Easy Dinners The Whole Family Can Help With

Posted: 05 August 2025

Weeknight dinners can feel like a chore, but they don’t have to.

These five fuss-free meals are quick to prep, easy to clean up, and bring everyone into the kitchen. Whether it’s chopping, mixing, or building their own plate, each recipe gives every family member a role to play.

1. DIY Taco Night

It’s hands-on, colourful, and fully customisable.

What you'll need:

- Soft tortillas or crunchy taco shells

- Protein: beef mince, shredded chicken, or black beans

- Toppings: cheese, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, corn, salsa, sour cream, coriander

- Taco seasoning

How to make it:

- Cook your protein of choice in a pan with olive oil and taco seasoning.

- Arrange toppings in bowls.

- Let everyone build their own taco!

2. Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

Minimal dishes, wholesome ingredients, and so flexible.

What you’ll need:

- Chicken thighs or drumsticks

- Mixed veggies: carrots, broccoli, zucchini, capsicum, potatoes

- Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper

How to make it:

- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

- Spread chicken and veggies on a lined baking tray.

- Roast for 35–40 minutes until chicken is golden and veggies are tender.

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3. Homemade Pizza Night

Everyone gets their own, so no arguments over toppings.

What you’ll need:

Pizza bases, wraps, or pita bread

Tomato passata or pizza sauce

Toppings: mozzarella, olives, mushrooms, ham, pineapple, onion, baby spinach, capsicum

How to make it:

Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F).

Spread sauce on each base, everyone adds their own toppings and cheese.

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

4. Speedy Stir-Fry Noodles

Quick, budget-friendly, and full of fresh veggies.

What you’ll need:

- Noodles (egg, soba, or rice)

- Veggies: snow peas, capsicum, broccoli, carrots, spring onion

- Protein: tofu, chicken, prawns, or beef strips

- Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger

How to make it:

- Cook noodles according to the packet instructions.

- Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and veggies in sesame oil. Add protein and cook through.

- Toss everything together with soy sauce.

5. Build-Your-Own Rice Paper Rolls

Light, fun, and everyone gets hands-on.

What you’ll need:

- Rice paper wrappers

- Vermicelli noodles

- Fillings: grated carrot, cucumber, lettuce, avocado, cooked prawns or tofu, mint and coriander

- Dipping sauces: hoisin, sweet chilli, peanut, or soy

How to make it:

- Cook vermicelli and prep all fillings ahead of time.

- Set up a “roll your own” station with a bowl of warm water to soak wrappers.

- Each person dips, fills, and rolls their own rice paper rolls.

How can I make dinner prep easier for busy weeknights?

For busy weeknights when you still need to meal prep, choose one-pan meals, pre-chopped veggies, and interactive meals where family members assemble their own plates. This reduces cooking time and clean-up while keeping everyone busy.

How can I get my kids involved in cooking dinner?

To get your kids involved in cooking, assign simple tasks like chopping soft vegetables, arranging toppings, mixing ingredients, or building their own plates. Meals like tacos, pizza, and rice paper rolls are perfect for getting everyone involved.

What are some easy dinners the whole family can help with?

Easy dinners the whole family can help with include DIY taco night, sheet pan chicken and veggies, homemade pizza, stir-fry noodles, and build-your-own rice paper rolls. These meals are quick, fun, and involve everyone in the kitchen.