15 Family Meal Planning Ideas

Planning family meals can be a challenge, but with the right recipes, you can create a week’s worth of delicious and balanced dinners that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to incorporate more veggies, having a plan in place can make mealtime much simpler. These easy-to-follow recipes are packed with flavor and include everything from one-pot dishes to slow-cooker favorites.

One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

For a quick and creamy meal, try this one-pot chicken, Alfredo. Start by sautéing diced chicken breast in olive oil until golden, then add minced garlic and stir for a minute. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 12 ounces of uncooked fettuccine. Simmer until the pasta is tender, then stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve this easy dish with a sprinkle of parsley on top for a family-friendly meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.

Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

These slow-cooker beef tacos are perfect for a hands-off dinner that the whole family will love. Place 2 pounds of beef chuck roast into your slow cooker, then add 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 chopped onion. Cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is tender and easy to shred. Serve the shredded beef in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. This simple recipe makes enough for a family dinner and leftovers for lunch.

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey

This baked ziti is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Cook 1 pound of ground turkey in a large skillet until browned, then stir in 1 jar of marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a separate pot, cook 12 ounces of ziti pasta until al dente. Combine the pasta with the sauce and transfer to a baking dish. Top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

For a healthy and quick dinner, try this sheet pan chicken and veggies. Toss 4 chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. On a large sheet pan, arrange the chicken with 2 cups of chopped broccoli, 1 cup of baby carrots, and 1 sliced red onion. Drizzle everything with a bit more olive oil and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. This balanced meal is perfect for busy weeknights and easy cleanup.

Spaghetti Carbonara

This classic spaghetti carbonara is simple yet satisfying, making it a go-to for busy families. Start by cooking 12 ounces of spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Meanwhile, cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and quickly toss it with the egg mixture. Add the bacon and a splash of pasta water, stirring until creamy. Season with salt and pepper for a rich and delicious meal in under 20 minutes.

Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables

This chicken stir-fry is loaded with veggies and comes together in just 20 minutes. Start by slicing 1 pound of chicken breast and stir-fry it in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and a tablespoon of sesame oil until browned. Remove the chicken and stir-fry 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 1 chopped carrot until tender. Add the chicken back in along with ¼ cup of stir-fry sauce, then cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is coated. Serve over rice for a colorful, nutritious dinner.

Beef and Bean Chili

This hearty beef and bean chili is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove in a large pot. Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread for a satisfying meal that’s great for meal prep.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

For a kid-friendly meal, these homemade chicken nuggets are a hit. Cut 2 chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then coat them in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs. Fry the nuggets in a skillet with hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve with your family’s favorite dipping sauces and a side of veggies for a fun and easy meal that’s much healthier than fast food.

Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas

These black bean enchiladas are a great option for Meatless Monday. Start by mixing 2 cups of black beans with 1 cup of shredded cheese and ½ cup of salsa. Spoon the mixture into tortillas, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with more cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These enchiladas are filling, delicious, and perfect for a quick family dinner.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser and great for meal prepping. Place a 3-pound pork shoulder in the slow cooker with 1 cup of BBQ sauce, ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 chopped onion. Cook on low for 8 hours, then shred the pork and mix it with the juices. Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with coleslaw for a complete meal. This recipe makes enough to feed a family and leaves plenty of leftovers for the next day.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

For a light and flavorful dinner, lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a family favorite. Cook 12 ounces of spaghetti until al dente, then drain. In a skillet, sauté 1 pound of shrimp with 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the juice of 1 lemon. Toss the shrimp with the pasta and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side salad for a balanced and refreshing meal.

Homemade Pizza Night

Let the family get creative with a homemade pizza night. Start with store-bought pizza dough and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each crust. Let everyone add their favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese. Bake the pizzas in a 450°F oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. This interactive meal is fun for the whole family and easy to customize for picky eaters.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and healthy dinner option. Cut the tops off 4 bell peppers and remove the seeds. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion, then stir in 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and ½ cup of shredded cheese. Spoon the mixture into the peppers and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until the peppers are tender. Serve with a side salad for a well-balanced family meal.

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

These teriyaki chicken bowls are quick to make and packed with flavor. Start by stir-frying 1 pound of chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 1 cup of broccoli, 1 sliced carrot, and ½ cup of snap peas to the pan, and cook until tender. Stir in ¼ cup of teriyaki sauce and serve over steamed rice. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is loaded with veggies that the whole family will enjoy.

Classic Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf is a comforting dish that never fails. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with 1 egg, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 chopped onion, and ¼ cup of ketchup. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. Top with an additional ¼ cup of ketchup and bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional family dinner that’s perfect for meal planning.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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