Are you a parent who dreads the thought of spending hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate meals? You’re not alone. For busy parents, the daily struggle of balancing work, family, and mealtime can be overwhelming. That’s why these 17 easy family recipes are tailored specifically to make your life in the kitchen a whole lot simpler. These recipes are designed with you in mind — the parent searching for delicious, home-cooked meals but needs convenience and efficiency above all else.
These recipes are designed to take as much stress out of cooking as possible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight when time is at a minimum, or you simply want to minimize your kitchen hours, these recipes will become your trusted companions. Say goodbye to dreading cooking and start enjoying preparing your family delicious meals.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole reimagines the iconic sandwich, taking less than an hour from prep to table. Pre-chopping the steak and veggies streamlines assembly for busy parents. Mixing in the cheese blend and baking only demands 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights. Its quick baking time and straightforward ingredients make it a convenient choice for family dinners that won’t keep you tied up in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
A one-pan, 30-minute meal featuring roasted sausage and assorted veggies. It’s simple to prepare, which is a relief for busy parents. Just pop it in the oven for a speedy, nutritious meal. The single-pan approach equals minimal cleanup. This dish is all about practicality and efficiency for hassle-free weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This recipe combines chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese in a 30-minute bake. Pre-marinating the chicken and wilting the spinach earlier in the day makes it a seamless weeknight meal for busy parents. Simply spread the cream cheese and layer the other ingredients when you’re ready to cook. The dish comes together in 30 minutes, giving the family a quick, hearty meal. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, it’s a practical choice that minimizes kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
A 30-minute casserole that brings together steamed broccoli and cauliflower with a rich cheese sauce and bacon. Ideal for busy parents, it can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed. Using frozen vegetables speeds up the preparation process significantly. Just put it in the oven for a quick and warm meal. The single-dish approach also minimizes cleanup, making it a practical weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
A one-pot, 30-minute meal featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes. Prepare it ahead and have it ready to heat and serve for dinner. It’s simple to make and even easier to clean up afterward. For busy parents, this is a practical weeknight option. Quick cooking time and minimal cleanup make it a strong go-to choice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
This one-pan casserole features seasoned chicken thighs and spicy jalapeños. It’s a great make-ahead option for parents with limited meal prep time. Once assembled, just bake to create a hot and comforting meal. Its single-dish nature simplifies cleanup. Practical and straightforward, it offers busy parents a warm meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
A warming, flavorful meal that comes together in one pot in just 45 minutes, making it a perfect pick for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekends. With its easy steps, this soup is a hit for cooks of all skill levels.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken breasts are seasoned, topped with cream cheese and mini sweet peppers, and then oven-baked. Prepare the components ahead of time to streamline dinner prep during busy evenings. It requires minimal effort and yields a warm and filling dinner. One pan and straightforward steps mean less kitchen time. For busy parents, it’s a convenient and quick solution.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Big Mac Salad
This salad recreates a fast-food classic in a lighter form. You can prepare it in advance, allowing for a quick assembly and serving at dinner time. Busy parents will find this a time-efficient solution for weeknights. It’s straightforward to make and requires minimal ingredients. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This dish brings ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach together in 30 minutes. It’s designed for busy parents, allowing for advance preparation and easy baking when ready. The one-casserole method means fewer dishes to clean. It provides a convenient and substantial meal without long kitchen hours. Quick preparation and easy cleanup make this a go-to weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Canned Chicken Patties
These quick-to-make patties are a 20-minute solution for busy weeknights. Ideal for busy parents, they can be made ahead and served with a simple side of vegetables. Canned chicken speeds up the preparation time significantly. Just heat them up when you’re ready to eat. The quick prep time and easy ingredients make them a practical choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This Crock Pot Taco Soup simplifies your dinner routine with just 20 minutes of preparation. Brown the ground beef in advance, and let your slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy quality time with your family. With pantry staples you can easily find, this dish is a no-fuss choice for busy parents. It saves you time and conserves your energy, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
This 40-minute pumpkin soup can be prepared ahead of time and is perfect for fall evenings. Simply simmer, blend, and store until dinnertime. Thanks to the convenience of canned pumpkin, the ingredient list remains straightforward and easy to keep on hand. It’s an effortless yet comforting option for a weeknight meal, particularly suited for busy parents looking for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This spicy twist on a classic chicken salad provides a unique yet speedy meal option. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it until dinner. For busy parents, it’s a convenient make-ahead dish. The straightforward ingredients and quick assembly reduce time spent in the kitchen, offering both convenience and flavor in a single dish.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
In just 30 minutes, this soup combines cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon for a hearty meal. Preparing the cauliflower and broth ahead of time ensures a quick dinner solution. It’s especially comforting on chilly winter nights, making it a warm and convenient choice for busy parents. Focused on simplicity and speed, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without a lengthy prep.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
Keto Zuppa Toscana
This one-hour soup brings together a medley of flavors in a filling meal. For busy parents, the make-ahead feature of this dish is a lifesaver, allowing for easy reheating. Simply prepare the ingredients, let them simmer, and store until needed. It provides a break from last-minute cooking pressures, making it a convenient option without compromising comfort.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Chicken Corn Soup
This Chicken Corn Soup is your go-to solution for a quick and flavorful meal prepared in a single pot. Ready in less than an hour, this soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s a practical choice for busy parents looking for fuss-free dinner ideas. With its easy steps and minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal option for weeknight meals when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
