Make Saturday Night Special with These 15 Dinner Ideas for the Family

Saturday night is finally here! After a long week, it’s the perfect time to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal with the family. But with busy schedules, who has the time to cook a big meal from scratch? That’s where I come in. I’m all about finding simple and easy ways to meal prep, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.

This article is packed with 15 easy Saturday dinner ideas that are perfect for families. Each recipe includes a complete ingredient list, easy-to-follow instructions, and – my favorite part – comprehensive meal prep information to help you get dinner on the table even faster.  

1. Harissa Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas

This recipe combines warm spices with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, harissa paste, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss sweet potatoes and chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate the chicken in the harissa mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor.
• Peel and cube the sweet potatoes ahead of time.
• Double the vegetables and use the leftovers for salads or grain bowls throughout the week.

2. One-Pan Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes

This healthy and flavorful dish comes together quickly and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 pound small potatoes, halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss potatoes and asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Place salmon fillets on top of the vegetables. Top each fillet with lemon slices.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Meal Prep Tips

• To ensure the potatoes cook through, par-boil or microwave them for a few minutes before roasting. This will significantly reduce the overall cooking time on Saturday.
• Flake any leftover salmon and use it to make salmon cakes, salmon salad, or add it to pasta dishes.

3. Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu

This dish is packed with flavor and texture, featuring crispy tofu, a vibrant peanut sauce, and your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• For the sauce:
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons water
• Noodles of your choice (udon, soba, or spaghetti)

Instructions

1. Toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the bell pepper and broccoli to the same pan. Stir-fry until tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
5. Add the cooked noodles, tofu, and sauce to the pan with the vegetables. Toss to coat.
6. Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve immediately.

Meal Prep Tips

• Press the tofu ahead of time to remove excess moisture, which will help it crisp up nicely.
• The peanut sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cook the noodles according to package directions and store them separately in the refrigerator.

4.  Black Bean Burgers

These vegetarian burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef burgers.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, etc.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork.
3. Stir in quinoa, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the burgers are heated through.
7. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

Meal Prep Tips

• Form the black bean patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for future meals.

5. Lentil Curry

This fragrant and flavorful curry is a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and turmeric.
4. Add diced tomatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Stir in coconut milk.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve over rice.

Meal Prep Tips

• Measure out the spices ahead of time.
• This curry freezes well. Prepare it ahead of time and freeze for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

6. Tuna Melts

A classic comfort food that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices bread
• 4 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, provolone)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread tuna mixture on two slices of bread.
3. Top with cheese and the remaining slices of bread.
4. Grill in a panini press or skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Meal Prep Tips

• Make the tuna salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
• Chop the celery and onion ahead of time.

7. Taco Night

Taco night is always a hit with families. It’s a fun and easy way to get everyone involved in the cooking process.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or chicken
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Taco shells
• Toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef or chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning according to package directions.
4. Fill taco shells with the meat mixture and your favorite toppings.

Meal Prep Tips

• Cook a big batch of ground beef or chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
• Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Make a batch of guacamole or your favorite salsa.

8. Spaghetti and Meatballs

This classic Italian-American dish is a comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spaghetti

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
3. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
8. Serve spaghetti with meatballs and sauce.

Meal Prep Tips

• Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. They can be added directly to the sauce from frozen.
• The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use leftover meatballs in subs, meatball soup, or on top of pizza.

9. Chicken Pot Pie

This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly Saturday night.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned.
5. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened.
8. Stir in peas, thyme, salt, and pepper.
9. Pour the chicken mixture into a 9-inch pie plate.
10. Top with the pie crust.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Meal Prep Tips

• Make the chicken and vegetable filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
• Save time by using store-bought pie crust.
• For easier portioning, make individual pot pies in ramekins.

10. Lasagna

This classic Italian dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano  
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
7. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
8. Top with a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese mixture.
9. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Meal Prep Tips

• Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it on Saturday.
• Lasagna freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze one for a future meal.
• Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.

11. Soup and Salad

A simple and satisfying meal that can be easily customized with your favorite soup and salad combinations.

Ingredients

• Your favorite soup recipe (e.g., chicken noodle, tomato, vegetable)
• Salad ingredients (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, etc.)
• Your favorite salad dressing

Instructions

1. Prepare the soup according to your chosen recipe.
2. Assemble the salad with your desired ingredients.
3. Serve the soup and salad together.

Meal Prep Tips

• Make a big batch of soup on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Wash and dry lettuce ahead of time to save time on Saturday.

12. Quiche

Quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, etc.)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, Swiss)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If using a homemade crust, blind-bake it for 10 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add onion and vegetables and cook until softened.
5. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread the vegetables in the pie crust.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown.

Meal Prep Tips

• Make the quiche crust ahead of time and blind-bake it.
• Use leftover roasted vegetables in the quiche filling.

13. Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

This comforting soup is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions.
5. Stir in heavy cream and basil.
6. Season with salt and pepper.

Meal Prep Tips

• Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time.
• This soup freezes well. Prepare it ahead of time and freeze for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

14. Mac and Cheese

This classic comfort food is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
2. While the macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Drain macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce.
9. Stir to combine.

Meal Prep Tip

Make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop before adding the cooked macaroni.

15. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

This flavorful salmon dish is both elegant and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the honey garlic glaze over the salmon.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

Meal Prep Tips

• If you’re not planning on cooking all the salmon at once, portion it out into individual servings before marinating. Place each portion in a separate freezer bag with a tablespoon or two of the glaze. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• If you have any leftover glaze, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

Conclusion

There you have it! 15 easy and delicious Saturday dinner ideas that are perfect for families. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy stress-free meals and spend more quality time with your loved ones. Remember, these are just suggestions, feel free to adapt them to your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking!

Nathaniel Lee

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.