38 Family Dinner Entrée Recipes That’ll Make Everyone Ask for Seconds

Stuck in the “what’s for dinner?” loop? This lineup of 38 reliable entrées helps you feed a crowd without falling back on take-out. From one-pan wonders to slow-cooker classics, each recipe is approachable, budget-friendly, and big on flavor. Bookmark the list, mix and match through the month, and enjoy fewer mealtime negotiations.

1. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Slow-simmered ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatics turn a humble pot of pasta into a comfort-food staple everyone recognizes. Let the sauce bubble for at least 30 minutes so flavors can mellow and deepen. Toss with al dente spaghetti and offer extra cheese at the table. Leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.

2. Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry

Quick, colorful, and endlessly adaptable, this stir-fry takes less time than ordering delivery. Marinate flank steak in soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar while you prep vegetables. A hot pan and fast cooking keep everything crisp-tender. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a 20-minute dinner.

3. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Salmon

Pan-seared salmon fillets get cloaked in a velvety garlic cream studded with baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce comes together in the same skillet, so cleanup stays simple. Use heavy cream or half-and-half depending on how rich you like it. Pair with crusty bread to capture every last drop.

4. Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas

Canned black beans, sautéed onions, and corn roll up nicely in soft tortillas for a meat-free crowd-pleaser. A quick blender sauce of tomatoes, chili powder, and garlic keeps sodium in check and flavor high. Bake until the cheese melts and tortillas lightly brown at the tips. Offer sour cream or avocado slices on the side for extra creaminess.

5. One-Pot Sausage & Rice

Smoked sausage adds smoky depth and enough fat to season the entire pot without extra oil. Sauté the sausage and vegetables first, then stir in rice and broth for a hands-off simmer. Everything cooks together, allowing flavors to mingle while you tackle other tasks. It’s a weeknight lifesaver with only one pot to wash.

6. BBQ Chicken Sheet-Pan Nachos

Transform leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken with a quick toss in barbecue sauce. Spread tortilla chips on a sheet pan, scatter the saucy chicken and cheese, then broil until bubbly. Add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes or green onions after baking for contrast. Serve straight from the pan for a fun, informal meal.

7. Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Leaner than beef yet still hearty, ground turkey mixes with cooked quinoa and sautéed spinach for a protein-packed filling. Spoon the mixture into bell pepper halves, cover with foil, and bake until peppers soften. A sprinkle of mozzarella or feta adds melty appeal. These reheat well for lunches the next day.

8. Honey-Garlic Pork Chops

Pan-searing locks in juices, while a quick honey, soy, and garlic glaze caramelizes into a sweet-savory crust. Boneless or bone-in chops both work—just adjust cook time for thickness. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water or broth to capture every flavorful bit. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for balance.

9. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Classic Alfredo gets a quick seafood upgrade when you toss in juicy cooked shrimp. Use a simple sauce of butter, cream, and Parmesan for authentic richness without bottled shortcuts. Cook pasta until just tender, then combine everything in one pan to finish. A pinch of nutmeg brightens the cream without overpowering it.

10. Quinoa & Chickpea Buddha Bowls

Perfect for meatless Mondays, these bowls balance plant protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Roast canned chickpeas until crispy for texture, and cook quinoa in vegetable broth for extra flavor. Arrange vegetables in sections for a pleasing rainbow effect. A lemon-tahini dressing ties everything together.

11. Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker builds deep flavor without much effort. Add root vegetables, beef broth, and a spoonful of tomato paste, then let it simmer all day. The long cook transforms inexpensive chuck into fork-tender bites. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the gravy.

12. Margherita Skillet Lasagna

This shortcut lasagna skips the baking dish and stacks ingredients directly in a skillet. Broken noodles cook in tomato sauce, absorbing flavor while softening. Finish with slices of fresh mozzarella and basil for classic Margherita vibes. It’s lasagna taste in half the usual time.

13. Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Homemade teriyaki sauce—just soy, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic—coats drumsticks in a sticky shine. Roast or grill until the meat pulls clean from the bone and the glaze caramelizes. A quick cornstarch slurry thickens any extra sauce for drizzling. Serve with rice and steamed edamame.

14. Greek-Style Lamb Meatballs

Season ground lamb with oregano, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon for unmistakable Mediterranean character. Bake or pan-sear the meatballs until cooked through, then finish with a squeeze of lemon. Tzatziki offers a cool counterpoint to the warm spices. Pair with pita and a tomato-cucumber salad to complete the theme.

15. Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes

Bake large russet potatoes until fluffy, then scoop and mash the insides with butter, cheddar, and steamed broccoli. Return the mixture to the shells and broil briefly for a golden top. It’s an entrée that sneaks in veggies without complaint. Serve alongside a simple green salad for color.

16. Cajun Jambalaya

This Louisiana classic layers smoky and spicy notes from andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning, and the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell pepper. Everything cooks in one pot, so rice soaks up every drop of flavor. Adjust cayenne to match your family’s heat tolerance. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

17. Pesto Tortellini Bake

Refrigerated tortellini make this dish a speedy option when schedules are tight. Toss pasta with jarred or homemade pesto, top with mozzarella, and bake until melty. Cherry tomatoes add pops of freshness and color. Serve with a green side for balance.

18. Lemon-Dill Baked Cod

Mild cod takes on bright flavors beautifully, making it ideal for hesitant fish eaters. Brush fillets with butter, sprinkle dill and pepper, and top with thin lemon rounds. Bake just until the fish flakes with a fork to avoid dryness. Pair with roasted asparagus or couscous for a light meal.

19. Vegetable Coconut Curry

Coconut milk, curry paste, and a splash of lime juice create a rich but dairy-free sauce. Simmer mixed vegetables until tender yet vibrant. Chickpeas add heft and extra protein. Finish with fresh cilantro for an herbal lift.

20. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Thinly sliced steak cooks in minutes, making this a fast but indulgent family treat. Pile the meat and soft vegetables onto slider buns, then blanket with provolone under the broiler. The bites disappear quickly, so plan on two or three per person. A side of oven fries rounds out the diner vibe.

21. Mushroom & Pea Risotto

Slowly ladling warm broth into rice may sound fussy, but the payoff is silky, restaurant-quality risotto. Earthy cremini mushrooms and sweet peas lend depth and color. Stir in Parmesan and a knob of butter just before serving for extra gloss. Leftovers transform into crispy risotto cakes the next day.

22. Chicken Tikka Masala

Marinated chicken pieces get a quick broil or stovetop sear, then finish simmering in a spiced tomato-cream sauce. Garam masala, cumin, and paprika build signature warmth without overwhelming heat. Serve over basmati rice to soak up the gravy. Freeze extra sauce for an easy starter on busy nights.

23. Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Young green jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork once simmered in tangy barbecue sauce. Canned fruit is easiest—just drain, shred, and cook until the edges crisp slightly. Pile onto buns and top with crunchy slaw for contrast. It’s a vegan option even meat-lovers enjoy.

24. Ham & Swiss Frittata

Egg-based dinners are budget-friendly and quick. Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, fold in diced ham and shredded Swiss, then bake until puffed and golden. The dish works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a versatile standby. Pair with mixed greens tossed in vinaigrette.

25. Maple-Glazed Salmon

Sweet maple syrup balances salty soy and a hint of Dijon, creating a caramelized crust on the fish. Bake or grill just until the center turns opaque for maximum tenderness. The glaze doubles as a dipping sauce if reduced on the stovetop. Serve with wild rice and steamed broccoli.

26. Bean & Cheese Burrito Casserole

This make-ahead casserole stacks classic burrito fillings so you can feed a crowd fast. Layer tortillas with seasoned beans, corn, and cheese, repeating until the dish is full. Bake until gooey and slice into squares for easy serving. Add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes after baking for freshness.

27. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Cutting sirloin into bite-size pieces maximizes crispy edges and shortens cook time to mere minutes. Finish with butter, minced garlic, and parsley for steakhouse flavor without grilling. These bites pair well with mashed potatoes or a simple side salad. They also make a fun appetizer for game night.

28. Ratatouille with White Beans

Traditional Provençal vegetables stew together until tender and fragrant with thyme and basil. Adding white beans turns the side dish into a protein-rich main. Serve warm with crusty baguette or spoon over polenta. The flavors improve after a night in the fridge, so make extra.

29. Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry

Pressing tofu removes excess water so cubes sear to a golden crust rather than steam. A quick sauce of soy, fresh ginger, and a hint of honey coats every bite. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for crunch and nutty aroma. Serve over brown rice for added fiber.

30. French Onion Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin cooks quickly and stays lean, making it ideal for weeknights. Smother it in deeply caramelized onions and finish with a layer of broiled Gruyère for a nod to classic French onion soup. A splash of beef broth deglazes the pan into a quick sauce. Roasted green beans make an easy side.

31. Chili-Lime Chicken Fajitas

Citrusy marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses every bite with zesty flavor. Cook the meat and vegetables in a hot skillet for those signature charred edges. Serve family-style so everyone builds their own fajita. Don’t forget extra lime wedges for bright finishing spritzes.

32. Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Blanched spinach and creamy ricotta fill par-cooked pasta shells for an Italian-American favorite. Nestle the shells in marinara sauce, shower with mozzarella, and bake until the cheese browns. The recipe can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before dinner. Freeze a second pan for busy weeks.

33. Moroccan Chickpea Tagine

Cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric mingle with sweet dried apricots to create a savory-sweet balance typical of Moroccan cuisine. Canned chickpeas keep prep simple while still providing ample protein. Simmer slowly so flavors meld and broth thickens slightly. Spoon over fluffy couscous to soak up the sauce.

34. Baked BBQ Meatball Subs

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, and onion to form tender meatballs, then bake instead of pan-fry to save effort. Toss the cooked meatballs in your favorite barbecue sauce and tuck them into hoagie rolls. A quick broil melts cheese over the top for gooey appeal. Serve with simple coleslaw for crunch.

35. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi

Store-bought potato gnocchi turn luxurious when simmered in a cream sauce flavored by tangy sun-dried tomatoes. A handful of baby spinach wilts into the mix for color and nutrients. The whole dish cooks in one pan in under 15 minutes. Finish with grated Parmesan and cracked pepper.

36. Orange-Glazed Roast Duck

A simple glaze of orange juice, honey, and soy sauce caramelizes on the duck skin for a sweet-savory crust. Prick the skin before roasting so fat renders and the meat stays juicy. Allow the duck to rest before carving to keep moisture inside. Pair with roasted sweet potatoes for a harmonious plate.

37. Southwest Lentil Soup

Brown lentils cook quickly and bring plenty of protein and fiber to the table. Season with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a Tex-Mex twist. Stir in corn and black beans near the end so they stay intact. Garnish with avocado or cilantro for fresh contrast.

38. Caprese Chicken Bake

Chicken breasts nestle under a caprese topping of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for an almost effortless entrée. A drizzle of balsamic before baking adds a sweet tang that concentrates in the oven. Cook until the chicken is just done and cheese bubbles. Serve with garlic bread to swipe through the pan juices.