Cooking dinner every night on top of wrangling the kids and trying to fit in some time for yourself after work isn't easy. Find joy in the kitchen again with these simple, classic, and delicious meal ideas your entire family will love.
AUTHOR: Maya Capasso
Table of Contents
1. Pesto Pasta
Whether you want to whip up a homemade pesto or buy pesto at the store, pasta with pesto is a delicious and relatively easy meal to prepare for hungry mouths. All you need are the noodles and the pesto, but you can add a protein like chicken, shrimp, or sausage to add some extra nutrients. Serve with your favorite simple veggies or a quick salad. Get the recipe
2. Chili
Making chili doesn't take long once you prep all the ingredients, and you'll only have to get one pot dirty with most recipes. That means less time cleaning and more time eating with your family. You can make many different types of this family favorite, like bean, meat, or even veggie chili. Get the recipe
3. Quiche
Quiche is a delectable savory pie made with eggs, milk, and often some veggies and protein. It's simple to make because all it takes is mixing the ingredients and sticking the quiche in the oven for about 30 minutes or so. If you want to make your own pie crust, that may take some extra effort, but you can get your kids in the kitchen to help, making for a great family bonding experience!
4. Baked Pasta
Baked pasta like ziti and lasagna can be time-consuming, but most of that time is spent in the oven. Most baked pasta dishes are easy to prepare and require boiling pasta noodles and adding sauce, cheese, and protein or veggies. Other delicious baked pasta options include baked alfredo and cheesy broccoli pasta bake, which both only require a few simple ingredients. Add some parmesan cheese before serving, and everyone will be happy to chow down!
5. Taco Bar
Tacos are quick, affordable, and customizable, making taco night a pillar in many households. You can buy a simple taco kit at the grocery store or create your own from scratch. Cook the ground beef and set out some lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole so each family member can add their preferred toppings to their tacos.
6. Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Meatloaf is a classic meal many families pass down from generation to generation. It's also pretty simple to make. Mix the ground meat, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs before plopping the mixture into a tall-rimmed pan. Pair it with mashed or baked potatoes, and everyone's tummies will grumble once the smells waft from the oven.
7. Gumbo
This hearty, spicy stew is Louisiana's signature dish, and for good reason. It's delicious, flavorful, and filling. Plus, it's easier to make than you might think. It typically begins with a roux, which is just a mixture of butter and plain flour that thickens as it cooks. Some common ingredients include meat, shellfish, celery, bell peppers, onions, and rice. Get the recipe
8. Beef Stew
There are many ways to make a hearty beef stew that the whole family can enjoy for days. The beef, veggies, and thick broth simmer on the stove for hours, giving you time to multitask. It doesn't hurt that the stew's magnificent smell will waft throughout your house and excite everyone to dig in when it's ready. Get the recipe
9. Simple Honey Salmon
Not only is salmon nutritious, but it's also simple to prepare at home. All you need to make your salmon delectable is honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub on the toppings and stick the fish in the oven for twenty minutes, and you're ready to dig in. Pair it with some simple steamed veggies and rice.
10. Roast Chicken
Sometimes, nothing is more satisfying than a classic roast chicken. Not only can it feed many mouths, but it's simple to prepare. After applying oil, herbs, and seasoning, stick it in the oven for an hour or more until it reaches the right temperature. Just check on it every so often so it stays moist and tender.
12 Dishes Straight From Grandma's Secret Recipe Book
There's something magical about grandma's cooking, filled with love and secret touches.
Click Here For 12 Dishes Straight From Grandma's Secret Recipe Book
12 Casserole Recipes You'll Make Again And Again
Casseroles, the cozy comfort food, are perfect for any meal. We've gathered the 12 best casserole recipes that are both delicious and easy to make.
Click Here For 12 Casserole Recipes You'll Make Again And Again
12 Retro '60s and '70s Dishes You Won't Find Anymore
This list revisits 12 retro dishes that were all the rage back then, offering a nostalgic taste of the past you won't find today.
Click Here For 12 Retro '60s and '70s Dishes You Won't Find Anymore