We lead such busy lives – between school, work, activities and family life – sometimes you get home and sigh at the thought of having to rustle up dinner too!
We know just what it feels like, so trust us, these go-to family dinner ideas are lifesavers!
Family Dinner Ideas to Try
Whether you prefer something quick to prepare and cook, or something that can be made in advance until it’s time to throw it in the oven, we’ve got 10 favourites here that you are sure to enjoy!
#1. Pasta Bake

Like a lasagne but easier, this Easy Spaghetti Bake from Budget Savvy Diva is one you can throw together the night before and have ready to go in the oven when you get home next day.
#2. Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken stir fry, like this one from Hip2Save, is a great go-to family dinner because it’s simple and you can customise it to whatever combination of veggies and meat you may have on hand.
#3. Roast Chicken

This slow roast chicken is unbelievably moist – roasting it at such a low temperature makes it almost impossible to dry out – and the flavours of the lemon, garlic and rosemary in the cavity really penetrate into the meat.
If you know you’ll be home all afternoon, there is no better dinner to make, as you can bask in the amazing aromas that will drift out from your kitchen for hours.
#4. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a perennial family favourite – easy peasy macaroni cheesey, as it’s known in our house!
#5. Chilli

This recipe for Mexican Bean and Veggie Chilli is not only filling, but is vegetarian (actually vegan without the toppings), easy to throw together, and healthy. If you want to you can add minced beef or turkey, just brown it off before you start the recipe and add before the beans.
#6. Tuna Casserole

This tuna pasta casserole is a quick meal that will keep the hungry mouths in your house happy and leftovers of this casserole are usually put into the kids’ lunchboxes. You can also sneak in some green veg like broccoli or green beans.
#7. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Meatballs don’t have to be complicated, you don’t need to spend hours slaving to get the texture right. This Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is very easy to make.
#8. Sloppy Joes
There is no easier way to get some vegetables into your children than these Sloppy Joes from Simply Delicious Food. They will love the mess and the fun aspect of the Sloppy Joe and they won’t even notice the vegetables.

#9. Pasta with Bacon, Peas and Cream

Using simple ingredients like bacon bits (or leftover ham) and frozen peas, this pasta with bacon, peas and cream is quick and easy to rustle up.
#10. Cheddar and Bacon Quiche

The great thing about quiche is it can be dinner or lunch and is nice both hot and cold. This Cheddar and Bacon Quiche is perfect for a mid-week family meal served with a green salad. Any leftover slices are also handy for tucking into a lunchbox or grabbing a quick bite before you head off for school pick ups.
