Family Meal Ideas That Even Picky Eaters Love

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Make mealtime memorable with family meal ideas that satisfy every appetite without stressing the cook. From creamy Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes to hearty Beer Braised Beef Brisket and comforting Traditional Irish Cottage Pie, these recipes are designed to bring everyone together around the table. Delicious, approachable, and full of flavor, these meals prove that family dinners can be both effortless and unforgettable!

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

The image shows a bowl of mashed potatoes topped with pepper and chopped chives, resting on a plaid cloth.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes are comfort food elevated! The nutty browned butter adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy buttermilk and fluffy potatoes. A guaranteed hit for any holiday or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Slices of seasoned brisket topped with onion rings are served alongside sliced pickles and two pieces of white bread on a sheet of parchment paper.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This beer braised beef brisket is slow-cooked in stout beer for a rich, deep flavor. The perfect recipe for any gathering, this brisket is tender and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This is one oven beef brisket recipe you don’t want to miss!
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

A plate with cottage pie casserole and a side of mixed greens on a white surface, accompanied by an orange-patterned cloth in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This hearty Irish Cottage Pie recipe is a comforting twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, using ground beef instead of lamb. Topped with a creamy blend of russet and sweet potatoes, it’s the perfect warm and satisfying meal for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears

a white platter, with pork chops
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears are the perfect fall-inspired dish! Juicy pork chops are nestled amongst a harvest of maple-kissed autumn pears for a divine and comforting meal. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Pork Chops with Maple Roasted Pears

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

A close-up of shrimp and grits with succulent shrimp, velvety grits, bits of vibrant red pepper, and a rich, seasoned sauce.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Charleston Shrimp and Grits recipe is as true to the original Gullah method as it gets! The addition of crab gravy makes this Southern classic even more spectacular. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

No Bean Chili Recipe

beanless chili recipe with jalapeno peppers.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This no-bean chili recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s packed with flavor from ground beef, jalapeños, and a blend of spices. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: No Bean Chili Recipe

Au Gratin Potatoes

a wooden spoon scooping au gratin potatoes out of a 9x13 baking pan.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Au Gratin Potatoes are the perfect comforting side dish for any holiday gathering. Thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes are baked in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce until tender and bubbly. This classic recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potatoes

Creamy Dijon Rosemary Chicken

closeup of rosemary dijon chicken in a skillet with a serving spoon
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Creamy Dijon Rosemary Chicken recipe is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich and flavorful Dijon rosemary sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s also low-carb, making it a guilt-free indulgence!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Rosemary Chicken

Butternut Squash Pasta with Chili Oil, Feta & Mint

Butternut Squash Pasta with Chili Oil, Feta & Mint
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

This roasted butternut squash pasta is a quick and easy vegetarian weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 10 steps. The zesty chili oil, feta, and mint add a bright, fresh flavor to the sweet squash making it a perfect fall or winter meal. Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Pasta with Chili Oil, Feta & Mint

Bacon Tomato and Spinach Spaghetti

Spaghetti pasta with creamy sauce, cherry tomatoes, spinach, bacon pieces, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil on top.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Bacon, Tomato, and Spinach Spaghetti is a creamy and comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. It features a rich sauce made with bacon, Parmesan cheese, and a medley of fresh ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato and Spinach Spaghetti

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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