39 Family-Friendly Dinners So Good, You’ll Want Them for Lunch Too
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Tired of stressing over both dinner and lunch? These family-friendly dinners are easy, full of flavor, and just as delicious if not better the next day. With easy prep and maximum taste, they make mealtime a breeze and turn leftovers into something to look forward to.
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

This simple and easy Italian beef skillet meal is perfect for hectic nights. Ground beef simmers in a rich, creamy tomato sauce before getting mixed with cauliflower rice and topped with melty mozzarella. Ready in minutes, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s so good, you’ll be counting down the hours until lunchtime leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Stuffed Meatloaf
No more boring meatloaf, this version is stuffed with gooey cheese and topped with a sweet, tangy BBQ glaze. Juicy, flavorful, and baked to perfection, it’s a family favorite that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for company. It tastes even better the next day, making lunchtime leftovers a win.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these air fryer pork chops are a game-changer. With just a handful of spices and only 9 minutes of cooking time, dinner is on the table fast. Serve it to your family with your favorite sides, and save any extras because these chops make the best next-day sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this slow-cooker taco soup is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that never disappoints. A mix of tender chicken, juicy meatballs, fresh cabbage, and bold spices makes for a comforting bowl that’s just as good for lunch the next day. Top with avocado, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, and you’ve got a family-friendly meal that’s worth looking forward to twice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Pie
This cheeseburger pie is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, baked into a simple, hearty dinner dish. Made with everyday ingredients and a buttery, flaky crust, it’s a foolproof meal that the whole family will devour. The leftovers? They reheat beautifully, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
There’s nothing like a slow cooker beef stew to make your kitchen smell amazing. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together for the ultimate family favorite dinner. And let’s be real, stew always tastes even better the next day, so go ahead and make extras
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ranch flavor, this slow cooker chicken is ridiculously easy to make. Just toss everything in and let it cook to tender, melty perfection. Serve over rice or pasta for dinner, then enjoy leftovers in wraps or sandwiches for a no-fuss family lunch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Honey Mustard Salmon
This honey mustard salmon is a family favorite, offering the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. As it bakes, the glaze caramelizes beautifully, making the salmon tender, flaky, and absolutely irresistible. Leftover salmon flakes perfectly over salads, turning dinner into a simple and delicious lunch.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Cheeseburger Skillet
This cheeseburger skillet brings all the best flavors of a juicy burger into a one-pan dinner. Ground beef simmers in a creamy tomato sauce with melty cheese, making every bite rich and delicious. Serve it up for dinner, then heat up the leftovers for an easy, delicious lunch the next day your family can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
This taco skillet is packed with all your favorite taco flavors, minus the mess. A rich, cheesy ground beef filling comes together in just minutes, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner. Tuck the leftovers into tortillas for an easy lunch wrap or enjoy them straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you need a way to make chicken exciting again for the whole family, this parmesan-crusted chicken is the answer. Tender chicken breasts are coated in crispy, cheesy breading and baked to golden perfection. Serve it for dinner, then slice up the leftovers for easy lunch wraps or salads the next day.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
You can’t go wrong with the classic combo of chicken, bacon, and ranch, and this casserole nails it with big flavor and minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all the good stuff, it’s a guaranteed family favorite dinner. Leftovers are just as irresistible the next day, if there are any.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Hamburger
This Philly cheesesteak casserole transforms your favorite takeout dish into a simple, homemade dinner. With just five ingredients, it’s cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect family lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Hamburger
Chicken Francese
Crispy, pan-fried chicken in a bright and tangy lemon cream sauce, this dish feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect for family dinners. And if you have leftovers? Serve them over pasta or rice for an easy, restaurant-worthy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
This budget-friendly green bean and hamburger casserole is as comforting as it gets. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ground beef, it’s a one-dish dinner that feeds the whole family. Leftovers heat up perfectly, making it an easy meal to pack for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Copycat Alice Springs Chicken
Now you can enjoy Outback Steakhouse’s famous Alice Springs Chicken right at home with this easy homemade version. Juicy chicken smothered in a creamy mustard sauce, topped with mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, it’s a guaranteed family favorite dinner. And the leftovers? Just as amazing, whether reheated for lunch or piled into a delicious sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Skip the takeout and let your slow cooker do the work with this tender beef and broccoli dish. A savory garlic and ginger sauce coats every bite, making this a family-friendly meal that’s easy to throw together. Serve it with rice for dinner, then pack up leftovers for a flavorful, protein-packed lunch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
This stuffed chicken is just as rich and indulgent as the restaurant version, but way more budget-friendly. Chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture flavored with ranch seasoning and Worcestershire sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Whether served fresh out of the oven as dinner or reheated for a delicious next-day meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Need a super easy dinner that’s full of flavor? This slow-cooker salsa chicken has you covered. Simply toss chicken and salsa into the crockpot, and let it cook until it’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Ideal for tacos, burrito bowls, or meal prep lunches, this one will quickly become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
There’s nothing more comforting than a slow-cooked pot roast with tender beef, rich gravy, and perfectly cooked veggies. It’s a family classic dinner that requires minimal effort and always delivers on flavor. And let’s be honest, leftover pot roast tastes just as good if not better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Chicken Quesadillas
These chicken quesadillas are ridiculously easy and packed with cheesy, melty goodness. Stuffed with seasoned chicken and gooey cheese, they crisp up beautifully in a pan, making them an instant family favorite dinner. The leftovers are just as tasty, whether you reheat them or enjoy them cold.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas
Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
This easy skillet dinner turns simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful meal. Cabbage noodles and Italian sausage get smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce, creating a delicious dish that’s both budget-friendly and easy to make. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, with leftovers that make a fuss-free, hearty lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
This egg roll soup brings all the flavors of your favorite takeout egg roll into a warm, comforting bowl. Packed with ground meat, cabbage, and a flavorful broth, it’s a simple one-pot family dinner meal that’s as healthy as it is tasty. Make a big batch because it’s even better the next day for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
A one-pan wonder, this ground beef and cabbage stir fry is simple, hearty, and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a budget-friendly dinner for the family that’s ready in minutes. They heat up beautifully and make the easiest next-day meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
This beef and broccoli casserole is a simple, cheesy dinner that’s packed with flavor. Ground beef, steamed broccoli, and three kinds of cheese come together for a cozy, hearty family meal. It’s a great make-ahead dish that tastes just as good reheated for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Herb-Crusted Chicken
This herb-crusted chicken brings bold flavors to the table with a crispy, seasoned coating. Juicy, tender, and packed with aromatic herbs, it’s a simple yet delicious family dinner option. Slice up any extras for the best next-day salad topper or sandwich filling.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Lobster
Cooking lobster at home doesn’t have to be intimidating, and this guide will show you exactly how to do it. From choosing the best lobster to cooking it perfectly, you’ll have a restaurant-quality family dinner at home. Leftover lobster makes for an unbeatable sandwich or salad addition.
Get the Recipe: Lobster
Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
Upgrade your family dinner with this bacon-wrapped filet mignon, cooked to buttery perfection. A simple herb butter takes this steak to the next level, making it feel like a high-end meal without the restaurant’s price. If there are leftovers, they’ll make an incredible steak sandwich the next day.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
Parmesan Chicken Wings
Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, these parmesan chicken wings are a game-changer. Coated in a garlicky herb crust, they’re perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual snacking. And if you’re lucky enough to have any left, they make an easy, no-fuss lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Chicken Wings
Blackened Pork Chops
These blackened pork chops are crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with smoky, bold spices. Easy to prep and easy to cook, they’re perfect for a lazy weeknight dinner with the whole family. The leftovers? Just as good, slice them up for wraps, sandwiches, or salads.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Pork Chops
Egg Casserole with Ground Beef
This protein-packed egg casserole is a great go-to meal for breakfast, dinner, or anytime in between for the whole family. Ground beef, eggs, and cheese bake together into a hearty, delicious dish that’s easy to throw together. Make extra, it’s the kind of meal that only gets better when reheated.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole with Ground Beef
Chicken and Asparagus Bake
This creamy, cheesy chicken and asparagus bake is a cozy, family-friendly dinner. Juicy chicken and fresh asparagus come together in a rich, flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you have leftovers, they make a great filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Asparagus Bake
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This easy family-friendly stir fry packs bold flavors with hardly any effort. Ground beef and broccoli are tossed in a savory, garlicky sauce that’s totally irresistible. Make extra, this dinner dish is just as tasty for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy, rich sauce make this slow cooker beef stroganoff a standout family favorite dinner. It’s a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Leftovers? They might be even better the next day over a bed of fresh noodles or rice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
2-Ingredient Burger Buns
These flavorful and easy burger buns prove that simple recipes can still be amazing. Made with just two ingredients, they’re fluffy, delicious, and perfect for sandwiching your favorite fillings. Whether fresh or reheated, they’re a great dinner solution for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Burger Buns
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Juicy, tender chicken thighs wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, what’s not to love? This easy family-friendly recipe is packed with savory flavor, making it a hit for dinner. Plus, leftovers make the best easy and protein-packed lunch.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Crispy, golden chicken stuffed with smoky ham and melty Swiss cheese, this Chicken Cordon Bleu is pure comfort that everyone in the family will love. It’s a dinner dish that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Slice up any leftovers and tuck them into a sandwich or salad for a lunch that feels just as indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Beef Heart Tacos
These beef heart tacos take taco night to the next level with rich, meaty flavor. Seasoned and seared to perfection, the beef heart stays tender and juicy in every bite. Whether fresh for dinner or reheated, these tacos are a delicious family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Beef Heart Tacos
Carne Asada with Cauliflower Rice
This no-marinade carne asada recipe is a lifesaver for hectic family dinner nights. Juicy, flavorful steak paired with cauliflower rice makes for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal. So delicious, you’ll actually look forward to enjoying the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada with Cauliflower Rice