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.

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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. Cod & tomato traybake

Cod on a bed of cherry tomatoes, olives and basil


There's nothing better than a simple fish supper, except for a supper you can throw together in 15 minutes. This recipe counts as four of your five-a-day, with a smooth tomato sauce, red peppers, olives and butter beans. Sprinkle over basil leaves and serve with hunks of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce.

In the mood for cod? Try our healthy fish korma and cod & olive tagine, or give haddock a go for dinner.

4. Meatball & mozzarella bake

A meatball and melted cheese traybake with basil sprinkled on top

With a grand total of five ingredients, this marvellous meatball dish is our idea of the perfect warming, help-yourself dinner. It's as easy as throwing your ingredients in a roasting tin and baking till it bubbles.

Love cooking with minimal ingredients? Check out our five-ingredients-or-less recipes, then discover our best spaghetti & meatballs recipes.

5. Amatriciana chicken traybake

Chicken, potatoes and tomatoes in one traybake


This one-pan winner is inspired by the classic Italian pasta sauce. Chicken thighs and new potatoes are flavoured with bacon and sweet cherry tomatoes. Serve straight from the dish with a green salad and bread for dunking.

Chicken thighs are a great place to start for a speedy family dinner. Try our air-fryer chicken thighs, or salt & pepper chicken.

6. Sticky Chinese five-spice chicken traybake

A chicken traybake with spring onions and cashews

Nearly 200 five-out-of-five star ratings makes this Chinese-style traybake a must-try. Chicken thighs are marinated in simple storecupboard ingredients (honey, hoisin, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and five-spice powder) and then roast until golden. Finish with a handful of cashews for added crunch.

Chicken thighs are a thrifty option, with a rich and intense flavour. Check out our best chicken thigh recipes for more inspiration, plus healthy chicken thigh recipes, chicken thigh traybakes and our best air-fryer chicken thigh recipe.

7. 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.

8. Oregano chicken & squash traybake

Chicken legs in a tray with carrots and rocket

Only five minutes to prepare? Count us in! This bung-it-all-together traybake is a celebration of chicken drumsticks, artichokes (use the shop-bought, jarred kind), butternut squash and olives. All you need is dried oregano and cumin for flavour. Plus, you can use the 45-minute roasting time to crack on with your t0-do list.

For more inspiration, check out our best butternut squash recipes, chicken traybakes and more ways with artichokes.

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 5 family pasta recipes
Veggie suppers for the whole family
Our ultimate healthy family recipe collection
Family meal recipes
Quick & easy family recipes
Top 10 quick after-school suppers

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