When it comes to easy dinner ideas that will satisfy a family, it's imperative to keep things simple and quick to prepare, which are two factors that this collection takes into account. Children -- much more so than adults -- are picky eaters, which means it's crucial to keep dishes interesting to appeal to discerning palates. As such, you'll find strange infusions and interestingly easy ways to serve dishes without having to buy special ingredients.
Many of the easy dinner ideas you'll find here are family-focused, in that they highlight a slightly heavier profile; rice, potato and other root veggies are used to make smaller portions fill up eaters more evenly than larger portions of lighter fare.
Whether it's something to whip up for the family on a weeknight or something to serve on Sunday evening, these easy dinner ideas have both parents and kids covered.
40 Easy Dinner Ideas for Families
40
Zucchini Noodle Recipes
This Light Pasta Recipe Features Fresh Veggies and Spicy Shrimp
39
Vibrant Fish Burger Packaging
This Brand of Fish Burgers Boasts a Vibrant Packaging Design
38
5 Minute Pies
Refinery29's Extremely Easy Berry Pie Recipe Only Takes Five Minutes to Assemble
37
Healthy Prepared Meals
Meal Preparation is Taken Care of with a Freshly Food Delivery
36
Mouthwatering Pie Boxes
Greeklicious' Pie Packaging Design Supersizes Images to Show Filling
35
Chalkboard Boxed Dinner Branding
These Lean Cuisine Dinner Boxes Feature White Chalk Text
34
Family-Friendly Recipe Subscriptions
This Service Provides Recipes for Large Families
33
Potato-Based Dinner Rolls
These No-Knead Dinner Rolls are Perfect for Thanksgiving
32
Vegetarian Tofu Tacos
This Meatless Taco Recipe Incorporates Black Sesame For a Fun Twist
31
Nacho Taco Kits
This Old El Paso Taco Kit Features a Cheesy Orange Dorito-Like Taco
30
Squash Lasagna Bakes
This Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is a Healthy Cross-Cultural Dish
29
Autumnal Pumpkin Chilis
The Apple Cider and Squash Soup Recipe Makes a Hearty Meal in Cold Weather
28
Sausage Stuffed Rigatoni Meals
Olive Garden's Stuffed Pasta Menu Item Features Homemade Meat Sauce
27
Stuffed Gourd Stews
This Thai Curry Recipe is a Perfect Way to Warm Up the Fall and Winter
26
Mini Pizza Muffins
The Pepperoni Pizza Pull Apart Muffins from How Sweet It Is are a Savory Snack
25
Three-in-One Meals
Get Extreme Mac and Cheese Balls with this Meatloaf Bacon Twist
24
Fruity Pull-Apart Breads
This Herb and Pomegranate Bread Recipe Makes an Unusual Appetizer
23
Seasonal Squash Pastas
This Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Contains Autumnal Butternut Squash
22
Healthy Microwavable Moussakas
Cedar Lane's Eggplant Mediterranean Moussaka is High in Protein
21
Protein-Enriched Pastas
The Banza Chickpea Noodles Contain Added Protein to Compare to Meat
20
Meaty Potato Salads
This Potato Salad Recipe Features Chinese Sausage Ingredients
19
Creamy Avocado Pastas
This Vegetarian Pasta Features a Cream Sauce Made from Avocados
18
DIY Autumn Squash Pizzas
This Homemade Delicata and Spicy Sausage Pizza is the Perfect Fall Recipe
17
Mexican Stuffed Squashes
This Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe Takes Inspiration From mexican Cuisine
16
Frozen Superfood Dinners
Frozen Dinners by Tommy's Superfoods Are Packed with Nutrients
15
DIY Exotic Food Baskets
These ‘Passport Dinners’ Let You Go On a Culinary Adventure
14
Noodle-Infused Tacos
This Ramen Taco Mixes up a Favorite Mexican Dish
13
Plant-Based Freezer Meals
These Frozen Dinners are Completely Free of Animals Products
12
Cheese-Infused Cupcakes
The Cheddar And Jalapeno Muffins Recipe Updates Brunch
11
Superfood Rice Dinners
Trader Joe's Organic Superfood Pilaf is an Easy Frozen Dinner Option
10
Convenient Penne Pastas
Fazoli's Penne Romano is Baked With Two Cheeses and Meat Sauce
9
Fajita-Stuffed Potatoes
The Chipotle-Drizzled Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Contain Mexican Veggies
8
Pre-Made Pasta Meals
Luvo's Frozen Pastas Feature No Artificial Ingredients
7
Festive Squash Lasagnas
This Hearty Noodle Dish is Filled with a Fall Butternut Squash Filling
6
Bacon-Fried Rice Recipes
This Breakfast Fried Rice is Topped with Two Eggs for a Hearty Meal
5
Mexican Quinoa Salads
This Vegetarian Recipe is Here Just In Time for Vegetarian Awareness Month
4
Macaroni-Stuffed Appetizers
These Mac and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms Include Spicy Shredded Chicken
3
Wheatless Zoodles Recipes
Carb-Replacing Vegetable Pasta Dishes are Healthy and Delicious
2
Frozen Truffle Pastas
Evol's Frozen Pasta Dinner Turns Mac & Cheese Gourmet
1
Autumnal Cheese Dips
This Extra Cheesy Brie Dip Contains Caramelized Fennel, Garlic and Leeks
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Zucchini Noodle Recipes
This Light Pasta Recipe Features Fresh Veggies and Spicy Shrimp
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This Clever Blend of Fall Ingredients Creates a Rich, Dairy-Free Cream Sauce
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Smokey Homemade Potato Chips
These Baked Vegetable Chips are Sprinkled with BBQ Seasoning
Savory Party Dips
Foodie Crush's Bacon Beer Cheese Dip Recipe Pairs Perfectly with Chips
Easy Microwavable Nachos
Iamafoodblog's Snack Recipe is Quick and Inexpensive for Family Enjoyment
Jambalaya Pasta Dishes
This Southern-Inspired Pasta is a Menu Item at Bertucci's
Superfood Potato Fritters
These Homemade Quinoa Sweet Potato Pancakes Feature Five Ingredients
Frozen Curry Dinners
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Pizza Pasta Hybrids
This Pizza Rigatoni is a Comfort Food Designed to Be the Best of Both Worlds
Spiced Sweet Potato Cakes
This Gluten-Free Cake is Made from Shredded Sweet Potatoes
Autumnal Burrito Bowls
This Mexican-Inspired Dish is Transformed by Pulled Pork and Pumpkin
Healthy Summer Salads
Iamafoodblog's Soba Salad Features Corn, Oranges and Cherry Tomatoes
Remixed Gourmet Pastas
Panera Bread's Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a Pracical Take on Fine Dining
Layered Cheese Pizzas
Iamafoodblog's Four Cheese Pizza Recipe Boasts Mozzarella and Brie
Squash Pizza Bakes
This Delicious Healthy Dish Fuses Pizza and Casserole Aesthetics
Boozy Banana Loaf Recipes
This Swirly Homemade Nutella Banana Bread is Infused With Delicious Rum
Burrito-Themed Zucchini Recipes
Making Thyme for Health's Zucchini Boat Features Mexican Flavors
Lobster Ravioli Dishes
Carrabba's Serves Up a Seafood Pasta Inspired by a Homemade Recipe
Mobile Fast Food Ads
These Wendy's Ads on Facebook Will Show How The Brand's Burgers are Made
Sweet Potato Smoothies
This Healthily Morning Drink is Made from Roasted Potatoes and Banana
Indulgent Pasta Flights
Italian Fast Casual Chain Fazoli's Offers a Selection of Samplers
Kale Quiche Recipes
Very Culinary's Healthy Breakfast Recipe is a Fresh Twist on a Morning Classic
Gourmet Pie Tastings
This Event Allows Guests to Sample Decadent Desserts and Homemade Ice Cream
Seasonal Squash Pizzas
This Pizza is Made from Healthy and Flavorful Fall Ingredients
Vegan Mac and Cheese
This Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe is Also Gluten and Nut-Free
Apple Pie Lasagnas
This Recipe Presents a Classic American Dessert as an Iconic Italian Dish
Meaty Mexican Pastas
McAlister Deli's Bacon Jalapeno Pasta Blends Meaty and Zesty Flavors
Familial Pasta Menus
Fazoli's Family Pasta Duo is a Sampler for Those Who Love to Share
Vegetarian Avocado Tacos
This Meatless Mexican Meal is Topped With Spicy Homemade Green Salsa
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Lasagna Burger Mashups
This Pasta Dish-Inspired Burger Recipe Transforms a Double Cheeseburger
Vegetarian Tofu Tacos
This Meatless Taco Recipe Incorporates Black Sesame For a Fun Twist
Pasta-Pairing Charts
This Infographic Matches Various Noodle Styles to Different Sauces
Crispy Superfood Waffles
Iamafoodblog's Coconut Waffle Recipe is Infused with Fresh Mango
Autumnal Cheesy Macaroni
This Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese Makes a Fall-Flavored Meal
No-Bake Pie Recipes
The Single Serve Chocolate Cream Berry Pie is Enough For Just One Person
Meatless Taco Salads
This Recipe from Oh My Veggies Adheres to Vegan Diet Restrictions
Middle Eastern Chilis
This Spiced Chick Pea and Turkey Chili Includes Labneh Cheese and Chermoula
Rolled Lasagna Dishes
These Deep Fried Lasagna Rolls Show a Variation of a Classic Dinner
Meatless Cauliflower Tacos
These Vegetarian Tacos are Made With Chipotle Cauliflower and Veggies
Autumnal Appetizer Recipes
This Herbed Cashew and Pumpkin Dip Makes a Savory Seasonal Snack
Vegan Quinoa Chilis
This Homemade Vegetarian Stew is Filled with Protein
Caramel Sweet Potato Cakes
This Decadent Torte Features a Unique Veggie Base
Autumnal Apple Soups
This Cream of Pumpkin and Apple Soup Recipe Will Be a Favorite for Fall
Pumpkin Beer Biscuits
This Spicy Chicken Chili Recipe Goes With Autumnally Appropriate Bread Rolls
Ramen-Topped Caramel Brownies
This Unconventional Brownies Recipe is Drizzled with Whiskey Caramel
Miniature BLT Biscuits
This Gourmet Take on the Popular Breakfast Sandwich Turns it into an App
Stuffed Pumpkin Stews
This Autumnally Appropriate Recipe Makes a Hearty Meal in Cool Times
Guacamole Quinoa Recipes
This Mango Dish is Perfect for Celebrating National Guacamole Day
Autumnal Salad Recipes
This Sweet Potato Salad Incorporates a Key Fall-Appropriate Starch Element
Grilled Cheese Subscriptions
Cheese Posties Sends Grilled Cheese Ingredients Directly to Your Door
Festive Pumpkin Risottos
This Rich Gourd Rice Dish is Infused with Autumnal Flavors
Peanut Butter Toffee Dips
This Tasty Dessert-Like Apple Dip Recipe Makes a Shareable Appetizer
Grain-Free Vegetarian Enchiladas
The Tasty Yummies Recipe is Also Vegan and Paleo Diet-Friendly
Smoky Corn Hummus Recipes
This Chipotle and Sweet Corn Homemade Hummus Goes With Tostadas
Layered Lasagna Dips
This Recipe Pays Tribute to National Lasagna Day with a Creative Dip Dish
Seasonal Curry Recipes
This Thai Pumpkin Curry is Suitable For Folks With Dietary Limitations
Nutritious Avocado Pastas
Iamafoodblog's Signature Italian Dish Boasts Superfood Ingredients
Vegan Pumpkin Hummus
This Festive Dip is Made from Chickpeas and Pumpkin Puree
Apple Cider Stews
This Homemade Soup Dish Incorporates Apple Flavors for Fall
Mediterranean Pesto Dishes
Panera Bread's Pesto Sacchettini Menu Item is Nut-Free
Vegan Pumpkin Tots
This Vegan Pumpkin Recipe Provides a Seasonal Alternative to Tater Tots
Superfood-Infused Pasta
These Gluten-Free Spaghetti Noodles are Made from Quinoa Flour
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Eggplant Hummus Recipes
This Alternative Appetizer Introduces New Vegetables to a Classic Dip
Macaroni-Stuffed Squashes
This Gourmet Mac n' Cheese Recipe is Served Inside a Gourd
Pineapple Prosciutto Salsas
This Pineapple and Grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe Can Be Put on Pizza
Shareable Restaurant Meals
P.F. Chang's Small Plate Menu Items are Meant to be Split with Others
Meatless Oriental Salads
Iamafoodblog's Shishito and Burrata Bread Salad Blends Two Cultures
Birthday Brioche Breads
This Funfetti Fairy Brioche Recipe is a Festive Alternative to Cake
Naturalized Canned Fish Designs
These Packaging Designs Align the Canned Products with Freshness
Recipe-Based Spice Subscriptions
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Mediterranean Vegetarian Meatballs
This Lentil Bulgur Meatballs Recipe Makes a Tasty Turkish Dish
Grilled Cherry Salsa
This Fruity Salsa Will Make You Forget About the Traditional Mexican Dip
Sweet Pumpkin Pizzas
This Homemade Pizza Features Chickpeas, Red Onions and a Pumpkin Sauce
Gluten-Free Slider Recipes
These Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Sliders are Easy and Grain-Free
Spicy Vegetarian Tacos
These Meat-Free Tacos Feature Seasonal Vegetables Roasted in Cumin
Superfood Pumpkin Porridges
This Healthy Quinoa Oatmeal Recipe is Infused with Earl Grey Tea
Zucchini-Glazed Spaghetti
This Recipe for Glazed Spaghetti Features an Unusual Hue
Chocolate Raspberry Mug Pies
This Single Serve Nutella Raspberry Pie in a Mug is a Dessert For One
Meatless Mushroom Tacos
These Smoky Portobello Mushroom Tacos Satisfy All Mexican Food Cravings
Banana-Based Tortillas
This Plant-Based Plantain Tortilla Recipe is a Grain-Free Alternative
Banana Bacon Sandwiches
This Revamped PB & J Sandwich is a Triple Decker Sure to Transform Lunch
Fennel Apple Guacamoles
This Homemade Guacamole is a Fruitier and Sweeter Take on the Classic Dip
Convenient Penne Pastas
Fazoli's Penne Romano is Baked With Two Cheeses and Meat Sauce
Mexican Avocado Toast
This Delicious Grilled Corn Recipe Makes a Light Meal Any Time of the Day
Healthy Cheddar Burgers
Iamafood Blog's Broccoli Cheddar Burger is Garnished With Steamed Veggies
Sweet Potato Pancakes
These Gluten-Free Breakfast Cakes are Topped with a Vanilla Coconut Drizzle
Fall Squash Salads
This Festive Hearty Salad if Filled with Quinoa, Veggies and Dried Fruit
Fried Squash Rings
This Substitute to Onion Rings Uses Slice Gourd and Shredded Coconut
Legume-Based Pastas
Tolerant Foods' Healthy Pasta is Made with Beans and Lentils
Fajita-Stuffed Potatoes
The Chipotle-Drizzled Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Contain Mexican Veggies
Autumnally Loaded Loaves
This Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Recipe is Loaded With Seasonal Mix-Ins
Citrus Potato Dishes
This Unusual Sweet Potatoes Recipe Combines Orange, Walnuts and Brown Butter
Stuffed Squash Bowls
This Healthy Vegetarian Meal is Served Inside a Spaghetti Squash
Vegan Yam Nachos
These Sweet Potato Fry Nachos Reinvent a Beloved Mexican Dish
Cheese Ravioli Pastas
Olive Garden's Traditional Pasta Recipe is Convenient and Affordable
Sweet Potato Nachos
This Nachos Recipe is a Healthier Option Featuring Avocado
Sweet Seasonal Chilis
This Sweet Potato and Apple Recipe Transforms a Turkey-Based Chili Dish
Crispy Zucchini Tacos
This Vegetarian Dish Comes With Fresh Toppings Like a Cherry Pepper Sauce
Cheesy Pumpkin Breads
This Pumpkin Loaf Features a Hidden Cream Cheese Filling
Festive Squash Lasagnas
This Hearty Noodle Dish is Filled with a Fall Butternut Squash Filling
Rustic Berry Pies
Pastry Affair's Berry Balsamic Pie is Inspired by Traditional Dessert Recipes
Meat-Free Pumpkin Chilis
This Hearty Vegetarian Chili is Made from Seasonal Ingredients
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Quail Egg Poutines
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Palatable Pie-Stuffed Cakes
This Pake Recipe Consists of a Blueberry Pie Inside of a Lemon Cake
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Breads
This Homemade Dessert Bread Opts for a Flourless Recipe
Green Scallop Tacos
These Unsual Tacos Provide a Vibrant Flavor and Hue
Savory Rice Pancakes
This Wild Rice Pancakes Recipe is Perfect for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Buns
The Healthy Cinnamon Rolls are Vegan and Free of Added or Refined Sugar
Sweet Pot Pies
This Pot Pie Recipe is Filled With Strawberries and Cranberries Instead of Chicken
Hearty Lasagna Soups
This Homemade Soup Uses Ingredients from the Classic Layered Noodle Dish
Cheesy Lemon Layer Cakes
This Ricotta Cake Recipe Contains Whole Milk Cheese and Citrus Zest
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
This Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Macaroni Recipe Features Fall Flavors
Roasted Quinoa Tacos
These Vegetarian Pita Wraps are Filled with Sauteed Legumes and Spices