15 Family Dinners So Easy Your Spouse Can Make Them

You know how sometimes getting dinner on the table feels more like you’re prepping for a space mission rather than just feeding the crew? Here are 15 family dinner ideas that are so straightforward, that even your partner, who’s notorious for their kitchen mishaps, can pull them off without breaking a sweat. It’s like finding an easy button for your weeknight!

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

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.

Think about coming home to the rich aroma of Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter without lifting a finger. It’s a simple luxury that turns your dinner table into a high-end steakhouse experience, thanks to a recipe that’s as straightforward as it gets. The cowboy butter adds a burst of flavor that upgrades the meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

With Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers, you can recreate a restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. It’s a foolproof way to bring the flavors of Italy to your table with minimal hassle. The combination of savory sausage and sweet peppers makes this dish a guaranteed hit. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

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 – that’s the beauty of Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. This is a worry-free, delicious way to get dinner on the table with ingredients that are both affordable and easy to find. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender, flavorful meatballs that the whole family will love. It’s comfort food made easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For a lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Chinese Chicken Salad is your go-to. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, packed with crunchy vegetables and tender chicken, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and sophisticated enough for guests. Plus, it’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

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.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings the comfort of your favorite diner right into your dining room. This recipe proves that a hearty, flavorful meal doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The savory gravy pairs perfectly with the tender steak, making it a hit among all ages. It’s a great way to end a hectic day, giving you that diner coziness without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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.

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing like a bowl of Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup to warm you up. This soup is a creamy, comforting blend of potatoes and savory flavors that mirror the beloved deli classic. It’s surprisingly easy to make, allowing you to bring the comfort of your favorite deli home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

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.

Turn yesterday’s steak dinner into today’s highlight with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. These tacos are an ingenious way to repurpose leftovers into a meal that’s both easy and exciting. Just add your favorite toppings and voila – a new dinner with minimal effort. It’s a creative and delicious way to make the most of what you’ve got in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring the flavors of Outback into your kitchen with Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. This recipe makes it easy to replicate the savory, bold flavors of the dish with simple ingredients. It’s a surefire way to impress the family with something a bit different from the usual dinner routine. Plus, it’s a way to shake up your chicken game.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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.

A twist on the classic that brings a bit of the West Coast to your breakfast table is California Eggs Benedict. It’s an impressive yet surprisingly straightforward meal to put together. With fresh, vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for a weekend brunch where you want to surprise without the stress. This proves that a luxury doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

As fun to make as it is to eat is Pizza Pasta Salad. It combines two family favorites into one easy dish. This salad is perfect for those nights when you can’t decide between pizza and pasta. It’s a playful, tasty side or main dish that comes together in no time. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner, it’s an option that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

Upgrade your quesadilla game with Leftover Steak Quesadilla. This recipe is a genius way to give leftover steak a new and exciting life. The combination of juicy steak, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla is unbeatable. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Cucumber Salad with Feta

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

Need a fresh side dish that’s as easy as it is refreshing? Try Cucumber Salad with Feta. This salad is a no-cook wonder, combining crisp cucumbers with creamy feta in a light dressing. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially when you’re looking for something light and easy. This is great for hot summer days!
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

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.

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries is a simple, nutritious start to your day or a quick snack. It’s a combination of creamy cottage cheese and fresh blueberries on toast, bringing together sweet and savory flavors. This is a no-fuss, healthy option that’s surprisingly satisfying. Perfect for mornings or a mid-day boost, it’s a small joy that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Hearty and healthy, Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is a meal that’s simple to throw together. It’s ideal for when you want something substantial yet nutritious, with the rich flavors of salmon blending perfectly with fresh vegetables and pasta. This dish is great for meal prep or a last-minute dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or health.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

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.

Enjoy the hearty and comforting flavors of Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandol’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. This soup is a bowl of comfort, mimicking the popular restaurant’s recipe with ease. It’s perfect for those days when you’re craving something warming and flavorful but want to keep things simple. This soup is straightforward and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

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