8 Family Favorite Dinner Recipes - Cynthia Janine (2024)

With the weather cooling down I am getting back in the kitchen and cooking more. Time to put the cover on the grill outside. There is something about it getting cold that makes me want to cook and bake. Does it work that way for you?

Here are 8 of my family favorite recipes that get requested over and over. Just click under the picture and it will take you straight to the recipe. So grab your favorite hot drink and plan your weekly dinners…you will be so glad you did.

Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

If you don’t have an instant pot don’t worry she tells you how to cook it with a crock pot or stove top. I made this last weekend with some fresh bread and cheese and there wasn’t any left.

Chili Garlic Instant Pot Noodles

Seriously, the fastest meal that I have ever made. It is not too spicy (don’t let the chili in the title scare you) it is just the right blend of spices. I do use sriracha in place of the chili garlic paste. Make you that you use brown rice noodles. I tried regular noodles and it’s just not the same. The sauce doesn’t stick to them as well.

Embarrassingly Easy Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Thighs

I love throwing this in the crock pot in the morning. All you have to do is shred the chicken after it is done cooking and add it to your recipe. I have used it for enchiladas, salad or on top of spaghetti squash. It is also great with rice and some melted cheese on the top. This freezes well and would be great to have on hand for meal prepping.

Cuban Picadillo

This is so good I always make a double batch. My son loves it wrapped in pie dough and baked. Mr. Tom and I like it with some brown rice. It also reheats perfectly. Gina has the recipes for stove top, crock pot or instant pot. Also, with turkey instead of the beef. You will love it such great flavors.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This is the best chicken pot pie soup I have ever made. The perfect comfort food at only 268 calories per serving. You can have your pot pie without the guilt!

Carrot Ginger Soup

I must admit this was a soup I wasn’t too sure about. I’m so glad I tried it. It is flat out delicious! Even my pickiest soup eater thought it was a winner. Pair it with some cheesy bread and a salad and you have a great lighter dinner.

Shepherd’s Pie Lightened Up

So warm and comforting and not heavy on the tummy. Try with sweet potatoes on the top (my favorite way). I have used ground turkey and ground beef. Whatever is your preference, it is really good with both. This is another that freezes well. You could even make it in individual ramekins and have it on hand for a quick dinner.

Chicken Enchiladas

If you are a Mexican food lover this is for you. My family loves these because they don’t get all mushy. At 194 calories each, go ahead and have 2!

I hope I have piqued your taste buds and you give some or all of these a go. Drop me a comment and tell me your favorite comfort food.

Here are 5 more recipes that are quick and easy and soooo delish!

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This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

All the credit goes to SkinnyTaste & Pinch of Yum for the photos and recipes.