Cooking separate meals for everyone in the house? Welcome to the club! But now, there’s a better way. These 19 family-friendly recipes are quick, easy, and—wait for it—kid-approved. It’s like turning your kitchen into a no-complaint zone, one delicious dinner at a time. Now you can enjoy a dinner that doesn’t involve a round of “Who can make the funniest face with their food?”
Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter
Sometimes, all it takes to bring everyone to the table is the promise of a perfectly grilled steak. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter offer exactly that. It’s a simple way to ugrade a piece of quality meat without overshadowing its natural goodness. Perfect for summer cookouts or a special weekend treat, it’s the kind of meal that tends to quiet down even the most talkative eaters as they dig in.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Who knew a simple side dish could steal the show? With Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots, you have a foolproof way to get a serving of vegetables that’s appealing to all ages. It draws inspiration from a restaurant favorite, bringing that ‘something special’ to your home-cooked meal. By taking a familiar ingredient and dressing it up just right, you’ve got a side that might just overshadow the main course.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
If family dinner time often feels like a negotiation table, worry not. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a crowd-pleaser that balances comfort with a touch of greens. This meal comes together quickly in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze and leaving more time to enjoy the evening. Plus, its hardy composition caters well to reheat for those who run on a different schedule.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Roast Pork With Apples
When you aim to impress without the stress, Roast Pork with Apples stands out as an easy yet elegant centerpiece for your meal. It’s the kind of dish that can make you look like a wizard in the kitchen, while practically taking care of itself in the oven. The subtle sweetness paired with the meat makes for happy faces around the table. And who doesn’t enjoy a dish that feels a bit special without any complicated steps?
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork With Apples
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
With Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce, you can bring the indulgence of a restaurant favorite to any dish you please. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something rich and fulfilling. This sauce pairs seamlessly with a variety of pastas and can be the base for a range of add-ins, letting you customize to your heart’s content. Plus, it’s a way to show off your cooking skills without actually having to work too hard.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries
For those mornings when everyone’s running on a different schedule, Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries offers a simple, nutritious option that’s ready in minutes. It combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the burst of flavor from fresh blueberries. This can act as a swift breakfast, a snack, or even a light lunch, and it’s something you can feel good about serving to the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
When warmer weather rolls around or you’re just in the mood for something cool and hearty, Easy Salmon Pasta Salad hits the spot. This dish is all about ease and speed without compromising on taste. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more fish into your diet. Light yet fulfilling, this pasta salad might just become a regular during the spring and summer months.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Planning a dinner that feels a bit more upscale doesn’t have to be complicated. Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is your answer to a fancy yet unpretentious meal that’s sure to impress. You’ll recreate the feel of a restaurant dish with the ease of cooking at home, giving you that satisfaction of a well-made meal. It’s a dish that comes together swiftly and quite possibly in requests for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Chinese Chicken Salad
Mix it up midweek with the fresh and lively tastes of a Chinese Chicken Salad. It’s a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor and might just become your meal prep MVP. Loaded with crunch and dressed in a tangy sauce, it’s the sort of meal that can refresh the palate and satisfy hunger at the same time. And if you like your food with a bit of textural contrast, this salad’s got your name on it.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Beefy John Wayne Casserole
For those evenings when comfort food is on the agenda, Beefy John Wayne Casserole has got you covered. It’s a hearty option that serves up the familiar tastes many families love, all while making sure even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds. Its flavor profile means it’s not just another casserole; it’s destined to become a regular request. It’s a fuss-free meal that makes everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp
No need to struggle with dinnertime dilemmas when a dish like Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is on the menu. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavors that can win over the skeptical eaters. Perfect for a warm day or when you’re looking for a meal that feels like a break from the ordinary, this salad is as easy to make as it is enjoyable. And the best part? It’s just as good the next day for a satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
With Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef, you’ve got a foundation for countless meals that hits all the right notes. It’s incredibly versatile, whether you’re tucking it into tacos or serving it over rice. This dish is a smart choice for those looking to prep ahead, as it reheats beautifully and can even be frozen for future dinners. On a busy Tuesday evening, you’ll be grateful to have this one up your sleeve.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Turkey à la King
Mixing up the dinner routine doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Turkey à la King presents a comforting classic that’s a cinch to put together. It finds a welcome place on the table any night of the week and is a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into something that feels entirely new. Even better, it can be scaled up easily for bigger families or unexpected guests.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Some days you just need a meal that’s straightforward and fuss-free, and that’s where Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken swoops in to save the day. Laid out on a single sheet pan for maximum convenience and minimal washing up, this dish gives you a flavorful punch with minimal effort. It’s a versatile option that pairs well with almost any side. Truly, it’s weeknight wizardry at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Pizza Pasta Salad
Merge two universally loved dishes into one undeniably appetizing meal with Pizza Pasta Salad. This dish is a fantastic way to bring a little fun into meal prep, and it couldn’t be easier to toss together. It packs well for outings or can be the star at your next potluck. Best of all, it’s customizable to include everyone’s favorite pizza toppings, making it a surefire hit for both young and old.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings
Comfort classics have a way of making everyone feel content, and Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is no exception. It’s as soothing as a meal can get. The brilliance of this recipe is in its ability to bring the taste of dining out right to your own kitchen table, all without needing a reservation. It’s sure to spark joy in everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, proving that some dishes are timeless.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings
California Eggs Benedict
Wake up your weekend brunch game with a west coast twist on a beloved classic, California Eggs Benedict. It’s a fresher and lighter take that hits all the right spots. This can be a sunny start to your day or even a delicious twist for a ‘breakfast for dinner’ night. It’s your secret weapon for a meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t require you to spend the whole morning in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Transforming last night’s leftovers into today’s treat is a cinch with Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It’s a snappy solution to repurpose steak into a cheesy, crowd-pleasing favorite with minimal time and effort. These quesadillas make for a perfect appetizer, a casual dinner, or even a late-night snack. It’s a win-win where nothing gets wasted and everyone walks away happy.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Cucumber Salad With Feta
When it’s time to add a little crunch and freshness to the table, Cucumber Salad with Feta is the way to go. This refreshing side is quick to assemble, deliciously crisp, and versatile enough to accompany a wide arrayage of main dishes. It can also stand alone as a light lunch, making it a double-duty recipe in your rotation. Plus, its tangy flavor is a welcome palate cleanser against richer meals.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad With Feta