75 Best Family Meal Ideas for a Foolproof Weeknight Feast
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Getting the whole family to sit down for a meal isn’t always easy—Ree Drummond knows that all too well! But having a few staple family suppers on hand can certainly take the stress out of cooking, no matter how busy life gets. Whether you're after classic chicken dishes, kid-friendly recipes, or budget-friendly dinners, this list of the best family meal ideas has just the thing. In true Pioneer Woman fashion, these recipes are all simple, comforting, and full of flavor. Your whole family will love them—take our word for it.
Ahead, you'll find tons of quick 30-minute meals and sheet pan suppers that make cleanup easy. Looking for something big enough to feed your hungry crowd of kids? Look no further than The Pioneer Woman's best casserole dishes —like her green chile enchilada casserole or the cheesy lasagna. You'll also find some new twists on childhood classics, like a sloppy Joe casserole that's both fun and messy to eat! Along with these comfort food recipes, we've made sure to include some ways to make weeknight dinner fun—like Tex-Mex recipes for taco Tuesdays, cheesy baked pasta recipes, homemade pizzas, and a Sunday dinner that's fit for a crowd. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking!
Cracker-Crusted Cod with Green Beans
This light, crunchy cod has a simple crushed cracker coating that makes all the difference. It's what gives the fish a buttery, crispy crust.
Get Ree's Cracker-Crusted Cod with Green Beans recipe.
White Lasagna
This cheesy twist on lasagna is just as indulgent as the classic dish. It's layered with plenty of creamy béchamel sauce, ricotta, parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and even veggies for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Get Ree's White Lasagna recipe.
Oven Baked Pork Chops
Looking for an alternative to chicken or steak? Try these pork chops made in the oven! They're tangy, juicy, and perfect for serving with a simple warm slaw.
Get Ree's Oven Baked Pork Chops recipe.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Hungry cowboys or teenagers will love diving into a sheet pan full of nachos for dinner! These are loaded with all the fixings: taco meat, quick pickled shallots, sour cream, beans, and cheese.
Get Ree's Sheet Pan Nachos recipe.
Beef Noodle Casserole
All you need is one pot to create this hearty, comforting casserole. With tender chuck roast, noodles, and gooey cheese, everything comes together in a single dish.
Get Ree's Beef Noodle Casserole recipe.
White Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas are drenched in a zesty homemade cream sauce and topped with a layer of melted Monterey Jack cheese. Serve them with picante sauce, guacamole, or alongside rice and beans for a complete meal.
Get Ree’s White Chicken Enchiladas recipe.
Manicotti
Manicotti is a tube-shaped pasta that’s filled with cheese. Think of it like a mix between stuffed shells and lasagna—with a hearty meat sauce and a layer of melty mozzarella on top.
Get the Manicotti recipe.
Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
The secret to this creamy chicken dish is the vibrant flavor of fresh lemon and an abundance of aromatic herbs. There’s a delicious mix of parsley, chives, dill, and basil.
Get Ree’s Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken recipe.
Broccoli Chicken Casserole
If you’re a fan of broccoli and cheese, you’re going to love this comforting casserole. It’s got the classic flavor combination, plus the richness of shredded chicken and a buttery cracker topping for extra crunch.
Get Ree’s Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Simmer a big batch of this juicy BBQ chicken to enjoy all week long. It's perfect for meal prep—use it in wraps, sandwiches, or even BBQ chicken nachos.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Eggplant Rollatini
This classic Italian dish is one of Ree’s all-time favorites. Between the creamy ricotta cheese and tender eggplant, it practically melts in your mouth. Serve it alongside spaghetti, a crisp green salad, or some crusty bread for a balanced meal.
Get the Eggplant Rollatini recipe.
Cheeseburger Pie
Shake things up on burger night with this cheeseburger-inspired "pie" made with ground beef, onions, and plenty of cheese. Serve it with pickles, ketchup, and burger sauce on the side for the full experience.
Get the Cheeseburger Pie recipe.
Beef and Noodles
Cozy beef stew pairs perfectly with noodles in this comfort food concoction. It's rich, hearty, and packed with those beloved egg noodles you can’t get enough of.
Get the Beef and Noodles recipe.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Grab a jar of sun-dried tomatoes from your pantry to whip up this quick and easy pesto sauce. It takes just minutes to make and will be perfect for pasta dishes all week long.
Get the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto recipe.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
This childhood classic is sure to bring back plenty of nostalgic dinner memories. It’s just as savory and simple to make, with a creamy sauce and a crunchy potato chip topping.
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
Coconut Shrimp Curry
Brighten up your table with this quick 20-minute shrimp curry. The creamy coconut milk, yellow curry powder, onions, honey, and tangy lime juice come together for a burst of flavor. It's ideal for serving over rice.
Get Ree’s Coconut Shrimp Curry recipe.
Pierogi and Meatball Skillet
This recipe combines comforting Swedish meatballs with potato-stuffed pierogi and a rich pan gravy. The best part? It all comes together in a single skillet!
Get the Pierogi and Meatball Skillet recipe.
Panko-Crusted Pork Chops
You can't have pork chops without that crispy crust! The honey-mustard glaze and panko breadcrumbs give these a beautiful golden crunch. Serve them alongside mashed carrots, and dinner is ready to eat.
Get Ree’s Panko-Crusted Pork Chops recipe.
Slow-Cooker Bolognese
This meat sauce is perfect for prepping on a Sunday and enjoying all week long. Ree even recommends freezing some for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort.
Get Ree's Slow-Cooker Bolognese recipe.
Marry Me Chicken
Looking for a chicken dinner that’s sure to impress? This quick and creamy dish is guaranteed to win everyone over. It’s no surprise it’s creating a stir online!
Get Ree’s Marry Me Chicken recipe.
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