Finding meals that the whole family enjoys can feel like a daily challenge. Between busy schedules, picky eaters, and limited time, dinner can quickly become stressful. These easy family dinner recipes are designed for busy households looking for quick weeknight meals that everyone will enjoy.
All recipes use simple ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions making them ideal for anyone searching for family-friendly dinners, kid-friendly recipes, and easy home-cooked meals.
One-Tray Chicken and Roasted Vegetables (Easy Family Dinner)
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
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4 chicken breasts or thighs
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750 g potatoes, chopped
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3 carrots, sliced
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1 broccoli, cut into florets
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic granules
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Salt and pepper
Method:
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
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Place the vegetables and chicken on a large baking tray.
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Drizzle with olive oil, season, and toss well.
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Roast for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese (Family Favourite)
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
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400 g spaghetti
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500 g beef mince
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, crushed
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1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato purée
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1 tsp dried mixed herbs
Method:
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Cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions.
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Brown the mince in a large pan, then add onion and garlic.
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Stir in tomatoes, purée, and herbs. Simmer for 15 minutes.
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Serve sauce over spaghetti or keep separate for picky eaters.
Build-Your-Own Taco Night (Kid-Friendly Dinner)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
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500 g chicken or beef mince
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1 tbsp mild taco seasoning
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8 soft tortillas
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100 g grated cheese
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Shredded lettuce
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Chopped tomatoes
Method:
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Cook the mince with taco seasoning until browned.
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Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
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Let everyone build their own tacos with toppings.
Creamy Chicken Pasta (Quick Weeknight Meal)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
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400 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
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2 chicken breasts, diced
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200 ml double cream
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50 g grated cheddar or parmesan
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1 tbsp olive oil
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100 g spinach
Method:
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Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
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Fry chicken in olive oil until cooked.
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Stir in cream, cheese, and spinach. Simmer gently.
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Combine with pasta and serve.
Sausage and Vegetable Traybake (Easy Oven Dinner)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
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8 pork sausages
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2 peppers, sliced
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1 red onion, sliced
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600 g baby potatoes
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2 tbsp olive oil
Method:
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Heat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
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Place all ingredients on a tray, drizzle with oil, and season.
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Roast for 40 minutes, turning halfway.
Homemade Mini Pizzas (Fun Family Dinner)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
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4 pizza bases or flatbreads
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200 g passata
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150 g grated mozzarella
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Chosen toppings (ham, sweetcorn, mushrooms)
Method:
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Heat oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
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Spread passata over bases and add toppings.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders (Kid-Friendly Recipe)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
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500 g chicken mini fillets
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100 g breadcrumbs
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1 egg, beaten
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2 tbsp plain flour
Method:
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Heat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
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Dip chicken in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once.
Mild Slow Cooker Family Chilli (Easy Slow Cooker Meal)
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
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500 g beef mince
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1 onion, chopped
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1 x 400 g tin kidney beans, drained
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1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
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1 tsp mild chilli powder
Method:
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Brown mince and onion in a pan.
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Transfer to slow cooker and add remaining ingredients.
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Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with rice or bread.
These easy family dinner recipes are perfect for busy households that need reliable, family meals everyone will like. With simple preparation, familiar flavours, and flexible ingredients, these dishes are ideal for quick weeknight dinners, kid-friendly meals, and stress-free family cooking.
By keeping recipes simple and using everyday ingredients, you can create delicious home-cooked family dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.