13 Festive Family Meals That Bring Everyone Together

Family meals are a wonderful way to bring everyone together, especially during the holidays. The kitchen is the heart of every home, and preparing a meal for your loved ones is one of the most rewarding experiences. Whether you are cooking for a small gathering or a larger celebration, these meals are sure to create lasting memories. From hearty dishes to sweet treats, there is something for everyone. 

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Roast Chicken with Garlic and Herbs

Roast chicken is a classic family meal that never fails to bring everyone together. This dish is simple to prepare but delivers delicious, savory flavors that everyone will enjoy. The combination of tender meat and crispy skin makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any holiday or family gathering. Paired with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, it becomes a meal that everyone can savor.

For this dish, you will need a whole chicken, garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also use lemon for added flavor and some butter to ensure the chicken stays moist. A few vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and potatoes, work great for roasting alongside the chicken.

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F or 220 degrees C. Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon, and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and surround it with chopped vegetables. Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F or 75 degrees C.

Lasagna

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, making it an ideal choice for family meals. Layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and meat come together to create a rich, satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are feeding a large crowd or a small family, this meal brings people together with its hearty, delicious flavors. You can also customize it with different ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

To make lasagna, gather ingredients like lasagna noodles, ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, marinara sauce, garlic, and herbs. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even vegetables for a meatless version. Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Start by cooking the lasagna noodles and simmering the meat sauce. Layer the noodles, sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat until all ingredients are used, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C for 45 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers make for a colorful and nutritious family meal that is both filling and flavorful. These peppers are packed with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, and seasonings, making them a perfect comfort food. The bell peppers add a natural sweetness that complements the savory filling. This dish is ideal for those who want a wholesome and satisfying meal that is also easy to prepare.

For stuffed bell peppers, you will need large bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, cooked rice, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite seasonings. You can also add beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. The choice of cheese will depend on your preference, with mozzarella or cheddar being great options.

First, cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. In a skillet, cook the meat with onions and garlic, then stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers, top with cheese, and place them in a baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C for 25 to 30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Beef Stew

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for family gatherings, especially in colder weather. The tender beef and flavorful broth, combined with vegetables, make this dish a family favorite. It is an easy one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but delivers a rich, savory taste. Whether served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, beef stew is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

You will need stew beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves. For added depth of flavor, you can add a bit of red wine or balsamic vinegar. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the stew to your liking.

Begin by browning the beef in a large pot, then set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots until softened. Add the beef back to the pot along with the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a simple yet indulgent dish that everyone loves. Its creamy, cheesy sauce over tender pasta makes it a go-to family meal for all ages. This dish can be served as a side or as the main course, and it can be easily customized with different cheeses or added extras like bacon or vegetables. No matter how you make it, macaroni and cheese is sure to bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table.

For this dish, you will need elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor. To make it even more decadent, add breadcrumbs or a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk, stirring until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth, then combine with the cooked macaroni. Serve hot, and garnish with breadcrumbs or extra cheese if desired.

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a family gathering. The creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with tender chicken and pasta, creates a satisfying meal that is both comforting and indulgent. This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner, offering both flavor and simplicity. Chicken Alfredo is a great way to feed a crowd without spending too much time in the kitchen.

To make Chicken Alfredo, you will need chicken breasts, fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. Fresh parsley can be added for garnish, and you can also use garlic bread on the side. For extra richness, you can add a little cream cheese to the sauce.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions and set aside. Sauté the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, then remove and slice. In the same pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, and stir in the cream to create the Alfredo sauce. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce, then serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley.

Roast Pork with Apples and Onions

Roast pork with apples and onions is a deliciously savory dish that pairs well with the sweetness of apples. This combination creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it an excellent choice for a family meal. The tender pork and caramelized apples and onions are full of flavor and are sure to make your family gathering extra special. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great option for a festive meal.

You will need a pork loin, apples, onions, garlic, olive oil, thyme, and salt and pepper. For added sweetness, you can use a bit of honey or brown sugar. This dish is great served with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Season the pork with salt, pepper, and thyme, then sear it in a hot pan to brown all sides. Place the pork in a roasting pan and surround it with sliced apples, onions, and garlic. Roast for about 1 hour or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F or 63 degrees C.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are quick, healthy, and perfect for busy families who want a delicious meal. Chicken and vegetable stir-fry is full of vibrant vegetables and lean protein, making it a well-balanced meal. This dish is simple to prepare and can be customized based on your family’s preferences. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a fresh, flavorful dinner in no time.

To make this stir-fry, you will need chicken breast, bell peppers, carrots, onions, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. You can also add ginger for extra flavor, and rice or noodles serve as the perfect base. If you prefer a vegetarian version, tofu is a great substitute for chicken.

Slice the chicken into thin strips and sauté it in a hot pan with sesame oil. Add the vegetables and cook until they are tender but still crisp. Pour in the soy sauce and garlic, then stir everything together. Serve over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Stuffed Turkey Breast

Stuffed turkey breast is a flavorful alternative to the traditional whole turkey, perfect for family gatherings. This dish allows for the juicy turkey breast to be filled with a savory stuffing, creating a rich and satisfying meal. It is much easier to prepare than a full turkey, and the stuffing adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love. This dish is ideal for holiday meals or any family occasion where you want to serve something special.

For stuffed turkey breast, you will need a boneless turkey breast, bread crumbs, onions, garlic, herbs like rosemary and sage, and butter. You can also add mushrooms or cranberries for extra flavor. This meal pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Butterfly the turkey breast to open it up, then layer with the stuffing mixture. Roll up the turkey breast and tie it with kitchen twine. Roast the turkey at 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C for about 1.5 hours, basting occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F or 75 degrees C.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a classic, hearty meal that is perfect for family dinners. The creamy filling, tender chicken, and flaky crust create a comforting dish that is loved by all. This meal is ideal for using up leftover chicken and can easily be customized with vegetables. It is a complete meal in itself, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs in one delicious dish.

For this recipe, you will need cooked chicken, carrots, peas, onions, garlic, chicken broth, milk, and a store-bought or homemade pie crust. You can also use herbs like thyme and rosemary for added flavor. The beauty of chicken pot pie is that you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in a pan. Add the chicken, peas, broth, and milk to the pan and let it simmer until the mixture thickens. Pour the filling into a pie dish and cover with the pie crust. Bake at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a beloved family meal that brings comfort and nostalgia. The combination of tender meatballs in a rich tomato sauce served over spaghetti noodles is simple yet satisfying. It is the kind of dish that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults, and is easy to make in large batches for family gatherings. With a side of garlic bread, it becomes a perfect meal to share.

To make spaghetti and meatballs, you will need ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onions, Parmesan cheese, pasta sauce, and spaghetti. Fresh basil or parsley can be added for garnish, and you can also incorporate crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. This dish can be made with either store-bought or homemade pasta sauce.

Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and seasonings to form meatballs. Brown the meatballs in a skillet, then simmer them in tomato sauce for about 30 minutes. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions and serve the meatballs over the pasta. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that makes a great family meal. This hearty meal combines ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to perfection. It is a filling dish that can easily feed a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings. Plus, the gooey melted cheese on top makes it a favorite among both kids and adults.

For baked ziti, you will need ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. You can also add ground beef or sausage for a meaty version, or keep it vegetarian with just the pasta and sauce. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top gives the dish a vibrant finish.

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. In a baking dish, layer the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake at 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a flavorful and hearty Middle Eastern dish that consists of poached eggs in a rich tomato sauce. It is a perfect meal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, and its vibrant flavors are sure to bring the family together. The eggs absorb the spices and seasonings from the sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. Served with warm pita or crusty bread, shakshuka is a fun and unique meal to enjoy with loved ones.

For shakshuka, you will need eggs, tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, cumin, paprika, olive oil, and fresh herbs like cilantro. You can also add feta cheese or olives for extra flavor. The dish is highly customizable, and you can include spinach or other vegetables for added texture.

Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft. Add the tomatoes and spices, and let the sauce simmer until it thickens. Create wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into the sauce, then cover and cook until the eggs are poached to your liking. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with pita or crusty bread.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.