10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Family to Enjoy Together

Easy dinner recipes for families can make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable. This article will help you find quick and simple ideas that everyone at the table will love. With busy schedules, it’s important to have meals that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

You will discover a variety of recipes that cover everything from hearty main dishes to tasty sides. These recipes aim to bring your family together for a pleasant dining experience, allowing you to create lasting memories while enjoying good food.

1) Salisbury Steak with Ground Beef

Salisbury steak is a comforting dish that’s easy to make for your family. You can whip it up in about 30 to 60 minutes. It uses ground beef, which is a staple in many kitchens.

Start by mixing ground beef with seasonings. Then, form it into patties. Brown the patties in a skillet, and make a rich gravy with onions and mushrooms.

Serve the patties smothered in gravy with mashed potatoes or rice. Your family will enjoy this tasty meal that feels like a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into patties.
3. Brown the patties in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
4. Remove patties and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until tender.
6. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; stir.
7. Return patties to the skillet and simmer in gravy for 10 minutes.

2) Microwave-Poached Salmon

Microwave-poached salmon is a quick and healthy dinner option. It takes just a few minutes and is full of flavor. You can enjoy this dish without much fuss.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need salmon filets, butter, seasoning, and water. It’s simple and you can customize it with your favorite spices.

First, you will melt butter in a microwave-safe dish. This usually takes about 45 to 60 seconds. Next, place the salmon skin-side up in the melted butter. Add some water, cover the dish, and microwave for about 4-6 minutes.

Once it’s done, let it rest for a moment before serving. Pair it with some veggies or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Salmon filets
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper (or your favorite seasoning)
• 2 tablespoons of water

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish (45-60 seconds).
2. Place salmon skin-side up in the butter.
3. Add water and seasonings.
4. Cover and microwave for 4-6 minutes.
5. Let it rest before serving.

3) Dump-and-Bake Tortellini

Dump-and-Bake Tortellini is a super easy recipe for busy nights. You can throw everything together without even boiling the pasta first. This keeps cooking simple and quick, perfect for families.

You will need frozen tortellini, chicken, and veggies. Just add some Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess. This dish is comforting and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 bags frozen tortellini
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine frozen tortellini, shredded chicken, and mixed veggies.
3. Pour Alfredo sauce over the top and mix well.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

4) Puff Pastry Pizza

Puff pastry pizza is a quick and fun meal you can make for your family. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. You can customize it with your favorite toppings.

Start with a sheet of puff pastry. Roll it out on a baking sheet and add your favorite sauce. You might use pizza sauce, pesto, or even marinara.

Top it with cheese and any toppings you like, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or veggies. Bake the pizza in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, until it’s golden and crispy.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

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

5) Chicken Goujons

Chicken goujons are a simple and tasty dish for family dinners. These crispy strips of chicken are easy to make and loved by both kids and adults. You can serve them with a variety of dips or sides.

To prepare chicken goujons, start with chicken breasts cut into thin strips. Coat them in breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. Baking them is a healthier option than frying and keeps the flavor.

You can pair chicken goujons with a fresh salad or some crispy potatoes. They are perfect for a quick meal that’s still satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional spices (paprika, garlic powder)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Beat the egg in a bowl.
5. Dip each chicken strip in the egg and then coat with breadcrumbs.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

6) Easy Black Bean Burger

Making black bean burgers is a fast and fun dinner idea. They are tasty, filling, and great for the whole family. You can whip these up in under 30 minutes.

To start, you only need a few ingredients. Black beans are the star, along with some spices and veggies for flavor. You can even make these by hand or use a food processor to mix everything together.

These burgers can be cooked on the stove, oven, or grill. Serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, or avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the black beans in a bowl.
2. Mix in the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into patties.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
5. Cook patties for about 5 minutes on each side until crisp.

7) Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a flavorful and simple dish that is perfect for dinner. It features poached eggs in a savory tomato and bell pepper sauce. This dish is not only easy to make but also healthy and filling.

To prepare shakshuka, you will need to cook onions, garlic, and spices before adding tomatoes and peppers. Once the sauce is ready, gently crack the eggs into it and let them poach. Serve it warm, often with bread for dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet.
2. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in garlic, then add diced tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Make small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into them.
6. Cover and cook until the eggs are set, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve.

8) Twice Baked Loaded Potatoes

Twice baked loaded potatoes are a fun and tasty dish for your family. They are fluffy on the inside and have a crunchy skin. You can fill them with cheese, bacon, and green onions for extra flavor.

Start by baking your potatoes until they are soft. Once they cool, cut them open and scoop out some delicious flesh. Mix the scooped potato with cheese, bacon, and other tasty ingredients.

Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and bake again for a crispy finish.

These potatoes are great as a side dish or a main meal. Your family will love this comforting recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 large Russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup Smoked Gouda cheese
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup White Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Chives for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prick each potato with a fork and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until tender.
4. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then cut them in half.
5. Scoop out the insides and mix with the cheeses, onion powder, and bacon.
6. Fill the potato skins with the mixture.
7. Bake again for 15-20 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
8. Top with chives before serving.

9) Sesame Soba Noodles

Sesame soba noodles are a quick and delicious meal option for your family. You can serve them hot or cold, making them perfect for any season. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy and easy to prepare.

To make your sesame soba noodles, you will need a few simple ingredients. This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something fast and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) soba noodles
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the soba noodles and cook until al dente, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water.
4. In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger.
5. Toss the noodles with the sauce and garnish as desired.

10) Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and potato soup is a simple, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. This creamy soup is made with just a few ingredients and is easy to prepare.

Start by cooking leeks and potatoes in butter until soft. Then, add broth and simmer until everything is tender. Finally, blend it until smooth for a lovely texture.

You can serve it warm with bread on the side. This soup tastes great on its own but can be topped with herbs or croutons for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (960 mL) vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cream for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the leeks and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced potatoes and broth. Then, bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth. After that, season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, and add cream if desired.