6+ Simple Hard Family Recipes to Make Memories Together

Gathering around the kitchen can create lasting memories, especially when delicious aromas fill the air. Cooking together is not just about food; it’s about laughter, stories, and love shared among family. Let’s explore some irresistible recipes that are simple yet special, perfect for making memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.

Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie

Imagine a golden, flaky crust enveloping tender chunks of chicken swimming in a creamy, savory sauce. This homestyle chicken pot pie combines the comforting flavors of chicken, vegetables, and spices, all wrapped up in a buttery pastry. The magic really happens when you gather everyone around the table, each person claiming their favorite part—some love the crust, while others can’t resist the rich filling!

Why It’s Special

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a family tradition for many. The process of rolling out the dough and layering in the filling creates a wonderful bonding experience. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it not just delicious but also economical!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pre-made pie crust

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until it forms a paste.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
5. Pour the filling into a pie dish and cover with the pie crust. Cut slits in the top to let steam escape.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Grandma’s Spaghetti and Meatballs

Nothing says comfort food quite like a plate of spaghetti topped with rich, homemade marinara and tender meatballs. This classic dish combines bold flavors of garlic, onions, and herbs, simmered to perfection in a thick tomato sauce. The best part? Each family member can lend a hand, whether rolling meatballs or twirling spaghetti, creating laughter and stories along the way.

Why It’s Special

This recipe is a cherished family secret for many, passed down through generations. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul and brings everyone together, making it perfect for Sunday dinners or family gatherings. Plus, the aroma of simmering sauce is sure to draw everyone into the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce
• 1 pound spaghetti
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
3. In a large skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides, then add the marinara sauce. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy, cheesy delight is a childhood favorite that never goes out of style. With its gooey cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni, this dish brings comfort and joy to the table. It’s a great recipe for family members of all ages to help with, from boiling pasta to mixing in the cheese, creating a kitchen filled with laughter and chatter.

Why It’s Special

Macaroni and cheese is a timeless comfort food that sparks nostalgia for many. The simplicity of the ingredients allows room for creativity, inviting everyone to add their twist—whether that’s crispy bacon, broccoli, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for crunch. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate!

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring until smooth.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and pour into a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

No family gathering is complete without the warm, gooey goodness of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. With their crispy edges and soft, melty centers, these cookies are a sweet treat that everyone loves. Making cookies is a fun activity that brings out everyone’s creativity—who doesn’t love sneaking a taste of the dough along the way?

Why It’s Special

This classic recipe is perfect for family bonding time, with everyone able to pitch in. Whether measuring ingredients or decorating with sprinkles, the kitchen becomes a hub of laughter and joy. Plus, the smell of baking cookies wafting through the house is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes until golden. Let them cool before enjoying!