10+ Homemade Recipes to Try with Your Family

Homemade recipes offer a wonderful way to bring flavor and creativity to your meals. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients, which can lead to healthier meals that everyone can enjoy. You can explore a variety of dishes, ranging from quick snacks to elaborate dinners, all crafted in your own kitchen.

Embracing homemade cooking not only saves money, but it can also create lasting memories with family and friends. You can try new techniques, share favorite recipes, and adapt traditional meals to suit your taste. As you dive into the world of homemade recipes, you’ll discover the joy of preparing delicious food that reflects your unique style.

1) Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Classic spaghetti and meatballs is a comfort food favorite. You can enjoy it for a family dinner or impress guests. The juicy meatballs are made from ground beef mixed with herbs and spices, making them flavorful.

Start by cooking the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare your meatballs. Combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, and seasonings. Shape them into balls and brown them in a pan.

Next, make or heat your marinara sauce. Toss the meatballs into the sauce to simmer. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and combine it with the sauce and meatballs. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and basil.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
4. Brown meatballs in a pan over medium heat.
5. Heat marinara sauce in a pot.
6. Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Combine drained spaghetti with sauce and meatballs.
8. Serve and top with Parmesan cheese if desired.

2) Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Buffalo chicken lasagna is a fun twist on a classic dish. It combines the flavors of spicy buffalo wings with the creamy goodness of traditional lasagna. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious it turns out.

To start, you will need lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, cooked chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and some blue cheese. Layer these ingredients to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or game day.

Ingredients

• 12 sheets of oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
• ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce
• 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley.
3. Spread a layer of buffalo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Layer noodles, ricotta mix, chicken, and blue cheese.
5. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles and sauce.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

3) Mouth-Watering Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a comforting dish that warms your heart. It’s made with layers of delicious ingredients, perfect for a family meal. You can use ground beef or lamb, combined with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Start by browning the meat with onions and garlic. Add frozen peas and carrots for that classic touch. Pour in beef broth and let it simmer until thick.

Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish. Top with fluffy mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground meat with chopped onion and minced garlic.
3. Stir in frozen peas and carrots.
4. Add beef broth and simmer until thick.
5. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
6. Top with mashed potatoes and cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!

4) Cheesy Zucchini Boats

Cheesy zucchini boats are a delicious and easy dish to make. You can fill fresh zucchini with your choice of tasty ingredients like cheese, herbs, and other veggies. They make a great side dish or even a main meal.

To start, slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh. Mix that with cheese, breadcrumbs, and any spices you like. Then, fill the zucchini halves with this mixture.

Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The zucchini should be tender, and the cheese will be golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh.
3. In a bowl, mix the scooped zucchini, cheese, breadcrumbs, onions, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill the zucchini halves with the mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the zucchini boats.
6. Place them in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!

5) Fluffy Pancakes for Breakfast

Fluffy pancakes make a great start to your day. They are soft, thick, and delicious. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch with family.

To make fluffy pancakes, you need just a few simple ingredients. Start with all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, and eggs. With a bit of vanilla, you’ll add flavor too.

Cooking them is easy. Just pour the batter onto a hot, greased pan. Wait until bubbles form on the surface before flipping.

Serve your fluffy pancakes warm with butter and syrup. You can also add fruits or nuts for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and sugar.
2. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Heat a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Pour batter onto the pan and cook until bubbles form.
6. Flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.

6) Homemade Brownies from Scratch

Making homemade brownies is simple and fun. You can enjoy delicious, fudgy brownies right from your kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you’ll impress your family and friends.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt. These basic items make for a rich brownie.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter in a bowl.
3. Mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
5. Pour the batter into a greased pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!

7) Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup to make you feel at home. This recipe is simple and perfect for any day, especially when you need a little comfort.

Start by cooking tender chicken in chicken broth. Add egg noodles for that classic texture. Toss in vegetables like carrots and celery for added flavor and nutrition.

A splash of cream can make it extra comforting. Finally, finish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup egg noodles
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat chicken broth over medium heat.
2. Add sliced carrots and celery, cooking until tender.
3. Stir in egg noodles and cook until soft.
4. Add shredded chicken and cream, if desired.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

8) Easy Macaroni Salad (Homemade Style)

Easy macaroni salad is a classic dish that’s perfect for any gathering. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how delicious it tastes.

To start, cook 3 cups of elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Once it’s tender, drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.

In a large bowl, combine the macaroni with diced celery, red onion, and bell pepper. Add mayonnaise for creaminess and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can even toss in some hard boiled eggs for extra flavor.

Mix everything well and chill it in the refrigerator before serving. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next picnic or barbecue!

Ingredients

• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
• 1 rib celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, celery, red onion, and bell pepper.
4. Add mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator before serving.

9) Tasty Fried Chicken Dinner

Making a tasty fried chicken dinner at home is simple and fun. You can enjoy juicy chicken with a crispy coating that your whole family will love.

Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Then, prepare a batter to give your chicken that perfect crunch.

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, cooking until golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Serve your delicious fried chicken with sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw. It’s a meal everyone will want to gather around!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken pieces (legs or breasts)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge each piece in flour until fully coated.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

10) Hearty Vegetable Casserole

This Hearty Vegetable Casserole is perfect for any meal. It uses a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables that you can find easily. Cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy texture, making every bite delicious.

You can make it with rice for extra filling power. Top it with cheese for a tasty finish. This dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the soup, vegetables, rice, and garlic powder.
3. Add salt and pepper as desired.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. Top the mixture with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and golden.