15 Of My Go-To Easy Dinners My Family Loves
When dinner plans feel hard, I like having a few family favorites to fall back on. These are some easy dinners my family loves, from bacon cheeseburger pasta and ravioli lasagna to slow cooker chicken fajitas.
You’ll also find cozy casseroles, fun walking tacos, and flavorful chicken dinners.
Pick one for tonight or save the list for the next time you need an idea.
1. Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
This bacon cheeseburger pasta is a favorite at my table. It’s ready in only 25 minutes, making it especially handy on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
2. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Seasoned chicken, tender rice, and melted cheddar bake together in one dish for a family-friendly meal. With the whole dinner tucked into a single casserole, there is less fuss when it is time to get everyone fed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
3. Ravioli Lasagna
Ravioli takes the place of traditional lasagna layers in this shortcut dinner that comes together without spending all day in the kitchen. Once baked, it delivers the satisfying flavor and texture you would expect from a restaurant-style lasagna.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Lasagna
4. Honey Sesame Chicken
Crispy pieces of chicken are coated in a sticky honey sesame sauce for a homemade spin on Chinese carryout. Making this takeout favorite at home is also a more affordable way to satisfy the craving.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sesame Chicken
5. Sloppy Joes
Heinz chili sauce gives these old-fashioned sloppy joes their distinctive flavor without adding extra work to dinner prep. Brown the beef, let everything simmer together, and you can have the meal ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
Chicken cooks slowly with salsa, peppers, and onion for a hands-off Tex-Mex dinner. Lime and cilantro are added at the end, giving the fajitas a fresh finish before serving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
7. Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground pork turns classic egg roll flavors into a budget-friendly one-pan dinner with no chopping required. It is a practical pick for nights when takeout sounds tempting but you would rather make something at home.
Get the Recipe: Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl
8. Chicken Pesto Pasta
Sautéed chicken, farfalle, and cherry tomatoes get tossed with basil pesto for a pasta dinner that comes together quickly. Parmesan cheese finishes the dish and adds extra savory flavor to every serving.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pesto Pasta
9. Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
Seasoned ground beef, sweet peppers, and queso bring taco-inspired flavors to this comforting casserole. A layer of crispy Tater Tots on top makes it a fun change from the usual taco night.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
10. Creamy Chicken Orzo
Chicken, spinach, and orzo cook together in a skillet with a rich, cheesy sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this creamy pasta dish fits easily into a busy weeknight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Orzo
11. Walking Tacos
Individual bags of chips become portable taco bowls once they are loaded with your favorite taco toppings. They are a fun choice for family gatherings and parties because everyone gets their own taco in a bag.
Get the Recipe: Walking Tacos
12. Pizza Casserole
Pasta simmers in tomato sauce with pepperoni, sausage, olives, and bell peppers for a dinner inspired by pizza night. Cheese goes over the top before the casserole is baked until golden brown.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
13. Pineapple Chicken
Tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and juicy pineapple come together in a sweet and tangy sauce. The whole meal is ready in 30 minutes, making it a convenient alternative when you are craving takeout.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Chicken
14. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, and melted cheese layer together in the slow cooker for a comforting meal. It delivers familiar enchilada flavors in casserole form without having to assemble individual enchiladas.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
15. Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese
Sloppy joes and mac and cheese come together in one skillet for a hearty mash-up of two familiar family favorites. If your family already loves both dishes, this mash-up is a guaranteed hit
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese
