Why waste time wondering what’s for dinner when you could be planning your victory at family game night or picking the perfect flick for movie night instead? Here are 50+ of our favorite no-fuss recipes we’re positive your whole family will love.
Family-Friendly Breakfast Ideas
Sweet Potato Waffles
These tender waffles are a great way to use leftover mashed sweet potatoes. Simply purée in a blender or food processor, or use canned sweet potato purée instead. To turn these into a savory breakfast treat, add diced ham or smoked salmon.
Savory Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
Perfect for using up stale bread since its firm texture stands up to overnight soaking, this casserole stretches leftover sausage and cheese and saves precious morning prep time.
Get the recipe: Savory Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
Leftovers Frittata
A frittata is the savvy cook’s solution for leftovers, including vegetables, ham, brisket, roasted chicken, salmon or even pasta. It’s also a perfect dinner option all year since it’s equally delicious served warm, at room temperature or cold.
Cashew-Banana Bread
This terrific whole grain quick bread is moist and flavorful with a touch of honey, bananas and applesauce for sweetness and crunchy toasted cashews for richness. The secret is to use very ripe bananas — their skins should be dark brown and the fruit sticky and jammy.
Strawberry Cream Scones
Elegant and comforting, these fresh strawberry scones are ideal for breakfast (and packed into a lunch box). We love the herb-flecked lemon glaze on the scones, but feel free to skip it for an equally delicious traditional treat.
More Breakfast Ideas
More quick and easy breakfasts for the family on the go!
Family-Friendly Dinner Ideas
Asian-Style Chicken Wings with Hoisin and Lime
Rich and tangy, these hoisin- and lime juice–basted chicken wings are as perfect for dinner as they are for backyard cookouts. Serve with rice, a green vegetable and crunchy sliced cucumbers on the side. (Cook’s hint: Lining the baking sheet with foil makes cleanup a cinch.)
Get the recipe: Asian-Style Chicken Wings with Hoisin and Lime
Baked Breaded Cod
This simple preparation of cod has been a favorite for generations. Using pieces of fillet equal in thickness is important for ensuring even baking; if you have any pieces that are particularly thick or thin, you may want to bake them in a separate pan to ensure they don’t over or underbake.
Spaghetti Bolognese
This classic tomato-meat sauce is even better the next day and it freezes well for up to a month. Slow cooking draws out the flavors of the aromatic vegetables and tomatoes. Make a pot on the weekend and turn to it during the week for quick meals.
Better-Than-Boxed Beef Stroganoff
Try our version of a popular “out-of-the-box” meal. Kids love it and it’s still easy to make. This classic, budget-friendly beef stroganoff is sure to be a family favorite. Serve with a green salad or steamed peas and carrots for a complete meal.
Chicken Piccata
Thin chicken cutlets cook quickly and evenly, making this recipe a fast weeknight option. A pan sauce of lemon juice, white wine, capers (optional if you have picky eaters) and parsley adds vibrant flavor. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
Coconut gives these crispy, crunchy chicken tenders a tropical flavor. Great in lunch boxes and alongside brown basmati rice and greens for dinner. This kid-friendly chicken is great simply seasoned with salt and pepper. Try it with curry powder, ground coriander or chili powder as well.
Baked Chili Potato
Top a simple baked sweet potato with your favorite chili for a filling meal with a variety of flavors. Easy to make ahead of time and the components can be reheated separately in minutes for a no-fuss dinner.
Pizza Night
Pizza inspiration you can make at home and with minimal prep.
One-Skillet Meals
Chicken, Millet and Mushroom Skillet
This complete meal is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Use kale or spinach instead of the Swiss chard, if you like. Or substitute chicken legs or quartered breasts for the thighs too.
Ham and Asparagus Skillet
You only need one skillet to put together this quick and hearty supper with Monterey Jack and leftover ham. Add a squeeze of lemon and violà — dinner is served.
Cajun Beef Skillet
If your love for spicy things knows no bounds, feel free to up the amount of Cajun seasoning in this comforting supper. Should your beef stick to the skillet along the way, add a splash of low-sodium vegetable broth and scrape up any delicious browned bits to further flavor the dish.
Rice Dishes
Simple and hearty hits the spot with these classic rice dishes.
Mexican-Inspired Meals
Easy Chicken Pozole
This big pot of soulful Mexican-style soup can be prepared start to finish in about an hour. It’s ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or for cooking ahead for the week. Don’t forget the garnishes: thinly sliced radishes, shaved green cabbage, fresh cilantro, diced avocado and crispy corn tortilla strips.
Easy Tamale Casserole
A family favorite! Made with corn bread mix, this is a great recipe to make with your kids (no knives needed, so even younger ones can help), and you’ll have leftovers. Round out your meal with a big green salad.
Easy Chicken Burritos
Using store-bought roasted chicken and frozen brown rice (or quinoa) means these tasty burritos can be assembled in about 15 minutes. To reheat the burritos, pop them into a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
Easy Chicken Fajitas
Serve with tortillas, salsa, diced avocado and cheese to build a fantastic fajita. Butterflying and marinating the chicken breasts enhances the flavor and helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Layered Vegetable Enchiladas
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Better yet, it reheats perfectly in the oven, so you won’t be disappointed if you happen to have leftovers on hand.
Hearty Soups and Stews
Beef, Bean and Veggie Chili
This chili gets hearty flavor from beans, bell peppers and corn. Top it with your choice of classic garnishes, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, cilantro and lime wedges.
Chicken and Brown Rice Soup
Light yet hearty, this soup is a solid addition to any home cook’s catalog. To make a vegetarian version, use low-sodium vegetable broth and substitute quartered button mushrooms or cubed firm tofu for the chicken.
Mini Meatball Noodle Soup
Bratwurst is the shortcut to meatballs in this flavorful Asian-inspired soup. Everyone will love the meatballs and noodles in broth with tangy, crunchy veggies that make it a one-bowl meal.
Chicken Noodle Soup with Parmigiano Reggiano Broth
Adding Parmigiano Reggiano cheese rinds to soup delivers delicious body and an unbeatable savory quality. Vary the character of this hearty soup by using different types of egg noodles: fresh pappardelle will make it decidedly Italian; traditional egg noodles will make it a comforting classic; and whole wheat egg noodles will make it deliciously rustic.
Get the recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup with Parmigiano Reggiano Broth
Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Stew
Here’s a delicious stick-to-your-ribs stew that gets a big contribution from a small amount of beef. The secret is browning the meat first for richness and depth, then slow cooking it along with flavorful veggies and a savory combination of tamari, red wine vinegar and tomato paste.
Vegetarian Soups and Stews
Hearty soups and stews chock-full of vegetables!
Vegetarian Pasta Options
Cheesy Lasagna Rolls with Spinach and Ricotta
Kids love this dish and thankfully it’s easy to customize to their tastes. Start with the basic recipe, then just add their favorite veggies. Little hands can spread the cheese or sauce, sprinkle the fillings or roll up the pasta.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Lasagna Rolls with Spinach and Ricotta
Mushroom Stroganoff
Firm, flavorful mushroom varieties like cremini, portobello, shiitake and oyster are ideal for this delicious vegan recipe. It’s excellent served over barley instead of the traditional egg noodles.
Eggplant Bolognese
The flavor of this rich and earthy sauce is equally tasty served over cooked whole grains or spaghetti squash as it is over pasta. The sauce freezes well for last-minute weeknight meals.
Red Lentil Mac and Cheese
Add creamy red lentils to simple boxed mac and cheese to give the weeknight favorite extra protein and a slightly nutty flavor. The lentils cook together with the pasta, so prep and cleanup are especially easy! Serve with a fresh salad or a steamed green veggie.
Ravioli with No-Cook Heirloom Tomato Sauce
Ravioli dishes are always a hit with kids and parents alike, especially because dinner is on the table in a flash. If heirloom tomatoes are unavailable, ask a team member which variety is most flavorful — and substitute! Serve with a green salad and you’ve got a meal.
Veggie Burgers
Having multiple veggie burger recipes in your repertoire is a must.
