17 Meals That Get All Thumbs Up from My Family

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17 Meals That Get All Thumbs Up from My Family

Bring the family together with 17 meals that get all thumbs up from my crew. These dishes are all about making everyone happy without any fuss. You’ll find something for the pickiest eaters and the most adventurous ones, all in one list. From comfort foods to quick-fix dinners, there’s no shortage of variety here. These meals are sure to become family favorites in no time!

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re in the mood for something that packs a bit of heat and plenty of nutrition, Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a great pick. It blends the sweetness of honey with a spicy kick to jazz up your typical chicken salad. This dish is not only filling but also keeps things light and refreshing. Perfect for those days when you want a meal that hits the right spot without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When the family craves something hearty and full of flavor, Cowboy Casserole answers the call. It’s a robust combination of beans, ground beef, and cheese layered under a crispy topping that everyone finds irresistible. Ideal for evenings when comfort food is on the agenda, and you need something to please the crowd. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a filling meal on the table with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a quick and surefire win at the dinner table, Easy Chicken Tenders are the way to go. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. This dish proves that simple ingredients can create something the whole family will enjoy. It’s a classic pick for a reason — uncomplicated, yet utterly fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taco night is always a hit, and with Beef Tacos, you can’t go wrong. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings, so everyone gets exactly what they like. The seasoned beef is the star of the show, bringing all the flavors together in a soft or crunchy shell. It’s a fun meal that brings everyone to the table, ready to assemble their masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more international flair, Kung Pao Chicken is a thrilling option. This dish boasts the perfect balance of heat and sweet, with a savory sauce that coats every bite of chicken and veggie. It’s a takeout favorite that’s actually quite straightforward to whip up at home. Great for introducing the family to new flavors in a familiar format.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Close-up of two yellow bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of sloppy joe, black beans, and rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers take a classic favorite and give it a healthy, colorful twist. Using the air fryer means less oil but all the flavor, making for a lighter version of the traditional Sloppy Joe. The peppers add a sweet crunch that complements the savory filling brilliantly. It’s a creative way to sneak some extra veggies onto the dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf.
Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Reinventing comfort food, Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf combines the ease of a slow cooker meal with the tangy flavors of taco night. It’s juicy, flavorful, and makes for fantastic leftovers – if there are any! This dish is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a meal that’s ready to go. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a plate of creamy turkey casserole topped with bread crumbs and garnished with fresh basil leaves, reminiscent of a comforting turkey casserole.
Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turkey Casserole is your go-to when you have leftover turkey and need a comforting meal. It’s creamy, hearty, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer that gives it an extra texture. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious way to repurpose turkey in a dish that feels entirely new. Perfect for keeping those holiday flavors going a little bit longer.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This recipe mix the kick of Buffalo chicken with the comforting starchiness of baked potatoes. It’s a stellar combination that packs flavor and satisfies hunger in each bite. This unexpected duo turns a simple baked potato into a meal that’s both exciting and filling. Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes is a great choice for when you want something a little different but utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Tamales

Two cooked tamales nestled in corn husks, with a bowl of fresh cilantro partially visible on the left side.
Tamales. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making Tamales is a fun way to involve the whole family in cooking a meal that’s steeped in tradition. These packets of corn dough filled with either sweet or savory fillings can cater to everyone’s tastes. They require some effort but are totally worth it for the smiles and full stomachs they bring. It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience that everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Tamales

Elevated Ramen Noodles

A bowl of ramen with soft-boiled egg, vegetables, and sesame seeds.
Elevated Ramen Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Elevated Ramen Noodles turn a simple pantry staple into a gourmet experience. With a few extra ingredients, this dish transcends its humble beginnings, offering depth and richness in every spoonful. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something quick but refuse to compromise on flavor. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit any preference.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Ramen Noodles

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These Asian Style Pork Chops bring a touch of international cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort. Marinated to perfection, they’re juicy, tender, and loaded with flavors that will wake up your mealtime routine. They cook up fast, making them a solid choice for a weeknight dinner that feels special. It’s a simple way to add some variety to your protein choices.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin on a white plate, served with a side of greens in a black bowl.
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s nothing quite like a Whole Baked BBQ Chicken to bring the family together. This dish is moist, flavorful, and slathered in a tangy BBQ sauce that makes it impossible to resist. It’s a hands-off meal that lets the oven do most of the work, giving you time to relax. Whether it’s a weekend dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders are a little taste of the islands that you can enjoy right at home. The tender, slow-cooked pork piled onto soft rolls and topped with a pineapple slaw is irresistible. They make for a fantastic lighter option or an appetizer for your next gathering. It’s a playful dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A classic that never disappoints, Spaghetti Bolognese is a hearty meal that appeals to all ages. It combines tender pasta with a rich, meaty sauce for a simple yet profound pleasure. Ideal for those evenings when only a bowl of comfort will do. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids to the joys of Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. It simmers in its own juices all day, becoming more tender and flavorful with each passing hour. Served on a bun or over a bed of rice, it’s versatile and always fulfilling. This dish is a lifesaver for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a no-fuss dinner that keeps you coming back for seconds, try Easy Meatloaf Recipe. It’s a straightforward dish with plenty of homestyle appeal. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a tangy glaze, it’s a reminder of how good simple ingredients can be when combined just right. A slice of this meatloaf is like a warm hug on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

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