10+ Easy Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Love

December 15, 2023

Navigating the hustle and bustle of modern family life is no small feat. Between managing your job, driving kids to and from school, handling after school activities, and carving out a few precious moments for personal downtime - it can feel like there simply aren't enough hours in the day. And when you do finally manage to find some time, the idea of standing over a hot stove to whip up an elaborate dinner for the whole family can feel daunting. You're not alone - for busy families across the globe, putting together a nutritious, delicious meal at the end of a long day often feels like an impossible task.

However, feeding your family doesn't need to be a chore, nor does it need to be a source of stress. With a few simple tips, tricks, and recipes up your sleeve, you can turn dinner time into an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Even the pickiest of eaters will be tempted by these meal ideas and the best part? They're easy to prepare and packed full of nutrition.

In this guide, we'll share a range of easy dinner recipes that will satisfy your picky eaters and make sure everyone receives a well-balanced, healthy meal. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, we're confident you'll find something here to please every member of your family.

Say goodbye to meal planning stress and time-consuming grocery shopping. Give Hungryroot a go and experience the delight and ease of healthy groceries that transform into mouth watering recipes delivered straight to your door! Start your healthy journey by taking our personalized quiz to get the best recommendations just for you.

Our Tastiest Dinner Ideas For Your Family

We know how time-consuming it can be to plan meals that work for adults and picky eaters alike. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of recipes that work for everyone with easy modifications to ensure that everyone is satisfied. Whether you're looking for simple ingredients to make classic spaghetti or more international flavors like Thai-style coconut chicken, we’ve combed through our chef-crafted library of over 2,000 recipes to curate a selection of our favorite, family-friendly meals for your next meal-planning session or weeknight meal.

Family-Size Spaghetti Marinara with Italian Sausage or Plain Spaghetti Marinara: This mouthwatering weeknight dinner will bring pure joy to your family’s next dining experience! In just 14 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, family-sized spaghetti meal – easy to make and with simple ingredients. After the organic spaghetti is cooked al dente, combine it with a zesty and creamy marinara tomato sauce for a delightful combination of flavors. You can stop there or add a serving of sizzling and juicy Italian pork sausage. Finally, tying the dish together is the sheep and goat’s milk feta that’s crumbled over the pasta for a perfect finishing touch.

Family-Size Melty Veggie + Cheese Baguette or Simple Melty Cheese Baguette: Each bite of this veggie + cheese baguette will have the entire family coming back for seconds. Two mini baguettes are toasted in the oven on a sheet pan and layered with creamy Havarti cheese, sautéed grilled bell peppers, and tangy artichoke hearts for an ultimate nutritious and delicious combination. For picky eaters who prefer a simpler delight, skip the veggies and just enjoy the delightful combination of warm baguettes and Havarti cheese. These baguettes are ready in just 5-7 minutes with minimal effort!

Family-Size Cheesy Beef + Veggie Tacos or Cheesy Beef Tacos: Get ready to experience the ultimate taco fiesta at your next healthy dinner with these classic beef and veggie tacos. These tacos are loaded with a sauté of bell pepper and onion and grass-fed ground beef seasoned with a savory taco seasoning blend and then topped with melted creamy sharp cheddar cheese. For those seeking a veggie-free option, simply assemble each taco with cheese and beef leaving the sautéed, fresh veggies on the side. Let your kids customize their tacos with flavorful toppings like guacamole and sour cream for an added flavor kick. Gather around the table, and let this flavorful dish take your family’s taste buds on a taco adventure!

Family-Size Turkey + Swiss Melt with Slaw or Simple Turkey + Swiss Melt: For busy weeknights, this simple ingredient turkey and Swiss melt is the right choice! Ready in 11 minutes, this mouthwatering sandwich features toasted wheat bread layered with oven-roasted turkey breast and melted, gooey Swiss cheese. To add bold colors and flavors, add a layer of a vibrant and colorful rainbow veggie mix paired with creamy Thousand Island dressing. For those who want to keep things simple, skip on the rainbow veggie slaw and leave a simple turkey and Swiss melt. Every single bite of this sandwich is filled with savory and creamy flavors that will keep the entire family satisfied all night long.

Family-Size BBQ Chicken Protein Bowl or BBQ Chicken + Roasted Rainbow Carrots: Experience the ultimate comfort with this protein-packed and delicious recipe, tailor-made to please the entire family. Feast on the delightful flavors of rainbow baby carrots, perfectly roasted and seasoned with your favorite spices. The star of the show is the BBQ chicken, sautéed in a skillet and smothered in a delicious original BBQ sauce. For a healthier alternative, rest the creamy chicken on top of a bed of fluffy and warm lentil quinoa rice mix, forming a delightful base for this protein bowl. For the kids, combine the BBQ chicken with the roasted rainbow carrots to create a meal they’ll enjoy. Enjoy every single bite of this protein-packed, kid-friendly dinner!

Family-Size Ham + Veggie Grilled Cheese or Simple Ham Grilled Cheese: Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience for your next family dinner with this tasty ham grilled cheese sandwich! This recipe features multigrain slices toasted until golden crispy paired with a sautéed bell pepper and onions, sliced maple honey ham, and let’s not forget – the creamy cheddar cheese slices. Each bite is a balance of flavors and nutrients, making this sandwich a wholesome indulgence that will satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Family-Size Thai-Style Coconut Chicken or “Chicken” Tenders with Broccoli + Rice: Prepare to indulge in a fast and flavorful 18-minute family meal, drawing inspiration from Thai cuisine. Prepare a Thai-style coconut chicken, seared in a skillet until it turns a beautiful golden brown, and pair it with sautéed baby broccoli on a bed of seasoned jasmine rice. While you cook the coconut chicken, bake some plant-based chicken tenders for the kids. Depending on individual preferences, serve either the broccoli and rice together with coconut chicken or the chicken tenders for a complete meal.

Family-Size Cheezy “Sausage” or Plain Cheeze Naan Pizza: Transform the ordinary pizza into a healthy delight with this enticing cheezy naan pizza, making takeout a thing of the past. In just 13 minutes, the magic unfolds as traditional naan becomes the perfect pizza base, complemented by a zesty tomato marinara sauce and vegan mozzarella shreds for a creamy touch. For those who are craving a little extra kick, pumfu sausage crumbles and zesty artichoke hearts can be added for an extra savory twist. Your entire family will enjoy every single bite of this flavorful dinner time meal.

Family-Size Loaded Meatloaf Sandwich or Plain Meatloaf Sandwich + Fries: Get ready to sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort food with this family-friendly and easy recipe. This kid-friendly recipe features the perfect sandwich companion – roasted, crispy sweet potato fries. For the adults, the true star of the show lies in the filling, featuring a delectable florentine turkey meatloaf combined with sautéed, thinly sliced yellow onions and baby bella mushrooms, resulting in beautifully caramelized flavors. Toasted brioche buns make the perfect canvas for these loaded sandwiches. This meal is not only mouth watering but also packed with protein that your kids need to grow strong!

Family-Size Bacon Tomato Grilled Cheese or Plain Grilled Cheese + Caesar Salad: This recipe is another classic comfort food meal the entire family will enjoy. In just 14 minutes, you’ll have a flavor-packed meal that’s easily shared with your loved ones. This recipe features organic wheat bread, toasted until crispy, layered with creamy American cheese slices, crispy pork bacon, and meaty beefsteak tomato slices. Accompanying this cheesy delight is a side of Caesar salad, featuring crispy lettuce, croutons, cheese, and herb seasoning, all tied together with a creamy Caesar dressing. Toss it all together to create the ultimate salad companion for this cheesy feast.

Family-Size “Chorizo” + Artichoke or Plain Cheeze Pizza: Get ready to indulge in a burst of Italian flavors with this sensational plant-based chorizo, artichoke pizza, with a comforting plain cheeze pizza option for picky eaters. Ready in just 13 minutes, you’ll have a pizza feast that’s perfect for satisfying big appetites and picky taste buds. This culinary masterpiece starts with wood-grilled pizza crusts as the foundation, complemented by a layer of zesty tomato marinara sauce and topped off with vegan mozzarella shreds. For those that crave a little adventure, add the “chorizo” and marinated artichoke hearts to the pizzas of your choice. As they bake to perfection, the cheese will melt beautifully, and the crusts will turn a delightful golden brown, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas.

Family-Size Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger or Plain Burger: A timeless burger experience that will have everyone feeling satisfied. This burger feast showcases earthy portabella mushroom caps sautéed to perfection, alongside sizzling grass-fed beef patties topped with melted Swiss cheese, all served on toasted brioche buns. For those who enjoy simplicity, opt for the cheese and mushroom-free version. The combination of juicy beef, flavorful mushrooms, and melted Swiss cheese will be simply irresistible.

Family-Size Tomatoey “Sausage” + Veggie Rice Bowl or “Sausage” + Rice: This scrumptious rice bowl is a perfect meal to share with your loved ones during a weeknight dinner. The heart of this bowl lies in the light and airy organic jasmine rice accompanied by a savory saute of bell peppers and onions. To cater to picky eaters, you can keep the veggies on the side. Top off this delicious base with a roasted Beyond Meat sausage brat for a filling and wholesome meal!

Keeping Family Dinners Quick and Easy

Even with the whirlwind of family life, it's entirely possible to create meals that are nutritious, flavorful, and most importantly, easy and quick to prepare. This doesn't have to be an overwhelming task reserved for the culinary inclined or those with an abundance of free time. With careful planning and a trove of versatile recipe ideas like the ones shared in this guide, you can bring simplicity and enjoyment back into your dinner routine. Not only can these meals be customized to please even the pickiest of eaters, they also cater to the demands of a hectic schedule, making dinner time less of a chore and more of a delightful family experience. So dive in, experiment with these recipes, and watch as the stress of meal planning evaporates, replaced by the joy of shared family meals that everyone can love.

We know that life can get hectic, but sticking to your healthy lifestyle shouldn't be a struggle. That's why Hungryroot brings you custom-selected, healthy groceries that magically turn into delicious, easy-to-cook meals, delivered right to your door. Our seamless process not only frees up your valuable time, but also helps your entire family effortlessly embrace a healthy lifestyle. Let us be your trusted partner on your culinary journey—because you deserve to feel good, inside and out.

Start your healthy journey by taking our personalized quiz to get your own family-friendly recipe recommendations.