Weekend Dinner Ideas for the Family

The weekend is here, your family is hungry, and you are wondering what will be on the menu. Make it at home, or go online and order food NYC or your chosen city and see what delicious options pop up. From takeout to making it yourself, here are some ideas to keep everyone full and happy.

Pizza

This family favorite is an easy answer to a weekend dinner full of melted cheese and savory toppings. Perfect for kicking back and relaxing with laughter and stories from the week. Order takeout from your favorite pizza joint, or be adventurous and order from a top-rated place in your area that you’ve yet to try.

If you’re looking for a family activity, pizza making takes a little extra time and is well worth the effort. Buy pre-made dough, or make it yourself and let everyone join in to add on their favorites like pepperoni, olives, and fresh basil.

Ravioli Lasagna

A fabulous idea for dinner is to take a spin on a favorite dish. Ravioli lasagna is a great way to jazz up this popular Italian recipe. Forget the pasta sheets and take the ravioli, throw in any meat or veggies, and layer with marinara. Top with plenty of cheese and bake until steamy and melted. This comfort dish is a sure crowd pleaser for any night of the week.

Homemade Garlic Knots

Sure, you can get garlic knots from any pizza place or in the frozen section of the grocery store, but how about trying them freshly made in your own kitchen. These knots of garlicky goodness fill your kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma. These are such a hit it’s unlikely there will be leftovers.

Wayne Truong, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

All you need is easy yeasted pizza dough. Tie the dough in a knot and brush with melted butter, fresh garlic, and a little parsley or parmesan cheese.

Osso Bucco Over Polenta

Osso Bucco is the kind of dish to make for a special occasion. This version is slow-cooked and delicious when topped with a mix of marinara, fresh peas, carrots, and onions. The result will be the best thing you’ve eaten in the past month. It’s easy to make but takes a little time.

Polenton, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Make your polenta the day before and on the day of cooking, sear the meat, place it in a pot, top with ample marinara and veggies, and pop it in the oven for four hours. This is elevated comfort food.

Pot Pie

Pot pies often conjures the image of chicken bubbling in a creamy gravy with veggies and a flaky crust. It’s a recipe that everyone will love. There are many variations on this classic American dish. Try a vegan version of pot pie with marsala sauce, extra mushrooms, carrots, and tofu; the main swap is plant-based butter for the crust. It’s a dish that will wow both children and adults.

Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Roasted Chicken and Veggies

For an easy and nutritious weekend dinner, roasted chicken and veggies are quick to prepare and have delicious results. Brine and roast a whole chicken. Brining it adds flavor and gives the most tender results. Pair with roasted veggies. Fennel, carrots, potatoes, and onions make a great cold-weather version of this dish, while summer squash, onions, and potatoes create a yummy warm-weather spin. It pairs perfectly with a green salad and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Panini Sandwiches

Why not have lunch for dinner? Paninis are a delicious hot-pressed type of sandwich available at many sandwich shops. You can make them at home with ease. All it calls for is a bread roll sliced and topped with your favorite sauces, cheeses, veggies, and proteins. Try a pesto chicken panini with tomato and provolone.

Paninis are an easy way to please the whole family since the sandwiches can be customized to individual taste preferences. Pair with chips and salad.

Loaded Burritos

No one will be left hungry with a loaded burrito, and it may just be one of the easiest weekend dinners to assemble. Gather your favorite burrito ingredient. Some inspirations include seasoned ground beef or chicken, rice, Mexican-style black beans, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole. Everyone can choose their toppings. Don’t be shy to try a less common filling like roasted, mashed sweet potato for a hint of sweetness with your savory.

Burritos are also an excellent dine-in or take-out dinner option at your favorite Tex-Mex or authentic Mexican restaurant, as it is quick, easy, and affordable.

Chana Masala

Channa masala is a fragrant vegetarian curry from the northern part of India. This dish is warming, packed with flavor, and mellowed by a bed of white rice to serve it on. If your family likes spicy food and mesmerizing flavors, channa masala is a great dish to make at home or order for takeout at an Indian restaurant near you.

Chickpeas simmer in a thick tomato and curry gravy with spices like coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric. If creating this dish at home, follow the allotted cook time for soft chickpeas and fully integrated flavors that will delight your family.

Breakfast for Dinner

Eating breakfast for dinner is a delight for children and adults. It adds a playful quality to the meal and is a departure from the norm. Try a little inspiration by picking your favorite breakfast dish and serving it for dinner, or try something you’ve always wanted to sample but have not tasted.

Go the sweet route with pancakes or French toast and serve it with a side of bacon and scrambled eggs. For a savory-loving crowd, try a combination of sausage, eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. Or make a ham, cheddar, and broccoli frittata, similar to a quiche without the crust.

Weekend dinners don’t have to be boring. Get creative, do it yourself, or order take-out for easy cleanup and a relaxed Saturday night. This list can serve as inspiration for one of those moments after a long week when you’ve run out of dinner ideas that will make everyone at the table satisfied.