These easy, high-protein dinner recipes are perfect for busy family weeknights, featuring ground beef, chicken, and other kid-friendly meals. Real-food, family-tested, and simple to make!

Marry me chicken soup in a large white pot.
5 stars (47 ratings)

Marry Me Chicken Soup (Creamy 30-Minute Dinner)

If you love the viral Marry Me Chicken, this creamy soup version brings all those cozy flavors together in just one pot. Juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and a swirl of cream make every spoonful rich and comforting, with tender pasta and fresh spinach to keep it hearty yet bright. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special, ready in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, pepper, salt, garlic powder, thyme, tomato paste, chicken stock, water, sugar, sun dried tomatoes, chicken, pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, spinach, red wine vinegar.
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Baked tortellini casserole with mixed vegetables, chicken pieces, and melted cheese in a white oval dish with a serving spoon and fresh herbs on the side.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Baked Tortellini with Chicken (Dump-and-Bake)

Creamy baked tortellini with chicken and veggies. Dump, bake, and dinner is done with no boiling, no stovetop, and no fuss.
Ingredients: chicken, tortellini, chicken broth, salt, garlic, frozen mixed veggies, Boursin cheese, and Italian cheese.
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Bowls of sesame seeds and green onions next to a skillet filled with cooked ramen, brown sauce, ground beef, and slaw mix,
4.89 stars (26 ratings)

Beef Ramen Noodles (One-Pan)

Ground beef ramen noodles in one pan, ready in 15 minutes with no chopping. Tamari, garlic, bagged coleslaw, and shredded carrots come together in a skillet for a fast, filling weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: olive oil, ground beef, salt, garlic, tamari, chicken stock, brown sugar, ramen noodles, slaw mix, shredded carrots.
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A white baking dish filled with creamy baked chicken and orzo with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
4.98 stars (43 ratings)

Chicken Orzo Bake (with Boursin)

A creamy baked chicken orzo with Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. One-pan, no chopping, no pre-cooking needed, ready in 35-minutes.
Ingredients: shredded chicken, orzo pasta, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach.
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Five crispy, golden tacos on a baking sheet next to salsa and guacamole in bowls.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Crispy Baked Tacos (with Chicken)

Crispy baked chicken tacos made with flour tortillas, refried beans, and shredded chicken. No chopping, 10 minutes of prep, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients Needed: flour tortillas, refried beans, shredded cooked chicken, Mexican cheese, cooking spray.
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A spoon in a pot of with creamy tomato chicken pasta next to bowls of sundried tomatoes and basil.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Marry Me Chicken Pasta (30-Minute)

The best creamy marry me chicken pasta in 30 minutes. Sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, spinach, and just a touch of cream. Ready for dinner tonight.
Ingredients: pasta. chicken, paprika, granulated garlic, thyme, salt, olive oil, onion, pepper, tomato paste, sugar, chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, red wine vinegar, and spinach.
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A large pan filled with cooked ramen noodles, shredded carrots, cabbage, green onions, and chopped peanuts, with metal tongs resting on the side.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Ground Chicken Ramen (15-Minute, One-Pan)

Warm, slurpy, and saucy, this chicken ramen is the kind of quick dinner that feels instantly comforting. Made with ground chicken, tender noodles, and an easy homemade sauce, it all comes together in one-pan in just 15 minutes. Perfect for nights when you want big flavor with minimal effort!
Ingredients: olive oil, ground chicken, salt, chicken stock, ramen noodles, cabbage slaw, shredded carrots, garlic, tamari, brown sugar, and peanut butter.
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Baked orzo casserole with visible pieces of chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, partially served with a metal spoon in a white baking dish.
4.92 stars (12 ratings)

Marry Me Chicken Orzo (Dump-and-Bake)

This marry me chicken orzo casserole is creamy, cozy, and truly dump-and-bake. It’s made with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo, all cooked right in the pan, with no pre-cooking, and no extra steps! The final result is rich, comforting, and weeknight-manageable, all in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients: chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, granulated garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, orzo, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach.
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Baked quesadillas filled with melted cheese and beef, served with a lime wedge, guacamole, and a bowl of dipping sauce on the side.
4.67 stars (3 ratings)

Crispy Baked Tacos (Ground Beef)

My crispy baked tacos are made with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melty cheese; all baked at once on a single pan until golden and crunchy.
Ingredients: olive oil, ground beef, salt, black beans, tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, flour tortillas, Mexican cheese, Greek yogurt, and salsa.
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Close up shot of a pan filled with cooked pasta shells, ground turkey, and marinara on the gray background with a wooden spoon.
4.95 stars (38 ratings)

Ground Turkey Pasta (Healthy 30-Minute Dinner)

Ground turkey pasta simmered in a quick marinara sauce with hidden veggies. A healthy 30-minute dinner for busy family weeknights.
Ingredients: pasta shells, olive oil, salt, onion, zucchini, carrot, ground turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, cream cheese.
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A skillet of ground turkey, diced zucchini, tomato sauce, and ricotta topped with fresh basil and parmesan.
5 stars (11 ratings)

Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet with Ricotta

This simple ground turkey zucchini skillet with ricotta is a healthy, one-pan dinner ready in 20 minutes. Lasagna flavors without the fuss and great for weeknights.
Ingredients: olive oil, ground turkey, salt, Italian seasoning, zucchini, garlic, marinara sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, and basil.
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A large skillet with a spoon sitting in a cheesy mixture of diced potatoes and ground beef.
4.72 stars (21 ratings)

Quick Ground Beef Potatoes (One-Pan Dinner)

The beloved classic combo of meat and potatoes just got a weeknight make-over in this easy one-pan ground beef and potatoes recipe. With family-friendly flavors, this crave-able dinner is so simple and hearty!
Ingredients: olive oil, ground beef, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Russet potatoes, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, katsup, cheddar cheese.
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An overhead shot of a white rectangular baking pan with cooked enchiladas topped with enchilada sauce, melted cheese, avocado slices, jalapeño slices, and cilantro on a white background with a white and blue stripped napkin, wooden spoon, and a bunch of a cilantro.
4.95 stars (19 ratings)

Ground Turkey Enchiladas

Baked in red enchilada sauce with lean ground turkey, black beans, and melty cheese, this make-ahead turkey enchilada casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, ground turkey, salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, black beans, cheese, enchilada sauce, tortillas.
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An overhead shot of a tablescape made up of a rectangular baking dish with enchiladas, an empty plate, a striped napkin, and small bowls with limes, cilantro, red onion, and guacamole.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas (4-Ingredients)

Green chili chicken enchiladas made with just 4 ingredients: shredded chicken, salsa verde, cheese, and tortillas. A 45-minute weeknight dinner!
Ingredients: chicken, salsa verde, Mexican cheese blend, tortillas
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Tortilla strips, chicken, black beans and vegetables topped with cheese, avocado, and sour cream in a skillet.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Chicken Enchilada Skillet (One-Pan)

One-pan chicken enchilada skillet made with rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn tortillas, and red enchilada sauce. A 25-minute weeknight dinner!
Ingredients: shredded chicken, olive oil, onion, bell pepper, red enchilada sauce, black beans, tortillas, cheese, chicken broth.
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A white baking dish filled with melted cheese topped on baked ground beef and diced potatoes.
4.50 stars (2 ratings)

Ground Beef Potato Casserole (Cheesy, Easy)

A cheesy ground beef potato casserole made with tomato sauce, no canned soup. Easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients: olive oil, potatoes, ground beef, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cheddar cheese.
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Overhead shot of a white bowl filled with chicken vegetable soup with a spoon, on top of a striped blue napkin and white background.
5 stars (1 rating)

Easy Chicken Vegetable Soup

This easy chicken vegetable soup recipe is simple to make with easy to find ingredients, yet tastes like it’s from your favorite restaurant. Includes stovetop and slow cooker instructions, too!
Ingredients: chicken tenders, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, Russet potatoes, garlic powder, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green beans, corn, peas, bay leaf, olive oil and salt.
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A large skillet with cooked eggs, ground beef, coleslaw mix, and edamame.
5 stars (9 ratings)

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Ground Beef)

A 15-minute egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix, ground beef, and a savory Asian sauce. One pan, no chopping, high protein, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients: eggs, oil, salt, ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, coleslaw mix, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, edamame.
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Overhead shot of a baking pan filled with chicken enchiladas with fresh avocado slices and jalapenos on top.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

This easy chicken enchilada recipe is simple to prepare and yields super flavorful, delicious results every time!
Ingredients: shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, and shredded Mexican cheese blend.
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A metal spoon sitting in a large white baking dish filled with small chicken meatballs, creamy marinara sauce, and shredded Italian cheese.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Chicken Meatballs (Baked, in Tomato Sauce)

Baked ground chicken meatballs in tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, no chopping, no pre-browning, meal prep friendly.
Ingredients: panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, egg, ground chicken, marinara, Italian cheese.
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Chicken drumsticks covered in glossy barbecue sauce laid out on an oval dish.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Fall-off-the-Bone)

Juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs coated in a simple spice rub and finished with BBQ sauce. Four ingredients, three minutes of prep, and dinner's done!
Ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, chicken drumsticks, salt, and BBQ sauce.
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skillet chicken and sweet potatoes on a white background with fresh herbs on top and a striped blue napkin on the handle
4.93 stars (14 ratings)

Skillet Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

This easy chicken and sweet potatoes skillet can be made quickly on the stovetop and then baked in the oven. Plus it includes a delicious honey butter & chipotle pan sauce everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken, sweet potatoes, avocado oil, honey, butter, chipotle peppers (from canned in adobo sauce), garlic and salt.
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Top down view of a ground turkey sweet potato skillet in a blue and black pan with fresh herbs on a white background.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet (30-Minute)

Easy ground turkey sweet potato skillet with spinach, melty cheese, and a homemade chipotle honey sauce. A healthy one-pan dinner in 30 minutes.
Ingredients: ground turkey, sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, shredded cheese (traditional or dairy-free), baby spinach, chipotle honey vinaigrette and salt.
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A large skillet filled with avocado, ground turkey, and chopped vegetables.
5 stars (8 ratings)

Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (with Beans and Corn)

This ground turkey taco skillet comes together in 20-minutes with black beans, corn, and pantry spices for a protein-packed weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic powder, cumin, canned black beans, canned fire-roasted tomatoes, frozen corn, olive oil and salt.
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Overhead shot of tacos on parchement paper squares.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Ground Turkey Tacos (with Corn Salsa)

These ground turkey tacos come together in 20 minutes and are topped with a fresh corn salsa for a healthy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: olive oil, ground turkey, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder, salt, tomatillo salsa, corn tortillas, corn, red onion, lime juice, cilantro.
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An overhead shot of a white rectangular baking dish filled baked stuffed pasta shells topped with marinara sauce and melted shredded cheese. A silver serving spoon is scooping a shell out of the bottom left corner of the dish.
4.99 stars (65 ratings)

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

This hearty and easy stuffed shells with ground beef recipe is the perfect make ahead meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients: jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, garlic, onion, salt, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, Italian cheese blend, parmesan cheese
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Overhead shot of salmon tacos with cabbage slaw and radishes. There are lime wedges, cilantro leaves, and a small wooden bowl with cilantro around it.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Salmon Tacos with Slaw (20-Minute)

Easy salmon fish tacos with a crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy mayo-lime dressing. Oven broiled to flaky perfection in 10 minutes for a healthy taco night!
Ingredients: salmon, cabbage, tortillas (or grain-free wraps or lettuce wraps), mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt), lime juice, and salt. 
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