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The Best Family Dinner Ideas For Tonight

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kid friendly dinner ideas for tonight

Hunting for dinner ideas? Whether you find yourself in the kitchen at 6:00 p.m wondering “what should I make for dinner tonight” OR your family can never agree on one meal, dinner can be one of the most hectic parts of the day. As a working mom of 3 kids, I get it.

With picky eaters and food allergies, making one meal for everyone in my house seemed impossible for so long! Learning how to meal plan and prep helped me get a handle on the dinner fiasco. A few years ago I started sharing my meal plans with the world and I’ve been able to help thousands of other families do the same.

So goodbye to living as a short order cook in your own home, and hello to fresh, simple meals that everyone can agree on. Grab your free meal plan here.

image: bottom portion has four different dinner photos ranging from pizza to chicken nuggets. Image text reads: Family Dinner Ideas for Tonight

When it comes to finding dinner ideas that work for the whole family it’s important to incorporate at least one item everyone will enjoy, whether it’s the entree or side dish.

I like making self serve meals like tacos, loaded potato, and burgers bars since they include a variety of healthy options and everyone can build their own plate with the ingredients they love most.

Now for the real reason, you’re here, recipes you can cook for dinner tonight!

What to Cook for Dinner Tonight in 10-15 Minutes

When it’s already 5pm and you need something…FAST, try one of these quick and easy dinner ideas!

Homemade Nachos

Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery, use some of the meat for these nachos and the rest to make chicken salad for lunches.

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Spiralized Zucchini and Tomatoes: A delicious vegetarian meal or side dish to add to your weekly family dinner rotations.

Spiralized Zucchini and Tomatoes

Healthier noodles, made with Zucchini paired with tomatoes and a delicious blend of spices.

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large bowl of spaghetti carbonara with a skillet in the background

Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Comfort food in all its simplicity! And that homemade homemade Carbonara Sauce is everything you ever hoped for in a pasta.

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Quick and Easy BLT Salad

Your favorite sandwich, deconstructed into an epic salad.

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Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Sliders stuffed with shredded chicken in a tangy, smoky sauce, melted cheese, and homemade Ranch dressing.

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BBQ Chicken Tostadas

There’s nothing better than turning a rotisserie chicken into epic weeknight meals and these BBQ chicken tostadas is how you demonstrate who’s the boss around the kitchen.

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What to make when you’re bored of dinner?

Tired of classic dinner foods? I get it! When my family feels this way, we make breakfast for dinner! So simple to pull off and will get you out of the dinner rut asap!

Savory oatmeal with an over easy egg on top

Savory Oatmeal with Egg & Bacon

Crispy bacon pieces are the icing on the cake for this savory oatmeal with egg recipe that’s easy and delicious.

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stack of chocolate chip pancakes with bananas on a plate cut

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These fluffy chocolate chip pancakes are the perfect breakfast for dinner option.

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a small bottle of pancake syrup being poured of pancake and egg tacos

Pancake Tacos for Breakfast or Dinner

Scrambled eggs and sausage stuffed in a homemade pancake and drizzled with maple syrup!

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Shakshuka: An easy recipe to change up breakfast in the morning or to have breakfast for dinner!

Homemade Shakshuka

I grew up on this recipe in Spain, and it’s still. family favorite with me and my kids. This dish is made with classic red sauce and eggs and could not be more delish!

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large bowl of breakfast salad topped with a fried egg

Breakfast Salad Recipe

This nutritious salad will keep you full for hours!

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Quick Dinner Ideas Using Chicken

When you’re wondering what to make… I’ve got everything from chicken dinner ideas to beef, to tacos and so much more!

How to Bake Frozen Chicken Breasts

In a pinch because you forgot to thaw things out? I’ll show you how to bake from frozen in this easy recipe!

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chicken breast on a plate with rice

Chicken with Greek Yogurt

Try this chicken with Greek yogurt for a perfectly juicy piece of chicken with a tangy, seasoned crust.

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large bowl of lemon marinade

Quick Lemon Chicken Marinade

Take your simple pan-seared chicken up a notch with this quick lemon chicken marinade. It’s full of flavor and a total crowd-pleaser

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large bowl of chicken pot pie pasta

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe

Quick and easy comfort food recipe that comes together in one skillet! 

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Spaghetti Squash

This is a great switch from my usual spaghetti squash with Bolognese sauce. Cook the spaghetti squash beforehand to cut down on kitchen time.

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Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets Recipe

Chicken nuggets are the one food I’ve never seen a child turn away and this healthy baked version is perfect for both kids and adults.

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Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Bold, smoky, slow-cooked Buffalo chicken gets packed into a cheesy quesadilla for when you need a family dinner, FAST!

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Chicken with Peppers and Onions

Turn everyone’s favorite protein into a complete meal with this simple chicken with peppers and onions recipe!

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take out teriyaki chicken

Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

The healthier, baked version of everyone’s favorite Asian take-out.

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If you’re looking for more chicken dinner ideas – check out my latest ebook – Chicken. It’s what’s for Dinner!

70+ Epic Chicken Recipes

If chicken is your go-to meal builder, you’re going to love the recipes inside this book!

From marinades, soups, slow cooker meals, one-pot wonders, sheet pan dinners, and more, the recipes inside are delicious and kid-approved.

chicken ebook displayed on an ipad and phone screen
Buy the Book

Recipes Using Ground Beef

The possibilities are endless when it comes to dinner ideas using ground beef!

Quick tip – If you’re planning to make a few of these recipes this week, then you can prep a few pounds of ground beef in the slow cooker to save you time in the kitchen each night.

Cheesy Taco Skillet: Bring taco night to a new dimension with this one pot cheesy taco skillet to be served family style at the dinner table.

Cheesy Beef Tacos in a Skillet

These skillet beef tacos come together in a flash! They’re easy to make and full of flavor in every bite.

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Bell Pepper Nachos

Low carb and delish these bell pepper nachos are everything you want from the classic without zero guilt!

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beef goulash in a skillet with a wooden spoon

One-Pot Cheesy Beef Goulash

One of the only recipes I can expect no complaints, only clean plates. This recipe is so easy, my teenager can even cook it on her own!

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Beef Bolognese Recipe

This simple pasta and meat sauce recipe is the ultimate quick and easy dinner idea for kids!

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taco pizza!

Loaded Taco Pizza

Grab those leftovers from taco night and get ready to make the best pizza you’ve ever had. Yep, we’re talking about taco pizza! This recipe will leave everyone wishing for more leftovers.

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instant pot chili mac

Instant Pot Chili Mac

The Instant Pot does all the work in this quick and easy chili mac dinner recipe! Grab some ground beef, a bag of pasta, and a few cans, and dinner will be on the table in no time.

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Meatless Dinner Ideas

We’ve all had that feeling where you go to make dinner and realize you’re either out of meat OR everything is frozen. While I do have a safe (quick!) defrost method for chicken, sometimes you just have to go meatless, so here are a few quick and easy meals to get you started. 

minestrone soup in a bowl in front of Instant Pot

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

This Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is a breeze to make with pantry staples like beans and pasta. It’s the easiest way to enjoy a comforting meal, FAST!

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roasted veggie mac and cheese in a large plate with a fork

Roasted Veggie Mac and Cheese

Turning veggies into a creamy sauce to make everyone’s favorite comfort food -better.

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Bell Pepper Pizzas

Bell Pepper Pizza: A fun way to make grain-free pizzas and use up extra veggies in the fridge.

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large bowl of spinach tortellini with large skillet of the same in the background of image

Creamy Spinach Tortellini in a Skillet

This recipe is my secret weapon on busy weeknights. You can have dinner on the table within 20 minutes of getting home from after-school activities with this meatless meal.

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two large plates of spaghetti and vegetarian meatballs

Meatless Meatballs

Spaghetti doesn’t have to be boring, simply because you’re out of ground beef. Grab some oats and beans and make these epic “meat”balls to top your noodles tonight.

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Who has time to stand over the stove to make risotto? Not me. I’m sharing how I make it where it practically cooks itself, and with Libby’s Vegetable Cups I can now make it easier than ever to please my picky eaters!

Easy Baked Risotto

This simple Parmesan & Peas Risotto Recipe is one for the ages! It’s creamy, delicious and the perfect meal to make when you need to whip up dinner using items in your pantry.

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Pasta Recipes You Can Make Tonight

bowtie pasta in a skillet with shrimp and grape tomatoes

Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Some nights all you need is a simple, one-skillet meal to make everyone happy, and this shrimp pesto pasta recipe is one of them.

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side view of white plate full of sun dried tomato pasta and chicken strips

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken pasta made in one skillet for a delicious, quick and EASY weeknight dinner.

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large skillet filled with chicken pesto pasta

Pesto Chicken Pasta

This Pesto Chicken Pasta is a fast and healthy recipe for everyone in the family to enjoy!

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closeup of salmon pesto pasta with tomatoes

Quick Salmon Pesto Pasta

Everyone in the family is going to love the flavor of this easy Salmon Pesto Pasta!

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large skillet of creamy chicken pasta

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

The flavor of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta proves that simple recipes can taste amazing!

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How to Plan Healthy Family Meals Every Night of the Week

With busy lives and kids, enjoying a meal with your family hinges on two important factors:

1. A meal plan prepared in advance
2. Recipes your family will actually enjoy and eat

And lucky for you- I’ve got BOTH!

Meal planning goes a little differently for everyone, but the most effective method for me is to set aside time at the beginning of the week to plan 5-6 days worth of meals, leaving the other days open for leftovers or family plans.

If you’re on the lookout for a completed meal plan with shopping lists and prep guides, you’ll find it in our family meal plans.

Classic Weekly Meal Plan

Eat delicious real food family meals with a simple plan. Recipes, meal prep, and done-for-you shopping list inside.

Download a sample today!

six printed pages of recipes, a meal prep guide and a shopping list
I Want It!

So who’s ready for some hassle-free meals? I say we start with these Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas you can totally make for dinner tonight.

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Easy Dinner Ideas for Tonight | EPIC Chicken Quesadillas

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★★★★★

5 from 4 reviews

Quick & Easy dinner ideas for tonight that your whole family will love. Use what you already have on hand with these easy recipes, starting with classic beef tacos, for an epic taco night! 

  • Author: Laura Fuentes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: Tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¾ cup buffalo sauce
  • 8 8-inch flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
  • Butter, for grilling
  • Blue cheese or Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts into the dish of a slow cooker. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken, and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
  2. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred the meat with two forks and toss to coat with the sauce.
  3. Place the tortillas on a flat surface. Top 4 tortillas with the chicken, Cheddar cheese, and blue cheese. Assemble the quesadillas.
  4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. One at a time, place the quesadillas into the skillet and grill for 3 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt. Flip and grill for another 3 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted. Remove from the skillet and repeat with remaining quesadillas.
  5. Slice and serve Ranch or Blue cheese dressing.

Equipment

Best Grain-Free Meals on the Planet

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Non-Stick Pan

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Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
  • Calories: 655
  • Sugar: 1.3g
  • Sodium: 1775.1mg
  • Fat: 27.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 11.8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 45.1g
  • Cholesterol: 134.1mg

Keywords: dinner ideas, family dinner ideas, dinner ideas for kids, what should I make for dinner tonight, dinner recipes

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @MOMables on Instagram and hashtag it #momables

More Family Dinner Ideas

I’m all about cooking with what you have on hand, so if you’re looking for something starting a specific ingredient, I have you covered in the posts below. Be sure to click over for the recipe you need today or pin the posts to save for the next time you are standing in front of the fridge trying to come up with a dinner idea for tonight.

Chicken Dinner ideas – Quick, easy and delicious meals using chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks or even the whole bird!

Dinner Ideas with Ground Beef – Wondering what to make with that pound of ground beef you have thawing the fridge? Here’s a collection of family favorite recipes to try.

Shrimp Dinner Ideas – 10 amazing kid-friendly recipes made with shrimp. Plus, a few tips for cooking shrimp so they come out perfect every single time.

More Dinner

  • Salads without Lettuce
  • Simple Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce with Cream
  • The Best Tacos Rancheros
  • What to Do About Freezer Burn Chicken

Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Laurie Rasor

    November 24, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    Thanks for these dinner ideas. Have A Good Day

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. Joanna Jones-Heron

    October 01, 2019 at 5:49 pm

    I made the American Goulash dinner idea and my family LOVED it. thanks for the suggestions, this post is now my go-to for family-friendly recipe ideas.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Camber

    September 25, 2019 at 2:09 pm

    The quesadillas are a great idea and I can’t wait to try the American Goulash!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. Jillian Leslie

    September 24, 2019 at 2:59 pm

    This is so easy and absolutely delicious! Thanks, Laura!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Easiest Healthy Kid-Friendly Recipes | MOMables says:
    August 12, 2020 at 9:20 am

    […] What do you think? Are you ready to introduce healthy kid-friendly recipes into your rotation of family dinner ideas? […]

    Reply

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