17 Family Dinners That Don’t Require Hours of Prep

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17 Family Dinners That Don’t Require Hours of Prep

Family dinners don’t need to be time-consuming. These 17 recipes are quick to prepare to ensure you have more time to spend with your family and less in the kitchen. These dishes are easy to make and taste great, making your dinner time more fun and less stressful.

These recipes are ideal for anyone who wants to cook good food quickly. They are simple, with clear instructions and familiar ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen right now. The focus is on hassle-free cooking that fits into your busy life, keeping family dinners relaxed.

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup is a great choice for a quick family dinner, ready in 30 minutes. This easy recipe mixes sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream in a single pot. It’s perfect for those busy nights or for beginners in cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and Sausage, a one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes, is great for last-minute dinner plans. Its minimal ingredients and easy steps make it a great choice for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Chicken Pot Pie Soup, ready in an hour, brings comfort to your dinner table. This one-pot recipe is great for a family meal, especially throughout the chillier months of the year.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is an excellent choice for busy weeknights, ready in 30 minutes. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese for a quick, delicious family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these canned chicken patties are best for days when you need something on the table fast. This meal is very versatile — enjoy it with veggies, rice, or salads.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up Spinach Chicken Bake using just one pan. This recipe is a great choice for a family dinner, combining chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is an easy-to-prepare, rich, flavorful dish. Ready in one pan, it’s perfect when paired with rice or noodles for a special yet effortless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a refined yet easy dinner option. This dish pairs shrimp with tomatoes and spinach in a garlic sauce, perfect over pasta or rice for a quick family meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Fajita Baked Chicken

This Fajita Baked Chicken is an easy 30-minute dish that combines seasoned chicken with cream cheese and sweet peppers. It’s a perfect choice for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s great for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken, ready in just 30 minutes, is a quick and flavorful choice for dinner. Cooked in one pan, it combines chicken with a creamy dijon mustard sauce and fresh spinach, creating a delicious meal for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Ready in 30 minutes, Cheesy Beef Casserole is an easy-to-follow recipe perfect for a quick family dinner. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a hearty and enjoyable meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a great pick for a hearty family meal, ready in 30 minutes. This one-pan dish mixes ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, great for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken, a 30-minute meal, is a great option for busy evenings. This one-pan recipe features chicken thighs in a sun-dried tomato sauce, making for a quick yet flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

In under an hour, Chicken Corn Soup is a simple and flavorful family dinner. This one-pot recipe combines chicken, vegetables, and broth, perfect for a quick meal that’s easy even for beginners in cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken, prepared in 30 minutes using just one pan, is a great choice for a fast and flavorful meal. Pairing chicken breasts with a garlic sauce, this dish is perfect for a family dinner that doesn’t require much time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick, no-fuss dinner, try the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just toss sausage and veggies on a sheet pan for a flavorful meal that’s great for those busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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