As spring blooms and the hustle and bustle of seasonal activities kick into high gear, finding the inspiration and time to prepare nourishing meals for the family can feel like a near impossible task. Whether it’s shuttling our kids to soccer practice or dance lessons, the hours between school and bedtime seem to vanish in the blink of an eye! But with a little bit of planning and some simple, yet delicious recipes up your sleeve, you can whip up wholesome meals that will keep the whole family happy, healthy and fueled for whatever adventures the season brings.
Below you’ll find 15 family-friendly healthy dinner ideas for those busy weeknights. While they’re not all as quick as those freezer section meals, most of these meals are either slow cooker wonders or can be prepped ahead, ensuring that your family’s nutritional needs are met, even on the busy evenings.
15 Family-Friendly Healthy Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
1. One Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
Toss cubed chicken breast and vegetables in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, lay it all out on a sheet pan, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender. You could also marinate the protein and vegetables over night for an extra burst of flavor and tenderness. Some of our favorite vegetables to include in this one-sheet-pan bake are zucchini, summer squash, cherry tomatoes and red onion. This variety is also delightful grilled on skewers!
2. Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos/Burritos/Quesadillas
This is one of my favorite slow cooker creations, and a common go-to. Load the slow cooker with chicken breasts, salsa, and spices, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once cooked, shred it up with a fork, and you have the most delicious and tender shredded chicken for tacos, burritos or quesadillas. Add rice, beans, lettuce, cheese and salsa for a complete meal. For the full recipe, click here.
3. Grass-fed Burgers with Homemade Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Juicy grass-fed beef burgers served with homemade oven-baked sweet potato fries offers a healthier twist on a classic comfort food favorite. To make the sweet potato fries, simply slice whole sweet potatoes into fry size and shape, lay out on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sea salt, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 35 minutes. These can absolutely be pre-cooked and re-heated to save on time!
4. Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup and a Veggie Side
A comforting and nostalgic classic that ever disappoints. Sourdough offers a lighter glycemic load, while also enhancing flavor with the delicious sour-tang. Pair with a healthier tomato soup, such as a homemade version or Pacific Foods Organic Tomato Soup.
5. Spaghetti Squash Bowls with Grass-fed Meat Sauce (pasta for the picky eaters)
A lighter alternative to traditional pasta, spaghetti squash can be lightly coated in olive oil and roasted (open side down) in the oven, then scraped with a fork to produce spaghetti-like strings. Roasting takes about 30-40 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but can be prepped ahead and re-heated in the oven fairly quickly. Top the bowl with savory grass-fed meat sauce (simply cook up some ground beef and combine with your favorite tomato pasta sauce) for protein, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. For the picky eaters, you can use regular pasta, and add in a veggie.
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Sausage with Bell Peppers and Onions
Here’s another go-to quick meal in our home. Simply place chicken sausage links in the slow cookers, cover with your favorite sauce, add in sliced bell peppers and onion, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Enjoy on a plate, on a hot dog bun or on a sub roll as a meal. The sauce is so flavorful and can be used as a leftover meal the next day over pasta, pizza, etc.
7. Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cook up some grass-fed ground beef, rice, and black beans, and mix all together with your favorite tomato sauce and spices. Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds, coat with olive oil, and fill the with the Mexican mixture. Place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes or until the peppers are cooked to your liking. Top with cheese (and hot sauce if you like!) and enjoy. 🫑
8. Lemon Chicken Orzo with Asparagus
Slice, bread, and saute chicken breasts in olive oil over medium heat until cooked thoroughly. Place over orzo and top with a lemon butter cream sauce and fresh parsley. Asparagus pairs nicely with this dish, but any vegetable side will do for a complete meal.
9. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches with a Veggie Side
Season and cook a pork loin in the slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours, shred with a fork, and mix in your favorite barbecue sauce for a deliciously moist pulled pork experience. Serve on a bun with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
10. Homemade Pizzas
Personalize pizzas by topping with your choice of sauce, cheese, and a variety of nutritious toppings, to provide a fun and interactive meal for the whole family to enjoy.
11. Grass-fed Steak with Mushrooms and a Veggie Side
Season and sear a succulent grass-fed steak to perfection, then pair it with sautéed mushrooms and your favorite vegetable side like asparagus or crispy Brussel sprouts for a dinner that’s indulgent and nutritious.
12. Greek Chicken Salad/Wrap
A refreshing and flavorful salad or wrap filled with tender grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, olives, cucumber, feta cheese, and a tangy Greek dressing, offers a nutritious taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
13. Chicken Parmesan Over Spaghetti Squash or Pasta with Steamed Broccoli Side
Slice, bread, and fry chicken breasts in olive oil over medium heat until crispy on the edges. Top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese and serve over spaghetti squash or pasta. Add a side of steamed broccoli or other vegetable to make for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
14. Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon with Baked Asparagus
Succulent salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce that’s made my blending pure maple syrup with Dijon mustard, then baked to perfection. Pair alongside a roasted vegetable like asparagus, broccoli or bok choy for a nutritious and elegant dinner option.
15. Egg Omelets
Breakfast for dinner! Enjoy this super-quick meal of a protein-rich egg omelet loaded with veggies and a bit of cheese for a nutritious and satiating dinner.
And there you have it, 15 delicious and healthy dinner ideas that can be pre-prepped or pre-cooked for busy weeknights. With a little planning and creativity, you can ensure that your family enjoys nutritious meals even on the most hectic of days. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, turn to these ideas for a satisfying and stress-free dinner solution. Here’s to happy, healthy eating!
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