Who has four thumbs and likes to dictate what they want to eat on a regular basis? My two little sous chef boys. Dinner is hard enough to figure out on a weekly/daily basis, but then throw in hangry children at your feet begging for the same thing over and over again.
Yeah, less than ideal.
Here's where I come in. I curated this roundup of easy family dinners to help solve that old adage of "What's for dinner?" especially when it comes to making meals that the ENTIRE family will enjoy.
Whether you're craving a family-size serving of a one pot pasta dinner, a sheet pan recipe that is easy to prep and throw in the oven, or a fresh and light dinner that goes with any appetite, I can help you find the answer to that quandary.
Jump to:
Crispy Oven Baked Turkey Tacos
These crispy baked turkey tacos are packed with seasoned turkey and melty cheese for a fun twist on taco Tuesday.
Why families love it:
- Easy for little hands to hold
- Perfect for busy weeknights
BBQ Chicken Pizza Flatbread
This "simple to throw together in no time" flatbread pizza is topped with crispy bbq chicken nuggets, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch for the ultimate dinnertime win.
Why families love it:
- Handheld = more fun for kids.
- Easy to throw together in minutes.
Creamy Cauliflower Pasta
Pasta gets tossed together with crispy, charred cauliflower for the perfect pairing of comfort and vegetables that the kiddos will actually like eating more of.
Why families love it:
- Meatless Monday option
- Easy to customize
Pan Fried Chicken Cutlets
Chicken cutlets are the GOAT of easy dinner options for families. Crispy, juicy chicken breasts fried until golden.
Why families love it:
- Uses pantry staples
- Great for leftovers
- Easy to customize
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Hamburger helper? Never heard of her. This one pot pasta with ground beef and melty cheese is as nostalgic as it is comforting and filling.
Why families love it:
- Minimal cleanup
- One pot used!
Lemon Chicken Skillet
Tender and juicy chicken roasted in a cast iron skillet with herbs and sliced lemon makes this family-friendly dinner a huge win with minimal active cooking time.
Why families love it:
- Minimal prep
- Hands-off cooking
Ground Beef Taco Bowls
Taco bowls are very simple to prepare ahead of time, and with all the various toppings, kids have free reign over what the use or don't use.
Why families love it:
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Mild and familiar ingredients
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
I can't even count on my hands how many times I've made this for my family. Fajitas are great for meal prep, easy dinner during busy weeknights, and kids can make their own.
Why families love it:
- Freezer-friendly
- A complete meal in one dish
Creamy One Pot Parmesan Pasta
Similar to my cauliflower pasta, this is sans veggies, but high on versatility and ease. Everything cooks in one pot, and can be the base for any protein or a different veg.
Why families love it:
- Uses pantry staples
- Ready in 30 minutes
Italian Style Chicken Meatballs
It doesn't get any better than juicy chicken meatballs in a classic marinara sauce on the stove. Easily paired with pasta, rice, potatoes, or a mountain of sauteed veggies.
Why families love it:
- Simple cleanup
- Freezer-friendly
Honorable Mentions
These additional recipes are excellent to have in your back pocket for nights where you are literally fresh out of energy, and need something ASAP, because those kids be huuuungry.
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets - if you are a big fan of fast food style chicken nuggets (like I am and both of my boys), this recipe is going to serve that craving, but make them slightly less oily. Ground chicken and a few standard ingredients make these perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Chicken Enchiladas - My pantry-friendly chicken enchiladas relies on simple ingredients and can be prepped ahead of time, so you can throw them in the oven and go read your child their favorite book for the 39174923 time.
- Sticky Honey Chicken - Island flavors meets asian influence in this sticky honey chicken recipe. My family loves the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and orange juice. Plus, it's great over a standard bed of rice or paired with orzo.
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