I don’t love to cook and we rarely have much time, so our weeknight meals tend to be quick, simple, and often semi-homemade. We assemble store-bought ingredients into bowls, tacos, or easy pasta dishes most nights. When I do make a dinner from scratch, it still has to be fast and straightforward — but always flavorful.
Below are some of our family’s favorite easy dinner recipes. You’ll notice we favor similar flavors and ingredients, which makes shopping and mixing dishes easier. We often choose vegetarian options when possible and favor one-bowl or one-dish meals instead of separate mains and sides. I also note which recipes are toddler approved (many are, sometimes with a small modification).
Photo by A Couple Cooks
5 Minute Tacos
Toddler approved! We usually make a separate, non-spicy egg for the kiddo and serve the same toppings.
These tacos are a fast family favorite. Eggs are seasoned to mimic chorizo, then topped with whatever you like — cheese, avocado, salsa, or greens. They’re ready in minutes and satisfying for adults and kids alike.
Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup
Toddler approved!
This lemony chicken noodle soup is our go-to. The bright lemon lifts the classic soup and makes it feel fresh. I usually add extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or riced cauliflower for more nutrition and color.
Healthy Turkey Chili
Toddler approved!
We prefer a chili without beans, so this turkey chili is perfect — rich, well-seasoned, and very adaptable. We often add carrots, fresh tomatoes, or other vegetables we need to use. Sometimes we substitute plant-based ground meat with similar results. I also reduce the salt compared to many recipes.
Creamy Avocado Pasta
Toddler approved!
This pasta yields a silky, creamy sauce without dairy. Everything goes into the blender or food processor — avocado, garlic, lemon, and herbs — for a quick, vibrant sauce. I often blend in spinach or arugula instead of basil to boost nutrition when basil isn’t on hand. It’s deceptively simple and very flavorful.
Photo by Two Peas & Their Pod
Sweet Potato Hash
I usually improvise this hash. To save time, I microwave diced sweet potatoes in a covered bowl with a little water to soften them before finishing in a skillet with onions, peppers, and other vegetables. Instead of baking eggs into the hash, I fry eggs separately and top each bowl with an egg, avocado, and hot sauce. Leftover brussels sprouts or other roasted vegetables work well in this dish.
Turkey Enchiladas
Toddler approved!
This family recipe is a favorite at gatherings. We simplify it by skipping cream cheese and using high-quality enchilada sauce and a dairy-free queso when we want lighter options. The filling and sauce make for a comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole.
Venetian Rolled Pizza
Toddler approved!
This rolled pizza became our Super Bowl tradition in college and still feels like a special-occasion treat. It’s elegant, simple to assemble, and especially delicious if you like prosciutto and fresh mozzarella.
Tomato Soup
Toddler approved!
We prefer a bright, tangy tomato soup rather than a creamy one. This version is straightforward, with simple ingredients and no added sugar or milk, so the acidity of the tomatoes shines.
Photo by How Sweet Eats
Broccoli Lemon Carbonara
Toddler approved! (Sometimes without the broccoli, depending on the day.)
This carbonara-style pasta with bright lemon and tender broccoli was an unexpected hit. The combination of creamy egg sauce, salty cheese, and lemon zest makes for a comforting yet fresh pasta dish.
No-Rise Pizza Crust
Toddler approved!
When we make pizza at home we like a no-rise crust for speed. It’s quick to prepare, easy to shape, and bakes up crisp and tasty without waiting for dough to proof.
Photo by Purple Carrot
Buffalo Cauliflower Farro Bowls
We recently tried these bowls and loved them. Buffalo-style cauliflower gives a familiar wing flavor, served over grain with crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing. We usually omit celery, add other favorite veggies, and serve with a favorite ranch-style dressing.
Cacio e Pepe
This classic Roman pasta is simple and stunning — just pasta, pepper, and cheese. It’s a dish I often order out, but it’s easy to prepare at home on occasion. I usually use grated Parmesan when that’s what I have on hand.
I’ll keep adding new favorites to this list as we find them. I’d love to hear some of your easy weeknight recipes — feel free to share your go-to dinners in the comments.
Lead photo and last photo by Studio DIY. Full source list for our kitchen is credited to the original creators.