigerator. I love stir-fry dish that is as basic as possible, so I choose this shrimp and broccoli stir-fry recipe.

You can serve this dish with rice, and I recommend that you prepare the rice first because cooking rice will take a longer time than preparing this stir-fry. Forget any take-out dish; shrimp and broccoli can be ready in less than 30 minutes, and your family will love this!

18. Spicy Ground Pork & Zucchini Stir-Fry

So easy to make and yet so delicious, spicy ground pork and zucchini stir-fry are ideal for a quick evening dinner. This dish features fresh zucchini, scallions, black pepper, and minced ginger for spicy and warm flavor.

There are many various methods to prepare stir-fry meals. To prepare this dish, just chop the ingredients into thin strips and stir-fry them together. I guarantee that this simple and delectable recipe will delight your taste buds.

19. Garlicky Shrimp with Tequila and Lime

If you want to add seafood to your diet, why don’t you try the garlicky shrimp with tequila and lime for tonight’s meal? Buttery garlic shrimp are mixed in a dash of tequila and topped with fresh lime juice for a quick and straightforward supper.

What could be more satisfying than a 5-minute shrimp meal with a margarita? Serve this nutritious and quick meal alongside other Mexican dishes is a great idea.

20. Salsa Simmered Halibut

This meal is an experience in juxtaposing textures and taste. The flaky, fall-apart texture of mild cod combines with the satisfying chunkiness of bright and sour tomato salsa. You can feel the pleasure in every bite.

The two collaborate to produce a simple, cozy supper in only five minutes. Allow this recipe to alter your mindset! In case you do not have fresh salsa, canned salsa will also suffice.

12 Slow Cooker/ Crockpot Dinner Ideas For Busy Nights

It may be challenging to cook dinner for the whole family, especially if there is a picky eater among the bunch. But don’t worry, I will get you covered with a few basic slow cooker dishes that will also suit the pickiest eaters.

21. Crockpot Taco Soup

I think I desire warm food like soup in the winter, just like other seasons of the year. Who can’t resist taco soup on cold days? It is warm and soothing! With the help of a crockpot, this dish is both enjoyable to cook and eat.

Taco soup will be a hit with teenagers when topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or taco chips. It is hearty and delicious, with ground beef becoming soft after hours of simmering. This is really a quick and easy slow cooker dish with an American twist.

22. Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Rich, creamy, and delicious, creamy beef stroganoff can be prepared in the slow cooker in under 30 minutes. This recipe for beef stroganoff is practically magical since it requires less clean-up when cooking with the slow cooker.

This Beef Stroganoff dish creates a genuinely unforgettable supper with a thick, creamy, wonderfully seasoned sauce. If you want to add some vegetables to your meal, you can add a small number of frozen peas or chop some carrots and celery.

23. Macaroni and Cheese

This dish is both inexpensive and delicious, making it a quick and simple remedy for a great dinner. When there are so many unique and costly kinds of cheeses to choose from, fancy gourmet mac and cheese may cost more, but they aren’t necessarily the greatest taste.

Let’s say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese! Try this deliciously creamy, silky, and cheesy homemade version with the convenience of your slow cooker! Both kids and adults will love this homemade mac and cheese; carry out this recipe right now to make your family surprised!

24. Turkey Chili

This slow cooker recipe is quick and easy to prepare, and it is also a healthy dinner idea for a busy weeknight meal or weekend family gathering. Rich, substantial, and full of flavor, this dish is packed with lean ground turkey, tender beans, and just the right amount of spice.

However, when prepping this dish, you should look for signs to tell whether the ground turkey is bad or still good. A lot of the time, spoiled turkey goes undetected because the signs can be quite subtle. So, it’s best that you be careful.

Turkey chili is my go-to meal when it’s cold outdoors, and it is also ideal for serving a crowd. I love to prepare this meal in a slow cooker. The meat is soft, rich, and hearty, the heat level is just right, and the spices add a wonderful depth of flavor. It’s the ideal dinner on cold days because it requires very little preparation.

Between you and me, sometimes when I’m too tired to go cook chili from scratch, I’d opt for tasty canned chili of the highest quality and then add more ingredients to the pre-made food. Usually, no one can even tell that the dish comprises largely of canned food.

25. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs are favored by most people, and I think this dish can satisfy even the pickiest eater. I myself don’t like store-bought spaghetti sauce, I like the homemade sauce with large meatballs that are full of flavor.

That’s why I am thrilled with this recipe. All ingredients are cooked in the slow cooker, even the noodles, and the flavor is fantastic. You just need to set the time and temperature, then forget it! You can top with a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese if you love to.

26. Thai Peanut Chicken

Wonderful and oh-so-satisfying, Thai Peanut Chicken can be a great dinner idea when you crave hot meals. This Asian-inspired recipe comes with chicken, coconut milk, lime juice, peanut butter, ginger, and garlic. In case you need to watch your salt intake, choose reduced-sodium soy sauce.

This dish has a good balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, warming, and delightful sauce makes me feel confident that you are going to love this meal.

27. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a renowned stir-fried cuisine in North American Chinese takeout restaurants. Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken is the perfect quick evening dish to satisfy your takeaway desire.

I’m a fan of a nice slow cooker dish as it is perfect for relaxing after a long working day and finding dinner waiting for you. With the convenient slow cooker or crockpot, you can make the delicious Kung Pao Chicken with the same spicy and sweet flavor as the dish at the Chinese restaurant you have recently visited.

28. Tacos Al Pastor

Tacos Al Pastor comprises thinly sliced marinated pork that forms the tastiest kind of taco. The mix of hot chilies, sweet pineapple, onion, and pork is delectable. And the slow cooker will do all the job for you.

There are various crock pot sizes, and you should choose the suitable one to make fantastic dishes throughout the cold months of the year. You can serve them with chopped onion, pineapple, and cilantro for a delicious supper that the whole family will enjoy.

29. Philly Cheesesteaks

Although Philly Cheesesteaks has become a street food staple, it is also a great dish to cook at home. There are endless possibilities, and you can try different kinds of cheeses, vegetables, meat when making this dish right in the comfort of your home.

Aside from the sautéed veggies, the ingredients are all right there, the dish’s name. Choosing the correct beef and cheese is essential to creating a superb Philly Cheesesteak. When making traditional Philly Cheesesteak, you should choose thinly sliced ribeye.

The substantial fat content of ribeye contributes to tender bites. Other cuts of beef will also work as long as they were thinly sliced.

30. Chicken and Dumplings

We all need simple and straightforward comfort food sometimes, don’t we? That’s why I want to recommend you this simple recipe. Chicken and Dumplings is a simple slow cooker dish that can be made with great convenience and comfort. It’s perfect for chilly, snowy days!

Before my life became too hectic, I usually prepared chicken and dumplings from scratch on a regular basis. I really love simple recipes like this. For serving, you can place this dish in a large bowl or top over mashed potatoes. This dish is delicious either way!

31. Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala will be a dinner recipe you’ll want to prepare again and again, whether it’s on the weekend or on a weekday. With a genuine Italian flavor, this flavorful Chicken Marsala comes with incredible sauce to enjoy with your chicken and sides.

Although chicken marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that is often seen in the restaurant, you can also make it right in your kitchen. With the help of a slow cooker, there will be no hassle when preparing this dish.

32. Mexican Beef Stuffed Peppers

You do not need to preheat the oven or use the stovetop since this dish can be conveniently made in the slow cooker. Making this dish quite easy and does not involve the cleaning of a large number of dishes. All ingredients are cooked until soft under the magic of a slow cooker.

5 Simple Casserole Dinner Recipes For Easy Family Meals

Casseroles have gained popularity since the 1950s, and it is usually the one-pot meal that is quick and easy to prepare. You will never go wrong with the following casserole dinner recipes, let’s go

33. Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

If you are looking for a dinner idea that the whole family will love, the Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is the way to go. This dish can go with any type of protein, you can add roasted chicken, roasted beef, or pork chops.

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole can be made in one pot, and the cooking process only takes about 30 minutes. Cheesy, warming, full of broccoli, this dish is worth your consideration.

34. Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

The homestyle ground beef casserole is the finest casserole I’ve ever had, and it appeals to both children and adults. This dish is simple to prepare, and I am confident that it will quickly become a family favorite.

Ground beef is simmered in a thick tomato sauce that has been seasoned. Toss egg noodles with cream cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese; then top with the three kinds of cheese and cook till golden and bubbling! Cheesy, creamy, and bursting with flavor, who can resist this dish?

35. Turkey-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole

You have leftover Turkey, but you do not know what to do with this. Why don’t you try the Turkey-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole? With the perfect flavor, this dish has been a long-time favorite.

If you’re expecting a large gathering this weekend’s dinner, prepare two large casseroles to serve the whole family. This recipe is ideal for a busy host. You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it to have more time with your guests.

36. Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

Cheesy, creamy with incredible taste, this hearty southern casserole will keep you coming back for more. My favorite smoky sausage and grits casserole is a fantastic weekday dinner or brunch dish for the forthcoming holidays.

This casserole can be prepared ahead of time for quick meals to serve your guest. With the convenience of the oven, you can have the rich and creamy dish on the table in no time. I prefer to enjoy a little side salad with this dinner recipe.

37. Tuna Casserole

When it comes to easy casserole dinner ideas, Tuna Casserole is right up there. For decades, it has been a family favorite! This new recipe is a must-try if you love the crunchy bite of potato chips.

It is simple to prepare, but it is also inexpensive, delicious, and adaptable. Almost any leftovers or vegetables may be put right in! Let’s use all of your imagination when making this tuna fish casserole dish!

Top Vegetarian Recipes For Healthy Plant-Based Family Meals

Where to start when you want to switch to a plant-based lifestyle? Why don’t you begin with some vegetarian dinners each week? If you’re thinking about plant-based diets, feel free to try some recipes below!

38. Healthy Caprese Skillet Lasagna

This recipe ensures low work, terrific flavor, and an acceptable number of calories. What could be better? Your day will get a whole lot better with this dish. This vegetarian dish is a great lighter and healthier version of lasagna.

This dish is so simple and completely done in one skillet! This simple evening supper is brought together with mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlic,

and thyme. Such a comfortable and quick dinner idea!

39. Lentil Dal with Spinach Sauce

This dish is loaded with spinach, making it extremely nutritious and flavorful! Rich, aromatic, and delicious, Lenti Dal with Spinach Sauce is one of the tastiest plant-based dishes that is favored for such a long time.

Such a pleasant dish to cook this week! The significant point of this dish is the spinach sauce, and you can choose both fresh or frozen spinach. I usually enjoy this dish with basmati rice or brown rice, and it is wonderful!

40. Vegetarian Quesadilla

Quesadilla is a sort of taco, and it is Mexican cuisine. Preparing quesadillas is not kind of difficult since you can use the oven, skillet or comfortably seek the help of the quesadilla maker.

I cannot wait to make it again! Don’t know which side dishes to go with quesadillas? Here are some recommendations: Quesadillas are best served hot, crunchy, and with gooey cheese. You can serve vegetarian quesadillas with salsa, yogurt, or sour cream.

Let’s Try Something New!

This list includes some wonderful family recipes that will nourish your family while reducing your stress in the kitchen. If you usually need to serve a lot of guests, try one of the many casserole recipes. They are usually a hit with the guests and are surprisingly simple to prepare.

I’m thrilled to share these recipes with you. In general, I’m fascinated with all of them, and it makes me happy to know that you’re out there creating and eating the same beautiful cuisine I do for my family.

Do you know other fantastic family dinner ideas? Have you tried one of these family dinner ideas? Which recipe do you love the most? Feel free to share your thoughts with me via the comment, and don’t forget to share this post with your mates! Thanks for reading, and have a nice day!