We are in the doldrums of our kitchen renovation at the moment. I feel a little foolhardy for believing it would be a two week undertaking. We did our research and lined things up, but now are being told our 2-3 day turn around countertop expectation will actually look for like two weeks (and other minor hiccups). First time renovation ignorance on my part I suppose, and I know it will be entirely worth it on the other side, but it is having me realize how grateful I am for a functioning kitchen and how I often enjoy spending time in there.
Meal planning is the anchor for most of my weeks. This is how I meal plan. I even created a free printable meal planning template, in case it’s helpful to you, too. It’s not so much that I love meal planning; it’s the way I love meal planning makes my days run more smoothly, takes a mental load off my hypothetical plate, and saves us money.
I’ve tried to meal plan during this renovation process, but am finding it more challenging to do so. We do have a functional oven (blessing!), but no prep space, sink, utensils and tools (currently all piled up in the living room), or stovetop. I’m choosing to view this time as a reminder of just how amazing it is to have a functional kitchen and alongside dreaming about the final outcome of the kitchen, I’ve been dreaming of all the things I look forward to cooking and baking in a few weeks.
All this focus on food and cooking had me mentally listing out our family’s current favorite dinners. We could rotate endlessly between these and everyone would be happy. In fact, maybe this will be my two week meal plan when I’m finally back in the kitchen…hmm. I like that idea.
Perhaps you’re looking to try something new or add a new favorite dinner to your own rotation. If that’s the case, I hope this compilation of our favorite family dinners inspire you. And I’d love to hear your family go-to favorites, too!
Family Dinner Favorites
Chicken Enchiladas
Whether I doctor these up with guacamole, cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, sour cream, and iceberg lettuce or just serve them as is, they are always a hit.
Marinated Chicken and Noodles
The recipe that will have you raising one eyebrow when you read over it, then printing it off to add to your recipe collection after trying it. I grew up loving this recipe and now it’s one of my kids’ favorite dinners that I make. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Shepherd’s Pie
The ultimate comfort food and Hailey’s go-to request for her birthday dinner, this recipe is simple to follow and freezes well. A family favorite for cold, winter nights.
Mom’s Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Another favorite from my old childhood, this recipe might not scream authentic Italian, but it will have every family member licking their plates clean.
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Steak and Baked Potato Night
I use the best dang steak method and cook them in my cast iron and finish them in the stove. For the perfect baked potato, wash and clean a russet potato roughly the size of your fist. Rub generously with olive oil, place on a baking sheet (lined with tinfoil for easy clean up), sprinkle with kosher salt and bake at 400 degrees for an hour.
Greek Plates
There are so many ways to do Greek night. In summer I often use this Greek marinade on chicken and grill it. In colder weather I tend to stick to these authentic Greek meatballs. Either way, when prepared with our favorite Greek salad, tzatziki, harissa, and either naan bread or rice, it’s a delicious meal.
David’s Chili
Does it still count as David’s chili if I’m the one that always makes it? Kidding, of course, I’m always happy to give credit to David for creating our hands down favorite chili recipe. It’s hearty, made with ground beef, sausage, dark red kidney beans, and lots of flavor.
Salad Bar with Crispy Chicken
I detailed my favorite style, crispy buffalo chicken salad, but you can easily adapt this to whatever you like. I usually start with a crisp lettuce, like romaine or iceberg, then line up an array of toppings: carrots, cucumbers, chopped purple cabbage, tomatoes, cheeses, seeds, fresh herbs, whatever else I have on hand. Cook up some chicken nuggets or tenders and give them a rough chop, then let everyone create their own. You can also put out tortillas for those that might prefer it as a wrap.
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Greek Shrimp Pasta
A simple, mostly one pan dinner (you boil the pasta separately), this Greek shrimp pasta is flavorful and quick to make. It pairs well with a salad and rolls.
Pork Tenderloin Over Rice with Roasted Brussels
Possibly one of my kids’ favorite cuts of meat, marinated pork tenderloin seared on the stove and finished in the oven is always devoured quickly. I like to serve it with turmeric rice and roasted Brussels.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Also referred to as “Hailey’s chicken” in our house because she not only loves it, but it’s an easy entree that she can make completely on her own. They are virtually impossible to mess up and come out juicy and tender with a nice crispy skin.
Oven Baked Bean Burritos
If you need quick and easy and haven’t tried these yet, you must! Probably one of the easiest and best bang for my buck dinners I make, especially if you have leftover rice on hand. These are surprisingly flavorful and fun to eat.
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Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Simple and classic, this whole roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots is a solid meal to keep in rotation. The meat comes out juicy and flavorful, and then you can make broth from the remains to create the base for a soup for another dinner.
Burger Bowls
The kids usually put theirs on a bun, but I’ve enjoyed the bowl take on burger night. Crispy roasted potatoes, tangy dill pickle kraut, creamy avocado- the options are limitless!
Pumpkin Chicken Chili
No matter how many times I make it, I always wonder if the kids will balk at the pumpkin addition in this recipe, but without fail, they gobble it up. A great quick chili option for busier days.
Homemade Pizza
Using my foolproof bread machine pizza dough, pizza night is a staple around here. It’s almost always paired with movie or family game night, which only adds to its charm. Whether we top it with our old standbys (onion, bell pepper, pepperoni) or get a little more creative with toppings, it’s always a meal I can count on as a win for everyone.
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What are your family’s favorite meals? How often do you try new recipes?
