When it comes to cooking, people are usually divided into two teams: those who love it, and those who can’t stand it. And those two people usually fight over who’s making those family friendly “easy” dinner recipes each night. We may be team of foodies, but while there are some of us who adore cooking, there are definitely some of us who are all about the eating, but not the preparing.
Even if you’re firmly in the ‘love it’ camp, it’s not too much of a stretch to understand why the haters wouldn’t want to turn on the oven at 7pm after a long day. Sometimes, recipes need extremely specific ingredients (sorry, but we just don’t keep Romanesco broccoli on hand). Other times, the chopping, cooking, and overall prep takes too long. Enjoying food for 10 minutes after you’ve spent 3 hours preparing it seems like a deal gone wrong.
And don’t even get us started on all the dishes you need to wash after. A complete nightmare!
But really, the biggest predicament has always been coming up with fresh ideas on what to cook each night. Sound familiar? We reckon every cook in the world has had similar thoughts. Especially if you have kids or partners to cook for too!
Plan ahead and say goodbye to meal time madness
We’ve put together with a list of ten family-friendly dinner recipes that truly are easy, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. These dishes are simple to prepare, with simple ingredients (take that, Romanesco broccoli!). And they’re done in less than an hour. We think that’s a win-win!
1. Ground Beef Casserole
When it comes to easy family-friendly dinner recipes, casseroles are a go-to. Firstly, the possibilities are truly endless with the ingredients you can layer up. Secondly, you save so much time by putting everything in one dish and calling it a day. Thirdly, you can make them ahead, freeze and reheat in the oven when the time comes. Perfect for a busy day!
And finally, they’re super comforting and yummy! For all of you carnivores out there, we’ve found the perfect Ground Beef Casserole recipe. If you’re not the biggest fan of beef, chicken or pork both work well too.
2. Black Bean Quinoa Casserole
If you’re following a vegetarian diet or you’re simply looking for a little Meatless Monday inspiration, then this Black Bean Quinoa Casserole will take your breath away. This dish is Mexican-inspired, so it involves the kinds of toppings you’d normally find in a taco or a quesadilla. So…all the best ones, then!
Of course, the toppings are all optional, but we strongly advise you to give some of them a go. They add so much flavor and connect the rest of the ingredients really well.
3. Chicken Quesadillas
While we’re on the Mexican food train, we found ourselves browsing through loooooads of recipes suitable for a quick and easy family dinner, including this amazing Chicken Quesadilla recipe.
What’s particularly tempting about this recipe is that it calls for ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry, like chicken, cheese, and that old bell pepper you really need to use up. Plus, it’s nutritious and ready in less than half an hour. What’s not to like?
4. Cheesy Pan Pizza
If there was an award for the ultimate kid-friendly dish, then pizza would win every time. There aren’t many dishes that can stand up against pizza in the eyes of the youngest. And to be frank, it’s a favorite among many adults too. Us included!
For a home-cooked take on pizza, there probably isn’t a better option than this award-winning Cheesy Pan Pizza recipe. It requires only 10 ingredients, with minimal kneading. This recipe calls for a cast iron pan, which gives you to have better control of the cooking process. You can make the crust as crunchy as you’d like, without the fear of burning it.
There’s really just the small matter of deciding which toppings to add. It’s a tough choice for a weekday, admittedly. After all, options for pizza toppings are pretty much endless – but it’s a good problem to have!
5. Vegan Roasted Garlic and Spinach White Pizza
If anyone ever told you that there’s no such a thing as good vegan pizza, you can prove them wrong by showing them this recipe. The garlicy dough paired with fresh spinach and chopped tomatoes will please even the toughest critics. And it’s a looker too.
If you decide on making this pizza for your family, it might be a good idea to omit the red pepper flakes. The heat they bring adds to the overall flavor of the dish, but it can be overwhelming for kids.
6. Spaghetti Bolognese
Italian culture values family above all else, and it shows in their cuisine. Lots of quintessentially Italian dishes are made in large portions, for the sole purpose of sharing them with your loved ones. While having a nice glass of wine and interesting conversation, of course.
To Italians, food equals love. That’s why it isn’t a surprise that yet another dish from Italy found its way onto our list of family friendly dinner recipes. This time, it’s the classic Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s simple, flavorful, and done in less than half an hour.
If you’re a beginner in the kitchen, seeing sugar in a savory recipe might confuse you. But a general rule you might want to remember is – whenever you’re using tomatoes, a little sugar helps neutralize their natural acidity.
7. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
In many cultures, soup is considered an opening dish to a multi-course meal. But this warm and hearty Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be enjoyed as a standalone. It’s surprisingly nutritious, so you might not need a bite of anything else that night. Or you could simply make space for dessert!
This recipe uses fresh broccoli, but frozen works too. What we love about soups in general is the positive effect they have on the digestive system. And on the mood too. There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup when you’re feeling under the weather or in need of a little extra comfort.
8. Garlic and Rosemary Chicken Tray Bake
You’re probably noticing a theme here. We’re big fans of dishes that can be chucked together, put in the oven and left to cook on their own. No need for constant checking or fussing over. Since these are usually one-pot dishes, there’s usually minimal clean up afterwards. And that’s definitely a reason to celebrate!
Earlier on, we promised dishes that can be prepared in under one hour. But if there’s one recipe that’s worth tweaking the rules for, it’s this Garlic and Rosemary Chicken Tray Bake. It’s done in one hour and five minutes. But we promise, those five minutes extra are so worth it.
Along with chicken pieces, the recipe includes different veggies, such as potatoes, carrots and brussels sprouts. But you can definitely mix it up. We also like to add a couple of cherry tomatoes in there. They give a gorgeous pop of color that contrasts really well with the greenery. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. Yum!
9. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
If you’re following a pescatarian diet or you simply enjoy the occasional fish-based meal, then we’ve got just the right recipe for you. Even though this Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa serves only two, the quantities can easily be adjusted to serve more.
Like any fish, salmon is a protein powerhouse. And when paired with avocados, that are rich in “healthy fats”, you get a perfectly balanced and nutritious meal, which is perfect for those hot summer days. If you don’t have lime on hand, lemons work extremely well too. We guarantee the whole family will love this flavorful dish.
10. Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
While salads may not be considered a traditional stand-alone dinner idea, some carry enough nutrients that you really don’t need anything besides them. And this beautiful Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad is proof.
This salad is the perfect choice on a hot summer night, when you and your family crave a light and fresh meal. The olives and feta cheese in this recipe will keep you fuller (thanks, healthy fats!) and add salty flavor too!