13 Quick and Easy Family Dinner Ideas

In this post, I share with you 13 make your own dinner ideas to feed the entire family. I have three kids under 4 years old so making meals that are too elaborate just isn’t going to fly around our dinner table! 

I can’t say I do in-depth meal planning each week, but I do brush the surface to have some sort of game plan on how to construct my meals in the most efficient way possible.

I try not to make a new meal each night of the week and many of these dishes serve as great leftovers! To see my flawless meal system go here. 

I am all about doing food bars when guests are over to make it fun and special on occasion, but take note these meals are more one-and-done style dishes!

Just my speed. I recently learned the name for the food bar style of dinners is called “DIY Dinners” which is new to me! I always thought every dinner you make is quite DIY. But I get the concept. 

Whether you are cooking on busy weeknights or just searching for that easy weeknight dinner I have you covered with these healthy recipes to please even the pickiest family members! 

Let’s get to the list of dinner ideas, shall we?

#1 Bacon Asparagus Pasta Dish

If you are looking for fast and easy pasta recipes to serve at mealtime look no further. 

This is one of my favorite things to make on a busy weeknight (and for a crowd). It is full of flavor and it is filling. Kids love it. Adults love it. To get the full recipe for this fun meal see it here.

Pro Tip: Make the bacon ahead of time (maybe in the morning with breakfast) for an even quicker complete time. 

#2 Quinoa Beef Nachos

Next time you are looking for different ways to enjoy nachos, try out this simple recipe! The main ingredient is the quinoa with browned beef. It is one of my favorite ground beef recipes to make!

 Build the rest as you please by adding avocados, salsa, red pepper, sour cream, black beans, lime juice, and corn chips! The opportunities are endless here.

#3 Creamy Chicken Bell Pepper Soup and Salad

 

This soup is packed full of delicious ingredients. Dinner prep is only a hair longer due to the blending of the soup but otherwise, it is a great meal to serve the family. 

If you are not a bell pepper fan try out this amazing tomato bisque soup and replace it! I got the inspiration for the soup from Magnolia Table’s cookbook. I love their poblano soup and made it for months at a time. It’s so good!

#4 Risotto with Chicken and Veggies

This is one of my favorite foods. I love making risotto because it is a wonderful leftover and the whole family enjoys it. It is creamy, rich, and takes little time to prepare. You can use leftover chicken to really speed up the prep time or you can quickly grill up some chicken breasts fresh to add-in. 

Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the parmesan cheese! More is best!

Risotto Ingredients:

• Arborio rice
• White Wine
• Butter and Olive Oil
• Shallot or Onion
• Broth
• Parmesan Cheese
• Salt and Pepper

#5 Sweet Potato and Ground Beef Skillet

I just recently came across this wonderful recipe and gave it a shot! I like how it incorporates that Southwest flavor with sweet potatoes. Top with cheddar cheese for one of those busy nights when you want healthy dinner recipes without the hassle. 

#6 White Chicken Chili With Corn Bread/ or Chips

I love getting the nutritional value white cannellini beans offer in a broth-like soup with all of the yummy fixings! The best part about this soup is you could most likely make it for dinner tonight without much prep because it uses pantry staples. 

I love this soup for large groups as well as simple family meals that go a long way. The recipe doesn’t take much time to whip up and it pleases a crowd. 

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 Box of Chicken Broth
• 2 cans of White Beans, Black Beans, or both
• 2 Chicken Breasts Shredded (make in an instant pot for quicker results)
• 1 can of mild green chilis
• 1 can of Rotel fire-roasted tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• ½ packet of taco seasoning for taste
• Cilantro, Avocado, and Chips

#7 Italian Sausage Bowtie Pasta

A crowd favorite in my household! I love bringing this almost pasta bake to new mamas or families in need of dinner. As long as everyone can tolerate gluten, we are good! I know there are also gluten-free options!

I love pairing it with a homemade salad for the ultimate flavor. This particular salad I shared has a tangy balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing that pairs nicely with the pasta. 

This recipe calls for:

• 1 Box of Pasta
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. Italian Sausage
• 1/2 tsp. Red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup Diced Onions
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 28 oz. Diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1 cup Parmesan 

#8 Chicken Pot Pie

I love making this recipe a few times a month when I know the weeknights are going to be busy. I also love making my famous pie crust recipe (it is to die for). Add in whatever meat you like paired with gravy and veggies. It is a great way to knock out a well-rounded meal for any family dinner!

I like to use chicken but you could also use turkey (especially leftover from Thanksgiving) Beef or Steak. Add in carrots, onions, and peas or celery with broth and fill the pie. 

I also love to make a simple homemade gravy made with butter, broth, salt, pepper, and flour. It beats any pre-made grocery store gravy. Simple meals like this are my go tos most of the time. 

#9 Chicken and Spaghetti in the Dutch Oven

Easy meals like this that pack a ton of flavor with little to no effort are great for your next dinner party or even a simple family meal. You choose. 

I like to add a few chicken thighs or breasts to a dutch oven and drizzle them with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. I add in some broth, a little white wine, garlic, and red sauce. 

Preheat the oven to 250 and pop it in the oven to cook for at least 4 hours. Once you can smell the meal cooking, take it out and shred the chicken. Cook your pasta to al dente and serve with a salad.

#10 Taco Night 

Nothing screams easy dinner recipes like taco night. The first thing I do is prepare the meat whether that be ground beef with taco seasoning or chicken with taco seasoning. It is the perfect way to get the ball rolling for easy food stations later on. 

You can cook the meat in a slow cooker or dutch oven all day too if you are looking for the best way to save on prep time. 

Lastly, add the toppings. My favorite toppings:

• Guacamole 
• Pico De Gallo
• Limes
• Cheese
• Sour Cream

#11 Asian Steak over Rice and Veggies

The real work in this recipe is marinating the steak. I did this recipe recently for dinner one evening and it was nearly effortless thanks to Trader Joe’s rice bags and help to cut the veggies from my kiddo.

I like to add some sort of variation to the steak marinade:

• Hoisin Sauce
• Sesame Oil
• Ginger
• Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos

#12 DIY Pizza Night

Whip up a little homemade pizza dough and grab whatever toppings you have left in the fridge on a Friday night! It is the little things in life that make it memorable, and making pizzas with the kids is a great idea for a quick and cheap meal! 

I like to make my dough with pizza dough yeast packets from the store, make a sourdough ball, or even buy the pre-made dough from the grocery store. All are great options. 

#13 Pesto Gnocchi With Toasted Pine Nuts and Parmesan Cheese

Gnocchi is an effortless meal that packs a ton of flavor and fills you up. I love to brown my gnocchi in a frying pan over butter, toast some pine nuts, and toss in the pesto.

To finish it off, garnish with some parmesan cheese and a salad of choice. The best light dinner to make, or even a great lunch option. 

Enjoy these meal ideas!