MSN Slideshows

Surprise Your Family With These 17 Amazing Dinner Recipes

Photo of author

By Mandy Applegate

| Published:

Surprise Your Family With These 17 Amazing Dinner Recipes

Ever feel like you’re in a dinner rut? Grab a few (or all) of these amazing dinner recipes and prepare to impress. There’s nothing like seeing the family actually pause their phones to say, “Wow, this is good!” It’s your dinner table; why not make it exciting? It’s your show now, so dazzle and surprise them.

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re in the mood to wow your family with something vibrant and full of flavor, Pasta Primavera is your go-to. This dish brings together fresh veggies and pasta in a way that’s light yet filling. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to keep dinner cheerful and bright.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taco night just got a serious upgrade with Beef Tacos. This classic favorite is customizable and guarantees a fun, hands-on dinner for everyone. It’s an amazing way to bring the flavors of Mexico right to your dining table. Break out the toppings, and let everyone craft their dream taco.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When comfort food is on the agenda, Easy Meatloaf Recipe answers the call. This hearty and savory dish is a timeless classic that fills the kitchen with a familiar, welcoming aroma. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table early, waiting eagerly. Plus, it pairs perfectly with just about any side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a dish that’s both simple and tangy? Best Lemon Pasta will brighten up your dinner lineup with its light and refreshing taste. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and creamy, guaranteed to be a hit with the family. And the best part? It comes together in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Chicken Tamale Pie

A serving of chicken tamale pie topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turn your dinner into a fun and flavorful adventure with Chicken Tamale Pie. This dish layers traditional tamale components into an irresistible casserole that will impress. It’s a unique twist on a beloved classic, offering a comforting meal. Dig into layers of goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in a rich, creamy yellow sauce, garnished with chopped green onions.
Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a dinner that’s both easy and a crowd-pleaser, Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs are a fantastic pick. Serve them up at your next family gathering or keep them all to yourselves. These won’t last long on the table! They are convenience and deliciousness wrapped up in one.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Want to spice things up a bit? Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes are just the ticket. Large, fluffy potatoes stuffed with spicy, cheesy buffalo chicken make for an unforgettable meal. It combines the comfort of a baked potato with the kick of buffalo wings. An innovative dish that will become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Close-up of two yellow bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of sloppy joe, black beans, and rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Try Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers for a modern twist on two classic dishes. This recipe brings the savory sweetness of sloppy Joe and the nutritional benefits of bell peppers together in harmony. Not only is it a healthier option, but it’s also a colorful way to serve dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Chettinad Chicken

A bowl of Chettinad Chicken Curry garnished with fresh cilantro, displaying chunks of chicken and spices in a rich, creamy sauce.
Chettinad Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Experience the bold flavors of Southern India with Chettinad Chicken. This dish is a fireworks display of spices and aromatics, guaranteed to add excitement to your dinner table. It’s for those nights when you crave something deeply flavorful and slightly spicy. Taste the richness of Chettinad cuisine!
Get the Recipe: Chettinad Chicken

Tamales

Two cooked tamales nestled in corn husks, with a bowl of fresh cilantro partially visible on the left side.
Tamales. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stepping into traditional Mexican cuisine, Tamales are a holiday-worthy dish that’s perfect any time of the year. These steamed bundles of corn dough filled with savory or sweet fillings can be a fun family project. They’re a labor of love, sure to bring warmth and joy to your home.
Get the Recipe: Tamales

Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

A bowl of Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot, served on a blue woven placemat with a spoon on the side.
Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner with Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich coconut curry sauce, all made simple with the magic of an Instant Pot. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy complex flavors and healthy ingredients on any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Chicken Korma

A bowl of Chicken Korma garnished with herbs and sliced almonds, served with a spoon on the side.
Chicken Korma. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Indulge in the creamy, luxurious flavors of Chicken Korma, a gem in the treasure box of India. This dish is all about tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce. It’s a gentle yet flavorful dish that’s bound to comfort and please any palate. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Korma

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving a burger but in the comfort of your own home? Copycat Smash Burger has you covered. This recipe brings the irresistible, crispy-edged joy of smash burgers to your kitchen. It’s all the fun and flavor of your favorite fast-food joint but made by you. Prepare for your family to request this on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Make dinner exciting again with Taco Casserole, a compilation of all your favorite taco goodies in one dish. It’s like a taco night without the mess, offering layers of meat and cheese, baked to perfection. This is comfort food at its finest, promising to be a hit among kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice up your dinner routine with Kung Pao Chicken, the best dish for when you’re in the mood for something with a little kick. It’s a delicious blend of spicy, sweet, and savory, loaded with tender chicken and crunchy veggies. Bring the zing of your favorite Chinese takeout to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Taste the rich and creamy flavors of Penne Alla Vodka, a dish that’s sure to wow. This pasta is all about that silky, tomato and vodka-infused sauce clinging to every noodle. It strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, making it a great option for when you want to treat your family to something special.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Lamb Rogan Josh

A bowl of Lamb Rogan Josh, garnished with cilantro and served in a decorative brass dish.
Lamb Rogan Josh. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bite into the deep, complex flavors of Lamb Rogan Josh. This Kashmiri meal promises tender lamb in a sauce that’s rich with spices and aromatics. It’s a sophisticated dish that offers a journey to a far-off land, right from your dinner table. Plus, it’s an amazing way to introduce your family to new flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Rogan Josh

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.