Easy Dinners for the Family

Easy dinner recipes are a great way to save money and make dinner for your family without having to worry about complicated recipes or finding hard-to-find ingredients. You can find chicken, fish, beef, and even vegan recipes, so you can be sure that everyone will be satisfied. Even if you don’t have time to create a full menu of easy dinners, it is still worth the effort to create a few menu ideas and plan your meals.

Canned tomato soup

Canned tomato soup can be a delicious and easy way to make a quick meal. Canned whole tomatoes are also great. You can add a little extra flavor to your soup by roasting your tomatoes. This step is fast and simple, but it really enhances the taste of the soup. Another great way to enhance the flavor is by adding spices like basil or garlic. You can also add a little bit of sugar to temper the acidity of the tomatoes.

Canned tomato soup is a great option for a weeknight meal. You can make a batch of this soup in advance and freeze it for later. You can also make extra soup and give it to a friend who is recovering from an illness or a new mom who is overwhelmed. Canned soup can keep for up to six months in the freezer.

Pasta meals

Pasta is a great quick and easy dinner option. You can make a variety of pasta dishes to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Plus, pasta can be prepared in a variety of different ways, including as a meatless or vegetarian dish. This versatile meal can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Pasta dishes are perfect for weeknight meals. You can prepare a flavorful chicken and bacon-rubbed pasta for a satisfying weeknight meal. Or, try a simple recipe like Creamy Chicken Alfredo for an economical, family-friendly meal. It can easily be made in a single pot and serves four or more people.

Chicken and rice

Chicken and rice is a classic weeknight meal, with only five ingredients. Using different soups, this dish can be made into a variety of flavors. Rice absorbs the juices of the chicken and is an easy, budget-friendly dinner. The dish is also a classic favorite of Southerners. Chicken and rice can be flavored with herbs and spices like thyme. The main dish can be made in 30 minutes or less.

Patty melts

Patty melts are a great option for last-minute weeknight dinners. You can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. The patties can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave as needed. Patty melts are best served with melted cheese and warm bread.

For example, Ree Drummond’s recipe for patty melts is incredibly easy to follow and produces a delicious melt. She begins by browning onions and ground beef and then adds a slice of cheese and a tangy secret sauce. The secret sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, and other ingredients to make the perfect condiment for a patty melt.

Chicken and cheese taquitos

These easy dinners for the family can be made ahead and baked at a later date. They freeze well too! Make sure to freeze them flat on a baking sheet or in an airtight zip-top bag, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake them, lightly brush the taquitos with olive oil or non-stick spray and sprinkle them with kosher salt.

To make these tacos, you’ll need chicken, shredded cheese, and a large skillet. To make the taquitos, start by shredding your chicken. Mix the chicken with a few spices, such as garlic powder and cumin. Next, add the cheese and optional ingredients, such as chili powder.

Chicken Bolognese

Chicken bolognese is a hearty, Italian-style dish made from chicken thighs and tomato sauce. This classic dish is often served over whole-wheat spaghetti noodles. It is easy to make and packed with veggies. You can also add ground beef, pancetta, or bacon. The sauce is finished with a dash of cream.

To prepare the sauce, you’ll need a 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup of tomato paste. Low-sodium chicken broth is another essential ingredient. You’ll also want to add a bay leaf and basil to bring out the authentic Italian flavor. You’ll also need a pot and a pan, as well as your basic kitchen utensils.

Shrimp quesadillas

Shrimp quesadillas are a quick and easy dinner that is both tasty and festive. This delicious recipe combines spicy shrimp with melted cheese and a crispy tortilla. The filling can be prepared the night before. The next day, simply assemble the quesadillas.

To prepare shrimp quesadillas, begin by cooking the shrimp. Use a cast iron skillet. It takes approximately five minutes for medium-sized shrimp to cook through. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and allow to cool. When cool enough, chop them into bite-size pieces.