8 Tasty Ideas and Recipes for Family Dinners

As much as we love a good family meal, sometimes we get stuck in a food rut. But it doesn't have to be this way! If you're looking to switch things up, these great family dinners offer up some rewarding new ideas everyone will love.

Whether it’s macaroni and cheese or Grandma’s chicken soup, every family has it's go-to recipes. But it can be easy to get stuck in a rut when you're making the same family dinners for the 10th time in a row! But fear not! We've got you covered with these amazing recipes. Whether you’re looking for healthy options or unique meal ideas, you might just find a new family favorite.

Kids may love to eat hamburgers, pasta and pizza. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t healthy family dinners they’ll also enjoy! (And, yes, you can make those three healthy, too!) But here are a few other choices to spice things up in the kitchen.

• Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple – The whole family will love this lighthearted twist on the classic taco. Instead of beef, get out the frozen or fresh shrimp! With some avocado, red onion and grilled pineapple, you’ll have a super supper.
• Glazed Chicken & Broccoli – This balanced dinner is great for getting in all the essential food groups. All you have to do is take teriyaki-tossed chicken drumsticks alongside broccoli and throw them on the sheet pan. For extra oomph, add fingerling or sweet potatoes.
• Salmon Cakes & Salad – Whether you buy these from the store or throw them together yourself, salmon cakes are a tasty option. They can also be one of the best family dinners to make together! For a well-balanced meal, add green salad or soup.

There’s nothing like hearty soup or stew on a weekend to make you feel warm and cozy. So try out these tasty family dinners to get in all the vegetables and protein your family will need.

• Potato Kielbasa Skillet – If you’re searching for family dinners for picky eaters, this spicy recipe steals the show! Simply sauté onion and cajun sausage, add potatoes and then a brown sugar sauce. Since it’s easy and tasty, it’s also great to share with other parents on FamilyApp! You can also use a more mild sausage if your little guys aren't big fans of spicy food.
• Beef Chili – If you have a little more time, our slow cooker chili will impress even the toughest little food critics! By adding together chilies, cooked ground beef, and onion and garlic, you’ll have a stellar bowl of stew. You just have to let it sit in the slow cooker for a few hours. You can even freeze any extras for an easy meal the next week.

If soup or stew isn’t your thing, there are other options for family dinners to fill up your kids fast! Try some of these classic recipes with a twist on some of your favorites.

• Creamy Enchiladas – Whether you try chicken enchiladas or a vegetarian version, this is one of the best family dinners on a budget. Add mozzarella cheese, green chili sauce, and stuff enchilada shells for a warming winter meal!
• Meatball Marsala  - If your children love meatballs and mushrooms, this is the perfect dinner for a comforting weeknight inside. And, by balancing it out with a Yukon potato mash the whole family will be in heaven.
• Tortellini With Kale Pesto – Try spinach and cheese or chicken tortellini for one of the most delicious family dinners. This cheesy pasta dish is also covered in kale, so your kids will get their leafy greens in too.

It can be easy to get into a routine with family dinner, but there are plenty of dinners everyone will love that don’t have to be difficult! Does your family have a favorite meal? Share some of your best family dinners in our comments or discuss them in our FamilyApp! Whether you’re looking for lighter fare or a few winter comfort foods, there's something for everyone!