Family-friendly recipes

 Here are some family-friendly recipes that are easy to make and loved by everyone:

1. Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

8 oz spaghetti

Salt and pepper, to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).

4. Pour in the marinara sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

5. Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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2. Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 egg

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Dip chicken strips into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

4. Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken strips for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Transfer the cooked strips to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked. Serve with dipping sauces.

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3. Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

4 whole-wheat English muffins, halved

1/2 cup marinara sauce

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the English muffin halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.

3. Spread marinara sauce over each half, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

4. Add your desired toppings and bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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4. Taco Bowls

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or chicken

1 packet taco seasoning

2 cups cooked rice

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup shredded lettuce

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground meat in a skillet, then add taco seasoning and a little water (as directed on the seasoning packet).

2. In bowls, layer rice, black beans, corn, seasoned meat, and shredded lettuce.

3. Top with cheese, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole if desired.

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5. Baked Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 egg, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dip in the beaten egg and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.

3. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

4. Place the chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted.

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6. Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup mustard

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp brown sugar

4 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Cook ground meat and onion in a skillet until browned. Drain any excess fat.

2. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

3. Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve.

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7. Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp flour

1 1/2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.

2. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.

4. Stir in shredded cheese until melted, then add salt and pepper.

5. Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and serve.

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8. Veggie-Loaded Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta (rotini or penne)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup olives, sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and cool.

2. In a bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

These family-friendly recipes are simple, tasty, and perfect for pleasing a variety of tastes!