17 Hassle-Free Family Dinners That Aren’t Just Easy, They’re “Where’s My Chef Hat?” Easy

Looking for a way to make family dinners stress-free? These 17 hassle-free recipes are incredibly simple, making dinner prep a breeze. Each dish is packed with flavor and will have everyone asking for seconds, while you enjoy the ease of cooking them. They’re not just easy, they’re “where’s my chef hat?” easy, perfect for any night of the week.

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, cooking a sophisticated dinner doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe not only simplifies a classic dish but ensures a deliciously crispy coating with a succulent, cheesy center, all with less oil. Ideal for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, it proves convenience can go hand-in-hand with elegance. Enjoy a rewarding meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Preparing Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter brings the steakhouse experience to your backyard. The cowboy butter, a mix of herbs and spices, melts beautifully onto the grilled steak, enhancing its flavors. Quick to prepare, this dish responds well to the call for a hearty family dinner. Gather around the table for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make yet hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a twist on taco night, Chicken Tinga delivers with its smoky, slightly spicy notes. This authentic Mexican dish transforms shredded chicken into a flavorful topping for tacos, tostadas, or rice. It’s the solution for those seeking a meal that’s quick to prepare but full of flavor. Share a meal that brings everyone together and leaves them impressed with your cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad is your ticket to a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This salad combines fresh veggies with feta and olives in a light dressing for a refreshing meal. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create a fulfilling dish. Serve it alongside any main course to add a vibrant touch to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring the iconic LA sandwich shop’s flavors into your kitchen with Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. A juicy, tender beef sandwich paired with a flavorful au jus for dipping, it’s a hit for any meal. It’s surprisingly straightforward to make, turning sandwich night into an occasion. Treat your family to a classic meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform leftover chicken into a refreshing meal with Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. This recipe mixes sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements for a salad that’s anything but ordinary. Served on its own or as a sandwich filling, it’s a versatile option for lunch or dinner. It’s a delicious way to turn simplicity into something special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Tacos Dorados

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

Crispy and satisfying, Tacos Dorados are a hit for those craving texture and flavor. Filled with chicken, beef, or potatoes, these tacos are then fried to perfection. They are an excellent choice for a fun family dinner, letting everyone choose their favorite fillings. Make tonight’s dinner stand out with a dish that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to devour.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Korean Galbi Ribs offer a journey into Korean cuisine with their balance of sweet and delicious flavors. Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, and garlic, these ribs grill to perfection. They are ideal for a family BBQ, bringing a touch of international flair to your table. Serve these up for a dining experience that’s both flavorful and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Capture the essence of the steakhouse favorite, right in your kitchen with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Simmered in a delicious sauce, these beef tips are tender and rich in flavor. Serve over rice or potatoes for a comforting meal that’s uncomplicated to prepare. This dish ensures a warm, comforting end to any day.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant dish packed with veggies and lean protein, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. Quick to cook and highly versatile, it allows for using whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s a practical solution for a fast, healthy dinner. Satisfy in a meal that keeps you on track with health goals while maximizing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning leftovers into a gourmet meal is easy with Brisket Fried Rice. This dish combines tender brisket, vegetables, and rice into a flavorful stir-fry. It’s a clever way to repurpose brisket, offering a satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes. Impress your family with a creative twist on traditional fried rice.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Steak & Pasta Salad is a substantial dish that combines the heartiness of steak with the lightness of pasta salad. It’s a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Ideal for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend lunch. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that bridges the gap between casual and gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Deconstructs the classic sandwich into a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd with Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Layers of ham, pork, cheese, and pickles are sandwiched between slices of bread and then baked. It’s an inventive way to enjoy the flavors of a Cuban sandwich in a form that’s easy to share. Serve this at your next gathering for a unique mealtime treat.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots on parchment paper, topped with Alfredo cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of white sauce, placed on a dark rectangular slate plate.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Enjoy the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a new form with Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. This dish combines crispy tots with steak, peppers, onions, and cheese for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for game day or a casual family dinner, offering a fun twist on a familiar favorite. Try this combination for a relaxed mealtime hit.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Marries the essence of summer dining with the convenience of a sandwich with Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Juicy grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato create a light yet fulfilling dish. It’s a stylish yet easy meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner or an upscale lunch. Enjoy a dish that’s as simple as it is refreshingly flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

You have an elegant dish that’s surprisingly straightforward to make with Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. This quiche combines tender asparagus and smooth ricotta in a flaky crust, perfect for any meal. It’s an ideal choice for a sophisticated brunch or a light dinner. Offer your family a touch of refinement with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is a light dish that’s bursting with flavor. Marinated in herbs and spices, these shrimp skewers are quick to cook and satisfying to eat. They are perfect for a seafood dinner that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all day. Enjoy a culinary escape to the Mediterranean with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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