Make dinner a breeze tonight with these super easy recipes. Each meal serves at least 4 and is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
45 Easy Family Dinners to Have on Rotation
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/45
Penne and Smoked Sausage
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 553 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1425mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
2/45
Sunday Chicken Supper
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this slow-cooked sensation with chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It's a hearty, homespun dish that satisfies the biggest appetites. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 385 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
3/45
Lentil & Chicken Sausage Stew
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings. (21/4 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty and healthy stew will warm your family right down to their toes! Serve with cornbread or rolls to soak up every last morsel. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 231 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 13g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
4/45
Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This corned beef and cabbage slow-cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 414 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1191mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
5/45
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
6/45
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 317 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
7/45
Sweet & Sour Pork Wraps
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings (16 wraps)
From the Recipe Creator:
We always make these wraps at our family's annual party, and they're a true favorite. The cabbage and cilantro give them tempting texture and flavor. —Andrew DeVito, Hartford, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 523 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
8/45
Spanish Rice with Sausage
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I both work the midnight shift, so I'm always on the lookout for slow cooker recipes. This one couldn't be easier. We often enjoy it as a main course because it's so hearty, but it's also good as a side dish. —Michelle McKay, Garden City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 401 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1495mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
9/45
Lemon Chicken and Rice
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 3/4 cup rice mixture: 624 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 53g protein.
10/45
Frito Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
11/45
Pork Chops & Acorn Squash
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are crazy for the squash we grow in our garden. For a sweet and tangy dish, we slow-cook it with pork chops and orange juice. —Mary Johnson, Coloma, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2/3 cup squash: 317 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
12/45
Strawberry-Quinoa Spinach Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We make quinoa with spinach and strawberries year-round, but it's most fun when we go to the farmers market to get the season’s first berries. —Sarah Johnson, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 355 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein.
13/45
Lentil Tacos
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/45
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & Peas
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup vegetable mixture: 292 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 41g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
15/45
Zesty Orange Beef
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I put this recipe together in the morning before I leave for work. In the evening, the amazing aroma greets me when I open the door. All I have to do is quickly cook some rice, and dinner is served. —Deborah Puette, Lilburn, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 310 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/45
Quick Calzones
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Leftover meat sauce makes a hearty calzone that tastes like it’s made from scratch. Top the calzones with a sprinkling of Parmesan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 calzone: 430 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 1037mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
17/45
White Turkey Chili
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 250 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
18/45
Italian Steak Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 440 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 1261mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
19/45
Guacamole Tossed Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The fresh blend of avocados, tomatoes, red onion and greens in my salad gets additional pizazz from crumbled bacon and a slightly spicy vinaigrette. —Lori Fischer, Chino Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 531 calories, 51g fat (7g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 868mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein.
20/45
Country Ribs Dinner
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ribs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions and red potatoes are pure comfort food for us. To add a little zip, we sometimes sprinkle in cayenne. —Rose Ingall, Manistee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked meat with 1 cup vegetables and 1/4 cup gravy: 528 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 43g protein.
21/45
Meatball Stroganoff
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
22/45
Chipotle Pulled Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, low-and-slow recipes have to have kid and husband appeal, plus good marks for nutrition. This chipotle chicken wins in both categories. Use leftovers for zippy barbecue pizzas or burritos. —Tamra Parker, Manlius, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1031mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
23/45
Chicken Broccoli Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 shells: 355 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
24/45
Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 526 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
25/45
Super Fast Mexican Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 254 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 998mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
26/45
Peachy Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I've fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 1019 calories, 43g fat (15g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 2466mg sodium, 110g carbohydrate (87g sugars, 3g fiber), 46g protein.
27/45
Chicken Enchiladas for Four
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These chicken enchiladas put a little zip into any menu. The rolled tortillas are filled with a hearty mixture of cheese, chicken and green chiles, and then topped with a creamy sauce and more cheese. I sometimes use leftover turkey instead of chicken. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 767 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1654mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
28/45
Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tangy sandwich filling is easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over so well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked what my secret ingredient is! —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 264 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 lean meat.
29/45
30/45
Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Pork
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. —Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without rice): 531 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
31/45
Citrus Scallops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I like to eat seafood at least once a week. Oranges and lemon juice give scallops a refreshing burst of flavor. —Cheri Hawthorne, North Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without rice or pasta): 240 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit.
32/45
Pork Chop Potato Dinner
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender chops cook on a bed of creamy potatoes in this all-in-one meal. It's a snap to assemble, thanks to frozen hash browns, canned soup, shredded cheese and french-fried onions. —Dawn Huizinga, Owatonna, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 621 calories, 32g fat (15g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 43g protein.
33/45
Slow-Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 317 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
34/45
Chili Mac Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 313 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
35/45
Cheeseburger Broccoli Chowder
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings (1 qt)
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this soup accidentally! Actually, it came about when I was new to cooking, and didn't know that "chowder" was a kind of soup—so I made mashed potatoes to go with the dish I was making. We ended up dunking our mashed potatoes into the soup as "gravy"—and it was delicious!—Karen Davies, Wanipigow, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 243 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
36/45
Meatball Tortellini
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 408 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1592mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein.
37/45
Sweet ‘n’ Sour Curry Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A little mango chutney goes a long way in adding a zesty twist to chicken. I also add some curry powder to give the dish flair. —Carol Conrad, Edmonton, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
38/45
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
39/45
Tomato-Basil Steak
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We grow the basil and bell peppers I use in this dish. It's easy to prepare, yet so rich and delicious. —Sheryl Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without rice): 324 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1116mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
40/45
Southwestern Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole for years. It tastes wonderful and fits nicely into our budget. Best of all, the recipe makes a second casserole to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 321 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
41/45
Taco Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 416 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
42/45
Pasta with Sausage and Peas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 563 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.
43/45
Slow-Cooker Beef Burgundy
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender cubes of beef are braised in a wine sauce with savory vegetables. I made this slow-cooker beef burgundy often when I worked full time. It’s good over noodles or mashed potatoes. —Sherri Mott, New Carlisle, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 460 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
44/45
French Fry Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just a few ingredients and little prep time. It's a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 352 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
45/45
Rump Roast Recipe
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy a good pot roast, but was tired of the same old thing. So, I began experimenting. Cooking the beef in horseradish sauce gives it a tangy flavor. Even my young children love this slow-cooker pot roast with its tender veggies and gravy. —Mimi Walker, Palmyra, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 368 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1.500 starch, 1 fat.
