15 Weeknight Dinners That Can’t Help But Become Family Favorites

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15 Weeknight Dinners That Can’t Help But Become Family Favorites

Let’s face it, weeknights can be hectic. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. Our lineup of 15 family-friendly dinner ideas is here to save the day. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these meals are perfect for busy evenings when you need something tasty on the table fast.

A top-down shot of Million Dollar Spaghetti in a casserole dish.
Million Dollar spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A closeup of Sloppy Joe Casserole on a plate with more in the background.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s a crowd-pleasing dinner choice that’s both easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family’s hunger. Sloppy Joe Casserole offers the classic flavors of a sloppy joe in a comforting casserole form. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Zucchini Bread

A closeup of sliced Zucchini Bread.
Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Moist, tender, and subtly sweet, this bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day. Zucchini Bread is a delightful treat that combines the freshness of zucchini with the comforting taste of homemade bread. It’s a flavorful way to sneak some veggies into your family’s diet without sacrificing on taste. Enjoy it warm with a smear of butter for an extra indulgent experience.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bread

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

A closeup of a baking dish filled with Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes with a scoop missing.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tossed with al dente pasta and a sprinkle of herbs, this dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite pasta shapes and additional ingredients like spinach or olives for a nutritious and delicious meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Chicken Tinga

A bowl of Chicken Tinga.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Served on tortillas or over rice, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken Tinga is a Mexican-inspired dish featuring shredded chicken simmered in a smoky and spicy tomato-based sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have dinner on the table in no time, making it a go-to recipe for families looking for a quick and delicious meal option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a white plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Served with your favorite toppings like salsa, lettuce, and cheese, these tacos are crunchy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside. Tacos Dorados, also known as crispy tacos, are a beloved Mexican street food featuring corn tortillas filled with seasoned meat, then fried until golden and crispy. They’re a fun and satisfying dinner option that’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Chicken Fried Rice

A plate of Chicken Fried Rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Quick and easy to make, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and cooked chicken, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Chicken Fried Rice is a classic Chinese-inspired dish made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables, all stir-fried together in a savory sauce. With its delicious flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family, making it a staple recipe for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

A closeup image of Turkey Stuffed Pasta Shells with Pesto in a baking dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich, comforting, and packed with protein, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto is a flavorful twist on a classic Italian dish. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and delicious family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Cheez-Its Tostada

A top-down shot of a Cheez-Its Tostada with crackers and a bottle of hot sauce.
Cheez-Its Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whether you prefer classic toppings like beans, salsa, and avocado, or more unconventional choices like barbecue chicken or buffalo cauliflower, these tostadas are endlessly customizable and sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. Cheez-Its Tostada is a playful take on the traditional Mexican tostada. They’re quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty dinner in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

2 hands pulling a Chicken Al Pastor Quesadilla apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With their bold flavors and gooey melted cheese, these quesadillas are sure to become a family favorite. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are a delicious fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Million Dollar Spaghetti

A top-down shot of Million Dollar Spaghetti in a casserole dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Layers of spaghetti, creamy cheese, and savory meat sauce are baked together until bubbly and golden brown, creating a dish that’s rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Million Dollar Spaghetti is a decadent and indulgent pasta dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, this dish is sure to impress and become a cherished favorite for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a plate.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender pork chops are smothered in a creamy sauce made with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and onions, then slow-cooked to perfection until they’re fall-apart tender. Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops are a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious dinner ready and waiting for you when you walk in the door. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in 2 black dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving pizza but don’t have the time or energy to make it from scratch. Pizza Casserole is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, featuring layers of pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and cheese baked together until bubbly and golden brown. With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4-ingredient slow cooker chicken on a platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Serve the shredded chicken over rice or in tacos for a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Baked Spanish Rice

A closeup of Baked Spanish Rice in a black dish.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Spanish Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as the main course, this baked rice is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep and busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whether you serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or as part of a vegetarian spread, this dish is sure to add a burst of flavor and color to your dinner table. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

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