While it can be so easy to rely on restaurants, easy freezer feasts and drive-through meals, nothing brings the whole crew together like a family dinner. And these family dinner ideas — most of which are ready in under 30 minutes! — consider every palate, from the pickiest eaters to the vegetarians in your life.
From tried-and-true family meals, like garlicky shrimp scampi, easy chicken tenders and glazed meatloaf, to veggie-packed feasts (hello, butternut squash mac and cheese!), you'll find ideas that will fulfill your kid's dinner dreams and please the adults, too. We’ve rounded up all the Sunday family meals, healthy dinner dishes and easy-to-prep recipes you’ll need for months of easy weeknight dinners. Here are our favorite fresh, fail-proof family dinner ideas.
If you're in need of inspiration for various proteins, we’ve got plenty of vegan dishes and vegetarian recipes, along with heavier fare like beef stroganoff, steak recipes with fingerling fries and healthy chicken dinner recipes. Plus, there's no need to stress about time. Many of these dishes can be prepared in under 30 minutes, or have make-ahead components so you can meal prep on the weekend and have dinner on the table in record time for the rest of the week. Time to stop stressing on the weeknights and get ready to dig into a delicious dinner that the whole family will adore. Bon appétit!
1
Sloppy Joe Toasts
Spoon saucy beef over thick toast for an open-faced twist on this classic family dinner. Bonus: It's ready in under 30 minutes!
Get the Sloppy Joe Toasts recipe.
2
Balsamic-Glazed Mini Meatloaves
No need to even turn on your oven when you can roast up these crowdpleasers in your air fryer.
Get the Balsamic-Glazed Mini Meatloaves recipe.
RELATED: 7 Best Air Fryers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed by Experts
3
Butternut Squash Mac 'n’ Cheese
A dash of cayenne and freshly grated nutmeg round out the creamy, cozy dish that comes together in half an hour.
Get the Butternut Squash Mac 'n’ Cheese recipe.
RELATED: 32 Easy Butternut Squash Recipes Perfect for Cozy Fall Dinners
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4
Five-Spice Steak and Broccoli
Five spice powder and chili black bean sauce are the simple shortcuts that make this five-ingredient dinner easy and delicious.
Get the Five-Spice Steak and Broccoli recipe.
5
Spicy Soppressata Pizza
A pizza party is a real family dinner crowdpleaser. Spicy salami and a drizzle of honey elevate the pie to gourmet status.
Get the Spicy Soppressata Pizza recipe.
RELATED: 7 Best Home Pizza Ovens, According to Testing
6
Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
This bright vegetarian salad is loaded with everything good — tomatoes, chickpeas, cukes, and yes, those extra-small, extra-fun mozzarella balls — and as a bonus, can easily be made ahead.
Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.
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7
Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
Shrimp scampi's signature buttery, garlicky white wine sauce pairs perfectly with a pile of pasta. This recipe can be easily doubled to serve the whole crew.
Get the Shrimp Scampi with Linguine recipe.
8
Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Chicken strips aren't just for kids! This homemade version is packed with flavor thanks to the delicious dipping sauce.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe.
RELATED: 60 Best Chicken Breast Recipes for a Winning Dinner Every Night
9
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
A mix of fresh and dried mushrooms (plus the soaking liquid), miso, and a dash of soy sauce ensure plenty of depth in every creamy bite.
Get the Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff recipe.
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10
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
This one-pan meal combines chicken thighs, shiitake mushrooms and water chestnuts in a delicious hoisin-based sauce.
Get the Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe.
11
BBQ-Glazed Hot Dogs with Spicy Slaw
Fire up the grill to cook up these party-worthy dogs. Brushing the dogs with barbecue sauce during grilling imparts a sweet, caramelized smokiness!
Get the BBQ-Glazed Hot Dogs with Spicy Slaw recipe.
RELATED: 70 Insanely Delicious Grilling Recipes to Try ASAP
12
Smoky Chicken Tostadas
A homemade sauce upgrades rotisserie chicken in this Tinga-inspired tostada. Double the recipe to add to enchiladas and scrambled eggs, too.
Get the Smoky Chicken Tostadas recipe.
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13
Creamy Chicken and Zoodle Spaghetti
Up the veggies in tonight's dinner by pairing spaghetti with spiralized zucchini. Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
Get the Creamy Chicken and Zoodle Spaghetti recipe.
RELATED: 35 Best Zucchini Noodle Recipes When You Are Craving Zoodles
14
Waffle Nachos
What's better than breakfast for dinner? A five-ingredient breakfast for dinner, of course.
Get the Waffle Nachos recipe.
15
Baked Tonkatsu
Pre-toasting panko with a bit of oil is the key to getting a beautiful golden exterior on these crispy Japanese-inspired pork cutlets without the hassle of frying.
Get the Baked Tonkatsu recipe.
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16
Cheeseburger Pizza
This nostalgic mash-up piles the components of a cheeseburger (yes, even lettuce, tomato and onion) on store-bought pizza dough.
Get the Cheeseburger Pizza recipe.
17
Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs
Hectic week? Air fryer meatballs are your knight in shining armor.
Get the Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs recipe.
RELATED: 72 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
18
Beef and Broccoli
The old tagline, “ready in less time than it takes to order delivery,” rings true: This beef and broccoli is quick. Serve with white or brown rice to soak up all the sauce.
Get the Beef and Broccoli recipe.
RELATED: 20 Rice Bowl Recipes That Make Any Weeknight Meal a Breeze
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19
Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale
Charred chicken breast and kale are well worth taking the time to fire up your grill. We also like to throw some crusty bread on the grates while they’re still hot.
Get the Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale recipe.
RELATED: 30 Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes That You'll Be Making All Summer
20
Saucy Pizza Beans
It's like your family's favorite pepperoni pie with an extra dose of protein, thanks to a can of beans.
Get the Saucy Pizza Beans recipe.
