Easy Dinner Recipes The Whole Family Will Love

By Jorie Nicole McDonald
Southern Living

When life gets extra chaotic, it’s essential to have a list of easy dinner recipes for the family, and we have you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for a Tex-Mex dish, a Cajun creation, or something with Asian flair, this easy dinner round-up is sure to have something for every member of the family. Cheddar biscuits and cast-iron skillet steak make this group of cuisine ultra-Southern–just the way we like it. So, between Junior League meetings, work obligations, soccer practices, and dance recitals, these recipes are going to quickly become your weeknight secet weapons. Since the portions are suited for a crowd, that means plenty of leftovers to snack on throughout the week; it’s a win-win for the whole family. Even though you may have your tried-and-true cuisine, don’t be afraid to give a few new recipes a try. They may just surprise you.

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1 of 16

Easy Boarding House Meatloaf

This Boarding House Meatloaf recipe is fresh, filling, and oh-so easy to make.

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2 of 16

Extra-Easy Lasagna

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Martin

Recipe: Extra-Easy Lasagna

Pre-cooking the noodles isn’t necessary for this classic dinner recipe; it’s that easy. Plus, lasagna is a surefire favorite for even the pickiest family member.

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Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice

Give your local Chinese restaurant a break, and make fried rice at home.

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Crunchy Pan-Fried Chicken

Southern Living

Recipe: Crunchy Pan-Fried Chicken

Every Southerner knows the magic of a cast-iron skillet. Give pan-fried chicken a try in our favorite kitchen tool.

5 of 16

Pan-Seared Trout with Italian-Style Salsa

Photo: Ralph Anderson; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Pan-Seared Trout with Italian-Style Salsa

This recipe is healthy, delicious, and it only takes 20 minutes. What’s not to love?

6 of 16

Tuscan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Cream

Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Tuscan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Cream

Store-bought ravioli is embellished with flavorful cream sauce and fresh tomatoes with basil in this easy-as-pie recipe.

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7 of 16

Hearty Beef and Freezer Veggie Soup

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Hearty Beef and Freezer Veggie Soup

This hearty soup is sure to set you up with a few days of leftovers, and the recipe is incredibly simple because it’s made with frozen vegetables.

8 of 16

Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

Southern Living

Recipe: Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

Steak is always a good idea, and this version is both easy to prepare and delicious to taste.

9 of 16

Grilled Chicken 'N' Cheese Sandwiches

Southern Living

Recipe: Grilled Chicken 'N' Cheese Sandwiches

Simplicity is key with this recipe. It’s the ultimate week-night dish: grilled cheese. But, this chicken version is a bit more filling.

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10 of 16

Potato-Crusted Pizza

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Potato-Crusted Pizza
It's hard to say no to a 5-ingredient dish, and this one is pizza no less! Your kids are sure to love this tasty recipe.

11 of 16

Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings

Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings

Southerners know chicken and dumplings will always have a special place on the table below the Mason-Dixon, and this recipe has another beloved dish: cornbread.

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New Tuna Casserole

Greg Dupree

Recipe: New Tuna Casserole

Nutritious and tasty, this recipe is a win-win for the whole family. Plus, Mama always taught us that a casserole is the way to go for an easy dinner recipe.

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Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits

We can’t resist a chicken pot pie, especially one complete with a cheesy biscuit topping. Yes, please!

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Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Potatoes

Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Potatoes

This go-to recipe is perfect for feeding your entire family. It has all the Cajun flavor without hardly any effort.

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King Ranch Chicken

Southern Living

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken

This Tex-Mex dish is a Southern staple; don’t attempt a family dinner without it.

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