17 Family Favorites That Shouldn’t Be This Simple

Looking for easy meals that everyone will love? These 17 family favorites are so simple, it’s almost unfair. They combine ease and flavor, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. Perfect for all skill levels, these dishes are sure to become staples in your home, making mealtime a breeze.

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.

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With Chicken Tinga, spicy and smoky flavors combine to create a dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. This recipe ensures you can bring authentic Mexican cuisine right into your kitchen without spending all day cooking. Whether served atop tacos or as a main dish, it offers a versatile and robust flavor profile. Your family gatherings will get a lively twist with this crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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.

Nothing beats Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter for a dinner that feels indulgent yet requires minimal effort. This recipe transforms your typical grilled steak by adding a burst of herby and garlic-infused cowboy butter. It proves that you don’t need a plethora of ingredients to achieve a meal that’s rich in flavor. This dish guarantees an impressive dinner experience, showing that simplicity can indeed lead to sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts blends crunchy, sweet, and flavorful elements, proving that salads need not be boring. This recipe is a testament to how easy ingredients can create a meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. It’s an ideal choice for lunches that require little prep time but deliver on taste and satisfaction. This dish is a refreshing take on a classic, promising a delicious change to your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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

Bring the beloved restaurant favorite into your home kitchen with surprising ease with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. This recipe captures the essence of what makes these beef tips so popular, offering tender meat in a flavorful sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for when you crave restaurant-quality food but prefer the comfort of home. Share this comforting meal with your loved ones for a memorable dine-in experience.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a modern take on a classic, bringing together all the traditional flavors with the convenience of an air fryer. This recipe proves that elegant dishes don’t require constant attention or complicated techniques. You’ll find yourself returning to this dish for its fulfilling crunch and the perfect balance of chicken, ham, and cheese. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to simplify their gourmet cooking adventures.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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.

Refreshing and loaded with vibrant ingredients, Mediterranean Chopped Salad is your go-to for a quick, healthy meal. This salad packs a punch of flavor, combining fresh veggies with a light, vibrant dressing. It’s a testament to the simplicity and appeal of Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for a light lunch or as a side. Each bite promises a crunch and freshness that fits beautifully into a healthy lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

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.

If you’ve ever longed for the rich flavors of Korean BBQ at home, Korean Galbi Ribs are the answer. This recipe allows you to recreate the deeply marinated and tender ribs that are a staple in Korean cuisine. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, you can achieve a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s offering. Set your dinner table with this international favorite and watch it become a requested dish for family meals.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

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

For a brunch that impresses, Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche combines the delicacy of fresh asparagus with the creaminess of ricotta cheese. This recipe highlights how straightforward ingredients can create a rich, flavorful dish perfect for any gathering. Serve this up for a weekend brunch and enjoy the ease with which it comes together. It’s a fantastic way to showcase seasonal produce in a dish that feels both special and simple.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

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.

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a versatile dish that brings the flavors of Mexico to your dinner table with minimal fuss. This recipe focuses on ground beef cooked with a mix of spices and vegetables, offering a filling base for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. It’s proof that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Incorporate this into your weekly meal plan for a fast and flavorful dinner solution.
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 Six.

Redefine your brunch game with California Eggs Benedict, a twist on the classic that incorporates avocado and tomato. This recipe offers a fresher, lighter version of the beloved brunch staple, without skimping on the luxurious hollandaise sauce. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something special without too much work. Enjoy a taste of California with this simple yet sophisticated dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Summer dinners call for Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp, a dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean Sea to your backyard. This recipe encapsulates the simplicity of grilling with the fresh flavors of herbs and garlic. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely weekend gathering. Experience the pleasure of alfresco dining with this light and flavorful seafood dish that easily becomes the highlight of any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe introduces a hearty and flavorful dish that requires only one skillet. This recipe combines the pillowy texture of gnocchi with the robust flavors of sausage and the bitterness of broccoli rabe. It’s an all-encompassing meal that promises ease of preparation and cleanup. For a satisfying dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, this is the recipe to lean on.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning to Steak & Pasta Salad offers a fulfilling meal that’s unexpectedly easy to make. This recipe marries the richness of steak with the lightness of a pasta salad, drizzled with a flavorful dressing. It’s a perfect solution for meals that need to transition from the warmth of summer to the cooler autumn days. This dish strikes a fine balance between hearty and refreshing, ensuring it’s a hit for all occasions.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Stir Fry is the ultimate weeknight hero, offering a colorful mix of vegetables and tender chicken. This recipe is proof that you can whip up a nutritious and flavorful meal in less time than it takes to order takeout. It encourages you to use whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great option for cleaning out the fridge. Transform your weeknight meals with this quick, versatile, and delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the best of summer flavors with Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce, a dish that celebrates the simplicity of fresh ingredients. This recipe brings together ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil to create a sauce that’s light yet bursting with flavor. It’s an excellent choice for those nights when you want something quick without sacrificing quality. Enjoy the essence of summer in a bowl with this straightforward yet rewarding pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embrace the crunch and flavor of Tacos Dorados, a dish that brings the joy of Mexican street food into your home. This recipe sees corn tortillas filled and then fried to perfection, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. It’s a fantastic way to liven up your dinner routine with something that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Discover the excitement of homemade tacos with a dish that everyone can tailor to their taste.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

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.

Achieve the comforting flavors of a classic deli with Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. This recipe brings the tender, juicy essence of thinly sliced beef sandwiched between soft bread, complete with a rich, flavorful dipping sauce. It offers a homemade approach to a restaurant favorite, ensuring you can enjoy the flavors right at your dining table. Introduce a touch of comfort to your meals with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises warmth in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

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