11 Nanna’s Favorite Easy Family Dinners

When juggling after-school activities and work deadlines, whipping up a hearty dinner might seem impossible—until now! These cherished dinners from Nanna bring both ease and flavor to your table, making mealtime something to look forward to rather than dread. Each recipe has been carefully curated for simplicity and family-friendly appeal, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters leave the table satisfied. It’s almost like Nanna knew exactly what every busy household needs: less fuss and more yum.

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Nothing says cozy family dinners like a flavorful dish that brings everyone around the table with smiles. Think of biting into a perfectly prepared taco that reminds you of the ocean breeze and warmth of the sun. Baja Fish Tacos makes that dream a reality. They are simple to make but pack a punch of flavor that keeps the family asking for more. It’s a way to bring a touch of seaside charm into your dining room, no matter where you live.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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.

Have you ever wondered what to do with steak from last night’s dinner? Transform it into an exciting new meal with a recipe that uses leftovers. Leftover Steak Soft Tacos are all about giving a second life to steak with a smart and scrumptious twist. Gather the family for a casual yet delicious dinner that makes the most out of what you have in the fridge. It’s a practical, tasty solution to the age-old dilemma of leftovers.
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.

Sometimes, all you crave is something light yet fulfilling that doesn’t skimp on flavor. That’s exactly where Wild Rice Salad comes into play, blending wholesomeness with a burst of refreshing tastes. It’s a side dish that easily steals the spotlight, proving salads can be the star of a meal. Perfect for those looking for a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste, this dish ensures that dinner can be both healthful and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Brisket Fried Rice

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

Who said dinner had to be complicated to be mouthwatering? Brisket Fried Rice turns a beloved classic into an ingenious fusion of flavors. It marries the rich taste of brisket with the comforting essence of fried rice. This dish is perfect for using up leftovers and turning them into a completely new and exciting meal. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together just the right way.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

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.

On days when you can’t decide between meat and salad, why not have both? Steak & Pasta Salad offers the best of both worlds, combining the heartiness of steak with the lightness of pasta salad. This dish knows how to balance flavors and textures perfectly. It is ideal for those warmer evenings when you want something fulfilling without feeling weighed down. It’s a great way to impress the family with your cooking creativity.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Chicken Piccata

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

For those evenings when you crave Italian but want to keep things light and easy, there’s a dish that fits the bill. Chicken Piccata is as flavorful as it is simple to make. It brings the spice and vibrancy of Italy straight to your table with minimal effort. This dish is all about the joy of a meal that feels special but is utterly uncomplicated. It’s a surefire way to make dinner feel like an occasion without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something with a little bit of cowboy flair? Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a hearty meal that’s as bold as it sounds. It combines rustic, comforting flavors in a way that’s sure to please the whole gang. This casserole is a nod to traditional American cooking with a twist that makes it stand out. It’s the perfect dish for bringing a taste of the Wild West to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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.

After a holiday, figuring out what to do with all that turkey can be challenging. Turkey à la King is a classic dish that comes to the rescue, transforming leftovers into a creamy, comforting meal. It’s a genius way to repurpose turkey in a dish that feels entirely different from your holiday feast. This recipe brings everyone back to the table for a warm, filling dinner. It makes the most out of what you already have, turning it into something everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

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.

Something undeniably special about steaks on the grill makes dinner an event. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter takes it up a notch, adding a flavor that upgrades the whole experience. This dish is for those nights when you want to treat yourself and your family to something extraordinary. The cowboy butter is a simple addition that makes all the difference, proving that sometimes, the little things count. It’s about enjoying the moment and the meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

When you can’t decide between pizza night and a refreshing salad, Pizza Pasta Salad offers a creative compromise. It’s a fun, unexpected twist on two family favorites that come together in harmony. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to kids and adults with its familiar flavors and novel presentation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to add a little excitement to your meal routine. Truly, it’s a celebration of versatility and taste.
Get the Recipe: Pizza 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.

On those days when time is tight but you want a comforting and homemade meal, there’s a perfect solution. Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are as intriguing as they sound, offering a delicious payoff with minimal input. Slow cooking makes this dish hands-off, letting you focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself. This recipe is ideal for bringing a touch of home-cooked goodness to a hectic schedule. It’s a testament to the power of slow cooking in creating deeply flavorful and tender meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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