Finding quick, delicious meals the whole family will enjoy doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are 5 easy dinner recipes that bring flavor, nutrition, and joy to your table. Let’s dive in!
1. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
2 cups steamed broccoli
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, rice, soup, milk, and half the cheese. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
Helpful Note:
Swap out broccoli for mixed veggies if your kids prefer variety!
2. One-Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
12 oz spaghetti
3 cups water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Brown the ground beef in a large pot. Drain excess grease.
Add marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir.
Break the spaghetti in half and add to the pot. Push it into the liquid.
Simmer on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti is cooked.
Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
Helpful Note:
Keep an eye on the pot and add a bit more water if needed.
3. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Ingredients:
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup baby carrots
2 cups diced potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss sausage, veggies, and potatoes with olive oil and seasonings in a large bowl.
Spread everything on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Serve warm.
Helpful Note:
Pair with rice or bread for a heartier meal.
4. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
12 oz pasta of choice
1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Pour cream into the skillet, stir in Parmesan, and cook until thickened.
Add pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to coat.
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Helpful Note:
Use pre-cooked shrimp for an even faster prep time.
5. Taco Night Bowls
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey or beef
1 packet taco seasoning
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup corn
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
Cook ground meat in a skillet until browned. Stir in taco seasoning.
In serving bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, and taco meat.
Top with salsa, cheese, and desired toppings.
Helpful Note:
Let your family customize their bowls for added fun!
Which of these recipes will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
