Our Best Quick & Easy Dinners

April 09, 2009
Get dinner on the table fast with these fresh recipe ideas your whole family will love.
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Tropical Pizza

James Baigrie
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Here's the perfect way to get your kids to eat their vegetables -- and this recipe is so easy. Start with a store-bought pizza crust and top with mango salsa and veggies.

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2 of 26

Southwestern Burgers

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For a fun and easy weeknight meal, try this zesty spin on classic burgers featuring ground pork patties filled with pepper Jack cheese.

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Chicken Soft Tacos

Scott Little
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Stuffed with chorizo sausage and ground chicken, these hearty tacos won't disappoint. If your kids are sensitive to spicy food, try scaling back (or leaving out) the chili powder and cayenne pepper.

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It Worked For Me: Quick Kitchen Tricks

5 of 26

Tortellini Soup

James Baigrie
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Sneak fresh, vitamin-rich veggies into your kids' supper with this satisfying soup made with cheese-filled spinach tortellini.

6 of 26

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

David Prince
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Kids can't get enough of this Asian-inspired take on flank steak. Plus, it packs in plenty of antioxidant-rich vegetables such as sweet red peppers and carrots.

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7 of 26

Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

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This meatless, one-dish meal is ready in no time! Top with pepper Jack cheese and cilantro sprigs for a pretty presentation without the hassle.

8 of 26

Grilled Chicken Salad Wraps

Ann Stratton
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Packaged grilled chicken strips help cut down on prep time for these yummy sandwiches kids can eat on the go.

9 of 26

Pork Piccata

James Baigrie
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The whole family will love this simple pork recipe. Mashed potatoes and peas make it a delicious dinner.

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10 of 26

Bean Burgers

Jason Donnelly
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Kids will dig these meatless burgers, loaded with protein and low in fat.

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Family Dinners: 4 Tips To Make Them Better

Learn how to make delicious black bean chili burgers.

12 of 26

3-Bean Chili

Yunhee Kim
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Whip up this hearty, meatless chili when you're running low on time (and groceries). Zucchini and bell peppers add fresh flavor, but can be left out if you're in a pinch.

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13 of 26

Chicken Caprese

Ann Stratton
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Give ho-hum boneless chicken breasts an Italian-inspired makeover by adding ripe plum tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella.

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Fish Tacos

Tina Rupp
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Looking for a kid-friendly take on fish? Try these tasty tacos, flavored with cilantro and lime.

15 of 26

Taco-Night Pasta

James Baigrie
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Enchilada sauce gives this wagon wheel-shape pasta toss big flavor. Great Northern beans and soy crumbles pack in extra protein.

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16 of 26

Penne Pesto with Chicken

Alison Miksch
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With only five ingredients and a 10-minute prep time, this pasta recipe is perfect for hectic weeknights.

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Cuban Sandwiches

Charles Schiller
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These family-friendly sandwiches make the most of crusty Italian bread and roast pork. Kids will love the melted cheese.

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30-Minute Beef Fajitas

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Spice up dinner tonight with these simple, quick-cooking fajitas.

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Skillet Four-Cheese "Baked" Pasta

Charles Schiller
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Start with a jar of your family's favorite marinara sauce for this shortcut pasta bake that you can whip up in one skillet.

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Mediterranean Poached Fish

Ellie Miller
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Jazz up budget-friendly fish fillets with sweet red pepper, tomatoes, and dried oregano.

21 of 26

Spaghetti Carbonara

David Prince
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For a fresh take on spaghetti, try this delicious combination of eggs, thick-cut bacon, and Romano cheese.

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22 of 26

White Pizza with Smoked Turkey

Marty Baldwin
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This garlic-and-herb pizza is topped with strips of smoked turkey and basil. But the best part? It's even faster than delivery.

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Meatballs & Gravy

Charles Schiller
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These tender meatballs are sure to be a family favorite. Serve with cooked noodles and steamed spinach.

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Thai Chicken and Rice

David Prince
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This recipe adds crowd-pleasing Thai flavors to the classic chicken and rice combo.

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25 of 26

Veggie Penne

Paula Hible
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Vitamin-rich carrots are the secret ingredients in this speedy pasta meal.

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Chili Dogs

Ann Stratton
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Looking for a quick, surefire supper? Toss together these classic hot dogs, filled with red kidney bean chili. Let kids customize their dogs with their favorite toppings.

Copyright © 2009 Meredith Corporation.

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