Life can get hectic, especially when you have a busy family. Finding time to cook a tasty, healthy meal can be tough. With work, school, sports, and other activities, it’s hard to fit it all in.
That's where easy dinner ideas for families come in! If you want meals that are quick, simple, or budget-friendly, these easy weeknight dinners will help you enjoy your evenings more.
Cooking for a family of 6 or more doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In this blog, we’ll explore easy dinner recipes for family of 6 that are perfect for busy weeknights. With these ideas, you can feed everyone quickly. You'll save money and time in the kitchen.
Why Easy Dinner Ideas for Family Are Essential?
Finding easy dinner ideas for family is important for several reasons. First, it saves time. In today’s fast-paced world, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always an option. Second, it reduces stress. After a long day, the last thing you want is to stress about what to make for dinner.
Lastly, quick and easy meals help maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. By preparing home-cooked meals, you can control the ingredients, portions, and nutrition.
Read Also: 5 Simple and Healthy Sheet Pan Fish Recipes
For families of four or more, easy weeknight dinners are key. They should also please everyone. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of easy dinner recipes for family of 6 that will keep both adults and kids happy. These meals are simple, fast, and family-friendly.
1. One-Pan Baked Chicken and Vegetables
This easy weeknight dinner for family is perfect for busy parents. It requires minimal prep and cleanup, and you can make a large batch in just one pan.
Ingredients:
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6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 pound baby potatoes, halved
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1 cup baby carrots
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Arrange the chicken breasts on a baking sheet, and surround them with the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
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Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Toss everything to coat and spread out in a single layer.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
This recipe is one of the easiest dinner recipes for family of 6, and it's packed with flavor. You can even swap out the vegetables based on what your family prefers. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze!
2. Beef and Bean Chili
Chili is a comforting and hearty meal, and it’s perfect for easy dinner ideas for family. This version is packed with protein and fiber and can be made in a large batch to feed your whole family.
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef or turkey
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 packet chili seasoning mix
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1 cup beef broth (or water)
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1 tsp cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions:
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In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
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Add the onion and garlic, and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the chili seasoning, cumin, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
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Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Chili is perfect for easy weeknight dinners for family. It can be made in advance and stored for leftovers, which makes it even more convenient for busy nights. You can easily adjust the spice level depending on your family’s preference.
3. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Fajitas are a fun, customizable, and quick dinner option for the whole family. This sheet pan version allows you to cook everything in one place, making cleanup super easy.
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast or beef strips
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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1 onion, sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp fajita seasoning
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6 small flour tortillas
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Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss the chicken or beef with olive oil and fajita seasoning until fully coated.
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Spread the meat, bell pepper, and onion on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
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Warm the tortillas in the oven or microwave, then serve the fajitas with the cooked meat and veggies.
This is an easy dinner recipe for family of 6 because it’s simple to make, and everyone can assemble their own fajitas with their favorite toppings. It’s a fun dinner that’s always a hit.
4. Pasta Primavera
For a quick and healthy dinner, Pasta Primavera is a great option. This dish is light, full of vegetables, and perfect for a weeknight family meal. It’s a good choice if you want to sneak in some extra servings of veggies.
Ingredients:
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1 lb pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Grated parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini, and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss everything together.
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Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Top with grated parmesan cheese and serve.
This easy weeknight dinner for family is nutritious and quick, and you can easily add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. It’s an excellent way to get the kids to eat their vegetables!
5. Breakfast for Dinner
Sometimes, breakfast foods make the perfect easy dinner ideas for family. Pancakes, eggs, and bacon can be served up in no time, and the whole family will love it. Plus, it’s an opportunity to change up the routine and make dinner feel special.
Ingredients:
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1 box pancake mix (or homemade pancake batter)
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6 eggs
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1 lb bacon or sausage
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Maple syrup
Instructions:
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Cook the bacon or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned. Set aside.
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Prepare the pancakes according to the package directions.
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Scramble or fry the eggs to your liking.
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Serve the pancakes with bacon, eggs, and maple syrup.
Breakfast for dinner is a fun and quick way to feed your family. It’s also an inexpensive meal that’s perfect for easy dinner recipes for family of 6. Kids will especially enjoy this unique twist on a traditional dinner.
6. Stir-Fry with Rice
A stir-fry is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and protein. It’s fast, healthy, and customizable, making it one of the best easy weeknight dinners for family.
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken, beef, or tofu (cubed)
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3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tsp garlic, minced
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2 cups cooked rice
Instructions:
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Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken, beef, or tofu, and cook until browned and cooked through.
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Add the vegetables and garlic, and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender.
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Stir in soy sauce and cooked rice. Toss to combine, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Serve hot.
Stir-fry is one of those easy dinner ideas for family that you can throw together in no time. It’s also a great option for using up leftovers and is a fantastic way to introduce new veggies to picky eaters.
Conclusion
Finding easy dinner ideas for family doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these easy weeknight dinners for family, you’ll be able to make meals that everyone will love in no time.
These recipes save you time and keep flavor high. Enjoy one-pan meals or make your tacos the way you like them. Whether you're cooking for a family of 6 or a few, these meals will please hungry bellies and make dinner time stress-free.
Remember, you don’t have to make dinner complicated. With a little planning, a few simple ingredients, and these easy dinner recipes for family of 6, you can create meals that are both delicious and quick. Enjoy!
