13 Family-Friendly Dinners That Won’t Result In A Trip To The Drive-Thru

If you’re trying to dodge those drive-thru lines and get everyone to sit down for a proper meal, this set of family-friendly dinners might just be your ticket. These aren’t just quick to whip up, but they’re also packed with the good stuff that won’t have you worrying about what your kids are eating. And the best part? You won’t hear any complaints because everything’s as delicious as it is healthy.

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring the family together over a dish that’s bound to become a new favorite. These Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes offer a unique twist on dinner, no need for a takeaway menu. They’re a little bit of luxury right at your own table, without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Dig into a meal that’s both light and satisfying with this Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. It serves up heart-healthy omega-3s without skimping on flavor. Perfect for those warmer evenings when you want something quick but nourishing. This dish brings a dash of elegance to your everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Switch up your chicken game with this Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken that keeps things interesting. It’s a little bit smoky, a little bit cheesy, and a whole lot delicious without piling into the car. Keep everyone at home for a cozy dinner that delivers big on taste. Plus, it’s a breeze to make!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A plate of porcupine meatballs covered in tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Set it and forget it with these Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs – a hands-off dinner that everyone will flock to. Savory meatballs slow-cooked to perfection mean you can kick back while dinner cooks itself. It’s a warm hug in a dish, great for those busy, chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup on a wooden table.
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Comfort in a bowl is what you get with this Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that takes the chill out of any evening. Serve up a pot of this, and watch it disappear—no drive-thru can beat that. And the leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Who says you can’t have pizza flavors in a pasta salad? This Pizza Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds. It’s a perfect pick for a laid-back lunch or a no-nonsense dinner. It’s the kind of meal that keeps the family lingering around the table just a little longer.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Skip the fancy Italian restaurant and gather around the table for this Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. It’s a simple dish with bold flavors that’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home. With this on your dinner rotation, you might just forget about dining out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

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 Heather.

Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! This Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries is a fresh take on a quick meal. It’s light, yet satisfying, and who doesn’t love a sweet and savory combo to end the day? Not to mention, it’s a breeze to put together on those hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For a fresh side or a light dinner, this Cucumber Salad with Feta is just the ticket. It’s crisp, refreshing, and filled with flavors that even the kids will enjoy. It’s proof that salads don’t have to be boring and can easily make it into the regular dinner rotation. It’s a great way to get some extra veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

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 Heather.

Forget about take-out and whip up this vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad instead. It’s a blend of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing that hits all the right notes. Not only is it healthier than fast food, but it’ll also leave everyone feeling full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Craving that classic diner experience without leaving home? This Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings nostalgia right to your dinner table. It’s meaty, onions-y, and gravy-y—what’s not to love? Plus, it’s a hearty meal that warms everyone up and fills them up, too.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Change up last night’s steak into today’s crowd-pleaser with Leftover Steak Quesadillas. It’s all about being resourceful and delicious, wrapping up a dinner that scores high with the kids. These quesadillas are a clever way to minimize waste and maximize flavor.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Channel that Italian kitchen warmth with a bowl of Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. It’s hearty, it’s homely, and it beats any soup you can order. A great option for those evenings when everyone needs a little extra comfort. It’s a soup that serves up love by the ladleful.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

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