21 Family Meals That’ll Make You Forget You Hate Cooking

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21 Family Meals That’ll Make You Forget You Hate Cooking

Ditch the kitchen dread because our family meals are about to make you a cooking convert. These 21 recipes are so easy that you’ll actually start to look forward to prepping dinner. They’re the perfect solution for great eating without the hassle, and before you know it, you’ll be cooking up a storm and loving every minute of it.

A dish with broccoli and crackers in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

If the thought of cooking dinner feels overwhelming after a long day, this meal is the perfect solution. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese into a casserole that you simply have to bake. You can even prepare the chicken and spinach ahead of time, so all you need to do is bake it when dinner rolls around. This chicken bake is a great way to quickly get a filling dinner on the table, making it a solid choice for parents who’d like to spend more time relaxing than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and easy enough to prepare on busy nights. Plus, it reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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

On those nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind, this sheet pan dinner comes to the rescue. Just toss sausages and your favorite veggies on a pan, bake, and in 30 minutes, dinner is served. This dish is also very customizable. Feel free to try different vegetables, sausages, and seasonings to keep it fresh and exciting every time you make it. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great go-to for busy parents who need a quick, easy, and hearty dinner.
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.

This recipe uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower to simplify the process and then mixes in with a creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon. Everything is baked together and can be served in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, so you can prepare everything ahead of time and bake it once you’re ready. This casserole is a great go-to for nights when you’re pressed for time but still want a hearty and delicious family meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This dish is a fantastic option for those looking to spice up their dinner routine without additional kitchen work. It combines seasoned chicken breasts with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella in just 30 minutes. Everything is baked together in one dish to simplify both prep and cleanup. You can also prepare it ahead of time and just bake it when you’re ready. This recipe is a great way to make dinners easier for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This casserole takes the loved flavors of twice-baked potatoes and turns them into an easy-to-make dinner. Made with comfort food ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and bacon, this dish will surely be a hit with the whole family. You can even prepare it beforehand and just bake it when dinner time comes. This dish is a practical choice for a hearty meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours.
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

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a delicious family dinner option that comes together in only 50 minutes. It’s easy to make and a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone who dreads putting together a meal after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Both kids and adults will love this nostalgic dish. In just 20 minutes, you can turn canned chicken into crispy patties that are perfect for a quick dinner. Using staple pantry ingredients, all you need to do is combine everything, form the patties, and cook on the stovetop. They’re great with a side of veggies, in a salad, or tucked into sandwiches. If you’re planning your meals, these patties can be made ahead and quickly reheated, making your dinner stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Here’s a fun spin on traditional jalapeño poppers. This salad brings together chicken, bacon, and jalapeños with a creamy dressing for a meal that’s ready in no time. This salad is so easy to whip together and is perfect for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time and pull out a ready-made dinner off the fridge on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

This soup brings the classic flavors of chicken pot pie without the effort. In one pot, you’ll simmer chicken, vegetables, and a creamy base together. Ready in just an hour, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie without all the work. This soup also stores well in the fridge, so you can make it for meal prep or store the leftovers to enjoy the next day. This recipe is perfect for parents looking for a stress-free way to provide their family with a delicious and hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie 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.

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick to prepare and a complete meal in itself, this casserole is a great choice. In 30 minutes, ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach come together with a generous serving of melted cheddar. You can also prepare it beforehand and heat it up when you’re ready to eat, making it a practical option for a busy family.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe is one of the easiest and fastest dinners you can make. Juicy chicken bites are cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce in a single skillet and can be served in 30 minutes. Serve these bites with some rice or your favorite veggies to round out the meal. It’s an excellent pick for busy weeknights and will surely be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Big Mac Salad

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

This salad features all the flavors you love in the classic bacon cheeseburger but in a lighter version. It packs the same flavors you love — bacon, beef, pickles, and greens — tossed with a creamy homemade sauce and sprinkled with cheddar cheese. You can prepare the ingredients in advance and toss everything once you’re ready to make your dinner rush smoother. It’s a great choice for quick weeknight dinners, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish features sautéed mushrooms simmering in a creamy, flavorful broth. The aromatic spices, sour cream, milk, and butter enhance the flavors without any complicated prep or cooking. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh herbs before serving to add an extra layer of comfort. Ready in 45 minutes and made in just one pot, it’s a great option for those evenings when you want to serve a simple yet hearty dinner. Serve it with bread, salad, or veggies for a complete and filling dinner that will wrap up your day on a good note.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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 soup is a great option for incorporating more vegetables into your family’s dinners without compromising on taste. Combining the sweetness of red peppers with the smooth texture of sweet potatoes, it’s a hearty and wholesome meal that’s ready in about an hour. It’s filling, flavorful, and requires minimal hands-on time, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something filling yet simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

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

Have “breakfast for dinner” tonight with this easy and cheesy casserole. Featuring breakfast favorites like hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese, this dish is a comforting end to any day. Feel free to toss in additional veggies to make it more wholesome. It’s a fun and simple dinner that will change up your evenings without spending hours in the kitchen cooking.
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.

This hearty soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. It comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and filling dinner. Everything cooks in just one pot, meaning less cleanup and more quality time to spend with your family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to get on the table and packed with flavor, this soup is a solid pick. It combines wild rice and mushrooms, cooking up a rich and hearty meal in just over an hour. Everything cooks together in just one pot, with the flavors and textures from the mushrooms and wild rice pairing together perfectly. This soup is an excellent choice for a wholesome family dinner that keeps your evening routine smooth and stress-free.
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.

When you need something wholesome and comforting without spending all night in the kitchen, this creamy soup has got you covered. It combines cauliflower, broth, cheese, and bacon and comes together in 30 minutes, all in one pot. The result is a hearty, creamy, and filling soup everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your family meals.
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.

This soup brings chicken, corn, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a creamy broth in less than an hour. Everything is made in just one pot, follows easy cooking steps, and requires staple pantry ingredients. It’s also a great way to use any leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand, making this a practical option when you need dinner on the table fast. It’s a great choice for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to serve your family a wholesome and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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