Family Dinner Recipes
Easy family dinners that feed a crowd and please fussy eaters: tacos, fried rice, biryani, souvlaki, bibimbap and more, with build-your-own fun.
The best family dinners share one secret: everyone gets a say. Put the parts in the middle of the table, let people build their own plate, and the fussy eater finds something they like while the adventurous one piles on the chilli. These recipes feed a crowd, stretch a budget, and get the whole table talking.
Build your own
- Tacos. Tortillas, a filling, and a row of toppings. Kids love making their own, and it's a gentle way to try new flavours.
- Bibimbap. Korea's rice bowl topped with vegetables, an egg and a spoon of gochujang. Put the toppings out separately and everyone builds their own bowl.
- Souvlaki. Grilled skewers wrapped in warm bread with salad and yoghurt sauce. Fire up the barbecue with our grilling guide.
- Banh mi. Crusty rolls stuffed with pickles, herbs and a filling of your choice. A sandwich night that feels like a treat.
- Pizza. One batch of dough, a few bowls of toppings, and a family pizza contest.
One pot, whole table
- Biryani. Spiced rice layered over a rich curry and steamed under a lid. One pot, and the table gets a feast.
- Butter chicken. Mild enough for little ones, with naan for dunking.
- Adobo. Chicken braised in vinegar, soy and garlic. It's even better the next day, which makes it perfect for leftovers.
- Enchiladas. Rolled tortillas baked in sauce and cheese. Make the tray ahead, then bake when everyone gets home.
- Lasagna. The classic crowd-feeder. Make two and freeze one.
Fast weeknight wins
- Fried rice. The best use of yesterday's rice and whatever vegetables are left. Done in 15 minutes in a hot pan.
- Nasi goreng. Indonesia's fried rice, sweet and smoky with a fried egg on top.
- Stir-fry night. Learn the basics in our stir-fry and wok cooking guides, and any meat, tofu or vegetable becomes dinner in minutes.
On the side
- Greek salad. No lettuce, just tomato, cucumber, onion, olives and a slab of feta. Goes with almost anything.
- Pasta salad. Feeds eight, travels well, and sits happily on the table all meal.
- Creamy mashed potatoes. Nobody has ever complained about extra mash.
Something sweet to finish
- No-bake cake. Melt, stir, press, chill. Kids can make it with you.
- Apple pie. For Sunday dinner, with custard.
Tips for cooking for a crowd
Cook rice in a rice cooker so the stove stays free. Chop everything before you turn on the heat; our knife skills guide makes it faster. Put leftovers in the fridge within two hours, and read our food safety guide for how long they keep. For more ideas, see our comfort food and meat and fish collections.