15 Easy-Peasy Family Dinners for Stress-Free Evenings

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15 Easy-Peasy Family Dinners for Stress-Free Evenings

These dishes promise to restore peace and deliciousness to your busy evenings! They will have you that’ll have you serving up smiles without breaking a sweat.

A fork full of chicken pasta on a white plate.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Wave goodbye to the takeout menus because this Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a game changer, bringing the zesty allure of Panda Express right to your dining table. In less than an hour, you’ll be serving up a citrus-infused sensation that’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Picture this: BBQ chicken legs so tender they fall right off the bone, and all you did was let them hang out in the slow cooker. These drumsticks are slathered in a smoky, tangy sauce that’ll have everyone licking their fingers and asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the comfort of Cracker Barrel into your kitchen with this spot-on copycat meatloaf that’s seasoned to impress and baked to perfection. You’ll be serving up slices of homestyle nostalgia without having to brave the lines or leave the comfort of your slippers.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker Pork Chops are like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce that’s the stuff of dreams. Just toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and let the crock pot work its creamy, comforting magic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy, sweet, and salty Air Fryer Mongolian Beef is ready in a flash. This kid-friendly meal is a crispy, saucy spectacle that’s sure to be a hit. Who knew 20 minutes is all it takes for delicious perfection.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is like a mini Italian vacation in a bowl. Tender chicken bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce will have everyone at the table asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Italian Mushroom Stew

Top view of a big pot of mushroom stew with cheese and basil on a cutting board next to the pot.
Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the rustic charm of this Italian Mushroom Stew, a classic that’ll have you feeling like you’re dining in the Italian countryside. Ladle it over a slice of crusty Italian bread and watch your family’s eyes light up with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who needs a trip to Panera when you can whip up their famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup right in your own kitchen? It’s the kind of spoon-hugging, cheese-loving, velvety-smooth soup that’ll have the family racing to the table.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

No Peek Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish with chicken and rice in it.
No Peek Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The No Peek Chicken Casserole is the culinary equivalent of a trust fall—just set it in the oven and walk away. Every time, you’re rewarded with tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice that’s a surefire family pleaser.
Get the Recipe: No Peek Chicken Casserole

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Manicotti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Baked Manicotti is your ticket to a cheesy paradise, with pasta shells lovingly stuffed and smothered in a hearty meat sauce. This is the dinner that turns a regular night into an Italian feast, where everyone’s invited.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting with these chicken thighs that turn humble ingredients into a dinner that’s anything but ordinary. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite aunt, always there to comfort you on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Take a walk on the wild side with this Walking Taco Casserole, where all the flavors of the beloved street food come together in a dish that’s fun for the whole family. It’s a layered fiesta of beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is the culinary equivalent of coming home after a long day to find dinner waiting to give you a big, flavorful hug. A blend of spices and a rich, creamy sauce make this dish a comforting classic that’s both easy and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Taco Rice Skillet is the one-pan wonder that’ll have dinner on the table faster than the kids can ask, “What’s for dinner?” With just 8 simple ingredients, you’re in for a tasty treat that combines all the taco flavors you love in a hearty, family-friendly dish.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and sesame seeds.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With these Asian Spare Ribs, your slow cooker takes you on a flavor journey to the East, infusing every bite with a blend of aromatic spices and sauces. It’s the easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for those days when you want to come home to something special.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

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