For so many parents, finding good family meal ideas that don’t add stress to the evening can be a challenge. The goal is to have recipes that are simple to make and don’t require hours in the kitchen. These 19 meals are designed for parents who might not be too excited about cooking dinner every night. They are straightforward and quick, helping to ease the burden of meal preparation.
These recipes focus on being practical and easy to follow. They use common ingredients and are great for busy evenings. They’re about making dinner time less daunting and more about serving a meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re not too confident in your cooking skills or just short on time, these recipes are here to help make dinner a smoother and less stressful part of your day.
Canned Chicken Patties
These Canned Chicken Patties are a swift 20-minute meal, perfect for a hectic weeknight. You can prep them in advance using canned chicken for even quicker preparation. Serve them at dinner for a simple, quick meal that pairs well with any vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is comfort food made easy. Just combine bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Preparing it in advance is an option for an easier evening. This dish is straightforward and great for a cozy family meal without complex cooking steps.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
For a hassle-free dinner, choose this Crock Pot Taco Soup. With only 20 minutes of prep and the slow cooker doing the rest, it’s a smart choice for a busy evening. Made with common pantry items, this soup is both easy and flavorful, perfect for a stress-free weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is a quick, flavorful dish ready in under an hour. It combines chicken, vegetables, and broth in one pot, perfect for parents needing an easy yet hearty dinner option. It’s a direct way to bring a nourishing meal to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, ready in just 30 minutes, mixes broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. It’s a quick, warm meal that’s perfect for parents seeking a no-fuss dinner option. Prepare it in advance to make your evening routine smoother.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Prepare this Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake in just 30 minutes. This dish is a simple combination of chicken, spinach, and cheese with added cream cheese. Great for parents looking for an easy dinner solution, you can do the prep work earlier in the day for a smooth evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your go-to for a stress-free dinner. Ready in about an hour, it’s a one-pot meal with basic ingredients. Perfect for parents who need a quick and comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For a fast and easy meal, try the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner, ready in 30 minutes. Just place everything on one pan and bake. It’s great for parents who want a nutritious meal quickly. You can prepare it ahead of time for even faster dinner prep.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a quick and easy dish you can prepare ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, making it a great choice for busy parents needing a meal that’s ready to serve. With simple ingredients, it’s a convenient and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Fajita Baked Chicken
This Fajita Baked Chicken is a straightforward recipe. Season the chicken, add cream cheese and peppers, and bake. You can prepare it earlier to simplify dinner time. This warm and filling meal uses just one pan, making it a practical choice for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Transform breakfast favorites into an effortless dinner with Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. It’s filled with hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese. Easy to make and filling, it’s perfect for parents who want a simple meal for “breakfast for dinner” nights.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot meal that can be ready in 30 minutes. Prepare it ahead for an easy dinner option. Quick to make, this soup is a great choice for parents who need a speedy and flavorful dinner solution on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Make this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach in just 30 minutes. It’s a practical choice for busy parents, allowing you to prepare ahead of time. When you’re ready, just bake it. This dish makes a convenient and hearty meal for those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Big Mac Salad
Big Mac Salad brings the flavors of a fast-food favorite in a lighter form. Prepare it in advance for quick assembly at dinner time. It’s simple to make with minimal ingredients and stays ready in the fridge for a fast, flavorful meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can be cooked in just 20 minutes. Made with juicy chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for parents looking for a quick yet flavorful meal. It’s a simple dish that brings a delicious dinner to the table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a rich, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. Cook the rice while prepping other ingredients to save time. It’s a good choice for parents who want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, ready in less than an hour for a comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a one-pot meal that’s ready in an hour. It blends sweet potatoes and red peppers for a creamy, cozy dinner. This easy recipe is great for parents looking for a simple, hearty meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
Combine cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon to create a delicious 30-minute soup. Prepare the cauliflower and broth earlier for a quicker dinner. This warm and easy meal is great for parents seeking a straightforward dinner option on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup can be prepared in just 45 minutes. It’s a warming, flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Great for parents who desire a delicious dinner without complicated steps, it’s great for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup