Easy weeknight dinner ideas! These quick and simple meals are family-approved and perfect for picky eaters.
Easy dinner ideas for busy families! These easy weeknight dinner ideas are perfect for moms and dads cooking for hungry, picky kids on hectic evenings.
I’ve put together a list of fun, easy dinners that you’ll want to add to your meal plan every week.
These quick meals will make dinnertime a breeze because they:
- Are quick to prepare
- Use simple, affordable ingredients
- Will actually get eaten by your family
From one-pan meals and baked favorites to simple pasta dishes and easy casseroles, there’s something for everyone here. Let’s make dinnertime easier tonight!
1. Crock Pot Sausage And Peppers
Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers is a healthy, hands-off dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
With lean sausage and vitamin-packed peppers, it’s a satisfying, low-effort meal that’s full of flavor.
This dish is ideal for meal prepping and offers a lighter, healthier alternative to heavier comfort foods. Your family will love it!
Ready in: 15 minutes | Servings: 10
Kcal: 427 | Protein: 17g | Carbs: 6g | Fiber: 2g | Fat: 37g
2. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dinner that’s as easy as it is irresistible!
Slow-cooked to perfection, it combines tender chicken with a garlicky cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. A guaranteed family favorite!
Ready in: 10 minutes (prep) | Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 5 hours (low) | Servings: 6
Kcal: 283 | Protein: 22g | Carbs: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Fat: 19g
3. Chipotle Barbacoa Beef
Chipotle Barbacoa Beef is a flavorful, healthy crockpot meal that’s easy to prepare.
Simply add beef and spices to the slow cooker, and let it cook to tender, juicy perfection.
Packed with protein and rich in vitamins, it’s the perfect dish for a nutrient-dense meal. Versatile and customizable, use it for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads, making it a great addition to your meal prep.
Ready in: 4 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 4
Kcal: 314 | Protein: 37g | Carbs: 11g | Fiber: 4g | Fat: 13g
4. Barbacoa: Healthy Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Barbacoa is a delicious and healthy crockpot chicken recipe that’s full of bold flavors.
Using lean chicken instead of beef, it’s low in fat and high in protein, making it the perfect choice for a healthier meal.
Enjoy it in tacos, burrito bowls, or salads – and you’ll love how easy it is to make!
Ready in: 8 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 8
Kcal: 430 | Protein: 44g | Carbs: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Fat: 26g
5. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a healthy and hassle-free dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.
Packed with lean chicken, fresh veggies, and a tomato-based sauce, it’s a nutritious, protein-rich meal the whole family will love.
Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and enjoy a flavorful, heartwarming dinner with minimal effort!
- Ready in: 15 minutes | Servings: 4–6
- Kcal: 228 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 10g | Fiber: 3g | Fat: 8g
6. Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a healthy, hands-off dinner that combines tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Cooked in the slow cooker, it’s full of lean protein and antioxidants, making it a nutritious, low-fat meal.
Perfect for busy nights, this easy dish will satisfy your cravings while keeping your dinner light and healthy!
- Ready in: 15 minutes | Servings: 6
- Kcal: 206 | Protein: 16g | Carbs: 10g | Fiber: 3g | Fat: 11g
7. Crock Pot Chuck Roast
Crock Pot Chuck Roast is a healthy and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights.
With lean protein and tender vegetables, this slow-cooked meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
Simply set it and forget it! Enjoy a wholesome and flavorful roast with minimal effort—your family will love it!
Ready in: 8 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6
Kcal: 425 | Protein: 44g | Carbs: 3g | Fiber: 1g | Fat: 26g
8. Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a healthy, flavorful crockpot meal!
With tender chicken, kalamata olives, capers, and roasted red peppers, it’s packed with protein and low in calories.
This easy, one-pot meal cooks while you relax, and pairs perfectly with orzo or lemon rice for a satisfying, heart-healthy dinner the whole family will love!
Ready in: 4 hours 5 minutes | Servings: 4
Kcal: 203 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 7g | Fiber: 3g | Fat: 8g
9. Crock Pot Crustless Pizza
Crock Pot Crustless Pizza is the perfect healthy twist on a pizza favorite!
Skip the crust and enjoy a low-carb, keto-friendly meal with ground beef, melted cheese, and pizza sauce.
Customizable with your favorite toppings, this easy slow-cooker recipe is a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional pizza—great for families and meal prep!
Ready in: 4 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 10
Kcal: 374 | Protein: 26g | Carbs: 3g | Fiber: 1g | Fat: 28g
10. Slow Cooker Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup
Slow Cooker Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup is a healthy, low-carb twist on the classic favorite!
Packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings, this soup is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
Simply set it and forget it, and enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal that’s both filling and delicious!
Ready in: 10 minutes (Prep Time) + 4 hours (Cook Time) | Servings: 8
Kcal: 215 | Protein: 10.1g | Carbs: 6.4g | Fiber: 2g | Fat: 16.2g
11. Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup is a healthy, low-carb meal packed with flavorful spices and tender chicken.
It’s keto-friendly, creamy, and rich, making it the perfect comfort food without the guilt. Ideal for busy nights, this easy crockpot recipe is a nutritious and satisfying choice for a quick, wholesome dinner!
Ready in: 10 minutes (Prep) + 4 hours (Cook) | Servings: 5
Kcal: 377 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 11g | Fiber: 1g | Fat: 25g
12. Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken
Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken is a healthy, flavorful twist on a classic takeout dish!
This easy crockpot recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty homemade sauce, all with low carbs and high protein.
Perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet, and ready in no time!
Ready in: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Kcal: 415 | Protein: 18g | Carbs: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Fat: 30g
13. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are a healthy, hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
With lean chicken, bell peppers, and onions, this dish is packed with protein and veggies.
It’s easy to prepare in just 10 minutes and is great for meal prep. Serve with your favorite toppings for a satisfying, nutritious dinner!
- Ready in: 8 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 5 (1 cup servings)
- Kcal: 250 | Protein: 40g | Carbs: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Fat: 5g
14. Slow Cooker Beef Madras Curry
Slow Cooker Beef Madras Curry is a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy nights!
This dish combines tender beef and aromatic spices for a hearty, protein-packed meal. Anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric add health benefits, making it a nutritious choice.
Easy to prepare in the slow cooker, it’s a simple and wholesome meal your family will love!
Ready in: 8 hours 45 minutes | Servings: 6
Kcal: 305 | Protein: 37g | Carbs: 10g | Fiber: 3g | Fat: 14.1g
15. Keto Taco Casserole (Crock Pot)
Keto Taco Casserole (Crock Pot) is a low-carb, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday!
Made in the crock pot, it’s warm, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious.
Your family will love customizing their bowls with toppings like avocado and sour cream, and you’ll love how simple and stress-free it is to prepare this keto-friendly meal
Ready in: 5 minutes prep + 2 hours 15 minutes cook time | Servings: 6
Kcal: 451 | Protein: 33.6g | Carbs: 7g | Fiber: 2.6g | Fat: 32.1g
16. Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken
Low Carb Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken is a zesty, low-carb dinner favorite!
Cooking in the slow cooker makes the chicken tender and flavorful, while the rich, velvety lemon sauce adds a gourmet touch.
Serve it with cauliflower rice or veggies for a meal that’s wholesome, satisfying, and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ready in: 5 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 5
Kcal: 465 | Protein: 50g | Carbs: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Fat: 25g
17. Crock Pot Chicken Wings
Low Carb Crock Pot Chicken Wings are a healthy dinner idea that’s both easy and delicious!
Slow-cooked in your crock pot, these tender, fall-off-the-bone wings are packed with bold flavors and completely low carb.
Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, they’re a guilt-free way to satisfy cravings while keeping things simple and satisfying.
Ready in: 3 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 8
Kcal: 426 | Protein: 27g | Carbs: 1g | Fiber: 0g | Fat: 34g
18. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a low-carb dinner winner!
Made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, the chicken is tender, flavorful, and perfectly coated in tangy buffalo sauce.
Served in crisp lettuce wraps, they’re healthy, satisfying, and so easy to make. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, with minimal cleanup to boot!
Ready in: 4 hours | Servings: 6
Kcal: 147.5 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 5.2g | Fiber: 1.5g | Fat: 0.1g
19. Keto Chili
Keto Chili is a hearty, healthy, and low-carb dinner idea!
Made effortlessly in your crock pot, this chili combines bold, smoky flavors with keto-friendly ingredients for a satisfying, guilt-free meal.
Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, it’s customizable with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado—making it a family favorite!
Ready in: 15 minutes | Servings: 10
Kcal: 306 | Protein: 23g | Carbs: 13g | Fiber: 3g | Fat: 18g
