10 Quick and Easy Dinners the Whole Family Will Love

After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ten quick and easy dinners that are not only simple to make but also delicious and loved by the entire family. From stir-fries to one-pot meals, there’s something here for everyone!

1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This one-pot meal combines seasoned chicken with rice and veggies for a filling dinner. It is super easy to prepare and involves minimal cleanup!

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

• • 1 cup rice

• • 2 cups chicken broth

• • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

• • 1 onion, diced

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 tsp paprika

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.

1. 1. Add the chicken and cook until browned.

1. 1. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, paprika, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

2. Beef Tacos

This classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser! Set up a taco bar and let everyone build their own tacos with their favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef

• • 1 taco seasoning packet

• • 8 taco shells

• • 1 cup shredded lettuce

• • 1 cup diced tomatoes

• • 1 cup shredded cheese

• • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. 1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

1. 1. Add taco seasoning and water as per package instructions, stirring well.

1. 1. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.

1. 1. Serve with toppings and let each family member build their own taco.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry

A colorful and healthy option, this vegetable stir-fry is packed with flavor and can be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand!

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)

• • 2 tbsp soy sauce

• • 1 tbsp olive oil

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 tsp ginger, minced (optional)

• • Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing briefly.

1. 1. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

1. 1. Stir in soy sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

1. 1. Serve over rice or noodles.

4. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This Italian pasta dish made with garlic and olive oil is not only quick but also elegant and delicious.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb spaghetti

• • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• • 1/2 cup olive oil

• • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

• • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden.

1. 1. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the oil and garlic.

1. 1. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.

5. Baked Lemon Salmon

Salmon is not only healthy but also very easy to prepare. This dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• • 4 salmon fillets

• • 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. 1. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Top each fillet with lemon slices.

1. 1. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.

1. 1. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

6. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are versatile and can be filled with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making them a fun and easy dinner choice!

Ingredients:

• • 4 flour tortillas

• • 2 cups shredded cheese

• • 1 cup cooked chicken or beans

• • 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil.

1. 1. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, chicken or beans, and bell peppers, and top with another tortilla.

1. 1. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cheese has melted.

1. 1. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.

7. Minestrone Soup

This hearty soup is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a nutritious and filling option for any dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• • 1 zucchini, diced

• • 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces

• • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

• • 1 cup pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow)

• • 4 cups vegetable broth

• • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, combine the tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.

1. 1. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

1. 1. Stir in kidney beans and heat through. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

8. Chicken Caesar Wraps

These wraps are perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, combining chicken, romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

• • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

• • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing

• • 4 large tortillas

• • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved

Instructions:

1. 1. In a bowl, mix together the chicken, lettuce, and Caesar dressing until well combined.

1. 1. Spoon the mixture onto tortillas and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

1. 1. Wrap tightly and slice in half before serving.

9. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This childhood classic is comfort food at its best. You can make it quick using canned soup or your favorite homemade recipe.

Ingredients:

• • 8 slices of bread

• • 8 slices of cheese

• • Butter for spreading

• • 1 can (15 oz) tomato soup

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of a slice of bread and place it butter-side down in the skillet.

1. 1. Layer with cheese and top with another slice of bread, butter-side up. Cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.

1. 1. While grilling, heat the tomato soup in a separate pot until warm.

1. 1. Serve the grilled cheese with hot tomato soup for dipping.

10. Shrimp Fried Rice

This easy fried rice recipe is packed with shrimp and vegetables, making it a delicious, one-pan meal.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

• • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)

• • 2 eggs, beaten

• • 3 tbsp soy sauce

• • 2 green onions, chopped

• • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink.

1. 1. Push shrimp to the side and pour the beaten eggs into the skillet, scrambling them until cooked.

1. 1. Add cooked rice and stir in mixed vegetables. Pour soy sauce over the top and mix until well combined.

1. 1. Cook until heated through and garnish with green onions before serving.

FAQs

What are some tips for making quick dinners?

To prepare quick dinners, plan your meals ahead of time, keep a well-stocked pantry, utilize ingredients that can be cooked quickly, and consider one-pot or sheet-pan meals to reduce cleanup time.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

Absolutely! Most of these recipes are flexible, and you can substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Are these meals healthy?

Many of the meals listed include vegetables and lean proteins, making them a healthy choice. You can also make swaps for healthier ingredients to suit your family’s dietary needs.

How can I involve my kids in cooking?

Get your kids involved by assigning them specific tasks like rinsing vegetables, mixing ingredients, or setting the table. This can make cooking a fun family activity.

What if I don’t have time to cook?

If you’re pressed for time, consider prepping ingredients in advance, making use of leftovers, or even trying out slow cooker recipes for hands-off meal preparation.