Stumped with what to make for dinner? These Healthy Family Dinner Ideas are perfect for busy weeknights and they're kid-approved, too!
Family Dinner Ideas
Leave the days of not knowing what to make for dinner behind! I’ve rounded up some of my favourite family dinner ideas that everyone from the kids to the parents will love. These recipes are healthy as well, so you can sneak in lots of good veggies and nutrients, but the meals are still fun enough that the kids will be going back for seconds.
Want to save some extra time? A lot of these recipes can be prepped in advance, whether you're prepping the ingredients on the weekend or cooking and freezing the meals for later. Check out the recipes below and get inspired!
Casseroles & Comfort Food
Even if you have picky kids, I'm sure they'll like at least one of these options! They're healthy spins on family classics like cheeseburgers, pizzas, and chicken pot pies.
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
45 minutes
This easy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect family-friendly dish with all the flavors of a burger and cheesy goodness!
Make this recipe
Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 774mg | Potassium: 754mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 512IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 3mg
Instant Pot Pizza Quinoa Casserole
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Pizza Quinoa Casserole is a gluten-free pizza bowl that all comes together in one pot and in less than 30 minutes!
Make this recipe
Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 1286mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2.9mg
Instant Pot Enchilada Quinoa Casserole
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Enchilada Quinoa Casserole is a delicious one pot Mexican chicken recipe that is ready in 30 minutes or less.
Make this recipe
Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 755mg | Potassium: 930mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1850IU | Vitamin C: 118mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 5mg
Super Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies
55 minutes
These Super Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies are a healthier, lighter version of your favourite comfort food made with puff pastry in the perfect individual serving size!
Make this recipe
Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 882mg | Potassium: 537mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 7800IU | Vitamin C: 34.7mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3.1mg
Healthy Beef Stroganoff {One Pot + Extra Veggies}
40 minutes
Healthy Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff is packed with veggies, comes together in one pot for minimal clean up and is freezer-friendly!
Make this recipe
Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 802mg | Potassium: 912mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4943IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 4mg
Chicken Pasta Bake
50 minutes
This Chicken Pasta Bake is freezer-friendly, made with red peppers, onions and spinach in rose sauce topped with mozzarella cheese!
Make this recipe
Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 757mg | Potassium: 405mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5300IU | Vitamin C: 41.3mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 3.6mg
Pasta Dinners
I always had a pasta night each week while growing up. It's quick, inexpensive and easy to customize so they whole family will enjoy it! Try these delicious pasta recipes and see.
Healthy One Pot Broccoli Pasta Alfredo
25 minutes
This Healthy One Pot Broccoli Pasta Alfredo comes together in less than 30 minutes and it's got a delicious, creamy sauce that's healthier than traditional fettuccine alfredo!
Make this recipe
Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 567mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 37.1mg | Calcium: 290mg | Iron: 0.7mg
Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is made lighter with packaged ranch seasoning, turkey bacon and Greek yogurt!
Make this recipe
Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 2768mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 18.2mg | Calcium: 190mg | Iron: 1.8mg
Super Easy Mini Vegetable Lasagnas
35 minutes
These Super Easy Mini Vegetable Lasagna Cups are such a cute individual serving size version of everyone's favourite comfort food, lightened up!
Make this recipe
Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 2.5mg
Homemade Hamburger Helper {One Pot}
35 minutes
This Healthier Homemade Hamburger Helper is a delicious one-pot spin off on your favourite childhood meal – it's got extra veggies, too!
Make this recipe
Calories: 589kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1491mg | Potassium: 961mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1117IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 5mg
The Easiest One Pot Pasta Primavera
30 minutes
This One Pot Pasta Primavera is a 30-minute dinner that's packed with fresh vegetables and an easy creamy parmesan sauce.
Make this recipe
Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 685mg | Potassium: 437mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3383IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 197mg | Iron: 2mg
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
30 minutes
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is an easier way to make this classic Italian dish – and it comes together in about 30 minutes in one pot!
Make this recipe
Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 1050mg | Potassium: 1102mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 770IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 4mg
Slow Cooker Recipes
One of the best ways to feed a family is to use the slow cooker! These recipes are super easy – just add all the ingredients in the morning and you'll have a delicious meal by dinnertime!.
The Easiest 2-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken
8 hours 5 minutes
This 2-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken is the easiest dump dinner with a side of kale slaw – all you need is chicken and BBQ sauce!
Make this recipe
Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 425mg | Potassium: 419mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Creamiest Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
2 hours 10 minutes
The secret to the Creamiest Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is evaporated milk – it's ultra creamy and velvety, and cooks on low in one pot!
Make this recipe
Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 797mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 301mg | Iron: 1mg
Creamiest Crockpot Chicken and Rice {Healthy Dump Dinner}
4 hours 15 minutes
The Creamiest Crockpot Chicken and Rice is so easy to make in your slow cooker – and no soup can is required! Just add frozen veggies, sour cream and cheese.
Make this recipe
Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 566mg | Potassium: 579mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3411IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 197mg | Iron: 2mg
Easiest Ever Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
8 hours 5 minutes
These Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are so perfect for meal prep! Dump in 5 ingredients, then cook for 8 hours – this is the easiest recipe ever!
Make this recipe
Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 863mg | Potassium: 796mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1870IU | Vitamin C: 119.9mg | Calcium: 173mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs {Super Easy}
2 hours 30 minutes
These Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs are the perfect appetizer idea and come together super easy with less than 10 ingredients.
Make this recipe
Calories: 205.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.51g | Protein: 14.1g | Fat: 3.81g | Saturated Fat: 1.53g | Cholesterol: 55.61mg | Sodium: 781.5mg | Potassium: 352.1mg | Fiber: 0.79g | Sugar: 21.76g | Vitamin A: 166.71IU | Vitamin C: 1.79mg | Calcium: 30.83mg | Iron: 1.97mg
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
8 hours 15 minutes
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a super easy way to cook everyone's fave comfort food from scratch, and the chicken is so juicy and tender!
Make this recipe
Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 975mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3588IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
Sheet Pan Dinners
Sheet pan dinners are great because they're quick to assemble and leave you with less dishes to clean up, too! That's a real win/win.
Sheet Pan Crispy Coconut Chicken
40 minutes
This Sheet Pan Crispy Coconut Chicken with mango salsa and sweet potato fries is the perfect dinner idea for busy weeknights.
Make this recipe
Calories: 412kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 1075mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 7716IU | Vitamin C: 119mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken {Low Carb}
40 minutes
This Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken is a healthy low-carb dinner idea made with fresh veggies – plus, the entire recipe only uses one pan!
Make this recipe
Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 425mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Vitamin C: 35.5mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1.6mg
Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus {Whole30 Recipe}
40 minutes
This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is great for meal prep. It’s Whole30 approved and is ready in less than 30 minutes!
Make this recipe
Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 7.4mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2.9mg
One Pan Sausage & Root Vegetable Scramble
35 minutes
This Sheet Pan Sausage & Root Vegetable Scramble is a delicious quick and easy dinner cooked all on one pan in the oven with a hint of rosemary and garlic. Talk about healthy, easy fall eats!
Make this recipe
Serving: 1g | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 947mg | Potassium: 492mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 8650IU | Vitamin C: 117.2mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Meal Prep Chicken & Butternut Squash Harvest Bowls
40 minutes
These Meal Prep Chicken & Butternut Squash Harvest Bowls with brussels sprouts, sage & wild rice are a delicious lunch or dinner idea cooked on a sheet pan and filled with fall flavours!
Make this recipe
Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 434mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1500IU | Vitamin C: 110.6mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
35 minutes
These Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls are a low carb lunch idea with a lemon-oregano marinade, and they're ready in 30 minutes!
Make this recipe
Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 471mg | Potassium: 470mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 153.5mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1.4mg
The post 24 Healthy Family Dinner Ideas {Kid-Friendly} appeared first on The Girl on Bloor.