36 Easy Dinner Recipes The Whole Family Will Love

Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett

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 secret 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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Easy Boarding House Meatloaf

Boarding House Meatloaf
Southern Living

Recipe: Easy Boarding House Meatloaf

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

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Extra-Easy Lasagna

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

Ham and Lima Bean Fried Rice
Greg DuPree

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

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Crunchy Pan-Fried Chicken

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.

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Pan-Seared Trout with Italian-Style Salsa

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?

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Tuscan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Cream

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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Hearty Beef and Freezer Veggie Soup

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.

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Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

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

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Grilled Chicken 'N' Cheese Sandwiches

Kid-Friendly Chicken: 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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Potato-Crusted Pizza

Potato-Crusted Pizza Recipe
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.

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Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings

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

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

Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits
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

Chicken Soups Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Red 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

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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Sheet Pan Nachos with Chorizo and Refried Beans

Sheet Pan Nachos with Chorizo and Refried Beans
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos with Chorizo and Refried Beans

These nachos come fully-loaded, so have a napkin on standby once you dig in.

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Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole
Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

The layer of crunchy tater tots that line the top of this casserole is its claim to fame. Don't forget to drizzle some shredded cheese on top during the last 20 minutes in the oven.

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Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole
Greg DuPree

Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Packed with toppings galore, this casserole rivals a slice of traditional pizza any day of the week.

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Greek Pork Chops with Squash and Potatoes

Greek Pork Chops with Squash and Potatoes
Hector Sanchez Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Greek Pork Chops with Squash and Potatoes

Cleaning up is easy with this one-sheet meal, packed with hearty potatoes and light vegetables.

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Smoky Grilled BLTs

Smoky Grilled BLTs
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Make this classic even better by grilling the bacon and tomatoes outside for an added smoky flavor.

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Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken Drumsticks with Squash

Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken Drumsticks with Squash
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

With one sheet, you can do it all. Place the chicken on a wire rack with the squash on the pan underneath to absorb all that extra flavor.

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Quick Chicken and Barley Stew

Quick Chicken and Barley Stew Recipe
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Quick Chicken and Barley Stew

Light on calories and hands-on time, this recipe is a shoe-in for weeknight success.

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Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Casserole

We've turned a cold-weather favorite soup into a casserole that's the perfect combination of warmth, heartiness, and spice.

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Black-Eyed Peas Fritter Sandwiches with Slaw

Black-Eyed Pea Fritter Sandwiches with Slaw
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This Southern spin on falafel uses Dijon mustard-yogurt sauce for a tangy finish.

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Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
Stephen DeVries

Recipe: Mini Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Tuck small flour tortillas into muffin pans to make the crispy shells for these bite-sized enchiladas.

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Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

The skillet is the secret to the slightly crispy sides of this mac and cheese.

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Quick Beef Chili

Quick Beef Chili
Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Quick Beef Chili

Your family will be delighted that this hearty meal is ready in just under an hour.

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Turkey Tortellini Soup with Greens

Turkey Tortellini Soup with Greens
Greg DuPree

This recipe is as easy as it gets. All ingredients get dumped in one pot throughout the cooking process to create a meal that you can even portion off and freeze for your next weeknight pinch.

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Buttermilk Chicken Tenders and Roasted Potatoes with Green Beans

Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
Greg DuPree

Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Say goodbye to take-out fried chicken once you've tasted these chicken tenders.

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Quesadillas Al Pastor

Quesadillas Al Pastor
Skyler Burt

Recipe: Quesadillas Al Pastor

Give simple cheese quesadillas a run for their money with this recipe that packs in pineapple, cilantro, red onion, shredded smoked pork, and Monterey Jack cheese.

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Easy Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Easy Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

Throw boneless pork shoulder roast, sweet onions, and Southern seasoning into your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a ready-to-go meal.

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Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables with Rice

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables with Rice
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables with Rice

If you need a break from the same old chicken or pork recipes, try this flavorful shrimp sheet pan dinner to mix things up.

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Easy Huevos Rancheros Bake

Huevos Rancheros Bake
Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Easy Huevos Rancheros Bake

Breakfast for dinner is always a hit, especially when it includes this cheesy and spicy layered casserole.

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Ranch Turkey Burgers

Ranch Turkey Burgers
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Ranch brings these low-calorie burgers to the next level any day of the week.

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Easy Shrimp Scampi with Basil

Easy Shrimp Scampi with Basil
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Easy Shrimp Scampi with Basil

Shrimp, butter, and basil come together to make a dish so good and so easy.

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Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemony Greens and Grains

Salmon with Lemony Greens and Grains
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This simple salmon recipe is equally healthy and flavorful, offering a quick and balanced fix for a weeknight meal.

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