• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

cait's plate

helping you break free from diet culture

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • FOOD PHILOSOPHY
    • FITNESS PHILOSPHY
  • RECIPES
    • BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
    • LUNCH
    • DINNER
    • SNACKS & SIDES
    • DESSERT
    • THE BASICS
  • NUTRITION
    • INTUITIVE EATING SERIES
    • NUTRITION TOPICS
    • POPULAR DIETS
  • MOTHERHOOD
    • TODDLER FEEDING
    • PREGNANCY
    • BABY
  • FREE RESOURCES
  • NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP
  • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

12 easy family dinner ideas

39 · May 5, 2019 · Leave a Comment

rounding up 12 easy family dinner ideas for the week ahead!

7 easy family dinner ideas // cait's plate

I’ve gotten a lot of requests for meals that can work for the whole family so I wanted to round up some of those that we’ve had success with in our household. All of them are done in less than 30 minutes or can even be prepped over the weekend and heated come dinner time on weeknights!

Owen is a pretty good eater but has been going through a particularly picky phase so the fact that he has eaten and enjoyed all of these is a good testament to their tastiness (and acceptability!). Feel free to swap in different protein sources, grains or veggies for those your family prefers.

DINNER #1: Chicken sausage with roasted potatoes and corn

7 easy family dinner ideas // cait's plate

We love Boar’s Head and Aidell’s chicken sausage. For the adults we serve the sausages on whole wheat buns like a hot dog. We’ll often do a simple roast of potatoes (like the simple roasted sweet potatoes featured in this recipe) or buy these One Little Potato oven ready potatoes. For the corn, simply cut it off the cob for your little one as needed.

DINNER #2: Ravioli with steamed broccoli

7 easy family dinner ideas // cait's plate

It doesn’t get easier than this! We buy a bag of ravioli (any flavor you like! we like Buitoni brand), top with marinara sauce (we love Newman’s Own) and pair with some steamed broccoli (or other preferred veggie).

DINNER #3: Veggie burgers with french fries

7 easy family dinner ideas // cait's plate

You can make your own burgers (like these chipotle lime corn & sweet potato black bean burgers!) or buy some (we love Amy’s and Dr. Praeger’s). We top ours with a little mustard, cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato & onion and serve one whole wheat hamburger buns (for Owen we serve the avocado on the side). Like with the burgers, you can make your own roasted potatoes or buy some frozen pre-made french fries (we love Alexia and Trader Joe’s brands).

DINNER #4: Quesadillas with avocado, plain yogurt & salsa

7 easy family dinner ideas // cait's plate

Clearly this one is a hit with Owen as he’s already grabbing at it! We’ve done bean and cheese, veggie and just plain cheese variety of quesadillas and they’ve all been hits! These whole wheat black bean, corn and sweet potato quesadillas are a favorite of mine and Owen’s. For the adults, we add hot sauce and a couple of blue corn chips.

DINNER #5: Broccoli spinach pesto tortellini bake

7 easy family dinner ideas // cait's plate

Get the recipe for the broccoli spinach pesto tortellini bake here! You can also just boil up the spinach tortellini (we love Trader Joe’s and Buitoni) and broccoli, top with pesto & a sprinkle of cheese if you want to skip the extra steps of making the bake. We served Owen’s with a couple of veggie-loaded chicken meatballs for additional protein and some sweet potatoes.

Dinner #6: Spinach & feta turkey meatballs with whole wheat orzo and veggies

7 easy family dinner ideas // cait's plate

Get the meatball recipe here (or buy your favorite pre-made turkey meatballs!). For the adults we served with tzatziki sauce, freshly chopped red onion, cucumber and tomato. Owen had steamed tri-colored cauliflower with his and we let him dip his meatballs in the tzatziki as he wanted.

DINNER #7: Pizza and veggies

7 easy family dinner ideas // cait's plate

Friday night is our pizza night! Pick up some fresh whole wheat dough, sauce and mozzarella at the store (or your favorite takeout!) and pair with some steamed veggies for the kids and side salads for the adults. If I’m making it from scratch, I like to put the broccoli on top of the sauce and under the cheese for Owen because he accepts it much better that way. Dairy-free? Try this roasted vegetable pizza!

Dinner #8: Chicken tenders with brussel sprouts, potatoes & mac & cheese

family dinner ideas // cait's plate

We’re obsessed with a place called “Yafo Kitchen” here in Charlotte. This is our go-to meal there so I wanted to recreate it at home. I happened to have chicken tenders on hand (we love Applegate Farms or you can make your own like these honey mustard pretzel encrusted chicken tenders!) but we’ve done this with a rotisserie chicken as well. You can also use any veggie everyone will eat (green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.).

Dinner #9: Meatballs with Sauce, Pasta & Salad

family dinner ideas // cait's plate

This is a quick and easy dinner that comes together in about 15 minutes. You can use store-bought meatballs (we love Aidell’s brand) or you can make your own (these veggie-loaded chicken meatballs are a favorite). Serve with a side salad or a steamed veggie and a little bread with butter! Not a meat eater? Try these baked lentil “meatballs” – they were also a hit, even with my meat-eater husband!

Dinner #10: Pasta with pesto, white beans, veggies & bread

family dinner ideas // cait's plate

Another super simple dinner that takes just minutes to pull together. Use whatever type of pasta your family prefers (chickpea, whole grain, enriched, etc.), toss in the veggies everyone likes, throw in some white beans for protein and serve up with some bread! So easy and delicious.

Dinner #11: Chicken sausage with butternut squash risotto, green beans & bread

family dinner ideas // cait's plate

Not into chicken sausage? You can use rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts or thighs or even tofu if you’re not a meat eater! We love the Alexia cauliflower and butternut squash risotto in the frozen section. We keep a bag on hand to use for easy dinners. Then we just need to boil a veggie and dinner is served!

Dinner #12: Gnocchi in sauce with salad & bread

family dinner ideas // cait's plate

If your little one doesn’t eat salad, have no fear, you can swap in a steamed or roasted veggie instead! You might also like this weeknight baked gnocchi, this caprese-style skillet gnocchi or this sweet potato gnocchi with roasted brussel sprouts, dried cranberries, walnuts & parmesan which have veggie tossed right in!

39

Related posts:

No related posts.

MEAL IDEAS

please note: items in these posts may contain affiliate links which simply means I earn a small amount of money if you click on them (at no additional cost to you).  this money is always re-invested in cait’s plate so I can continue to create free content to you!

Popular Posts

  • 4-ingredient green smoothie (723)
  • peanut butter and jelly waffle sandwich (367)
  • black bean, corn, sweet potato & farro bowl (with creamy avocado yogurt sauce) (242)

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Footer

more from instagram:

it took a while for me to get to a point where I r it took a while for me to get to a point where I realized I was chasing something that wasn't working for me.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
we're constantly told that thinner is better, that being healthy takes willpower and discipline.  that ‘pain is weakness leaving the body.’⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
it took me years of being miserable as I tried to adhere to all of diet culture's rules before I got to my 'ah-ha' moment.  what I was doing was not only making me unhappy, but it was harming not only my physical health, but my mental health too.  and wasn't I supposed to be doing all of this in the NAME of health?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I wish I could go back to my younger self and tell her it wasn't worth it.  all the rigidity, missing out and being so unhappy - all in the name of doing what I thought would lead to my happiest, healthiest life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
we’re taught we can’t trust ourselves to know what’s best.  that we need to follow someone else’s plan for us in order to live a happy, healthy life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
but for whatever it’s worth to anyone out there that might need to hear this: I’m always my happiest, healthiest self when I lean into my own body and my own experiences - not someone else’s idea of what it should be.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #antidietculture #nondietdietitian #bodyrespect #breakthedietcycle #dietsdontwork #antidietculture #foodfreedom #intuitiveeatingjourney #intuititveeating #disorderedeatingrecovery
it's not officially fall for me until I've had thi it's not officially fall for me until I've had this harvest wrap.  it's quick, easy and the perfect melt of my favorite fall flavors.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
here's what I put in it:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* mixed greens⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* roasted sweet potatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* diced apple⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* diced pear⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* chickpeas (could also use chicken!)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* red onion⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* dried cranberries⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* walnuts (can also use pecans)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* goat cheese (feta would also be great)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I drizzle the whole thing with olive oil and balsamic glaze.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
printable recipe on @caitsplate: https://caitsplate.com/vegetarian-harvest-wrap/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #vegetarianlunch #easymeal #fallfood #f52community #thefeedfeed #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarianmeals #vegetarianfoodshare
walk through the grocery store and you’re bound walk through the grocery store and you’re bound to find “natural” prominently featured on any number of products.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
the idea of something being “natural” has infiltrated marketing messages in everything from our toiletries & cleaning products to food & beauty items.  that companies have found this term so useful for sales is no wonder - it’s heavily promoted in our society as being “better” for us.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
yet, we’re often told by this same health and wellness culture not to trust our natural, internal signs and signals.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
we’re told to push through exhaustion even if what our bodies really need is rest, we’re told to ignore our signals of hunger and fullness in deference to a pre-set plan, we’re constantly told to fix, resize and reshape our bodies from their natural states.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
it’s worth noting that there’s little profit to be made off us trusting and honoring our body’s innate signals and states.  if we could simply trust our own bodies, we would have no need to buy solutions to “fix” our wellness “problems.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
it then begs the question, is it truly our health and wellness, or simply the chance to profit, that motivates so much of the messaging in our health and wellness culture?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
part of freeing yourself from diet culture is unraveling the pervasive messaging we often take as hard truth and picking it apart based on our lived experience and knowledge.  this can help us determine what truly serves our overall wellbeing versus what is simply padding the pockets of the industry.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #dietsdontwork #intuitiveeatingjourney #ditchthediet #bodyrespect #foodfreedom #nondietapproach #bodyacceptance #nondietdietitian #nofoodrules #antidiet #antidietculture #breakfreefromdieting
white bean & veggie farro soup! a latest spin on white bean & veggie farro soup!  a latest spin on one of my favorite soup recipes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
super simple to pull together, perfectly comforting and great to make ahead and reheat for easy meals (my favorite kind 🙌)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
recipe is linked in my profile (@caitsplate)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
https://caitsplate.com/white-bean-veggie-farro-soup/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #f52community #soupseason #vegetarianrecipeshare #meatless #souprecipe #easymeal #easycooking #recipeshare
one of the things I hear most often from individua one of the things I hear most often from individuals looking to break free form diet culture and embrace intuitive eating is “I feel like all I’m doing is thinking and analyzing my food behaviors and all I want to do is stop thinking so much about food.”

this is completely understandable.  when food and food rules have owned your life for so long, and you finally embrace the thing that’s supposed to help you break that cycle, it can feel like a lot.

the difference is, while intuitive eating may require a deeper dive at the outset, it ultimately sets you *free* from all the over-thinking and analyzing of food & food choices, setting you up for a peaceful relationship with food that can last a lifetime.

dieting and food rules feel simple at the outset, but keep us in a never-ending cycle of distress around food.

#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #intuitiveeating #disorderedeating #disorderedeatingrecovery #bodydysmorphia #redefiningbeauty #i_weigh #antidietculture #nondietdietitian #intuitiveeatingjourney #antidiet #nondietdietitian
pumpkin turkey meatballs! done in less than 30 mi pumpkin turkey meatballs!  done in less than 30 minutes with less than 10 ingredients.  a perfect easy fall meal!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
grab the recipe details on @caitsplate (link in profile): https://caitsplate.com/pumpkin-turkey-meatballs/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #pumpkinseason #pumpkinrecipes #easymeal #easydinner #dinnerrecipes #dinnertonight #f52community #thefeedfeed

Disclaimer: Statements on this website are meant for general use only and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with their healthcare providers prior to making any changes to their healthcare management. The information contained in this site is intended to serve as an inspirational aid and should be used in conjunction with advice from your healthcare professional. It is a supplement, not a substitute, to the knowledge, skill and expertise of healthcare professionals involved in patient care. All information contained in this site is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without giving appropriate credit to the original source.

Copyright © 2022 · Seasoned Pro