75 Best Family Dinner Ideas for Everyone 'Round the Table
It's what Ree Drummond does best!
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Howdy, friends! Here at The Pioneer Woman, we're all about easy, comforting, and delicious recipes. (But you know that already 😉.) It's the reason why Ree Drummond's family dinner ideas are always a hit around the table. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hungry teenagers, or a bunch of cowboys, you can always count on Ree's easy dinner recipes to make supper a breeze. That's why we've rounded up her best family meals for every night of the week—comforting chicken recipes, creative steak dinners, budget-friendly meals, and so much more! "We keep it really family-friendly around here," Ree says. It's no wonder her kids love coming home to the Drummond ranch!
Here, you'll find tons of quick 30-minute meals and sheet pan suppers that make cleanup easy. Looking for something big enough to feed your hungry crowd of kids? Look no further than The Pioneer Woman's best casserole dishes —like her green chile enchilada casserole or the cheesy lasagna. You'll also find some new twists on childhood classics, like a sloppy joe casserole that's both fun and messy to eat! Along with these comfort food recipes, we've made sure to include some ways to make weeknight dinner fun—like Tex-Mex recipes for taco Tuesdays, cheesy baked pasta recipes, homemade pizzas, and a Sunday dinner that's fit for a crowd. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking!
Slow-Cooker Bolognese
This hearty meat sauce makes a big batch so you can prep it on a Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. Ree even suggests stashing containers of it in the freezer for those nights when you simply don't want to cook!
Get Ree's Slow-Cooker Bolognese recipe.
Honey Mustard Chicken
This recipe for honey mustard chicken might just be the most versatile one yet! You can use the marinade for breasts or thighs depending on your family's preferences and make it on the grill or stovetop.
Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Not only are these stuffed peppers pretty and comforting, but they're also a healthy dinner that you can feel good about serving to your family. You'll get your grains, meat, and veggies all in one dish.
Get Ree's Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
There's a reason this is one of Ree's "most bookmarked and printed recipes of all time." It's so darn delicious! And if you can't find Cajun spice mix, just make your own.
Get Ree's Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.
Sweet Potato Chili
This hearty bowl of chili is loaded with two types of beans, warm spices, and comforting sweet potatoes. You won't even need to tell your family that's actually meat-free.
Get the Sweet Potato Chili recipe.
Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Turn a classic party dip into a hearty main course! This mash-up of creamy pasta and spinach-artichoke dip will become a new favorite.
Get Ree's Spinach Artichoke Pasta recipe.
Shrimp and Grits
It doesn't get more comforting that cheesy grits topped with spicy Cajun shrimp! You'll be glad to know that the whole thing comes together in just 20 minutes.
Get Ree's Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Smothered Chicken
Everything about this dish is delicious—the crispy chicken thighs cooked in bacon drippings, the creamy gravy, and even the mashed potatoes on the side!
Get the Smothered Chicken recipe.
Beef Burgundy
If you want to make your house smell incredible, just start cooking this hearty beef stew. It gets all its flavor from bacon, garlic, thyme, and a whole bottle of red wine!
Get Ree's Beef Burgundy recipe.
Feta Pasta
You've likely seen variations of this popular pasta on the internet. Our version uses both feta and cream cheese so it's almost like a mac and cheese!
Get the Feta Pasta recipe.
Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi
One pot is all you need to make this creamy gnocchi recipe that's loaded with sausage and garlic breadcrumbs. That means less cleanup at the end of the night!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Remember that boxed hamburger helper when you were a kid? Well, we're giving it a much-needed upgrade by making it from scratch.
Get the Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
Coconut Chicken Curry
Brighten up your dinner table with this flavorful curry made with coconut milk, ginger, warm spices, and sweet mango. Serve it over rice and watch your family gather round.
Get the Coconut Chicken Curry recipe.
Pasta Alla Vodka
This creamy, luxurious pasta sauce is just like the kind you might find at your favorite Italian restaurant. Serve it up with extra grated parmesan and red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
Get Ree's Pasta Alla Vodka recipe.
Sheet Pan Pizza
You don't need any fancy tools to make pizza from scratch! This version uses a sheet pan to make a cheesy pepperoni pie that's big enough for a crowd.
Get the Sheet Pan Pizza recipe.
Baked Salmon
This moist, flaky salmon has a simple honey, mustard and lemon juice marinade that makes all the difference. It's what gives the fish a nice glaze.
Get the Baked Salmon recipe.
Taco Casserole
Taco night gets a whole new spin with this casserole recipe that's fit for a crowd! Don't worry, you can still top it with all your favorite taco toppings.
Get the Taco Casserole recipe.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Don't let risotto scare you! It's surprisingly easy to make. This version has bits of tender squash to make it even creamier.
Get Ree's Butternut Squash Risotto recipe.
Chicken Nachos
Hungry cowboys or teenagers will love to have a plate of nachos for dinner! It's saucy, spicy, and just darn fun!
Get Ree's Chicken Nachos recipe.
Slow Cooker Chili
We love when you can throw everything into a slow cooker and go on with the rest of your day. That's exactly what you can do with this hearty beef chili. When you're ready to serve, set up a DIY chili bar with toppings like chips, cheese, and sour cream!
Get the Slow Cooker Chili recipe.
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