Easy Vacation Meals: Family Food on the Table

Ever been on vacation, enjoying the sun or a cool breeze or a beautiful view and you hear the dreaded, "I'm hungry!" And suddenly, you're on duty. You gotta retire to the kitchen, however grudgingly, and figure out a full dinner. Nope, nope and no thank you. Instead, let's gather some easy, fuss-free, delicious dinners the whole family can enjoy!

This collection of easy vacation meals - including ideas and recipes - will help you plan and enjoy delicious, fuss-free, family friendly meals that require minimal ingredients and zero stress. No complicated recipes. No long grocery runs for tons of different ingredients. No time consuming kitchen work. We're talking casual, affordable, family-friendly recipes that require minimal ingredients and no specialty items. From quick skillet dinners to one-pan wonders, crock pot meals to cozy casseroles, these ideas are designed to maximize relaxation and minimize stress. Whether you're renting a beach house, staying in a cozy cabin, or exploring a new city, easy dinners are the key to unwinding with loved ones at the end of the day.

Vacation Meal Planning Ideas

Let's explore some easy vacation eats that will keep everyone happy and well-fed. Here are some general ideas to get your wheels turning:

• Slow Cooker Meals - set it and forget it
• Casseroles - can be prepped ahead and oh so cozy
• Sheet Pan Meals - load up one or more sheet pans, put them in the oven and you are done
• Chili or 1-pot Meals - everything cooks all together
• Family Favorites - such as tacos or spaghetti, whatever everyone loves so there's no whining
• Grilling - throw everything on the grill (if there is one) and call it a day
• Breakfast for Dinner - easy for the adults, feels special for the kids
• Assembly Meals - less cooking, more just putting together
• Store Bought - pick up premade burgers or marinated chicken, frozen pizza, frozen chicken tenders, frozen lasagna, tater tots or fries, bagged salads, canned soups, etc.

Quick Reference: Skillet Dinners Timing

Below you can check out some specific recipes that fit the bill. You can use your saved list before you go on vacation to make a grocery list and plan out the week ahead of time.

Featured Easy Recipes

Southwest Style Favorites

Southwest Chicken Skillet Dinner: This quick and easy southwest chicken skillet dinner uses rotisserie chicken, fresh veggies, canned beans and simple spices for a delicious meal that's ready in just 15 minutes! Chicken and zucchini skillet with corn is a one-pot wonder full of southwestern flavors, colorful veggies and juicy chicken. This one-pot Chicken Fiesta is a Mexican-style chicken and rice dish with peppers, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies and cheese.

Hearty Ground Meat Skillets

Ground Turkey Skillet with Rice and Veggies: Ground turkey, rice and veggie skillet with beans, corn, tomatoes, zucchini and bell peppers is an all-in-one dinner with tons of flavor that's ready in just 30 minutes. It's easy to make and customize and sure to be a family favorite! Italian ground turkey skillet with white beans, diced tomatoes and spinach is an easy, flavorful all-in-one-pan dinner that's ready in just 25 minutes! Ground chicken and mushroom skillet with peas, pimientos and two cheeses is an easy, flavorful all-in-one-pan dinner that's ready in just 25 minutes!

Fast 5-Ingredient Meals

This easy 5-ingredient recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and you can dress it up with toppings if you like. You can make endless combinations by changing up the seasonings, the type of beans and the type of greens (or other veggies) you use. 15-Minute Lemon Chicken Skillet lemon chicken has tender strips of chicken breasts in a delicious lemon sauce. Plus, it's just 5 basic ingredients and it'll leave you with more time to kick back and enjoy your time with family and friends.