7 Quick Easy Dinner Recipes For Family

That familiar 5 PM feeling of dread creeps in. Another busy day is wrapping up, the family is getting hungry, and the question hangs in the air: “What’s for dinner?” It’s a daily challenge that can turn a time meant for connection into a source of major stress.

You’re not alone in this. The mental gymnastics of trying to find something quick, healthy-ish, and that everyone—including the picky eaters—will actually eat is exhausting. The last thing you want after a long day is a complicated recipe with a mountain of dishes waiting for you at the end.

Here’s the deal: The key to easy family dinners is focusing on recipes that take 30 minutes or less, use common pantry ingredients, and require minimal cleanup. This is your official permission slip to stop the dinner-time struggle. We’ve gathered 7 tried-and-true, genuinely easy dinner recipes for your family that will save your weeknights and bring the joy back to the dinner table.

Tired of the “What’s for Dinner?” Dread? Your Weeknight Rescue Plan is Here.

The ultimate solution for weeknight dinner stress is having a go-to list of simple, fast, and family-approved recipes that rely on smart cooking methods. Methods like one-pan traybakes, one-pot pastas, and customizable “build-your-own” bowls are your best friends. They are designed to minimize both cooking time and the dreaded cleanup, making a delicious home-cooked meal achievable even on the most chaotic days. In my experience, having a plan, even a loose one, is the single biggest factor in reducing evening anxiety. This post is that plan, curated with proven recipes that deliver on taste without demanding your time and energy.

7 Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes Your Whole Family Will Actually Eat

Get ready to transform your weeknights from stressful scrambles to delicious victories. We’ve handpicked 7 diverse and mouth-watering recipes that are the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?”. Each one is designed for real life—think minimal prep, lightning-fast cook times, and cleanup so easy you’ll hardly believe it. From one-pan wonders to cozy casseroles, these are the family dinner ideas you’ll put on repeat.

1. One-Pan Chicken & Veggie Traybake

This recipe is the definition of a weeknight hero. A one-pan chicken and veggie traybake is a complete meal where chicken and vegetables are seasoned and roasted together on a single sheet pan, resulting in incredible flavor and virtually no cleanup. It’s endlessly customizable with your family’s favorite seasonings and vegetables.

Ingredients:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
* 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
* 1 red onion, cut into wedges
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 2 tbsp of your favorite seasoning (e.g., Greek, Cajun, or a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and oregano)
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a large sheet pan, toss the potatoes, peppers, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread into a single layer.
3. Roast for 15 minutes.
4. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with your chosen seasoning.
5. Remove the pan from the oven, add the chicken, and toss everything together.
6. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Pro-Tip: For picky eaters, you can cook the chicken on one half of the pan and the vegetables on the other. Let them choose which veggies they want on their plate.

Pin this one-pan wonder for your next busy weeknight!

2. One-Pot Creamy “Marry Me Chicken” Pasta

This dish tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, but it’s secretly one of the easiest one-pot family dinners you can make. “Marry Me Chicken” Pasta is a creamy, savory pasta dish where the pasta cooks directly in a luscious sauce made with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese, all in a single pot. The flavor is so good, it’s proposal-worthy!

Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
* 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and add the sun-dried tomatoes and oregano. Bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Lesson Learned: Don’t let the sauce boil too rapidly after adding the cream, as it can sometimes curdle. A gentle, steady simmer is all you need for a perfectly creamy sauce.

Save this recipe for a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly simple!

3. Speedy Taco & Burrito Bowls

This is the ultimate solution for a family with different tastes. A Taco or Burrito Bowl is a deconstructed meal where everyone builds their own dinner from a selection of toppings, such as seasoned meat, rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and avocado. It’s a fun, interactive meal that caters to even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground turkey or beef (or 2 cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained)
* 1 packet of taco seasoning
* 4 cups cooked rice or chopped lettuce
* Topping Bar: Shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, black beans, corn, chopped cilantro, lime wedges.

Instructions:
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain any excess fat. If using chickpeas, heat them with a little oil.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
3. Set up a “topping bar” with each topping in a separate small bowl.
4. Let each family member build their own bowl, starting with a base of rice or lettuce and adding the seasoned meat and their favorite toppings.

Pro-Tip: This is the ultimate “Picky Eater Approved” meal. By letting kids build their own bowls, you give them control, which makes them much more likely to eat their dinner without fuss.

Your solution for Taco Tuesday is here! Pin it now.

4. 15-Minute Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus

When you need dinner on the table now, this is your recipe. This Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus is an extremely fast and healthy meal where shrimp and asparagus are tossed in a garlic butter sauce and cooked under the broiler in minutes. It’s elegant, flavorful, and unbelievably quick.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
* 3 tbsp melted butter
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* Juice of 1/2 lemon
* Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Adjust the oven rack to be about 6 inches from the heat source.
2. On a sheet pan, toss the asparagus with 1 tbsp of the melted butter, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer.
3. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tbsp of melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
5. Remove the pan from the oven. Push the asparagus to one side and add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer.
6. Return to the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: The biggest mistake with shrimp is overcooking it. The broiler is extremely hot, so stay by the oven! The moment they turn pink and curl, they are done.

Need dinner in 15 minutes? Save this lightning-fast recipe!

5. 10-Minute Naan Bread Pizzas

Faster than delivery and way more fun! Naan Bread Pizzas are the ultimate “lazy dinner” where pre-made naan bread is used as a personal pizza crust, topped with sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings, then baked for about 10 minutes. It’s a perfect activity for a fun Saturday night family dinner.

Materials Needed:
* 4 pieces of naan bread or large pita breads
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your family’s favorite toppings (e.g., mini pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, black olives, fresh spinach)

Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the naan breads on a baking sheet.
3. Spread a thin layer of sauce on each naan, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and arrange your desired toppings over the cheese.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. Slice and serve hot.

Pro-Tip: Set up a “pizza station” and let everyone, especially kids, top their own pizza. It turns dinner prep into a fun family activity.

Save this for your next “lazy dinner” night!

6. 20-Minute Skillet Teriyaki Chicken

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves takeout flavors but wants a quick, homemade meal. Skillet Teriyaki Chicken is a fast one-pan dish where bite-sized chicken pieces are cooked in a skillet and coated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a kid-friendly favorite that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
* 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
* 1 tbsp rice vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
* 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)
* 1 tbsp sesame oil
* Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
5. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Lesson Learned: The cornstarch slurry is key to a thick, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken. Add it at the very end and stir constantly to prevent clumps.

Better than takeout! Pin this 20-minute teriyaki recipe.

7. Lazy Lasagna Casserole

For nights when you crave ultimate comfort food without the work, this “dump dinner” is the answer. Lazy Lasagna is a super simple casserole made by layering uncooked refrigerated tortellini, jarred marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. It delivers all the cheesy, comforting flavor of lasagna with almost zero effort.

Ingredients:
* 1 (20 oz) package of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
* 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional: 1 lb cooked ground beef, mixed into the sauce

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Arrange the tortellini (no need to cook it first!) in a single layer over the sauce.
4. Pour the remaining sauce over the tortellini.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro-Tip: This recipe is easily doubled to feed a larger family (family of 6) or to ensure you have delicious leftovers for the next day. Use a larger casserole dish.

The easiest comfort food you’ll ever make. Save this recipe!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Stress-Free Family Dinners

• Embrace One-Pan/One-Pot Cooking: The easiest way to save time on cleanup is to cook your protein, carbs, and veggies all in the same vessel.
• Lean on Quick-Cooking Proteins: Shrimp, thin-cut chicken, and ground meats cook in minutes, making them perfect for weeknight meals.
• Make it Customizable: Deconstructed meals like taco bowls or personal pizzas empower picky eaters by giving them control over their plates.
• Use Smart Shortcuts: Don’t be afraid to use pre-made bases like naan bread, jarred sauces, and refrigerated pasta to get a delicious dinner on the table faster.

People Also Ask About Easy Family Dinner Recipes

What’s a good lazy dinner for family?

A great lazy dinner for a family is one with minimal prep and cleanup. 10-Minute Naan Pizzas are perfect, as everyone can make their own. Another excellent option is a “Lazy Lasagna” casserole using refrigerated tortellini, jarred sauce, and cheese—simply layer and bake.

What is a quick meal to make for family?

A truly quick family meal should take 20 minutes or less. Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus cooks under the broiler in about 10 minutes. Similarly, a Skillet Teriyaki Chicken comes together in under 20 minutes and is a guaranteed hit with kids when served over quick-cooking rice.

How to feed a family of 4 on $10 a day?

Feeding a family on a tight budget involves smart meal planning and focusing on inexpensive staples. Meals built around pasta, rice, beans, and potatoes are key. A large pot of Minestrone soup or a simple pasta with marinara can often be made for under $10. Buying meat in bulk, shopping sales, and minimizing food waste are also crucial strategies.

Final Thoughts

Making delicious, home-cooked family dinners doesn’t have to be a source of daily stress. With a few smart recipes and a focus on simplicity, you can reclaim your weeknights and create meals that bring everyone to the table happily. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, in the kitchen.

We’ve shared our top 7 quick meals—now we’d love to hear from you! What’s your family’s absolute favorite weeknight dinner rescue? Share it in the comments below