Family dinner menu ideas are designed to bring everyone together around the table with comforting, hearty dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. A well-rounded meal often begins with an appetizer, like a warm soup such as chicken noodle or creamy tomato, followed by a main course featuring a classic like roasted chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti with marinara sauce or lasagna. To complement the main course, side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, and rice pilaf add texture and variety.
For a lighter option, a stir-fry or casserole can be a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s both filling and nutritious. Desserts like homemade apple pie, chocolate cake, or a fruit crisp provide a sweet ending to the meal. Family dinner menus should offer a balance of flavors, incorporating comfort foods with fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring everyone leaves the table full and satisfied.
Family Dinner Menu Ideas
Here’s a list of 100+ Family Dinner Menu Ideas that appeal to both kids and adults, with a variety of flavors and textures to keep everyone happy!
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Appetizers
- Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard
- Mini Meatballs with Marinara
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Baked Potato Skins
- Grilled Cheese Bites with Tomato Soup
- Guacamole and Chips
- Spinach Artichoke Dip with Pita Bread
- Deviled Eggs
- Garlic Bread with Parmesan
- Queso Dip with Tortilla Chips
- Veggie Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
- Fruit Kabobs
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Pita Chips with Tzatziki Sauce
- Sweet Potato Fries with Ketchup and Ranch
- Mini Empanadas
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Salads
- Caesar Salad
- Greek Salad with Feta and Olives
- Taco Salad with Ground Beef
- Chicken Cobb Salad
- Caprese Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil
- Southwest Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
- Apple and Walnut Salad
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Pasta Salad with Vegetables
- Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Black Beans
- Broccoli and Bacon Salad
- Asian Slaw Salad
- Kale and Apple Salad
- Coleslaw
- Fruit Salad
- Chickpea Salad
- Potato Salad
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Main Dishes
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Beef Tacos with all the Fixings
- Grilled Chicken with Lemon Herb Marinade
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Beef or Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables
- Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
- BBQ Ribs with Corn on the Cob
- Sloppy Joes
- Spicy Chicken Fajitas
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Ground Turkey
- Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice
- Baked Ziti
- Beef Enchiladas
- Shrimp Scampi
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Baked Fish Tacos
- Grilled Steak with Roasted Veggies
- Fish and Chips
- Chicken and Waffles
- Grilled Salmon with Rice Pilaf
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Pork Schnitzel with Sauerkraut
- Spaghetti Carbonara
- Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese
- Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes
- Beef Stroganoff
- Chili Con Carne
- Shrimp Tacos with Avocado
- Beef and Cheese Empanadas
- Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary
- Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Veggie Lasagna
- Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp
- Chicken Cacciatore
- Garlic and Herb Roasted Pork Loin
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Grilled Shrimp with Corn Salsa
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps
- Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia
- Grilled Veggie Skewers with Tofu
- Black Bean Burgers
- Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Chicken Kiev
- Pasta Primavera
- Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Marinara Sauce
- Roasted Duck with Cherry Sauce
- Grilled Salmon Burgers
- Beef Wellington
- Pesto Chicken
- Moussaka
- Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Shrimp and Grits
- Chicken Schnitzel
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Side Dishes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Grilled Asparagus
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Corn on the Cob
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
- Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
- Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze
- Rice Pilaf
- Baked Beans
- Coleslaw with Vinegar Dressing
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Steamed Artichokes
- Smashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
- Oven-Roasted Zucchini
- Sauteed Mushrooms with Thyme
Desserts
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Brownies
- Apple Pie
- Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
- Fruit Sorbet
- Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce
- Banana Pudding
- S’mores Bars
- Chocolate Lava Cakes
- Rice Pudding
- Lemon Bars
- Panna Cotta
- Chocolate Mousse
- Crème Brûlée
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
- Key Lime Pie
- Cupcakes with Sprinkles
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Lemon Curd Tartlets
- Ice Cream Sundaes
- Peach Cobbler
- Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Apple Crisp
- Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Baked Alaska
- Banana Bread
- Mini Pavlovas with Fresh Fruit
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Kid-Friendly Options
- Chicken Nuggets with Dipping Sauces
- Pizza Rolls
- Macaroni and Cheese Bites
- Hot Dog Sliders
- Mini Pizzas
- Pita Bread Pizzas
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
- Cheeseburger Sliders
- Mini Pancakes with Syrup
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Pigs in a Blanket with Ketchup
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Veggie Tacos with Avocado
- Taco Cups
- Breakfast Burritos with Eggs and Cheese
- Mini Quesadillas with Chicken and Cheese
- Chicken Taco Cups
- Pizza Bagels
- Chicken and Veggie Wraps
- Mini Bagel Pizzas
- Fruit Salad with Marshmallows
Family Favorites
- Baked Chicken with Mac and Cheese
- Meatball Soup with Breadsticks
- Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Beef and Vegetable Stew
- Pasta with Butter and Parmesan
- Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Combo
- Baked Ham with Roasted Potatoes
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Beef Tacos with Cilantro Lime Rice
- Grilled Chicken with Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Homemade Fish Sticks with Tartar Sauce
- Chicken Tenders with French Fries
- Veggie Frittata with Spinach and Feta
- Roasted Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
- Beef Burger Sliders with Veggies
- Pizza Night with Different Toppings
- Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce and Garlic Bread
- Chicken Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
- Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Beef or Veggie Chili with Cornbread
- Sloppy Joes with Fries
- Pork Tenderloin with Mashed Potatoes
- Grilled Veggie Skewers with Rice
- Shrimp and Sausage Paella
- Chicken Schnitzel with French Fries
- Baked Sweet Potatoes with Toppings
- Grilled Sausages with Potato Salad
- Tuna Salad with Crackers
- Fish Tacos with Cilantro and Lime
This comprehensive list offers a wide variety of dishes that will satisfy the whole family, whether you have picky eaters or gourmet food lovers at the table!
Recipes
1. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 1 lb spaghetti
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Heat marinara sauce in a pan, add the baked meatballs, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti.
2. Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the oven, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
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3. Beef Tacos with all the Fixings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Instructions:
- In a pan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
- Assemble tacos with beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
4. Grilled Chicken with Lemon Herb Marinade
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Serve with a side of roasted veggies or rice.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 sandwich buns
- Coleslaw for topping
Instructions:
- Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
- Serve on sandwich buns, topped with coleslaw.
6. Beef or Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or chicken, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Rice for serving
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add beef or chicken and cook until browned, then remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the vegetables and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Add soy sauce and oyster sauce, and return the beef or chicken to the pan. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Serve with steamed rice.
7. Homemade Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, then cook until thickened.
- Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices bread
- 4 tbsp butter
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
Ingredients for Tomato Soup:
- 1 can tomato soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- For the soup, heat olive oil in a saucepan, add garlic, and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomato soup and milk, stirring to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- For the sandwiches, butter each slice of bread and place a slice of cheese between two slices.
- Grill in a pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve the sandwiches with the tomato soup.
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9. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and cook chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Slice the chicken into strips.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the pasta in the Alfredo sauce, adding the sliced chicken on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
10. Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients for Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until cooked through.
- For mashed potatoes, boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until soft.
- Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes on the side.
11. BBQ Ribs with Corn on the Cob
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Rub the ribs with salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning.
- Grill the ribs for 2 hours, basting with BBQ sauce every 20 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes, grill the corn on the cob, turning occasionally, until slightly charred.
- Serve the ribs with grilled corn on the cob.
12. Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned.
- Add onion and bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the mixture on hamburger buns.
13. Spicy Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 flour tortillas
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken and vegetables in the mixture.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken and vegetables until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas and serve with sour cream and salsa.
14. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Ground Turkey
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground turkey and onions until browned.
- Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the peppers with the turkey and rice mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
15. Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 2 cups steamed rice
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill or cook the chicken in a pan for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Serve the chicken over steamed rice and garnish with green onions.
16. Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 1 lb ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, and egg.
- Mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce and the cheese mixture.
- Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
17. Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can enchilada sauce (15 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz)
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef and onion until browned.
- Stir in the green chilies and 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce.
- Fill tortillas with beef mixture and roll them up.
- Place the enchiladas in a baking dish and top with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, and serve with sour cream.
18. Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
19. Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 pre-made pie crusts (or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions, celery, peas, and carrots until soft.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Stir in the chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Roll out one pie crust and line a pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust.
- Top with the second pie crust and crimp the edges.
- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
20. Baked Fish Tacos
Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (tilapia or cod)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush fish fillets with olive oil and season with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Warm tortillas in the oven or on a skillet.
- Mix cabbage, cilantro, sour cream, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Flake the baked fish and assemble the tacos with the fish, cabbage slaw, and additional toppings.
21. Grilled Steak with Roasted Veggies
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks (or your favorite cut)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness.
- While the steaks are grilling, toss the veggies in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the vegetables for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and slightly charred.
- Serve the steak with roasted veggies and fresh herbs.
22. Fish and Chips
Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod or haddock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add sparkling water and whisk until smooth.
- Coat the fish fillets in the batter and fry for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- In a separate pot, fry the potatoes until golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes.
- Drain both the fish and chips on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges.
23. Chicken and Waffles
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 frozen or homemade waffles
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry the chicken strips until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Toast waffles according to package instructions or make homemade waffles.
- Serve the fried chicken on top of the waffles, drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy.
24. Grilled Salmon with Rice Pilaf
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
- While salmon is cooking, prepare the rice pilaf by heating a pan over medium heat and sautéing onions until soft.
- Add the rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
- Stir in sliced almonds and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve the grilled salmon over the rice pilaf.
25. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cheese, peas, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or parsley if desired.
26. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in flour and dip in the beaten egg.
- Fry the chicken in oil until crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- In a pan, combine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch slurry. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the pineapple, bell pepper, and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sweet and sour sauce and serve hot.
27. Pork Schnitzel with Sauerkraut
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops, pounded thin
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jar sauerkraut (15 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Dredge each chop in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Heat sauerkraut in a separate pan and season to taste.
- Serve schnitzel with sauerkraut on the side.
28. Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1/2 lb pancetta, diced
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy, about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the hot pasta with the pancetta and then stir in the egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water until creamy.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
29. Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
30. Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Arrange chicken thighs on the same baking sheet or in a separate pan. Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping the sweet potatoes halfway through.
- Serve the chicken thighs alongside the roasted sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley.
31. Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or rice for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add beef broth, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in sour cream. Return the beef to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve over egg noodles or rice.
32. Chili Con Carne
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream and shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
- Simmer the chili for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the chili with sour cream and shredded cheese on top.
33. Shrimp Tacos with Avocado
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Warm tortillas in the skillet or microwave.
- Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on each tortilla, and top with avocado slices, cilantro, and shredded cabbage.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
34. Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package empanada dough discs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheese and cook until melted.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanada dough discs on a baking sheet.
- Spoon a small amount of beef mixture onto the center of each dough disc. Fold over to form a half-moon shape.
- Press edges to seal and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
35. Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the pan.
- Roast the chicken for 1.5-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
36. Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 lamb chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
Instructions:
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Rub lamb chops with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- For the mint sauce, combine mint, vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Serve lamb chops with mint sauce on top.
37. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove stems from mushrooms and scrape out the gills with a spoon.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, mozzarella, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and tender.
38. Veggie Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer cooked noodles, ricotta mixture, zucchini slices, and marinara sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
39. Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and cook shrimp until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the sauce thickens.
- Toss cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce and shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.