Dinner Ideas for Family: Beat the Boredom with These 20 Meals

Beat dinner boredom with these 20 tasty, easy dinner ideas for family like baked chicken parmesan, veggie skewers, Thai curries, taco skillets, and more crowd-pleasers.

Introduction

Are you tired of serving the same uninspiring meals every night? Stuck in a dinner rut with no new dinner ideas for family? We’ve all been there – staring blankly into the fridge or pantry, wondering what to cook that everyone will enjoy without complaints.

Well, fear not! We’ve compiled a list of 20 delicious and diverse dinner ideas for family that are sure to beat boredom and get you excited about mealtimes again. From comforting classics to adventurous international flavours, these recipes will breathe new life into your dinner rotation.

Why Variety Matters for Family Dinners

Eating the same few meals on repeat can quickly lead to food fatigue and mealtime battles, especially with kids. A varied diet is also important for overall nutrition and exposing your family to different flavours and cuisines. With our 20 dinner ideas for family, you’ll be able to:

• Keep things interesting by switching up meals frequently
• Ensure everyone gets a well-rounded intake of nutrients and vitamins
• Expose your kids to global cuisines and expand their palates
• Cater to different dietary preferences like vegetarian or gluten-free

20 Mouth-Watering Dinner Ideas for Family

 

1. Baked Chicken Parmesan

A classic family favourite! Breaded chicken breasts are smothered in marinara sauce and melty mozzarella for a crowd-pleasing dinner idea for family. Serve over pasta or alongside a fresh green salad.

2. Beef and Veggie Kebabs

These colourful kebabs are fun for kids to assemble. Thread beef cubes, bell peppers, onions, zucchini and cherry tomatoes onto skewers. Grill or broil until charred and serve over rice with tzatziki sauce.

3. Veggie-Packed Spaghetti

Sneak in extra nutrients by mixing sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach and bell peppers into your favourite marinara sauce. Toss with whole wheat spaghetti for a hearty dinner idea for family.

4. Cheesy Baked Potato Bar

Bake up a batch of russet potatoes and let everyone top their own with favourites like broccoli, bacon bits, salsa, chives, sour cream and cheese sauce. An easy, customizable dinner idea for family.

5. Grilled Hawaiin Chicken Teriyaki Bowls

Marinate chicken breasts in a sweet-and-savoury teriyaki sauce, then grill and slice over brown rice. Top with grilled pineapple, sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a taste of the tropics.

6. Veggie-Loaded Turkey Chili

Lean ground turkey, kidney beans, bell peppers, corn and diced tomatoes pack this chilli full of protein, fiber and flavour. Serve over brown rice or with tortilla chips.

7. Baked Chicken Fajita Salad

Roast chicken breasts with fajita seasoning, then slice over a bed of romaine with sauteed bell peppers, onions, shredded cheese, guacamole and salsa. An easy way to enjoy fajita flavours in salad form.

8. Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Let everyone customize their baked sweet potato with toppings like black beans, fajita veggies, salsa, cheese and Greek yogurt or sour cream. A healthy, hearty vegetarian dinner idea for family.

9. One-pan roasted Salmon and Asparagus

For a healthy sheet pan meal, roast salmon filets and asparagus tossed in garlic, olive oil and lemon. Serve over quinoa or brown rice.

10. Broccoli Cheddar Soup in Bread Bowls

Perfect for chilly nights! This creamy, comforting soup is served in a fun, edible sourdough bread bowls. Add a green side salad for a complete, cozy dinner idea for family.

11. Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Pressure-cook chicken with Asian-inspired sauces, then serve the flavorful shredded chicken in crisp lettuce cups for wrapping along with crunchy toppings like shredded carrots, sliced water chestnuts and crushed peanuts.

12. Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese

Sneak in some extra nutrients by mixing sautéed cauliflower, spinach, bell peppers or butternut squash into classic mac and cheese. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping kids love.

13. Pesto Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Bowls

Quick-cooking shrimp gets tossed with zucchini noodles and store-bought pesto for a light yet satisfying dinner idea for family. Top with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and grated parmesan.

14. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

Layer salsa chicken cooked in the crockpot over brown rice with your favourite toppings like black beans, roasted corn, guacamole, cheese and lettuce for an easy Tex-Mex dinner idea for family.

15. Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Skewers

The salty grilled halloumi cheese makes these veggie kebabs extra flavorful and filling. Alternate halloumi cubes with zucchini, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms on skewers.

16. Thai Coconut Curry Chicken

Let your Instant Pot or slow cooker do the work for this fragrant Thai curry. Serve the flavorful coconut milk-simmered chicken over jasmine rice with fresh herbs and lime wedges.

17. Mediterranean Salmon Salad Jars

Layer greens, tomatoes, feta, olives and grilled salmon in portable mason jars for a protein-packed lunch or light dinner. Just shake and serve with crusty bread!

18. One-pan cheesy Mexican Skillet

Ground turkey or beef gets cooked with taco seasoning, rice, salsa, beans, and cheese all in one skillet for a fuss-free dinner idea for family. Top with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.

19. Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Scoop out bell pepper halves and stuff them with a flavorful turkey and rice filling, then bake smothered in tomato sauce. A fun twist on stuffed peppers in easier casserole form.

20. General Tso’s Cauliflower

This meatless spin on the Chinese takeout favourite coats crispy baked cauliflower in a sticky, sweet, and spicy General Tso’s sauce. Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice.

There you have it – 20 delicious, diverse, and easy dinner ideas for family to breathe new life into your meal routine! From classic comfort foods to lighter global-inspired options, there’s something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to get creative with fun twists too.

Tip	Description
Plan	Make a weekly dinner menu to easily shop for ingredients
Repurpose Leftovers	Stretch meals by reinventing leftovers into new dishes
Involve Kids	Let kids help pick recipes or do simple prep to get them engaged

With so many delicious and easy dinner ideas for family at your fingertips, you’re sure to breathe new life into mealtime. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuisines and ingredients – it’s a great way to expose your family to new flavours and keep them interested.

Mix It Up with These Creative Spins

Don’t be afraid to put creative spins on classic recipes to keep things interesting. For example:

• Instead of regular tacos, make them Korean-inspired with bulgogi beef, kimchi and a sesame dressing
• Swap out regular pasta for veggie noodles like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
• Make burgers with turkey or plant-based protein for a healthier twist
• Top baked potatoes with non-traditional ingredients like Thai curry sauce or Mediterranean chickpeas

Getting kids involved in prepping or cooking dinners is also a great way to get them invested. Let them pick out recipes and do age-appropriate tasks like mixing ingredients or setting the table. They’ll be more excited to eat what they helped create!

Easy Solutions for Busy Nights

We all have those nights when cooking just isn’t in the cards – maybe you’re running late, have multiple activities, or just need a break. Instead of defaulting to unhealthy takeout or frozen meals, keep these quick options on hand:

Pantry Staples

• Canned beans, tomatoes, broth to whip up soups or chilis
• Whole wheat pasta to pair with jarred marinara or pesto
• Pouches or cans of chicken or tuna for easy protein additions

Frozen Foods

• Veggie-heavy pizza crusts to top with fresh ingredients
• Bags of frozen stir-fry veggies to pair with rice or noodles
• Pre-cooked grilled chicken to throw on salads or in wraps

Pre-Prepped Produce

• Washed and chopped lettuce or veggie mixes to quickly toss salads
• Pre-sliced mushrooms, peppers and onions to sauté as fajita filling
• Single-serve guacamole or hummus cups for protein-packed dips

Having a few of these on hand ensures you always have the building blocks for a simple, balanced meal – no drive-thru required!

Prep Hack	Description
Batch Cooking	Grill/roast extra protein or veggies to repurpose later
Freeze Extras	Stash away extra portions of chilli, soup or lasagna for future meals
Wash & Chop	Take 30 minutes to wash and pre-chop veggies for the week

Affordable Family Feast Ideas

Feeding a family doesn’t have to break the bank. Build meals around budget-friendly staples like:

• Eggs for scrambles, frittatas or baked egg cups
• Beans and lentils as sources of protein in chilis, soups, tacos
• In-season produce incorporated into stir-fries, salads, pasta dishes
• Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa or whole wheat noodles

Stocking up when these items go on sale and portioning them into meals can maximize your grocery budget.

Another cost-saving strategy is buying family packs of chicken, ground meat or fish and stretching them into multiple meals. For example:

• Cook a pack of chicken breasts, and portion it into meals like fajitas, Caesar salads, and rice bowls
• Brown a value pack of ground turkey or beef to use for tacos one night and pasta sauce another
• Grill salmon filets to serve with sides like roasted veggies or as stuffing for pitas

Don’t forget to check out your grocery store’s clearance sections for marked-down meats, produce and bakery items to incorporate too!

 

Read more about Easy Dinner Ideas: 10 Quick Recipes for Busy Weeknights

FAQs: Dinner Ideas for Family

What should my family eat for dinner tonight?

Peek at the list above for ideas like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken fajitas, veggie fried rice, or a one-pot beef stroganoff. There’s something for everyone!

What are 10 good dinner foods?

10 great family dinner options are: tacos, stir-fries, soups, salads, pasta bakes, burgers, fajitas, curries, chilli, and easy sheet pan meals.

What’s a good dinner idea for tonight?

A crowd-pleasing dinner idea is homemade personal pizzas on pita bread or English muffins where everyone gets to customize their own with their favourite toppings.

What should I cook for dinner when lazy?

When you’re feeling lazy, opt for a simple one-pot or sheet pan meal like baked ziti, sheet pan sausage, and veggies, or slow cooker white chicken

Conclusion

Dinnertime doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With this arsenal of 20 tasty and diverse dinner ideas for family, you can finally beat mealtime boredom. From comforting classics to adventurous global flavours, these recipes offer something for everyone.

So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen! Involving your family in the meal planning and prep can also make it a fun bonding experience. Bon appétit!