Didn’t Plan Dinner? Whip Up These 15 Quick Family Dinners

Running out of dinner ideas on a busy weekday can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With these 15 quick family dinner recipes at your fingertips, you can put together a meal in no time. These recipes are designed to help you efficiently use your time, ensuring you’re not stuck in the kitchen for too long.

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

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re pressed for time but still want something nutritious, mixing some chicken, cranberries, and walnuts can be a quick fix for dinner. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is a simple dish that packs a lot of heartiness and is perfect for those who crave a bit of crunch in their meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Tacos Dorados

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

For a twist on taco night, Tacos Dorados offers a crispy alternative that can be whipped up in no time. These are a hit with kids and adults alike, providing a fulfilling crunch with every bite. Perfect for those evenings when you’re looking for something different but still want to keep dinner uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Air fried chicken fries with dipping sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Utilizing an air fryer for Chicken Fries brings a quick, crispy solution to the dinner table without the mess of oil frying. It’s a straightforward way to get dinner sorted, especially on those nights when time is not on your side. Kids will love the fun form factor, and adults will appreciate not having to sacrifice crunch for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re looking for a way to jazz up dinner with minimal effort, Steak & Pasta Salad offers a refreshing yet hearty meal. It’s a clever way to repurpose leftovers into something that feels entirely new and exciting. Perfect for a lighter dinner option that doesn’t skimp on protein, it’s both easy to assemble and pleasing to the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Brisket Fried Rice

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

Transforming leftover brisket into a delicious fried rice dish is a fantastic way to keep dinner exciting and economical. Brisket Fried Rice is a savvy solution for a hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of brisket with the comfort of fried rice. Ideal for those nights when you want to turn leftovers into something spectacular with minimal extra work.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Two slices of Cottage Cheese Toast with Eggs & Bacon on a black platter.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Upgrading your toast game is simple with the addition of Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. It’s a combination that offers a rich and fulfilling experience, perfect for when you want dinner to be both simple and somewhat indulgent. It’s proof that you can create a meal that’s both easy and extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch Oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Making Dutch Oven Carnitas is an uncomplicated process that yields incredibly tender and flavorful meat. It’s a hands-off dinner solution that lets you focus on your evening while dinner practically makes itself. Perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring leftovers, it’s a method that requires little attention but delivers big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Cream of Onion Soup

Two bowls of cream onion soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Onion Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crafting a Cream of Onion Soup is a comforting way to end any day, with its warm and soothing flavors. It’s a simple dish that brings a lot of comfort and requires minimal ingredients to achieve a rich, comforting taste. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of a little comfort food without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Recreating the beloved Texas Roadhouse Chili at home can bring the restaurant experience to your dinner table without the need to go out. It’s a hearty, warming dish that’s ideal for those cooler evenings when you crave something with a bit of kick. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash and sweet potato soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Merging butternut squash with sweet potato in a creamy soup offers a velvety and fulfilling dish that’s perfect for when the weather turns cooler. Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup is easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for a no-fuss dinner that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or taste.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Taking the classic Cuban sandwich and turning it into a casserole is a clever way to feed a family without spending hours in the kitchen. Cuban Sandwich Casserole is a creative spin on traditional flavors, combining them in a unique format that’s both easy to make and delicious. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner where ease and taste are top priorities.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Sliced Smoked Bacon Wrapped Whole Pork Tenderloin on a white platter.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Wrapping pork tenderloin in bacon is an uncomplicated way to upgrade dinner with minimal additional prep. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is ideal for those times when you want something special but aren’t looking to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish shows that a few simple touches can transform an ordinary meal into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Whipping up some Baja Fish Tacos can transport your dinner to the coast with fresh and light flavors. It’s an uncomplicated dish that brings a bit of tang and color to your table, perfect for when you’re craving something different. These tacos are great for a quick, informal meal that still feels like a bit of an occasion.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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.

Making Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes inspired by HelloFresh is a smart way to bring a gourmet meal home without the fuss. It’s a dish that feels special without requiring a trip to a fancy store or hours in the kitchen. Perfect for an evening when you want to treat yourself and your family to something a bit different.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Al Pastor Carnitas

Al Pastor Carnitas in a white bowl with tongs.
Al Pastor Carnitas. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Crafting Al Pastor Carnitas at home is a fantastic way to enjoy complex flavors without complex cooking techniques. It’s a dish that’s full of taste and perfect for those who love a mix of sweet and salty in one bite. This method allows for a set-it-and-forget-it approach, making it ideal for a busy day when you still want a homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

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