These 17 Family-Friendly Recipes Won’t Let You Fall Back On TV Dinners

Ever feel like dinner has become a Groundhog Day loop of TV dinners? Break free with these 17 family-friendly recipes that bring everyone to the table. Say goodbye to the sad, frozen trays and hello to meals that make you the dinnertime hero, without the cape. It’s time to swap the microwave beep for a little more sizzle in the kitchen.

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

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

Forget TV dinners when you can whip up a meal that’s way more fun. With Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, you get the crispy outside and gooey inside that everyone loves. Plus, it takes half the time of baking, so you have more time for family games. Perfect for a quick dinner fix that’s sure to please even the pickiest eater.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots on parchment paper, topped with Alfredo cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of white sauce, placed on a dark rectangular slate plate.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

TV dinners can step aside because you’re making Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Think crispy tots piled high with all your favorite cheesesteak toppings. It’s like a food truck experience right in your kitchen. Who knew making everyone happy could be this easy?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

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.

When you’re done with the frozen aisle, bring on these Korean Galbi Ribs. They’re sweet, delicious, and sticky in all the right ways, making them a hit with the whole family. Serve them up, and you’ve got a recipe that beats takeout any day. Your family won’t be asking for TV dinners again.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

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.

No more microwave meals when you’ve got Mediterranean Chopped Salad on the table. Packed with fresh veggies and a mix of bold flavors, this salad makes eating greens exciting. It’s light yet filling, perfect for a weeknight meal. Your family will appreciate a break from the heavy stuff.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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

Swap out those frozen meals for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Tender and flavorful, they’re a hit with adults and kids alike. Paired with mashed potatoes or rice, they’re a hearty option that doesn’t involve a drive-thru. Dinner just got a whole lot more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Tacos Dorados

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

Step away from the microwave, because Tacos Dorados are in town. Crispy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, these tacos are a family-friendly option that doesn’t disappoint. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re a fun twist on Taco Tuesday. Say goodbye to boring dinners!
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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

Ditch the delivery menus for Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. They’re light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Serve them with a side of rice or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete dinner. Your family won’t even remember what TV dinners taste like.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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.

When you’re tired of the same old meals, Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich is here to save the day. Juicy, flavorful beef with a side of au jus for dipping is as good as it gets. It’s an easy win for family dinner, and definitely beats anything from the frozen section.
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.

Swap out TV dinners for something a bit more special, like Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with goodness that’s perfect for any time of the day. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get everyone eating more veggies. Your family will be asking for seconds in no time.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who needs takeout when you’ve got Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp? It’s a fresh, filling dish that’s ready in no time and hits all the right notes. The combination of pasta, shrimp, and veggies makes for a meal that’s both light and rewarding. Forget the TV dinners; this one’s a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp

Brisket Fried Rice

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

Tired of plain old fried rice? Mix things up with Brisket Fried Rice. It’s like your favorite BBQ and takeout meal had a delicious baby. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, this dish is perfect for getting out of the dinner rut. No more microwave dinners when this is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Four pieces of Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Say goodbye to bland TV dinners with Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and ready in a snap, making it perfect for busy nights. Pair it with some veggies or a salad, and you’ve got a balanced meal that’s anything but boring. Family dinners just got a whole lot better.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

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.

Skip the usual frozen meals and try something different, like Steak & Pasta Salad. It’s a filling, hearty option that combines two favorites: steak and pasta. Perfect for those who want something a bit more rewarding without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget about last-minute frozen meals when 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is an option. It’s as easy as it sounds and doesn’t compromise on flavor. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ve got a meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Outdoor Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork

Shredded Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Smoked Pulled Pork on a white plate.
Outdoor Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

No more settling for microwaved dinners when you can have Outdoor Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork. It’s tender, juicy, and perfect for sandwiches or just on its own. Great for those who love a good BBQ but want something easy to make at home. Your family will be asking for this again and again.
Get the Recipe: Outdoor Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork

Chicken Stir Fry

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

Ditch the delivery and whip up Chicken Stir Fry instead. It’s quick, flavorful, and a great way to use up any veggies you have on hand. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something healthier than takeout. Everyone will love how fast and fresh this meal comes together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Ground Beef Fried Rice

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

Tired of the same old meals? Switch things up with Ground Beef Fried Rice. It’s a hearty, filling dish that’s quick to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for those nights when you want something more exciting than a frozen meal. Your family will love this easy weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

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