21 Family Recipes That Don’t Require a Culinary Degree

Fall weather calls for recipes that mirror those comforting essentials, like your favorite scarf or that perfect mug of apple cider. This set of recipes ensures that family dinners aren’t limited to those who can pull off a soufflé. From delicious creations to sweet crowd-pleasers, each meal invites everyone to the table without fuss. Kids, grandparents, and even that picky eater in your clan will find something to enjoy. There are no fancy gadgets or obscure spices to hunt down here. It’s just good food made simple for any night of the week. And let’s face it – everyone could use a shortcut now and then.

Pieces of oven bake ribs on a black slate plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with slow cooker porcupine meatballs, garnished with fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For a fun, easy meal, try Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. These lovely meatballs with rice inside are slow-cooked to perfection and have a comforting, homey taste. Let them simmer away while you get on with your day. They’re ideal for busy fall evenings when you need something warm and hassle-free. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Vintage Chicken Divan

Two cast-iron skillets filled with creamy, baked casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh thyme sprigs, set on a wooden surface. A fork rests in one serving.
Vintage Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Nostalgic and heartwarming, Vintage Chicken Divan brings back memories of those special family dinners. Juicy chicken and tender broccoli are smothered in a creamy, cheese-filled sauce. It’s simple to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Spending a crisp fall evening around the dining table is a wonderful way. You’ll find this dish becomes a requested favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Need a dinner that practically makes itself? Shipwreck Casserole layers ground beef, potatoes, and veggies into one delicious, all-in-one dish. Just assemble it, pop it in the oven, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and no-fuss. Your family will love the comforting, layered goodness of this fall favorite.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Horiatiki Salad bursts with classic Mediterranean flavors, a refreshing change from the usual. Crisp vegetables like cucumber and tomato mingle with olives and feta cheese. No fancy skills are required to put this together; it’s all about simple, fresh ingredients. It’s great as a light starter or a side dish. Enjoy it during mild fall weather when you want something lighter.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

John Wayne Casserole

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Channeling some Western flair, John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, easy-to-make dish. Ground beef, cheese, and biscuit mix layers come together in a filling, cheesy delight. It’s perfect for those bustling fall days when you crave something enjoyable and straightforward. Rounding out a family dinner just got easier. Ideal for a laid-back evening.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Texas BLT

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

A twist on the classic sandwich, the Texas BLT adds a little extra to your average BLT. Think crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, but with a Texan spin. There are no complicated steps here; just assemble and enjoy. Perfect for a quick dinner or a lovely lunch during those busy fall days, each bite reminds you how comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

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

Try Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken for a flavorful, family-friendly dish. The chicken is tender and infused with a blend of seasonings that make it irresistible. Just set it in the slow cooker and forget about it until dinnertime. It’s perfect for those chilly fall evenings when you want something warm and easy to prepare. Everyone will ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

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

Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Juicy, flavorful meatballs are tucked into pita bread with a mix of fresh, crisp veggies. It’s a simple meal bursting with comforting flavors. Great for a relaxed fall lunch or dinner when you’re short on time. You’ll appreciate the simplicity and the hearty taste.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Mediterranean Salmon

A plate of Greek salmon with grape tomatoes and olives.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For an elegant yet easy dinner, Mediterranean Salmon fits the bill. Tender, flaky salmon paired with classic Mediterranean touches is a hit at the table. It’s not a complicated process, but the result is impressive. It’s ideal for those busy fall nights when you want something special without the fuss. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Chicken Stir Fry

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

Whip up Chicken Stir Fry for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender pieces of chicken and vibrant veggies come together in a pleasurable dish. No special techniques are needed; just a hot pan and a quick toss. This dish is perfect for crisp fall nights when you need something quick and delicious. This dish will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy a light and flavorful dinner with Baja Fish Tacos. Crispy fish, fresh toppings, and a squeeze of lime make for a refreshing meal. Easy to assemble and full of pleasant flavors, these tacos are perfect for a transitional fall evening when you want something fresh but still warm. These tacos are sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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 delicious, simple meal that brings the rich fall flavors into a bowl. It features al dente pasta coated in a sauce made from fresh cherry tomatoes. It’s quick and straightforward yet immensely fulfilling. It’s great for when you want a comforting dish without hours in the kitchen. Your family will love this straightforward yet tasty dish.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

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.

Warm up with a bowl of Chicken Paprikash. Tender chicken pieces in a rich, paprika-spiced sauce come together in this classic dish. There’s no need for complicated techniques; it’s all about simmering to perfection. It’s ideal for those chilly fall nights when you need something comforting and filling. Serve this over a bed of noodles or rice for a complete meal.
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.

Turkey à la King hits the spot for a creamy, comforting dish. Turkey chunks are enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, peas, and pimentos. Easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for those busy fall evenings when you want something enjoyable. Serve over toast, rice, or pasta. It makes a hearty family dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Brisket Fried Rice

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

Switch up your routine with Brisket Fried Rice. Delicious brisket pieces mixed with rice and veggies create a fun, easy meal. This dish takes the stress out of weeknight dinners. It’s perfect for those cool fall nights when you want to try something different and hearty. It’s also a wonderful way to use up leftover brisket.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Chicken Tinga

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

Experience bold flavors with Chicken Tinga. Spicy shredded chicken is cooked to tender perfection, making it versatile for tacos, tostadas, or rice bowls. No special skills are needed; just let it simmer on the stove. It’s ideal for a busy fall evening when you need something warm and comforting. Everyone will love the hearty, yummy taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make Roast Pork with Apples for a classic fall meal. Tender pork and sweet apples complement each other beautifully. It’s easy to prepare yet feels like a special occasion dinner. It’s perfect for when you want something warm and comforting on a crisp fall night. The flavors capture the essence of the season.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a quick, flavorful dinner, try Chicken Piccata. Tender chicken breasts cooked with lemon, capers, and garlic create a fresh, vibrant dish. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. It brings a touch of elegance without the hassle, making it great for when you need a pick-me-up on a chilly fall evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

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 is perfect for various meals. It’s flavorful and easy, whether in tacos, over rice, or in a burrito bowl. Just cook and season well for a lovely result. Ideal for busy fall nights when you need something versatile and filling, it’s your go-to for a quick, flavorsome meal.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

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.

Simplify dinner with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. This dish features chicken and veggies roasted together with lemon and rosemary. It’s hassle-free, and cleanup is minimal. It’s perfect for a cozy fall evening when you want something easy yet delicious. Your family will love the straightforward, roasted goodness.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Oven Baked Ribs

Pieces of oven bake ribs on a black slate plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy tender Oven Baked Ribs without any grilling fuss. These ribs are baked slowly to ensure they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. They’re simple to prepare yet packed with rich flavors. Great for a weekend dinner when you want something comforting and filling, these ribs are a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

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