16 Easy Dinner Recipes for Family Weeknights

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On busy weeknights, when work and school activities take up all your time, whipping up a homemade dinner can seem like a big task for many families.

But with some clever recipe choices and a bit of forward-thinking, you can put together easy dinner recipes that everyone in the family will be excited about. And with the help of a meal-planning app, you can even have dinner on the table in record time for the rest of the week.

It’s time to stop stressing on the weeknights and get ready to dig into a delicious dinner that the whole family will adore. Bon appétit!

In this blog post, we’ve gathered 16 simple yet delicious family dinner recipes. These dishes are quick to whip up, only need a few ingredients, and are guaranteed to please even those who are hard to impress at the dining table.

16 Simple & Easy Dinner Recipes For Family

Here’s a bunch of easy Indian dinner recipes for family:

1. Potato Wedges (Air Fryer or Oven Method)

Potato wedges are a versatile and beloved dish suitable for any family dinner. Whether you opt for the crispy goodness of the air fryer method or the classic oven-baked version, these potato wedges are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying side dish or even a main course ready in no time. Serve them up with your favourite dipping sauces or as a tasty accompaniment to other dishes for a wholesome family meal.

2. Idli Sambhar

Idli Sambhar is one of the easy South Indian dinner recipes for a family that loves a blend of spices. The soft and fluffy idlis paired with the flavorful and aromatic sambhar make for a wholesome and satisfying meal that will please both kids and adults alike. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something quick and nourishing on the table.

Read the complete Idli sambar recipe.

3. Tandoori Chicken (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ)

If you want to add some excitement to your family dinner, consider making tandoori chicken. It’s a tasty and fragrant meal that can be cooked using different methods, such as an air fryer, on the grill, in the oven, or even on a BBQ. By marinating the chicken in yoghurt mixed with tandoori spices, it gets this delicious tangy and smoky flavour.

Check out the complete recipe for Tandoori Chicken here.

4. Air Fryer Greek Chicken Traybake

With this air fryer Greek chicken traybake, you can enjoy the taste of Greece right at your dinner table. The chicken gets a zesty kick from being marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before it’s cooked alongside various vegetables in the air fryer. You end up with moist and tasty chicken as well as soft roasted veggies. For a full meal that everyone will adore, serve it with tzatziki sauce and some pita bread on the side.

5. Easy Sheet Pan Southwestern Dinner

If you want a dinner that’s simple to make and packed with flavour, try this sheet-pan southwestern meal. It’s seasoned chicken mixed with bell peppers, onions, and corn, all cooked together in one pan.

You end up with a tasty and vibrant dish that’s perfect on its own or wrapped in tortillas for taco night fun. This recipe is super straightforward and doesn’t leave you with much mess to clean up afterwards, which makes it awesome for those nights when you’re really busy.

Plus, for an extra burst of flavour, add some crispy bacon on top before serving.

6. Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry

For a fast and nutritious meal, chicken and veggie stir-fry is the way to go. This dish brims with vibrant veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, not forgetting the juicy chicken breast. With a straightforward sauce that blends soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for flavouring, this stir-fry becomes irresistible when laid over brown rice or noodles. It’s an ideal quick dinner option that everyone in your family will love.

Also read: Basil Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

7. Honey Mustard Chicken

If you’re craving a cosy and tasty chicken meal, try the honey mustard chicken. The chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy sauce that’s both sweet and tangy, and it’s sure to hit the spot.

This creamy sauce is made with just some basic ingredients from your kitchen, making it easy to make something delicious. You can pair these juicy chicken thighs with any side you like—think roasted veggies or fluffy mashed potatoes for extra yumminess.

8.  One-pot cheeseburger pasta

Do you want a cheeseburger but are not up for grilling? Try this one-pot cheeseburger pasta instead! It’s got everything you love about a traditional cheeseburger mixed with pasta and sausage, making it a cosy and fulfilling dish.

You’ll cook the ground beef with onions, garlic, sausage, and tasty seasonings before combining it with the pasta. Then, sprinkle some cheese on top to finish it off. This simple yet delicious meal is something your whole family will happily dig into.

9.

Chicken pasta bake

Chicken pasta bake

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal to please the whole family, consider whipping up a chicken pasta bake with zucchini.

This dish combines tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta, spiralised zucchini, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together until bubbly and golden.

The cheesy topping adds an extra layer of indulgence that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This straightforward yet satisfying dinner option is sure to become a family favourite.

10.  Smoky Chicken Tostadas

For a dinner that’s both enjoyable and full of flavour, consider making these smoky chicken tostadas.

You start by seasoning the chicken breast with some tasty spices that give it a smoky taste. Then, you can either grill it or cook it in a skillet until it becomes tender and juicy.

Once done, place the chicken on top of the tostadas and add your preferred toppings, such as salsa, avocado, and cheese. It’s an easy dinner option that everyone in the family is sure to love.

11.  Waffle Nachos

Waffle Nachos are unconventional yet delicious. They are made by topping crispy waffles with classic nacho toppings like melted cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. You can customise them with your family’s favourite ingredients for a fun and tasty meal that’s sure to be a hit. These waffle nachos are perfect for a cosy night in or as a unique dish for weekend gatherings with loved ones.

12.  Cheeseburger Pizza

Merging two favourites into a single dish, this cheeseburger pizza brings the best of both worlds. With a base of pizza crust, it’s loaded with ground beef, melted cheese, tangy pickles and onions, all smothered in tomato sauce and topped with pepperoni for that classic burger taste. Pop it in the oven until you’ve got a crispy crust and gooey cheese on top. It’s an exciting take on your usual burger night that everyone at home is sure to love.

13. Vegetarian Antipasto Salad

The Vegetarian Antipasto Salad is easy to prepare and brimming with tasty bits, making it a healthy dinner choice.

With every bite, you get to enjoy an array of vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, eggplant, and mozzarella cheese, all mixed in with a zesty vinaigrette dressing.

It’s not just about the mix of flavours being absolutely refreshing but also how this salad fits perfectly as a light yet fulfilling meal option. Plus, tweaking the recipe to suit what your family likes or doesn’t is super simple.

Also Read: 10 Tips to Make Healthy Salads at Home

14. Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff is a tasty and rich dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with soft mushrooms in a creamy sauce seasoned with herbs and spices.

By mixing sour cream with chicken broth, the sauce becomes smooth and yummy. This meal can be made in less than 30 minutes, which is super handy for those nights when you need something quick but still want it to be satisfying.

This Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff is likely to become your go-to recipe for dinner during the week and can even be stored in the freezer for a quick and easy meal option.

Get the complete recipe for Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff.

15.  Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and nutritious dinner option that can be prepared quickly. They feature tender chicken breasts in a flavorful sauce with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.

Serving the chicken in lettuce leaves creates a light and refreshing meal that is not only delicious but also rich in protein and nutrients.

This dish can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you crave a quick and tasty meal.

To make it more substantial, consider adding steamed rice or noodles on the side. For a delicious and easy dinner option, get the Chicken Lettuce Wraps noodles recipe.

16. Falafel burgers

Falafel burgers offer a fun twist on the usual burger, making for an easy dinner that everyone in the family can enjoy. With chickpeas as their base, mixed with tasty herbs and spices, these burgers pack a flavorful punch.

Once they’re nicely browned after cooking, you pop them onto a bun and add whatever toppings you like best. Falafel burgers are simple to whip up and help you get more plant-based protein in your meals. Pairing these burgers with something like sweet potato fries or a crisp salad rounds out your meal perfectly.

So, if you’re either vegetarian or just keen on trying something new for dinner, give these chickpea-based burgers a go; they’re bound to be loved by all.

Read the complete recipe for the Falafel Burger here.

Conclusion

With these easy family dinner recipes, you can make family weeknights a breeze and keep everyone happy at the table.

There’s something for all tastes, from cosy pasta dishes to tasty tray bakes and speedy stir-fries. By using healthy ingredients and straightforward methods, you’re guaranteed delicious meals that are good for your family, too. So, forget about the hassle of figuring out what to cook each night. Give these simple recipes a go for an enjoyable mealtime with your loved ones every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy dinner recipes for a busy family?

For a quick family dinner, try recipes like one-pan chicken and veggies, instant pot spaghetti, or sheet pan fajitas. These recipes are easy to prepare, require minimal clean-up, and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in the family.

What are some tips for making weeknight dinners easier?

Some tips for making weeknight dinners easier include meal planning, prepping ingredients in advance, using one-pot recipes, and incorporating leftovers into new dishes. Kitchen gadgets like slow cookers or pressure cookers can also save time and effort.

How can I make healthy dinners more appealing to kids?

One tip is to involve them in the cooking process, letting them choose ingredients or help with simple tasks. Another way is to make the presentation colourful and attractive, using different shapes or arranging food creatively on the plate.

What is your go-to ‘easy’ dinner to cook?

Our go-to “easy” dinner is delicious and nutritious sheet-pan chicken fajitas. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavour and requires minimal effort.