Family Dinner Recipes That Are Easy & Filling

Family dinners are an essential part of building relationships and strengthening bonds within the household. They provide an opportunity to share stories, laughter, and meals that everyone looks forward to. Preparing meals that your family loves can be a challenging task, but with the right recipes, it can be a breeze.

In this article, we will explore some easy and filling family dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. These recipes are designed to be simple, delicious, and satisfying, ensuring that every member of your family leaves the dinner table feeling happy and content. We’ve curated a list of mouth-watering dishes that range from classic comfort food to international flavors, all made easy and accessible for home cooks of all levels.

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a twist on the classic Italian staple. The recipe combines tender ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese to create a satisfying and filling meal. The baked ziti casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck event, as it serves a crowd and can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. With its comforting aroma and warm flavors, Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is sure to be a hit with your family.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, meat sauce mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The recipe combines chicken breast, white rice, and creamy sauce to create a filling and satisfying meal. With its warm, comforting flavors, Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the uncooked white rice and stir to combine.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. In a separate saucepan, cook the chicken breast until browned and cooked through.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice mixture, chicken breast, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and dot with butter.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is a classic American favorite that combines a hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes. The meatloaf is made with ground beef, pork, and seasonings, while the mashed potatoes are infused with garlic and butter.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, brown sugar, and dried oregano. Mix well to combine.
3. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a separate saucepan, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes alongside.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas is a flavorful and colorful meal that combines shredded chicken, tortillas, and cheese. The recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast
– 8 tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the tortillas until softened. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine the cooked chicken breast, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, chopped onion, butter, and dried oregano. Stir until well combined.
4. Place a tortilla in a skillet or baking dish, spoon some of the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla, and roll up. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese mixture.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes is a classic American comfort food that combines ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices to create a tangy and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Serve the Sloppy Joes mixture on hamburger buns.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie is a hearty and comforting meal that combines chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce in a crispy pastry crust.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups pie dough

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken breast until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, and butter. Stir to combine.
5. Roll out the pie dough into a circle. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of the dough, then brush the edges with water.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a pie shape and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Beef and Noodles

Beef and Noodles is a heartwarming and comforting meal that combines beef, noodles, and steamed vegetables in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup noodles
– 1 cup steamed vegetables
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, cook the beef stew meat until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, beef broth, and noodles to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through.
4. Add the steamed vegetables and butter to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Baked Chicken Drumsticks is a fun and easy meal that combines chicken drumsticks, breadcrumbs, and spices to create a crispy and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

– 4-6 chicken drumsticks
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken drumstick into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Lasagna Casserole

Lasagna Casserole is a classic Italian dish with a twist, combining lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese in a flavorful and satisfying casserole.

Ingredients

– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lasagna noodles, meat sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, and beaten egg. Stir well to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Tater Tot Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and easy meal that combines tater tots, ground beef, and cheese in a flavorful and satisfying casserole.

Ingredients

– 1 (32 oz) bag of Tater Tots
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, milk, and chopped onion. Stir to combine.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the Tater Tots in the bottom of the dish.
6. Top with the ground beef and cheese mixture, then the remaining Tater Tots.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown.