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No More Leftovers: 21 Dinner Ideas for Small Family Sizes

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By Lisa MarcAurele

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No More Leftovers: 21 Dinner Ideas for Small Family Sizes

Are you tired of leftovers lingering in your fridge? If so, you’ll want to check out this collection of dinner ideas tailored specifically for small family sizes, ensuring no more leftovers go to waste. From comforting classics to flavorful twists on familiar favorites, these recipes are designed to be practical, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to satisfying meals crafted with love and enjoyed together at the dinner table!

A plate with a slice of chicken breast, green beans, and pine nuts with a fork resting on the chicken.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked lemon butter fish is an excellent choice for small family dinners with no leftovers. With its delicate flavor and flaky texture, it’s a light yet satisfying option that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners, it’s a dish that brings a touch of elegance to any table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background.
Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab pasta is a delicious option for small family dinners, ensuring no more leftovers. With its creamy sauce and tender crab meat, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. Quick to cook and customizable with your favorite ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Two cabbage rolls on a plate with fork.
Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Golumpki stuffed cabbage rolls are a hearty and satisfying option for small family dinners with no leftovers. With their flavorful filling and tender cabbage, they’re a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, they’re a classic dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Panko Crusted Cod

Panko-crusted cod fish on a plate with green beans.
Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko crusted cod offers a simple yet delicious option for small family dinners without any leftovers. With its crispy coating and tender fish, it’s a flavorful dish that’s quick to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cracker Barrel meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful option for small family dinners with no leftovers. With its savory seasonings and tender meat, it’s a classic dish that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy evenings at home, it’s a meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker pork loin is a convenient choice for small family dinners, ensuring no more leftovers. With its tender meat and flavorful seasonings, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Set it and forget it, this dish allows you to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer chicken legs are a practical option for small family dinners without any leftovers. With their crispy skin and juicy meat, they’re a flavorful dish that’s quick to cook. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike. Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Pancit Bihon Guisado

A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry.
Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pancit bihon guisado is a versatile and delicious option for small family dinners, ensuring no more leftovers. With its tender noodles and savory ingredients, it’s a satisfying and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. Quick to cook and adaptable to your preferences, it’s a Filipino favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow cooker pork chops with rice and sauce on a plate.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker pork chops are a delicious option for small family dinners with no leftovers. With their tender meat and savory gravy, they’re a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Set it and forget it, this dish allows you to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken divan is a classic and flavorful option for small family dinners, ensuring no more leftovers. With its tender chicken and creamy sauce, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s quick to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Oven baked pork steak on a plate with green beans and a fork on the side.
Oven Baked Pork Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Oven baked pork steaks are a simple and delicious option for small family dinners, ensuring no more leftovers. With their tender meat and savory seasonings, they’re a flavorful dish that’s quick to cook. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners, they’re sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and tomato pasta is a flavorful and satisfying option for small family dinners without any leftovers. With its tender shrimp and vibrant tomatoes, it’s a delicious meal that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a bowl.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and nutritious option for small family dinners, ensuring no more leftovers. With its tender shrimp and crisp vegetables, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Braised Short Ribs

A close-up of braised short ribs in a tomato-based sauce, garnished with herbs.
Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Braised short ribs are a hearty and comforting choice for small family dinners with no leftovers. With their tender meat and rich sauce, they’re a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Easy to prepare and perfect for special occasions, they’re sure to impress everyone at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is a convenient and delicious option for small family dinners without any leftovers. With its tender chicken and sweet pineapple flavor, it’s a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

A grilled chicken thight with barbecue sauce and a side of green beans on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley.
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs offer a tasty solution for small family dinners with no leftovers. With their smoky flavor and juicy meat, they’re a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s quick to cook. Perfect for summer barbecues or casual dinners, they’re a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter steak bites are a delicious option for small family dinners, ensuring no more leftovers. With their tender meat and flavorful seasoning, they’re a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for date nights or special occasions, they’re a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.
Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Seafood pot pie is a comforting and flavorful choice for small family dinners without any leftovers. With its creamy sauce and tender seafood, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Easy to prepare and perfect for special occasions, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese chicken is a creamy and indulgent choice for small family dinners with no leftovers. With its tender chicken and rich sauce, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a practical choice for small family dinners without any leftovers. With their crispy skin and juicy meat, they’re a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s quick to cook. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, they’re a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp scampi is a classic and delicious option for small family dinners, ensuring no more leftovers. With its tender shrimp and garlic butter sauce, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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