Published: by Lyndsey Piccolino · This post may contain affiliate links
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These 33 healthy family dinner ideas will help you make dinner tonight with minimal effort! Quick, healthy dinner recipes to feed hungry teenagers, kids, and picky toddlers. Each of these quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas is a tasty recipe that is a family-approved meal and full of nutritious ingredients.
Need Ideas for Quick Healthy Dinners?
Whether you are making dinner for a family of 4 (or more) or two or one, figuring out what to put on the dinner table can be challenging.
We can all get stumped when trying to match up healthy eating with cooking a delicious meal that the entire family will love! Getting the whole family to agree on what to eat for dinner can be a challenge.
Check out These Easy Recipes with So Much Flavor!
Luckily, I've collected over 30 of my top healthy family dinner ideas to help you plan out what to eat or make something for dinner tonight!
All of these ideas use healthy ingredients, are family and kid-friendly, and many take less than 30 minutes to make (aside from the crock pot recipes!) Some are even vegetarian recipes or can be made vegetarian.
This list will give you a month of quick healthy dinner ideas for busy nights. Whether you plan a regular taco night, focus on sheet pan dinners, or another easy weeknight meal from this list, finding your favorites and repeating them will make life easier.
Looking for Other Easy Dinner Recipes?
Need ideas for picky eaters? Check out this list of healthy recipes for picky eaters.
Looking for freezer meals to make ahead of time? This list of make-ahead meal ideas makes the perfect meal-prep dinners that make busy weeknights easier.
Be sure to also check out my seasonal dinner ideas, including summer dinner ideas and a bunch of fall dinner ideas.
Favorite Cheap and Healthy Family Dinners
HEALTHY TURKEY BURGER
This juicy & healthy turkey burger recipe is quick to meal prep and on the grill in just 10 minutes.
Healthy Turkey Burger
Pair this burger with some air fryer french fries and a side salad and you have one of the best healthy family dinner ideas. Your family won't even suspect the hidden veggies!
FLATBREAD PIZZA ON THE GRILL
Just 15 minutes and a few of your favorite pizza toppings for one of the most popular healthy family dinner ideas out there!
Flatbread Pizza on the Grill
You can use premade Naan or Stonefire flatbread or even make your ownflatbread dough from scratch! The recipe works great on all types of grills or in the oven.
GREEK YOGURT CHICKEN
Delicious Greek flavors make this recipe one of the most versatile healthy family dinner ideas and the best healthy chicken dinners out there. Use this grilled chicken as a base in just about any salad, bowl, or wrap.
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Pair this healthy protein with a veggie like air fryer broccoli or use it in a healthy burrito bowl. The possibilities are endless!
INSTANT POT CARNE ASADA
Super fast to make in just 20 minutes. Carne asada can be used in rice bowls, tacos, burritos, or a quesadilla.
Instant Pot Carne Asada
Simple ingredients and tons of flavor! Top with sour cream, enchilada sauce, or your favorite taco toppings.
INSTANT POT CHICKEN TACOS
Just 3 ingredients - chicken, salsa and garlic! One of those no-brainer family dinner ideas that is healthy and so versatile to use in a ton of different recipes.
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Your family will love using this Mexican shredded chicken in tacos, in burrito bowls, or in a quesadilla. Fewer dishes to clean by using just one pot.
NAAN BREAD PIZZA
Super quick pizza recipe that can be on the table in less than 10 minutes. Your family will love picking out their favorite toppings!
Naan Bread Pizza
Buy pre-made Naan bread and store it in the freezer for a quick weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy. This recipe is one of our go-to healthy family dinner ideas when we are short on time.
AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN
Serve this juicy and tasty chicken alongside some cornbread or some pasta salad.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Less than 30 minutes and you have juicy chicken that your family will ask for again and again!
AIR FRYER PORK TENDERLOIN
Mix up your weeknight protein choice with this simple and flavorful pork tenderloin.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Use a pork loin with the marinade in the recipe or follow the directions using a Smithfield pre-seasoned one. Serve with a side of potato cauliflower mash or mashed potatoes and a veggie like asparagus or broccoli.
AIR FRYER HOMEMADE TAQUITOS
One of the most popular family dinner ideas on my blog thanks to delicious flavors, crispy outsides, and hidden veggies!
Air Fryer Homemade Taquitos
These can be made ahead and frozen for a super easy make-ahead meal. One of our family's favorite healthy family dinner ideas!
CARNE ASADA QUESADILLA
Much quicker than slow cooking or using the stove, this easy steak recipe is full of flavor and super versatile. Make the steak ahead of time and add it to a quesadilla or serve with microwave brown rice for a simple 10-minute dinner.
Carne Asada Quesadilla
The delicious Mexican flavors make a filling and nutritious meal inless than 10 minutes!No marinating time!
EGGLESS MEATBALLS
If you're out of eggs or have a family member with an egg allergy, this no-egg meatball is for you! Juicy and flavorful!
Eggless Meatballs
Serve these with my instant pot tomato sauce over pasta.
BURRITO BOWL WITH CHICKEN
Trying to reduce your food budget by eating at home more? If you're craving Chipotle, this burrito bowl is the next best thing!
Healthy Burrito Bowl with Chicken
Easy to meal prep and great to eat for a quick dinner or lunch leftovers. Black beans, avocado, and delicious taco flavors make this bowl a winner.
HONEY GARLIC CROCK POT CHICKEN
Better than takeout with even more flavor and healthy ingredients!
Honey Garlic Paleo Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Serve this chicken over rice or cauliflower rice and some steamed broccoli.
ITALIAN QUESADILLAS
Quesadillas are one of our go-to healthy family dinner ideas when we are low on time and want something easy.
Italian Quesadillas
These quesadillas marry two of our favorites - pizza and quesadillas into a delicious and kid-friendly quick weeknight meal.
CROCK POT ENCHILADA SOUP
Super quick to throw together in the morning and lets the flavors develop all day long. Soup is always a no-brainer when I'm looking for healthy family dinner ideas - especially in the fall!
Crock Pot Enchilada Soup
Serve this soup with your favorite Mexican toppings and eat with a spoon or scoop with tortilla chips.
INSTANT POT HAMBURGER HELPER
Better than boxed, this healthy hamburger helper is super simple with healthy ingredients and is super kid-friendly.
Healthy Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Make this recipe using your Instant Pot in just about 35 minutes! Use ground beef or ground turkey.
AIR FRYER MEXICAN PIZZA
This fun and delicious meal tastes even better than your favorite Taco Bell recipe.
Easy Air Fryer Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Inspired)
This easy dinner idea will be your family's new favorite.
RANCH MEATLOAF
Meatloaf is always one of the best family dinner ideas for a comfy-cozy meal everyone will enjoy.
Ranch Meatloaf
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green beans for a hearty family dinner.
CROCK POT ROAST WITH POTATOES AND CARROTS
Add these ingredients to your slow cooker and enjoy the delicious roast beef and hearty veggies.
Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
A one-pot meal that will make your family full and your sink less full of dishes!
CHICKEN PENNE ALLA VODKA
Easy yet elevated with delicious flavors - you'd swear it was from a restaurant.
Chicken Penne Alla Vodka
Lightened-up and healthier pasta dish that your family will ask for again and again!
INSTANT POT CHICKEN PARMESAN
Cheesy chicken is easy to make in your instant pot and can be eaten over noodles or in a sandwich.
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
Another 30-minute meal that is great for a busy weeknight!
NO BREADCRUMB MEATLOAF
If you are out of breadcrumbs or are looking for a no-breadcrumb meatloaf recipe - this one uses quinoa!
Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs
Serve with cauliflower potato mash and some green beans for a well-rounded and filling meal.
AIR FRYER TURKEY BURGER
Forget the oven or grill on busy weeknights - the air fryer is one of my favorite appliances to get dinner on the table for my family, fast!
Air Fryer Turkey Burger
Just a few ingredients or even use your favorite pre-made burger.
WALKING TACO CASSEROLE
A whole casserole is one of my favorite family dinner ideas that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Walking Taco Casserole
Lightened-up with healthier ingredients, this walking taco casserole is super tasty and done in just 30 minutes!
AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
One of the most popular recipes on my site, this chicken is super juicy, flavorful and has a delicious crisp.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Use this chicken in wraps, on a sandwich, or serve with a side of potato wedges and a spinach salad.
CHICKEN PICCATA
A meal that feels fancy but is super easy to make in just 30 minutes!
Gluten Free Chicken Piccata
Your family will love this juicy chicken alongside a side of mashed potatoes and asparagus.
CHICKEN PARMESAN
A classic family favorite that will bring everyone to the table.
Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan
Serve over pasta or eat alone - it's that good!
WHOLE30 BEEF STEW
Simple, yet healthy, and feeds a crowd!
Whole30 Beef Stew
Easy to make in the slow cooker and filled with hearty flavors and textures.
SLOW COOKER SWEDISH MEATBALLS
If your family likes meatballs, these are even better than the Ikea version!
Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Serve over egg noodles for a traditional Swedish meatball dish.
CROCK POT CHICKEN ALFREDO
Lightened-up alfredo sauce you can make in your crock pot!
Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo
Serve this delicious chicken over pasta for a filling meal that makes tons of leftovers!
PANCAKE CHICKEN
Move over chicken and waffles, this is chicken and pancakes! Using pancake mix and a crispy cereal coating, this delicious air fryer chicken recipe is so flavorful and crispy - your family will love it!
Pancake Chicken
You can make this easy chicken recipe in just 30 minutes!
NO BREADING CHICKEN TENDERS
No-breading chicken tenders are great to throw in a wrap or eat in a salad.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - No Breading
Lots of flavor, juicy & delicious. Super simple to make in just 20 minutes!
CHEESEBURGER BOWL
Mix up burger night by throwing all of the ingredients into a bowl!
Cheeseburger Bowl
If you're not a fan of the bun, try this version that has all of the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger.
FAQs
What is the healthiest food for a family?
Each family will have its own set of nutritional requirements that will indicate the healthiest thing to eat for dinner. This topic should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
What works for our family is a balanced eating approach where we incorporate a balance of different food groups.
Generally, our meals consist of protein, veggies, and starch. Check out the list of healthy family dinner ideas above and see what you can make! One of the best ways to save money and eat better is to use what you have on hand.
What is the most popular family meal?
The most popular recipes for family meals on my blog are air fryer chicken breast, eggless meatballs, and honey garlic crock pot chicken. Chicken is our general protein of choice and meatballs are usually on our meal plan a few nights a month too.
How do I feed my family healthy on a budget?
You can feed your family healthy food on a budget! Meal planning and meal prepping help along with being strategic about eating what's in season.
Making an Aldi meal plan and shopping at stores like Aldi and Walmart are helpful in finding better prices for groceries. I also shop at Sam's Club for items that we tend to consume more of and at farmer's markets for fresh local produce.
Shopping in your pantry and freezer first are also two great ways to cut down on your food budget. It takes a bit of organization and planning but the reduced food cost is worth it!
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5 from 8 votes
Italian Quesadillas
Italian quesadillas pack simple ingredients like mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, basil, and rotisserie chicken into an easy meal your family will love! A quick weeknight meal that is ready in less than 15 minutes!
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 1 minute minute
Servings 2
Calories 359kcal
Author Lyndsey
Ingredients
- 4 tortillas
- 16 oz rotisserie chicken chopped or shredded
- 2 TB fresh basil chopped or chiffonade
- 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ jar Pizza sauce about 135 grams
Instructions
To begin, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Spray with cooking spray or brush olive oil onto the skillet.
Place the tortilla on the skillet. Add toppings and cheese to one half.
Allow tortilla to cook for a few minutes until you notice the cheese is beginning to melt and the under side of the tortilla is starting to brown.
Flip over the half of the tortilla without toppings on to the half with toppings making a half moon shape.
Allow tortilla to cook for a minute more then flip. Cook until tortilla is browned to your liking and cheese is melted.
Cut in half or into quarters and serve immediately.
Notes
To help the cheese to melt and get super cheesy, place a skillet lid over the quesadilla when you first put it on the skillet. Keep an eye on it so it does not burn but this will help the cheese to melt easier.
Use a pizza cutter to easily cut Italian quesadillas in half or in quarters.
Reheat by placing on a skillet and heating over medium heat until cheese is re-melted and chicken is heated through.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Not recommended for freezing.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.6g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 14.3g
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @cookathomemomma or tag #cookathomemomma!
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- Best Ever Juicy BBQ Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
- Pellet Grill Pork Tenderloin (Traeger Grilled Recipe)
- Easy Pasta with Peas and Pancetta (Pasta e Piselli)
