21 Best Family Meal Ideas

1. Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that brings the family together. Tender ziti is baked in a tomato and cheese sauce until perfectly al dente. The melted mozzarella and Parmesan form a deliciously gooey topping that the kids will love. For parents, the hints of Italian seasoning add lots of flavor. Make this as a large casserole to feed a crowd, or individual ramekins for fun weeknight dinners. Just add a leafy green salad and garlic bread for a meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

2. Taco Night

For an easy meal that allows customizeable options for each family member, taco night can’t be beat. Set up a taco bar with ground beef, shredded chicken or beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc. and let everyone build their own perfect tacos. Provide both hard and soft taco shells so people can choose their favorite vessel for the fillings. Top with all the fixings and dig in to this fun, hands-on dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken
• Hard and soft taco shells
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Optional: beans, rice, guacamole, olives, jalapenos

Recipe

3. Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

   

A plate of spaghetti piled high with savory meatballs and sweet tomato sauce is the ultimate comfort food for many families. Use your favorite recipe for meatballs, whether made with beef, pork, turkey, or a blend. Cook them in a simple marinara or chunky tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, basil, and oregano. Ladle the sauce and meatballs over hot cooked spaghetti and finish with grated Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread for a classic Italian-inspired dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• Marinara sauce or DIY tomato sauce
• 12-16 baked meatballs
• Grated Parmesan
• Garlic bread

Recipe

4. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a delicious comfort food perfect for chilly nights. This hearty pie is filled with tender pieces of chicken along with carrots, peas, celery, and onions. A creamy, flavorful sauce binds everything together and is topped with a golden, flaky crust. Making it homemade and baking until bubbly and browned makes all the difference. Serve this satisfying family favorite with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 unbaked pie crusts

Recipe

5. Lasagna

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food for feeding a crowd. Layers of pasta, meat sauce, gooey cheese, and tomatoes are baked together until melted and delicious. Make the meat sauce with ground beef or Italian sausage. Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan layer in nicely for lots of cheesy goodness. Garlic bread and a salad round out the meal wonderfully. Lasagna also reheats very well, so you can enjoy the leftovers.

Ingredients:

• Meat sauce:
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 32 oz tomato sauce
  • Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning to taste
• 15 lasagna noodles
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley

Recipe

6. Chicken Fajitas

For a fun and interactive family meal, sizzling chicken fajitas can’t be beat. Marinate and grill strips of chicken breast along with sliced peppers and onions for a smoky, charred flavor. Provide warm tortillas, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa, and other toppings and let everyone assemble their own. The kids will love customizing their fajitas just the way they like it.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Sour cream

Recipe

7. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Tender, fall-apart pulled pork layered on buns and topped with your favorite bbq sauce makes an easy and delicious family meal. Start with a pork shoulder and let it cook low and slow in a slow cooker or oven until incredibly tender. Shred the meat with two forks once cooked. Pile it high on buns and serve with coleslaw on the side for the perfect summer picnic style dinner at home.

Ingredients:

• 3-5 lb pork shoulder
• BBQ sauce or seasoning rub
• Burger buns
• Prepared coleslaw

Recipe

8. Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a delicious and fresh pasta dish focused on in-season vegetables. A medley of veggies like broccoli, carrots, zucchini and tomatoes are sautéed in olive oil with garlic. Toss with pasta, lemon juice, Parmesan and fresh basil for a light springtime meal. A simple side salad completes it nicely.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, etc)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

9. Chicken Parmesan

Crispy breaded chicken smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese makes chicken Parmesan a family favorite. Pound chicken breasts thin and coat in breadcrumbs or panko. Bake until crispy, then top with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Serve atop spaghetti noodles for an easy Italian inspired weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 32 oz tomato sauce
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked
• Chopped basil for garnish

Recipe

10. Beef Stew

When the weather turns chilly, warm up with a hearty bowl of beef stew. This savory one-pot meal features tender beef slowly simmered with potatoes, carrots and celery. The key is to let it cook low and slow to allow the flavors to meld. Season with thyme, rosemary and bay leaves. Serve stew over buttery egg noodles or with crusty bread to soak up the rich, beefy broth.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, diced
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 russet potatoes, cubed
• 32 oz beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

11. Meatloaf

For the ultimate comfort food, serve up homestyle meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. Make your meatloaf with ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, and your favorite seasonings. Top it off with tangy ketchup or brown gravy. Let it bake while preparing fluffy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for the perfect family meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup, plus more for topping
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp each salt, pepper, thyme, oregano

Recipe

12. Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak is comfort food at its finest. Ground beef patties are simmered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy for a hearty, homestyle meal. Serve the tender, flavorful patties and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for the perfect weeknight dinner. Add a side of sautéed green beans for some veggie goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Recipe

13. Chicken Fried Rice

Take boring leftovers and turn them into an easy, delicious family meal with chicken fried rice. Cooked rice, chicken, peas, carrots and eggs get stir-fried with soy sauce and sesame oil for an easy one-wok dinner. Kids and adults alike will devour this fast weeknight recipe. Add sriracha for a little kick if you like.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sriracha (optional)

Recipe

14. Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is comfort food at its finest. Ground beef and vegetables like peas, carrots and corn are simmered together in a savory sauce, then topped with creamy, garlic-infused mashed potatoes. After baking until heated through and the potatoes are browned, slice into this hearty casserole for a fulfilling family meal on chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 lb potatoes, mashed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

15. Chili

Warm up from the inside out with a big bowl of hearty chili. Packed with protein, fiber and veggies, chili makes a healthy and satisfying family meal. Make it with ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, onions, chiles and tons of flavorful spices like chili powder, cumin and paprika. Garnish with cheese, onions, cilantro or cornbread. Chili also freezes well for grab and go lunches.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

16. Chicken Noodle Soup

Cure any chill with a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Simmer chicken, carrots, celery and onions in broth seasoned with poultry seasoning or thyme. Break in noodles or matzo balls and cook until tender. Ladle generous portions of this soul-warming soup and serve with crunchy oyster crackers. It’s just what the family needs when they’re under the weather.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme or poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles or matzo balls

Recipe

17. Baked Chicken

For an easy and versatile family dinner, baked chicken can’t be beat. Boneless chicken breasts, drumsticks, wings or thighs bake up juicy and flavorful with just a little seasoning and olive oil. Bake until cooked through and serve with rice or roasted potatoes and a vegetable side. Kids will devour the crispy skin and baked chicken provides great leftovers for school lunches.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks or wings)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp each garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper

Recipe

18. Shrimp Boil

For a fun, summery family meal, a shrimp boil is just the ticket. Head outside and boil shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes in a spicy, herb-filled broth. Dump it all out on a table covered in newspaper so everyone can dig in together. Provide plenty of napkins, lemon wedges and cold beer or soda to complete this fun and flavorful outdoor feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs peeled, deveined shrimp
• 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into chunks
• 6 small potatoes, halved
• 4 ears corn, cut in half
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 cups water or chicken broth

Recipe

19. Stuffed Shells

For an easy bake that will satisfy the whole family, stuffed shells are a perfect choice. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a ricotta, spinach and parmesan filling, then smothered in tomato sauce and mozzarella before baking to cheesy perfection. Serve these saucy shells with salad and garlic breadsticks for a taste of Italy without the hefty price tag.

Ingredients:

• 25 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 32 oz marinara sauce
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Recipe

20. Pot Roast

Tender, fall-apart pot roast with carrots and potatoes simmered in a savory gravy is comfort food at its finest. Choose a well-marbled chuck roast and brown it first to build deep, flavorful caramelization. Slow cook the roast along with onion, garlic, broth, and herbs until meltingly tender. Thicken the gravy and serve this family-friendly dinner over buttery noodles or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 russet potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp each dried thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper
• 3 tbsp flour (for gravy)

Recipe

21. Pizza Night

For an interactive dinner that lets everyone choose their perfect pizza toppings, have a DIY pizza night. Provide store-bought crusts, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella and a wide array of toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, etc. Let the creativity roll as you build pizzas together. Bake, slice and enjoy this fun family meal.

Ingredients:

• Pizza crusts
• Pizza or marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella
• Desired toppings like pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, olives, onions, peppers, etc.

Recipe