19 Easy Family Dinner Ideas for Parents Who Dread Cooking

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19 Easy Family Dinner Ideas for Parents Who Dread Cooking

For parents who dread cooking, finding easy family dinner ideas is key. These 19 recipes keep it simple and save time. They are quick to prepare and don’t need special skills or hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy parents, these meals make dinner less stressful and more enjoyable. You spend less time cooking and more time with your family.

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up a Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake in 30 minutes. It’s a simple mix of chicken, spinach, and cheese. Add cream cheese, bake, and you’re done. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy parents. Do the prep work earlier, and enjoy a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try Chicken Pot Pie Soup for a stress-free dinner. It’s a one-pot meal ready in an hour. You just need basic ingredients for this comforting soup. It’s ideal for parents who want a warm meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a 30-minute meal. Put everything on one pan and bake. It’s great for parents who need a quick meal. Prep ahead and enjoy a fast dinner with easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole in just 30 minutes. Mix broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. It’s easy to prepare in advance. This casserole is a quick, warm meal for parents who want a no-fuss dinner. Cleanup is a breeze with this one-dish meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A bowl full of ingredients for jalapeño popper chicken salad.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a quick and easy dish. Prepare it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. It’s perfect for busy parents who need a meal ready to go. Simple ingredients and quick to assemble, it’s a tasty meal with minimal kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fajita Baked Chicken is a straightforward recipe. Season chicken, add cream cheese and peppers, and bake. Prep it earlier to make dinner time easier. This meal is warming and filling and uses just one pan for an easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

A white plate with broccoli and chicken patties.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties are a quick 20-minute meal, ideal for a busy weeknight. Prep them in advance with canned chicken for even quicker preparation. Heat them up at dinner time for a simple, fast meal that goes well with any side of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cheesy twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is comfort food made easy. Combine bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. You can even make it in advance. It’s a straightforward dish, ideal for a cozy family meal without the complex cooking.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of crock pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

For a hassle-free dinner, try Crock Pot Taco Soup. Spend just 20 minutes prepping and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s made with common pantry items, making it a smart pick for a stress-free weeknight meal that’s both easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy spinach and sausage casserole with a wooden spoon.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, create a Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. It’s designed for busy parents, allowing you to prep ahead. When you’re ready, simply bake it. This dish is a convenient, hearty meal for those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Big Mac Salad offers the flavors of a fast-food classic in a lighter form. Prepare it in advance for quick assembly at dinner. It’s simple to make with minimal ingredients. Keep it in the fridge for a fast, flavorful meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole with a wooden spoon in it.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole turns a breakfast favorite into an effortless dinner. It’s filled with hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese. Simple to make and surprisingly filling, it’s perfect for parents wanting an easy meal for “breakfast for dinner” nights.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of creamy Italian sausage soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Prepare it ahead for an easy dinner. Quick to make, it’s a great choice for parents needing a speedy dinner solution. This soup brings warmth and flavor to busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites cook in just 20 minutes. Made with juicy chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for parents wanting a quick and flavorful meal. It’s a simple dish that brings a delightful dinner to the table with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A pot of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a one-pot meal ready in an hour. It combines sweet potatoes and red peppers for a creamy, cozy dinner. An easy recipe, it’s ideal for parents looking for a simple, hearty meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a rich, flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Cooking the rice while preparing other ingredients saves time. It’s great for parents who want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready in less than an hour, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a pot with a wooden spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon for a delicious 30-minute soup. Prep the cauliflower and broth earlier for a quicker dinner. This warm and easy meal is ideal for parents looking for a simple dinner option on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is a quick, flavorful meal ready in under an hour. It combines chicken, vegetables, and broth in one pot. Perfect for parents needing an easy, hearty dinner option. It’s a straightforward way to bring a nourishing meal to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is ready in just 45 minutes. It’s a warming, flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Ideal for parents wanting a delicious dinner without complex steps. Great for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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