17 Family-First Ideas That’ll Have You Tossing Those Fancy Food Mags

When it comes to feeding your family, sometimes simple and fulfilling wins over fancy and fussy. These 17 family-first meal ideas are all about making life easier, tastier, and a lot more enjoyable around the dinner table. Forget about those complicated recipes that require a dictionary to decipher—these dishes are straightforward, delicious, and guaranteed to please everyone.

Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

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.

Dig into the comforting flavors of Chicken Paprikash, a dish that brings warmth to any family dinner. This meal is all about simplicity and taste, making it a go-to for those busy weeknights. It’s perfect for bringing everyone to the table with its inviting aroma and hearty texture. Enjoy a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

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.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter deliver a flavorful experience that turns an ordinary meal into something spectacular. This dish is straightforward yet impressive, making it ideal for special family gatherings or a weekend treat. It’s all about enhancing the natural flavors of the steak with a bold buttery finish. Gather around the grill and make memories with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

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.

Transform last night’s dinner into today’s delight with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into a meal that feels entirely new and exciting. It’s casual enough for a relaxed family meal yet tasty enough to feel like a treat. Wrap up your evening with these easy-to-love tacos.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brisket Fried Rice takes leftovers to a new level, combining them with simple elements to create a dish that’s both satisfying and inventive. It’s a clever way to use up brisket, ensuring nothing goes to waste while still offering a meal that feels fresh and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a low-key family dinner where comfort is key.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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

This dish is quick to prepare and packs a punch with vibrant, sunny flavors that are sure to please. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp brings a light and healthy option to the table without skimping on flavor. It’s an excellent choice for a family looking to mix up their meal routine with something different yet wholly fulfilling. Grill up these shrimp for a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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.

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of summer. This pasta is as easy to make as it is delicious, making it perfect for a family meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the bounty of fresh produce. Serve up a bowl of this pasta and watch it disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

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.

Turkey à la King is a classic dish that brings nostalgia and comfort to the dinner table. It’s an excellent way to use leftover turkey, transforming it into a creamy, cozy meal that’s bound to gather smiles. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal. Relish in the simplicity and heartiness of this beloved dish.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

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.

This toast combines the mild flavor of cottage cheese with the sweet burst of blueberries, creating a perfect contrast. Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries offers a fresh and light start to any day or a sweet ending to a meal. It’s an ideal choice for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack. Enjoy a simple yet fulfilling treat that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches bring the vibrant flavors of Greece into an easy-to-handle meal. This dish is perfect for a family lunch or a casual dinner, offering a tasty and filling option that’s different from the usual. It’s a fun way to enjoy all the flavors of a Greek meal in a portable form. Pack these pitas for a meal that promises to be both enjoyable and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

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.

This dish brings all the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Korean meal right to your backyard grill. Korean Galbi Ribs might just make you forget about your favorite BBQ joint. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a casual weekend feast. Every bite is packed with flavor that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

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.

Chinese Chicken Salad is a fun blend that turns a simple salad into a vibrant meal. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy light yet flavorful options for lunch or dinner. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weekday meal that still feels special. Its refreshing taste is bound to win over your family and friends.
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 Six.

Forget the upscale dining for a night and bring the comfort of Diner Style Salisbury Steak to your dinner table. This dish captures the essence of classic American comfort food. It’s perfect for a hearty family dinner that feels both familiar and satisfying. You might find it becomes a regular request from all corners of the home.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

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

Cuban Sandwich Casserole takes the traditional elements of a Cuban sandwich and turns them into a dish that’s perfect for sharing. This casserole is ideal for a family meal or a potluck where you want to offer something a little different. It’s easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy, ensuring it becomes a fast family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Ground Beef Fried Rice

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

This meal is a perfect quick fix that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it ideal for a busy night. Ground Beef Fried Rice is a straightforward dish that packs a hearty punch. It’s versatile enough to be a side or a main dish, providing flexibility for your meal planning. This recipe is sure to secure its place in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring the deep, aromatic flavors of Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken into your kitchen. This dish is wonderfully hearty and can be the centerpiece of your family dinner. It’s designed to be both easy to prepare and delicious to eat, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend meal. The rich flavors are sure to capture your family’s hearts and palates.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

If your family loves pizza, they’ll adore the twist Pizza Pasta Salad brings to the table. This recipe combines the beloved flavors of pizza in a fresh, easy-to-eat format. It’s perfect for picnics, school lunches, or a quick dinner. This dish is bound to become a go-to for meals that need to be both fulfilling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Texas BLT

Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Upgrade your sandwich game with Texas BLT, a robust take on the classic BLT. This version adds a Texan twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, especially when you want something satisfying without too much fuss. With its hearty ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

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