A good family dinner doesnโ€™t need variety for varietyโ€™s sake, it needs something everyone wants to eat. These recipes keep meat front and center with methods that cook predictably and flavors that feel familiar in the best way. Everything stays practical for real nights. With 20 dependable dinners ready to go, we keep the table focused and full.

Skillet with cooked chicken thighs, sliced apples, and herbs in a brown sauce on a wooden table, with salt, pepper, and a whole apple nearby.
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs (Easy One-Skillet Dinner). Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Smoked pork tenderloin glazed in maple with caramelized edges sliced on a cutting board.
Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low, steady smoke keeps this tenderloin juicy with a glossy, smoky-sweet glaze. We like the easy timing and reliable pull-through for busy family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Creamy Garlic Chicken: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

Creamy garlic chicken with golden seared pieces coated in thick sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Garlic Chicken: Easy 30-Minute Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Even heat simmers chicken into a creamy, garlicky sauce with tender bites. We keep timing tight so dinner lands fast and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

Easy Mexican Street Corn Smash Tacos

Crispy smashed street corn tacos topped with cotija cheese and Mexican spices.
Easy Mexican Street Corn Smash Tacos. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hard smash and quick sear lock juicy beef onto crisp tortillas. The fast cook keeps flavor bold and cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Street Corn Smash Tacos

Ultimate French Onion Pasta with Steak

Creamy French onion pasta topped with sliced steak and caramelized onions in a deep bowl.
Ultimate French Onion Pasta with Steak. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow-cooked onions bring deep, savory sweetness while steak stays juicy. We pace the cook for reliable results that hold up at the table.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate French Onion Pasta with Steak

Pulled Pork Chili

Hearty bowl of pulled pork chili with smoky chunks of pork and beans throughout.
Pulled Pork Chili. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

One-pot simmer turns leftover pork into smoky, tender chili. The method keeps prep minimal and flavors steady all day.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Chili

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air fryer steak bites coated in garlic butter served hot with crispy browned edges.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hot air crisps the edges while centers stay tender and juicy. We avoid overcrowding for fast timing and even browning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Cowboy Butter Burgers

Cowboy butter burgers stacked high with melted butter spread and herbs on toasted buns.
Cowboy Butter Burgers. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Direct heat chars patties while butter melts into smoky, juicy bites. The simple grill timing keeps burgers reliable for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Butter Burgers

Greek Ground Lamb Recipe with Whipped Ricotta

Seasoned ground lamb served over whipped ricotta with herbs sprinkled across the top.
Greek Ground Lamb Recipe with Whipped Ricotta. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Quick skillet cooking browns lamb for juicy, herby flavor. We serve family-style for easy prep and steady portions.
Get the Recipe: Greek Ground Lamb Recipe with Whipped Ricotta

Pan Seared Chuck Eye Steaks

Pan-seared chuck eye steaks sliced to show juicy pink centers with browned crust.
Pan Seared Chuck Eye Steaks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A fast sear builds a golden crust with a juicy middle. Our approach stretches this cut with dependable steakhouse results.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chuck Eye Steaks

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs (Easy One-Skillet Dinner)

Chicken thighs simmered in apple cider with herbs and golden browned skin in a skillet.
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs (Easy One-Skillet Dinner). Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Gentle simmer keeps thighs tender in a glossy, cider-kissed sauce. One pan means easy timing and consistent moisture.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs (Easy One-Skillet Dinner)

Smashed Crack Burgers

Smashed crack burgers with crisp edges and melted cheese stacked on toasted buns.
Smashed Crack Burgers. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hard smash plus high heat delivers crisp edges and juicy centers. We cook in batches to keep results even and fast.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Crack Burgers

Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili Recipe

Smoked beef shank over-the-top chili with smoky shredded beef throughout the pot.
Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low smoke adds deep, beefy flavor before a steady simmer. The result is tender pull and reliable body every time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili Recipe

Pan-Seared Wild Boar Chops Recipe

Pan-seared wild boar chops with browned crust and fresh herbs on a rustic plate.
Pan-Seared Wild Boar Chops Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Controlled sear locks in juicy meat with a browned crust. We rest briefly to keep moisture steady.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Seared Wild Boar Chops Recipe

Ground Turkey Stroganoff Recipe

Creamy ground turkey stroganoff with mushrooms and noodles coated in savory sauce.
Ground Turkey Stroganoff Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Gentle simmer turns lean turkey tender in a creamy sauce. The method keeps timing tight and results dependable.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stroganoff Recipe

Smoked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Smoked turkey tenderloin sliced to reveal juicy interior with herbal seasoning.
Smoked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Clean smoke and even heat keep the meat juicy and mild. Short prep makes this an easy, repeatable win.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin

Grilled turkey tenderloin with lemon herbs sliced thin and arranged on a platter.
Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Direct grilling chars lightly while the center stays juicy. We marinate briefly for bright flavor without slowing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

Instant Pot pot roast with tender shredded beef, potatoes, and carrots in rich gravy.
Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Meal. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pressure cooking delivers fork-tender beef with rich, savory juices. The set timing replaces all-day braising with reliable speed.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Slow cooker beef shanks cooked tender in broth with vegetables surrounding the meat.
Slow Cooker Beef Shanks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low, slow heat melts collagen into tender, silky bites. Set-and-forget cooking keeps the day running smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Stuffed Pork Loin

Stuffed pork loin sliced to reveal savory filling rolled inside tender roasted meat.
Stuffed Pork Loin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Even roasting keeps slices juicy with a golden exterior. We tie it tight for clean cuts and dependable timing.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pork Loin

Cast Iron Skillet Steak โ€“ How to Cook a Steak with a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron steak with a deep sear and butter juices pooling in the pan.
Cast Iron Skillet Steak โ€“ How to Cook a Steak with a Cast Iron Skillet. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat builds a crisp, browned crust while the center stays juicy. Our skillet method delivers steady results without grill setup or guesswork.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Steak โ€“ How to Cook a Steak with a Cast Iron Skillet

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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