19 Easy Dinners Mom Made That Weren’t Just Hamburger Helper

Dinner time doesn’t have to be the same old thing every night. Remember those meals your mom used to whip up in a flash? These aren’t bland or boring. These dinners are easy, quick, and different. They bring a smile to your face and fill your belly. They’re more than just comfort food—they’re family favorites.

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

Got leftover steak? Spice up your regular dinner routine with a Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It’s quick to pull together, making it a great meal for busy weeknights. Perfectly melty cheese pairs with the tangy steak for a combo that can’t be beat. Serve with your favorite salsa or some sour cream for extra flavor. Using leftovers means less waste and more taste!
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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.

Craving something different for dinner? A Chinese Chicken Salad is both fresh and filling, offering a break from your usual recipes. Crisp veggies and tender chicken come together with a tangy dressing that will keep everyone coming back for more. It’s a great way to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. Best of all, it’s easy to make, which is perfect for midweek meals. Skip the takeout and try this nutritious option at home.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

You don’t need to go to a restaurant to enjoy top-notch sides. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring the comfort of homestyle cooking right to your table. They have a slight sweetness that pairs well with almost any main course. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them an ideal side for any dinner. These carrots are a great way to get kids to eat their veggies without a fuss. Enjoy them with family dinners to bring everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Dreaming of a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home? Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo delivers rich, creamy goodness that rivals the real thing. Perfectly cooked shrimp swim in a luxurious sauce, making it hard to believe it’s homemade. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting dinner everyone will love. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of elegance to weekday meals. You’ll wonder why you ever ordered out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

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.

Sometimes you just want some flavorful food that’s easy to whip up. Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken brings spicy and tangy notes together in one fantastic dish. It’s perfect for nights when you need a quick, hearty dinner. The burst of flavors will make you feel like you’ve ordered from your favorite takeout spot. Ideal for serving with a side of rice or noodles to round out the meal. You really can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Love pasta with a kick? Give Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka a try. It’s a creamy and robust dish that’s sure to impress your family. The vodka sauce adds a unique touch to your typical pasta night. This meal is a definite upgrade from routine dinners. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels like you’ve put in hours.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Weeknights don’t have to mean boring dinners. Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes are a fun way to shake things up. These croquettes are crispy on the outside and deliciously tangy on the inside. They come together quickly, making them a convenient option when you’re short on time. Pair them with a side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. They’re sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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.

Missing those classic diner meals? Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings a taste of nostalgia right into your kitchen. Think juicy, flavorful patties smothered in a rich gravy. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s a wholesome meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make, and everyone will love the comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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 Six.

Craving a restaurant favorite without leaving home? Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is just what you need. This tangy chicken dish comes loaded with toppings that will have your family begging for seconds. It’s a great way to enjoy a special meal without the hassle of going out. It’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it ideal for any night of the week. You’ll love how it turns out every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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.

Need something light but filling? Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is the way to go. It’s packed with flavors and a great way to get some omega-3s into your diet. Perfect for those warm evenings when you don’t want to spend much time cooking. Plus, it keeps well, so leftovers are just as tasty the next day. This dish is as versatile as it is delicious, making it a go-to for quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta 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 Six.

Dinner made simple with minimal effort? Perfectly slow-cooked, Porcupine Meatballs fit the bill. They’re hearty and go well with a side of mashed potatoes or rice. Pop them into the slow cooker in the morning and have them ready by dinner time. The meatballs turn out tender and full of flavor every single time. It’s a convenient dish for those busy nights when you need something easy yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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.

Steak night leftovers can be just as exciting as the main event. Transform them into Leftover Steak Soft Tacos for a fresh meal idea. They’re quick to whip up and are perfect for a casual dinner. Customize with your favorite toppings for extra fun. Ideal for busy nights when you want something tasty without the fuss. Your family will love the twist on traditional tacos.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Wild Rice Salad

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

Looking for a meal that’s as filling as it is easy to make? Wild Rice Salad fits that description. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients and is perfect for meal prep. The nutty flavors of the wild rice pair well with a variety of add-ins. Bring it to the table for a different take on your typical salad. You’ll enjoy the switch-up and so will everyone else.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy restaurant favorites from home with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. These delicious morsels are perfect for a hearty dinner. Serve them with mashed potatoes or over rice for a complete meal. The beef tips come out tender and full of flavor every time. It’s an easy recipe that brings some variety to your weekly dinner rotation. You’ll definitely impress your family with this one.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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.

Lighten up dinner with a refreshing option like Mediterranean Chopped Salad. It’s a colorful mix that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Simple to make and great for those hot days. Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with something from the grill. Eating healthy has never been so convenient. This salad will quickly become a household favorite.
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 Six.

Craving a sandwich that’s anything but ordinary? Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich adds something special to your dinner table. The juices soaked up by the bread make it irresistible. Perfect for dipping and enjoying every bite. Ideal for nights when you want a hearty, no-fuss meal. You won’t miss dining out with this tasty alternative.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

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

Need something versatile for dinner? Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche works wonderfully for any occasion. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even brunch. The ricotta gives it a creamy texture that’s hard to resist. You’ll find this quiche to be a reliable go-to meal.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

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.

Bring international flavor to your dinner table with Korean Galbi Ribs. They’re succulent, flavorful, and perfect for a special night in. Cooked to perfection with minimal effort, they basically make themselves. Serve with rice and some quick sides for a complete meal. Great for mixing up the routine without a lot of fuss. Your family will ask for these ribs again and again.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Missing comfort food from your favorite restaurant? Whip up Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins right at home. This dish feels like a hug in a bowl, providing comfort without the need to leave the house. Perfect for those nights when you need something delicious and hearty. It’s an easy meal that brings everyone to the table. Enjoy the homestyle flavors any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

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