Planning family dinners that everyone will enjoy can be a delightful challenge. Here are some tried-and-true recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
1. Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken breasts in the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Add the broccoli and sauce mixture. Cook until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve over cooked rice.
3. Vegetable Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Top with a layer of noodles, ricotta mixture, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of noodles, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 35-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
4. Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and ginger.
- Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
5. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the vegetables and soy sauce. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve over cooked rice.
6. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Remove excess fat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
These recipes are sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Enjoy your family dinners and bon appétit!