Do you struggle to find a dinner idea that pleases the picky eaters, the health nuts, and the flavor chasers in your family all at once? It’s not easy cooking pleasing everyone and since no one wants to be a short order cook in their own home, we’ve gathered a list of 21 family dinners that are guaranteed to keep everyone at the table happy—and yes, that includes your toddler who thinks ketchup is a food group.
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Sweet potato mac and cheese is like your classic mac’s cooler, slightly healthier cousin. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it sneaks in some sweet potato goodness along with a bit of spinach. Perfect for those nights when you want to keep it somewhat healthy but still need a cheese fix.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
This pork and cabbage stir fry tosses up some serious flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a quick, savory mix that hits all the right notes for a comforting meal. Whip this up when you need a fast, tasty dinner that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Imagine biting into a juicy turkey meatball, only to find a melty core of cheddar waiting inside—sounds pretty amazing, right? Toss in some grated zucchini and a blend of Italian herbs, and you’ve got yourself our cheddar-stuffed turkey zucchini meatballs. Cooked up in a savory marinara sauce right on your stove, this dish is your ticket to an easy, yet utterly satisfying dinner that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Easy Creamy Stroganoff
Easy creamy stroganoff brings all the rich, comforting flavors of the classic dish but with a twist. Using coconut yogurt for creaminess, it’s a dairy-free delight that doesn’t skimp on taste. Whether with beef or venison, it’s a warming, hearty meal perfect for those chillier evenings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Stroganoff
Cod Piccata
Cod piccata brings a zing to your dinner table that’s hard to beat. With tender cod fillets, capers, and a lemony butter sauce, it’s a dish that punches way above its weight class in the flavor department. Quick, easy, and packed with taste—weeknight dinners just got a lot more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Spice up your dinner routine with this Mexican ground beef skillet. It’s all the taco flavors you love, thrown together in one pan for a quick, hearty meal. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or any day, this skillet’s a hit for its bold flavors and minimal cleanup. Dinner’s done in 30—let’s eat!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Chicken Sorrentino
Chicken sorrentino is basically what happens when chicken decides to dress up for a party. Layered with prosciutto, eggplant, and a whole lot of cheese, it’s a dish that brings the fancy without the hassle. Get ready for plates to be cleaned and compliments to the chef (that’s you!).
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Stuffed chicken marsala is what dinner dreams are made of: chicken stuffed with gooey mozzarella, bathed in a marsala sauce, and hugged by sweet, savory tomato butter. It’s like bringing a slice of Italy to your kitchen without the plane ticket. Every bite is a mini escape to a world of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Greek Shrimp Skillet
This Greek shrimp skillet is a Mediterranean holiday on a plate. With plump shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and a sprinkle of feta, it’s a 30-minute meal that’s light, flavorful, and fuss-free. Perfect for when you want to keep things simple but refuse to compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Cheddar Chicken Bake
This cheddar chicken quinoa bake is the comfort food fix you’ve been searching for. With tender chicken, quinoa, and a cheesy topping, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please. Bonus: it’s a great way to use up that leftover chicken and sneak in some health points with quinoa.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Salsa Chicken
Who knew throwing chicken, salsa, corn, and cheese together could result in something so good? This salsa chicken recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights, ready in a snap (under 30 minutes, to be exact). It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, no fuss, no muss, and definitely no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Turkey Stew
After a long day, nothing beats the comfort of a homemade turkey stew. With turkey, potatoes, mushrooms, and a mix of veggies simmered to perfection, it’s like a hug in a bowl. This stew is your go-to for a filling meal that leaves everyone satisfied and possibly ready for a nap.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew
Winter Vegetable Curry
Dive into the cozy vibes with a pot full of winter vegetable curry. It’s a hearty mix of butternut squash, cauliflower, kale, and chickpeas that’ll make you forget meat ever existed. Whip this up for a comforting dinner that’ll have everyone warming up with each spoonful—no meat, no problem.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vegetable Curry
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground beef stir fry is the ultimate mix-it-up dinner solution. Packed with veggies and sauced to perfection, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes weeknights a whole lot easier. Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Pecan crusted chicken with honey dijon yogurt sauce is like giving your taste buds a high-five. Crunchy, a little sweet, and a lot delicious, it’s chicken that’s anything but boring. Dinner’s ready in a jiff, and it’s one you’ll want on repeat. Trust me, you’ll want to bottle that sauce.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is your quick ticket to a fancy-feeling dinner without the fuss. Just slather salmon with pesto, bake for less than 25 minutes, and boom – a meal that tastes like a million bucks. It’s the perfect pick for when you want to impress the fam without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Forget takeout; this sweet & spicy pork ramen stir fry will satisfy all those cravings and then some. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and has just the right kick to keep things interesting. Loaded with veggies and ready in 20, it’s the perfect way to end a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Cream Cheese Chicken
Cream cheese chicken is about to become your new favorite. Juicy chicken spiced to perfection, then swirled with cream cheese for that creamy goodness. It’s a little bit of heaven in each bite, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the best meals.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Who said pretzels are just for snacking? Pretzel crusted pork chops will change the game at your dinner table. These chops come with a crunchy twist and a maple dijon sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the plate. It’s an easy way to add a little fun to a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Loaded Brisket Potatoes
Imagine taking everything you love about BBQ and loading it into a baked potato. That’s what these loaded brisket potatoes are all about. They’re the ultimate comfort food that turns leftovers into a feast. Grab a fork; these bad boys are the definition of ‘loaded and loving it.’
Get the Recipe: Loaded Brisket Potatoes
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Grilled Hawaiian chicken is your ticket to a tropical flavor fest. Stuffed with ham and pineapple, then slathered in a teriyaki glaze, it’s a sweet and savory masterpiece that grills up in no time. Fire up the BBQ and let this dish transport your taste buds to paradise.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
This ground beef and cabbage skillet is the answer to “What’s for dinner?” With a hint of Asian flair, it’s all cooked in one pan and ready before you know it. It’s flavorful, it’s easy, and it’s got everything to make it a family favorite. Plus, cleanup’s a breeze, so more time for you.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
