19 Mom-Style Dinners To Wow Your Family

Nothing brings the family together like a hearty, home-cooked meal, especially when it’s made with love, just like Mom used to make. These 19 dinners are sure to wow your family and bring that comforting, nostalgic feeling to the table. Perfect for any night of the week, these recipes are easy to prepare and guaranteed to excite everyone from the pickiest eaters to the heartiest appetites.

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.

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When comfort meets convenience, you get Ground Beef Fried Rice. This dish is a genius at turning a simple meal into a feast, making it a staple for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table quickly, eager to dig in. This recipe has become a go-to for its ability to deliver full flavors in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

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 Six.

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs have been a beloved dish for family gatherings, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the dinner table. This dish effortlessly combines ease with the heartwarming tastes of home-cooked meals. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing every meatball with deep, tangy flavors.
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 Six.

This dish is celebrated for its ability to merge crisp freshness with hearty elements, creating a full meal that satisfies every diner. Chinese Chicken Salad has a way of making dinner feel like a vibrant feast. It’s perfect for those evenings when a heavy meal is too much, but a simple salad just won’t do. It makes salad the star of the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Transforming last night’s dinner into today’s treat is the magic behind Leftover Steak Quesadilla. This recipe is a champion at repurposing leftovers into something exciting and new. It’s a casual yet delicious way to enjoy a meal that feels entirely different from its original form. It’s a creative solution that makes leftovers something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken brings the excitement of dining out right to your home kitchen. This dish is a hit for its bold flavors and the joy of recreating a restaurant favorite. It’s perfect for spicing up dinner routines with something a bit adventurous. This recipe is often requested for family movie nights or when a craving for takeout strikes.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

This salad breaks all the rules in the best way, blending beloved pizza flavors with the playful form of a pasta dish. Pizza Pasta Salad turns what kids love most about pizza into a fun, unexpected dinner option. It’s a weeknight hero for when you need a quick meal that everyone will agree on. This dish is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

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 Six.

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries offers a light yet fulfilling dinner option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This dish pairs well with evenings that call for something quick and nourishing. It’s a simple, wholesome choice that surprises with its delectable combination of textures and flavors. It’s a go-to for those seeking a light, refreshing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This dish recreates a familiar favorite that surprises and excites every time it’s served. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots bring a touch of indulgence to family dinners. It’s perfect for those casual evenings when comfort food is on the agenda. Guests and family members alike often remark on its delicious mimicry of the popular restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

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 Six.

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is a delectable option for a light yet fulfilling dinner. It combines the heartiness of pasta with the lightness of fish. This dish is often chosen for its quick prep time and the way it pleases a crowd with varying tastes. It’s a reliable favorite at potlucks or when you need a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta 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 Six.

Many find it reminiscent of beloved meals from their childhood, creating a nostalgic dining experience. Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings classic comfort to the dining table. This dish is often the centerpiece at family meals where a warm, hearty option is appreciated. Its traditional appeal and hearty flavors make it a perennial favorite, especially during cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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 Six.

Turn last night’s dinner into today’s treat with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. This dish is a creative and tasty way to repurpose leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Each bite is a fusion of flavors that revives the steak in a new and exciting way. These tacos are often a hit at casual family gatherings, bringing a festive flair to the meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

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 Six.

When comfort is called for, Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup answers with warmth and richness. This dish is a soothing staple during chilly evenings or rainy days. It’s noted for its creamy texture and comforting depth. Often served as a starter or a main course, it’s a versatile option that fits well into any meal plan, gathering appreciation for its familiar yet distinct flavors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

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

Mediterranean Chopped Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant part of any meal. This salad is perfect for those who enjoy a colorful and hearty option on their dinner table. It’s often chosen for its satisfying nature and the ease with which it complements various main courses. The bright, fresh flavors bring a touch of the Mediterranean to everyday dining.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This dish is celebrated for its smooth texture and elegant combination of flavors, making it suitable for both casual brunches and more formal dinners. Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche offers a sophisticated twist on the classic quiche. It’s often the star of the show when served at gatherings, drawing compliments for its delicate balance of ingredients.
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.

Imagine sitting by the sea with your family as you enjoy Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. This meal is all about bringing the essence of coastal dining right to your home. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for guests. There’s nothing like a fresh, seafood dish to gather everyone around the table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Chicken Paprikash

Three pieces of chicken smothered in a creamy, orange-hued sauce topped with chopped herbs, served on a white rectangular plate.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for a comfort dish that brings the family together, consider Chicken Paprikash. This recipe is rooted in tradition and warms the heart with every serving. It’s the kind of dinner that reminds you of home no matter where you are. Perfect for a cozy evening, it’s a true family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a dose of nostalgia, whip up some Turkey à la King for your next family dinner. This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic that your family will surely appreciate. It’s comforting, filling, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Serve this and watch your dining table turn into the heart of your home.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

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

When you want the flavors of Havana in a family-style serving, go for Cuban Sandwich Casserole. This dish is an inventive take on the classic Cuban sandwich packed into a casserole. It is perfect for when you have a crowd to feed and want to keep things simple yet flavorful. Watch as it becomes a new household staple.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

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.

For those evenings when you need something quick but refuse to compromise on flavor, Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is your go-to. This one-pan wonder makes cleanup a breeze and fills the house with an inviting aroma. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You can count on this dish to please the entire family.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Leave a Comment