10+ Dinner Recipes for Family to Enjoy Together

Cooking dinner for your family can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially after a long day. Finding simple and delicious dinner recipes is key to making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free for everyone. With the right recipes, you can create meals that satisfy everyone’s tastes and fit into your busy schedule.

Whether you are looking for quick weeknight meals or something a bit more special for the weekend, there are countless options available. You can explore flavors from around the world or stick to comforting classics. The important thing is to choose recipes that bring your family together at the table, fostering connection and warmth.

1) Easy Chicken Parmesan

Easy Chicken Parmesan is a quick and tasty dinner option for your family. It combines crispy breaded chicken with marinara sauce and melted cheese. You can serve it over pasta or with a salad for a complete meal.

To get started, you need some basic ingredients. This dish is great because it can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Dip each piece in beaten eggs, then coat with panko bread crumbs.
4. Place the chicken in a baking dish and spray with cooking spray.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Top each chicken piece with marinara sauce and cheeses.
7. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts.

2) 30-Minute Salisbury Steak

30-Minute Salisbury Steak is a great choice for dinner. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a busy family night. The beef patties are cooked and covered in a rich mushroom gravy that everyone will enjoy.

You can serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. It really brings out the comfort food vibes. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape into patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.
5. In the same skillet, add mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3) Microwave-Poached Salmon

Microwave-poached salmon is a simple and quick dinner option. You can make a healthy dish without much fuss. The fish turns out tender and flavorful, perfect for a family meal.

Start by placing salmon fillets in a microwave-safe dish. Season it with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adding fresh herbs like dill can enhance the flavor, too.

Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Cook on high for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. Check for doneness; the salmon should be opaque and flake easily.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh dill (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place salmon fillets in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the dish.
4. Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Check for doneness before serving.

4) Chicken Goujons

Chicken goujons are a fun and tasty dinner option for the whole family. These crispy strips of chicken are easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Coat chicken pieces in breadcrumbs and bake them until golden brown for a healthier twist on fried chicken.

To make them even more delicious, you can serve them with various dips like ketchup or honey mustard. You can also tuck them into wraps or serve them alongside veggies for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut chicken breasts into strips.
3. In a bowl, beat the egg.
4. Season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Dip chicken strips in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, until golden.

5) Puff Pastry Pizza

Puff pastry pizza is a fun and quick dinner option for your family. You can customize it with any toppings you like, making it great for picky eaters.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce over the pastry, leaving some space at the edges.

Add your favorite toppings. Options include mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, or veggies. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden.

Your family will love this easy and delicious meal!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, vegetables, etc.)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet.
3. Spread pizza sauce on the pastry.
4. Add mozzarella cheese and chosen toppings.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

6) Beef Chili

Beef chili is a comforting dish that is great for family dinners. You can easily make a big pot to feed everyone. It’s full of flavor and has plenty of hearty ingredients.

Start by browning ground beef in a pot. Then, add chopped onions, garlic, and your favorite peppers. Mix in canned tomatoes and beans for extra texture.

Season the chili with spices like chili powder, cumin, and salt. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes on low heat. You can serve it hot with toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) beans (kidney or black), drained
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and beans.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix well.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7) Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken

Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken is a delicious and comforting dinner option for your family. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and pasta. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

To make it, start by cooking the fettuccine pasta in boiling water until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

For the creamy Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a pan and add heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. Combine the chicken and pasta with the sauce, and toss gently.

Serve with a sprinkle of parsley on top for a fresh touch. This meal is simple yet satisfying and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
2. Season and sauté chicken breasts in a pan until golden and cooked through.
3. In another pan, melt butter and add heavy cream and minced garlic.
4. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Combine cooked pasta and chicken with the Alfredo sauce.
6. Toss gently and serve with parsley on top.

8) Corned Beef Hash

Corned beef hash is a comforting dish that is easy to make. It uses leftover corned beef and transforms it into a delicious meal. With crispy potatoes and onions, it’s perfect for dinner.

To start, you will need some cooked corned beef, diced potatoes, and onions. You can add spices or bell peppers for extra flavor. This dish cooks up quickly in one pan, making cleanup simple.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked corned beef, chopped
• 1 pound potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add diced potatoes and cook until they are golden and tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced onions and cook until they are soft.
4. Add the chopped corned beef, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is hot and slightly crispy.

9) Twice Baked Loaded Potatoes

Twice baked loaded potatoes are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for your family dinners. They feature creamy mashed potatoes mixed with tasty toppings.

To make them, start by baking your potatoes until they’re tender. After that, scoop out the insides and mix with cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Then, refill the potato skins with this yummy mixture.

Bake them again until they’re golden and bubbly. They make a great side dish or even a main meal. Enjoy these hearty potatoes at your table!

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prick each potato with a fork and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
3. Let potatoes cool, then cut in half and scoop out the insides.
4. In a bowl, mix the potato insides with cheese, bacon, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Refill the potato skins with the mixture.
6. Bake again for 15-20 minutes until hot and golden. Enjoy!

10) Spaghetti with Marinara

Spaghetti with marinara is a classic family dinner that is quick and satisfying. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by boiling water for the spaghetti in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente.

In another pan, heat jarred marinara sauce over low heat. Stir in some garlic for extra flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if you like!

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente.
3. Heat marinara sauce in a separate pan.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for a few minutes.
5. Drain spaghetti and mix with the sauce.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.