17 Reasons Why Easy Family Dinners Are The Secret To Happiness (And Sanity)

Quick and easy dinners allow for more flexibility and spontaneity in the evening. Whether it’s a surprise visit from friends or an impromptu pajama party, having go-to simple meals makes everything smoother. So, here is a list of 17 easy dinners that will be your secret for peace and fulfilled tummies in the family. Flexibility keeps the peace – and ensures no one goes to bed hangry!

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Cucumber Salad With Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad With Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Keeping dinner light and refreshing is easy with Cucumber Salad With Feta. This side dish is delicious, comes together quickly, and complements any main you pair it with. It’s a great way to add a burst of freshness to your meal without any fuss. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and scrumptious results—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad With Feta

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Coming home to a warm bowl of Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup after a busy day is a comforting routine. It’s simple to prepare, making your evenings less hectic and more enjoyable. This meal not only warms your stomach but also your heart, bringing the family together over shared favorites. Ending the day with such warmth can indeed restore happiness and sanity.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Recreate the classic comfort of a diner at home with Diner Style Salisbury Steak. It’s a nostalgic and comforting dish that you can pull together without a fuss. Perfect for a laid-back family dinner, it brings the cozy vibe of a diner right into your dining room. Enjoy a relaxed evening where the focus is all on easy living and good eating.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Start your day right or end it on a light note with Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. This dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious and works perfectly for a breakfast-for-dinner night. It’s a fuss-free, nutritious meal that fits seamlessly into a busy schedule, ensuring you have more time to enjoy with your family. Simple, light, and satisfying, it keeps everyone at the table happy and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Nothing says comfort like a creamy bowl of Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. It’s perfect for those days you need a gentle, warm hug in the form of food. This easy-to-make soup saves you time and effort, which are better spent with your loved ones. Gather around the table, enjoy this meal together, and feel the stress of the day melt away.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Whip up a quick and delicious meal with Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Making the most of your leftovers not only saves money but also reduces kitchen stress. These quesadillas are crowd-pleasers, coming together in a snap for a relaxed dinner. Who knew leftovers could bring so much joy and peace of mind?
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, try making Wild Rice Salad. It’s packed with natural goodness and can be whipped up in no time. This dish is perfect for those days when you want a dinner that’s as nourishing as it’s quick to prepare. It’s about getting to the table faster and enjoying more time with your family.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Set it and forget it with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, a dish that makes dinner almost effortless. As they cook, you can focus on helping with homework or playing a game with the kids. This meal comes together with minimal fuss, and the aroma filling your home creates an inviting atmosphere. It’s dishes like these that simplify meal prep and create room for family time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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.

Who can resist the allure of Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich? It’s easy to put together, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet hearty meal on a busy evening. Gather the family and dig into this lovely sandwich that promises a stress-free preparation and a deliciously rewarding dinner. It’s all about enjoying more and cooking less.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

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.

A meal that’s sure to impress without all-day preparation is Korean Galbi Ribs. These ribs offer a stress-free path to a flavorful dinner that feels like a treat. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, these ribs make it easy to bring a little celebration to the dinner table. Enjoy more time laughing and chatting around the table instead of stuck prepping in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

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.

Bringing the flavor of your favorite takeout home, Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots offer a fun and satisfying dinner. This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, especially on a casual family movie night or during a weekend game. It’s easy to cook, and even easier to love, making your dinner both stress-free and packed with flavor. So, kick back, relax, and enjoy munching this!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

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

When looking for something that feels fancy without the fuss, Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche hits the spot. This meal is easy to put together and serves as a wonderful option for any meal of the day. It’s particularly great for gathering everyone at the table come dinnertime. Quick to cook and soothing to eat, it brings a touch of calm to the evening.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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

Sink your fork into this comforting Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips for a satisfying meal without the hassle of fine dining. This recipe captures all the homestyle goodness you crave, effortlessly brought to your own table. It’s simple enough to make any weeknight special, underscoring the joy of a meal spent with your family. Great flavor with little fuss is a recipe for happiness.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Prepare a full meal on a single pan with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. It’s a hassle-free method that yields a flavorful meal with minimal clean-up. The simplicity of this dish enhances your evening, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family. It’s a straightforward way to cater to the whole family’s taste and keep things serene.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spicing up dinner time is effortless with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. It’s quick to cook and versatile, making it a weeknight favorite. Whether wrapped in tacos or served with rice, it provides a hearty base for a family-friendly meal. Make dinner a relaxing time to reconnect with family over a beloved dish.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Brunch for dinner? Absolutely possible with California Eggs Benedict. This easy twist on a breakfast favorite brings a bit of sunshine into the dinner routine, offering a refreshing change without demanding much time in the kitchen. It’s meals like these that help keep the mood light and the faces around your table smiling.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Transform last night’s dinner into today’s delicious meal with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. This innovative approach to leftovers not only minimizes waste but also brings an exciting twist to your dinner table. Quick to assemble and lovely to eat, these tacos ensure a fun and fuss-free dinner. It’s a smart way to keep everyone happy and make the most of what you have.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

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