Easy, Popular Dinner Ideas

Noodles are always a hit at dinnertime. You can keep things simple or go as crazy as you want to suit your family's tastes. Toss cooked pasta with a jar of tomato sauce and call it done. Add in some browned ground beef and shredded cheese for protein. Or layer noodles and cheese in a baking dish and bake a lasagna or casserole for a filling, hearty pasta meal. Pair a bowl of hot, cooked pasta with a tossed green salad with creamy dressing and a loaf of prepared garlic bread for a simple meal that is sure to please even your pickiest family members.

Chicken makes frequent appearances at dinner tables across the country. Keep things super simple by purchasing a prepared rotisserie chicken at the grocery store, and use it as the main entree. Or shred the meat from the cooked chicken to make a hearty pasta or salad dish topped with ranch dressing. Cook up your own boneless, skinless chicken breasts quickly on the grill or stovetop and toss the cooked meat with some fresh herbs and lemon juice for a lean protein. Pair your chicken dish with lightly steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, and a bowl of quick-cooking brown rice for a healthy family meal that everyone will enjoy.

Zesty Mexican food is a hit with adults and kids alike. Let your family members make their own Mexican tacos or burritos to suit their individual tastes. Set out bowls full of canned beans, browned ground beef or shredded chicken, lettuce, grated cheese, salsa and sour cream. Round out the meal with a bag of tortilla chips and a bowl of creamy prepared guacamole or tasty chili con queso for dipping.

Everybody loves pizzas. Serve up a simple homemade pizza by starting with prepared refrigerated pizza dough or even a ready-made pizza crust from the grocery store. Top the crust with a jar of tomato sauce, sliced pepperoni and shredded Mozzarella cheese for a quick meaty pizza. Or make a white, vegetarian pizza by layering a crust with Parmesan, mozzarella and Fontina cheeses, sprinkled with fresh herbs. Pop the topped pizzas in the oven until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted for an easy supper that your family will love.