At the end of a long day, our favourite dinner option is one that takes minutes to prepare and doesn't mean washing up endless bowls and kitchen kit. Pushed for time? These simple family traybake recipes are all-in-one midweek lifesavers to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

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Looking for family-friendly recipe inspiration? Check out our healthy family recipes, freezable family recipes, family chicken recipes and family dessert ideas. For even more speedy meal inspiration, try our quick family meals for when time is tight.

All these recipes use under 10 ingredients and take 10 minutes or less to prepare. Grab a tray and a handful of ingredients for our favourite filling family dinners.

1. Healthy salmon pesto traybake

One large white dish with roast potatoes, veg and pesto-topped salmon fillets


Almost too beautiful to eat, this colourful salmon traybake has a good dose of omega-3 from the fish and plenty of fresh vegetables, as well as being an easy dinner to satisfy growing kids. With just five minutes prep time, this recipe is sure to become part of your repertoire.

Try our best fish recipes for kids for a varied range of hearty meals, or pick your favourite from our 110 salmon recipes, salmon fillet recipes and healthy salmon recipes.

2. Italian aubergine traybake

A white casserole dish with aubergine, black olives, mozzarella, bread and basil

An all-in-one Italian masterpiece, this low-calorie dinner option is one we can never say no to. Simple, classic ingredients like chopped tomatoes and a handful of basil make up the base, then simply add chunks of aubergine, ciabatta and mozzarella for a filling veggie midweek meal. This is one even picky diners will want seconds of.

Italian is our go-to when we want something quick and delicious for the whole family. Check out our favourite Italian recipes, Italian pasta recipes and healthy Italian recipes.

3. Za’atar & lemon chicken traybake

Chicken thighs with red onion, lemon and herb seasoning

This za’atar & lemon chicken traybake is a vibrant one-pan wonder, combining succulent chicken thighs, golden roast potatoes and warm, aromatic spices for a no-fuss family feast. With bold Mediterranean flavours and minimal prep, it’s an easy way to bring a taste of Lebanon to your table – all with barely any washing-up.

To bring global flavours to your dinner table, explore more of our internationally inspired dishes, from Mexican recipes to comforting Italian recipes, and fresh, flavour-packed Japanese-inspired recipes. It’s an easy way to travel the world, one meal at a time.

4. Red Thai chicken meatball traybake

Tray of meatballs with mini corn and coriander

When you think of meatballs, classic Italian-style ones with spaghetti might spring to mind. But, this Thai-inspired twist is well worth a try. Flavoured with red Thai curry paste, lemongrass, lime, coriander and creamy coconut milk, these chicken meatballs make a hearty, warming traybake that pairs beautifully with brown rice or noodles for an easy family dinner.

Discover more Thai recipes.

5. Ham & pea gnocchi traybake

Pan of cheesy gnocchi with a metal serving spoon

This ham & pea gnocchi traybake is comfort food made easy – think pillowy gnocchi, savoury ham hock and sweet peas, all nestled under a bubbling, cheesy crumb.

It’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that's made all in one dish: no stirring and no faff, just straight in the oven and onto plates.

Discover more gnocchi recipes that go beyond the basics, from crispy baked trays to creamy skillet suppers. There’s a gnocchi dish for every mood – quick, comforting, and endlessly adaptable.

6. Roasted summer vegetable traybake

Roasted summer vegetable traybake

We love a recipe that works hard for you, and this roasted summer vegetable traybake is just that. Roasted until caramelised and full of flavour, the veg becomes the base for three midweek meals, turning one easy traybake into a weeknight dinner saviour.

For more inspiration on how to waste less food, check out our zero-waste recipes for every day.

7. Smoky white bean & ricotta traybake

Smoky white bean & ricotta traybake

This smoky white bean & ricotta traybake is a rustic, flavour-packed dish that brings together caramelised veg, creamy dollops of ricotta and the warmth of smoked paprika.

It’s the kind of laid-back, oven-to-table meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. It'll soon be a family favourite, but wouldn't look amiss as part of a summer dinner party spread.

8. Greek feta traybake

A casserole dish full of baked feta, tomatoes and vegetables on top of a wooden board

Five minutes prep, full of colourful veggies and perfect for meat-free Monday... this vibrant traybake is a sure winner. Kids will love the pitta chips on top, and any leftovers would be great for lunch the next day.

Got feta left over? Read all about the health benefits of feta, then check out our best feta recipes and feta salad recipes.

9. Meatball & garlic bread traybake

A deep frying pan with cooked meatballs, cheese and garlic bread in it, and a serving spoon

Juicy beef meatballs, homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and cheesy garlic bread, all baked together... what's not to love? If you're short on time, just use shop-bought meatballs instead of making your own. We love the leftovers stuffed in split hot dog buns, topped with yet more cheese and grilled until golden.

Check out our best meatball recipes, get inventive with mozzarella cheese and make your own garlic bread this weekend.

10. Butternut squash pilaf

A white casserole dish of rice, squash, raisins and nuts with a serving spoon

Make rice the dish of the day with our vegetarian pilaf recipe, studded with cubed squash, raisins and crispy onions. Shop-bought tagine spice blend (baharat is a good option) adds all the flavour you need – don't forget a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Discover our best pilaf recipes, try tagine for the first time, or learn how to be inventive with roasted butternut squash.

Enjoyed this? Read other family guides:

Top family pasta recipes
Veggie suppers for the whole family
Our ultimate healthy family recipe collection
Top family sausage casserole recipes
Family meal recipes
Quick & easy family recipes
Top quick after-school suppers

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