15 All-American Meals The Whole Family Will Love

15 All-American Meals The Whole Family Will Love

Getting dinner on the table quickly doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or your family’s enjoyment. These all-American meals are straightforward to prepare and are sure to be favorites in your household. From juicy meatloaf to creamy mac and cheese and everything in between, each recipe is packed with flavors that cater to the comfort food that we all know and love. Perfect for busy weeknights, these dishes will keep everyone at the table happy and satisfied.

A plate with pork and broccoli on it.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Air fried buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.Air fried buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These ultra-crispy buffalo chicken tenders made in the air fryer are a perfect quick-fix for dinner. They’re much lighter than the traditional deep-fried version but still keep all the beloved flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Bomb Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf is a real crowd-pleaser with its juicy interior and sweet, tangy glaze on top. Easy to throw together, it’s a classic favorite that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Burger Bowls

Two burger bowls of salad with lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.Two burger bowls of salad with lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.
Burger Bowl. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the flavors of a classic burger in a simple, no-mess bowl. This recipe includes a special burger sauce and all the usual toppings, chopped up and ready to go. It’s a great way to satisfy your burger cravings any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar cheese stuffed turkey meatballs on a plate with zoodles.Cheddar cheese stuffed turkey meatballs on a plate with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These cheddar-stuffed turkey meatballs are simmered in marinara sauce, bringing a cheesy twist to a dinner staple. Packed with flavor and easy to make, they’re a great alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

A bowl of pasta salad with peas and bacon.A bowl of pasta salad with peas and bacon.
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy this lighter version of mac and cheese made creamy with Greek yogurt. It’s a comforting, simple dish that makes a perfect quick dinner for those busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Chicken and sweet potatoes with pecans on a plate.Chicken and sweet potatoes with pecans on a plate.
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sheet pan dinner pairs chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans for a meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup. It’s an effortless way to serve a wholesome meal on any busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Red cabbage and pork chops with potatoes in a baking pan.Red cabbage and pork chops with potatoes in a baking pan.
Sheet Pan Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples all roast together on one pan for this easy dinner. Just set it up and let the oven do the work for a no-fuss meal that’s great for any night.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

A skillet full of mac and cheese with turkey and herbs.A skillet full of mac and cheese with turkey and herbs.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food that everyone will love. With added spinach and peppers, it’s a balanced meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

A bowl of nachos on a wooden table.A bowl of nachos on a wooden table.
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These BBQ pulled pork nachos are loaded with cheddar cheese and all your favorite toppings. They make a simple and hearty meal that’s great for a relaxed dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

Grilled Ham Steak

A grilled ham steak on a cutting board with a knife.A grilled ham steak on a cutting board with a knife.
Grilled Ham Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled ham steak with a rosemary maple dijon glaze provides a simple yet flavorful dinner option. Quick to prepare, this meal is a straightforward way to enjoy something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steak

Air Fryer Ribeye

Steak and potatoes on a plate.Steak and potatoes on a plate.
Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a classic ribeye steak with minimal effort using the air fryer. This method delivers a tender, juicy steak perfectly seasoned for a straightforward, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Cheddar Chicken Bake

A casserole dish filled with chicken, vegetables and cheese.A casserole dish filled with chicken, vegetables and cheese.
Cheddar Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cheddar chicken quinoa bake uses leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy and wholesome dinner. It’s a simple casserole that’s great for those nights when you want something hearty but quick.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken thighs in a cream cheese sauce with potatoes and parsley on a wooden table.Chicken thighs in a cream cheese sauce with potatoes and parsley on a wooden table.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cream cheese and a handful of spices turn ordinary chicken into a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a simple weeknight meal. Quick to prepare, this chicken dish is a great way to break the dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes on an English muffin on a plate.Sloppy Joes on an English muffin on a plate.
Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These Sloppy Joes come together with lean ground beef and a homemade sauce that keeps things light. Quick to make and universally loved, they’re a great way to serve up a classic dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

A plate with pork and broccoli on it.A plate with pork and broccoli on it.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These pretzel crusted pork chops are baked with a simple maple dijon sauce for a meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a fuss-free dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops


Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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