What would be a great but easy dinner to take to a family that has just had a baby (+3 kids)?

Question

I am a terrible cook and need suggestions for the whole meal.
I need to know what would be a great overall menu.
I just want to make sure I make something that the whole family will really enjoy and will be easy to take there.
For instance - do people generally prefer pasta dishes, casseroles or meats?

Answer 1

make spagetti,take two kinds of sauces one red, one alfredo. using sauces from a jar (bertolli and four brothers makes a great alfredo.) warm frozen meat balls for the kids. kids love spaghetti and meatballs. for the adults.

stuffed chicken

cut a chicken breast so it opens like a book.

whip an egg in a bowl.

put bread crumbs, italian seasoning and a little salt in another bowl.

dip in egg dip in bread crumbs

put a slice of procutto ham and some feta cheese in the breast

bake at 350 until the chicken is done (juice runs clear and meat is white)



this is easy and impressive. plus the new parents will appreciate the great meal. but the kids probably wont eat the chicken. add a salad and you are good to go. or grilled or steamed veggies. buy your dessert and put it in your own container. it seems like a lot but, pasta is so easy, the sauce is in a jar, the chicken is all prep (but makes you look like a master), bagged salad requires no effort and the dessert wont either. plus the kids might eat spaghetti an meatballs.

Answer 2

Grocery store. Get a chicken from the deli, our Walmart superstore has roasted whole ones, and fried ones. Cheap. 8 pieces of fried chicken for $3 and something. Pick up a package of Hawaiin rolls. Choose an easy veggie, like corn on the cob, or those baked beans already baked and in a can, make some fruity jello, raspberry with fruit cocktail with marshmallows, at home. Choose another starch, like stovetop stuffing, or make something else that appears homemade, like cheese potatoes. Make or buy brownies, and you have a whole meal, the kids will like, is not too unhealthy, and if I had 3+ kids, and a husband, and a new baby, I'd give you the new baby for any kind of free meal I didn't have to cook.

Another kid pleaser is spagetti. garlic bread, and gelato for dessert. Again with the easy and cheap.

How nice you want to help out.

Answer 3

Wanna have some fun? Pack a picnic basket for the whole family. Since you're not big on cooking? I'd cheat. Go to KFC and buy some fried chicken, mac & cheese (always a big hit with kids), potatoes and salad. Pick up some cookies, brownies for dessert. Pack disposable plates, forks, napkins and such and a large blanket. You also may want to bring some homemade lemonaid. Visit the dollar store and get some outdoorish type toys for the older kids. Mom & Dad will appreciate the ready made picnic and the entertainment for the kids. Stay if you can stay so you can enjoy it with them and clean up with they're through. They'll also appreciate the clean up and you taking your basket and blanket home so they don't have anything to return. The older kids will feel special that someone remembered them. It's something they won't soon forget. You'll be a hero!! ;o)

Answer 4

If you need a whole dinner.. I agree with the lasagna suggestion, or you can make it simpler and make Manicotti.



Buy either Lasagna noodles or Manicotti Noodles

Buy a 15 oz. carton of Ricotta cheese

Buy a bag of grated Mozerella/Parmesan cheese mix

Buy a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce

*If you'd like italian sausage, sweet onions, peppers, or mushrooms.. buy these and cook them in the same skillet you cook the italian sausage in. (Many people also like to put 1/4 or so cup of red wine in with the sauce) and a dash of sugar if needed to curb the acidity of the tomatoes.



Put the ricotta cheese in a bowl, and flavor it with a touch of oregano, garlic powder, and maybe a dash of grater parmesan. You should also break a raw egg into the mixture so that after the lasagna is done, it cuts easier; without running.



~So you have your cheese mixture in one bowl.

~Drain the noodles you've cooked, let sit until they're cool enough to work with

~Now take a lasagna sized dish and place a couple tablespoons of the spaghetti sauce on the bottom.

~Start layering the noodles, then the ricotta mix, maybe a little of the grated cheese, another layer of noodles... keep repeating until all noodles and ricotta are used up.



~On the top, pour the meat (or vegetarian) spaghetti sauce. *Note: if you don't want meat in your sauce, putting grated spinach in the ricotta makes AWESOME spinach manicotti!! (If you do that, just make sure the spinach is chopped WELL, and that it is not wet.. if it's cooked, drain it on some papertowels before mixing it into the ricotta or it makes it too watery.



Anyway... after all the noodles are layered, top with lots of sauce, then top with mozerella/parmasen... and bake until bubbly & hot at 350 degrees.



If you have a cassarole carrier, that's GREAT.. They are so easy for both carrying cassaroles, as well as keeping the food piping hot!



If you don't have one, please be careful transporting it (and ask someone to get you a cassarole carrier for Christmas!)... That's how I got mine, LOL!



A salad, and a loaf of fresh french bread from the grocery would be awesome! MMMmmmm

Answer 5

I actually saw an episode of 30 minute meals on foodtv a while ago where Rachel Ray was saying how this would be a great meal to take to a family that has recently had a baby or just basically a busy couple.



I have tried the "lasagne" myself and it tastes amazing. A really easy way to get the kids to eat some spinach too ;-)



http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_34146,00.html

Answer 6

When my friends have babies I usually bring them food that they normally eat. If you don't know ask you also fin out if there are any allergy issues. Make a pot roast its easy. 1 Chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, "these need to be peeled and cut", one package of onion soup mix and 2 cups of water. Salt and pepper the meat put in roasting pan along with the vegetables if you like other veggies add them also. Pour onion soup mix over all and the water. Let this cook on the oven for about 2 1/2 hours in oven at 350. Check and see if the meat is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Bring some salad and bread. There's your meal. I hope that I helped.

Answer 7

I would do a Lasagna, a lettece and tomato salad, and bread. You may want to do a veggie too. I'm not sure what would go good with lasagna. But that is a great easy to make meal that a large family can enjoy. Plus, lasagna always tastes better the next day. That is if there is any left over.

Answer 8

I would take them some fried chicken (pick it up at the store if you like), some mashed potatoes and go with me - some mac & cheese. I would take this because if they have a new baby and Mom is nursing the baby - these are all foods that would be easy on her tummy and would be easy on her baby's tummy (spicy foods are hard to eat if you are nursing).



Plus - kids usually love all of these foods - and it would be easy for Dad to set out and serve.



You are so sweet to bring them something to eat.



Oh - I almost forgot dessert --- cookies & ice cream would be awesome!

Answer 9

Baked Ziti with garlic bread, meatballs and a salad.



You can buy premade meatballs that taste great. Just put in a pot on the stove with a jar of sauce and heat through for about 2-3 hours on low heat.



Buy bagged lettuce and mix with cheese and raisins and slice tomatoes and lay them on top of salad.



Buy penne noodles and cook according to directions on box. Mix with sauce, container of ricotta cheese and garlic powder and lay in a 13 x 9 pan. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and bake for about 30-45 minutes on 350.



Heata up garlic bread in oven.



All that will MAYBE take you 30-40 minutes to make and is very easy to make!

Answer 10

how about a tray or 2 of baked ziti? you will need 2 pounds of ziti/penne, 2 disposal 13 x 9 pans, 3 (8oz) bags of shredded mozzarella, 2 - 16oz. containers of ricotta and 2 jars of red sauce (try a vadilia onion or pepper sauce). it's easy to put together. boil the ziti, drain the ziti and put it back into the pasta. add the sauce. then ricotta, then 2 bags mozzarella. mix well and pour into the 13 x 9 pans. sprinkle mozzarella on top and cover with foil. refrigerate or freeze them. label the top and side by writing on masking tape before putting on the foil. if you think they will be eating one for dinner that night bake at 350 for about 1 hour - remove cover and bake until cheese is bubbly (if cooking from frozen 325 for 90 minutes). bring a bag of romaine lettuce and bag of shredded carrot (baby carrots for dipping) and maybe a pint of grape tomatoes and box of croutons (kids, love croutons). a bottle of ranch dressing would be great too! a nice finishing touch would be a frozen pie that just has to be defrosted - like a key lime or lemon. my own kids love just a frozen pound cake with cool whip!!

Answer 11

Boil spaghetti noodles as it says on the package. Get some frozen meatballs and thaw/fry them in a pan and add a jar of Classico pasta sauce. Heat this all through, drain the noodles and add them to the sauce and mix well. Pour this all into a casserole dish and sprinkle the top with parmesean or romano cheese. Cover it with foil, they can heat it in the oven when they want to eat it. Take french bread and a salad too, if you want to round out the meal.

Answer 12

On the back of the box of Stove Top Stuffing there is a good and easy recipe for a chicken casserole. You need boneless chicken breasts, frozen mixed veg., cream of chicken soup. Buy 2 boxes and double the recipe so will have enough for whole family. It is really good and simple to make.

Answer 13

there is an awesome recipe that uses cheez whiz rice and broccoli. you can fine it on the net and add a salad or some good bread and its great. the kids will love it bc its covered in cheese and its easy to make and only takes like 30 min in the oven. my kids are in the anti veggie stage but they will eat a ton of this one.

Answer 14

Pre-Cooked Chicken, Instant Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes, Fresh and boiledGreen Beans with a little butter and black pepper

Pre-Cooked Pie for dessert with vanilla ice cream

Answer 15

hi, a casserole is good and easy clean up, maybe try chicken speagetti, cook boneless chicken breasts, slice up are cube, boil speagetti noodles, then youll need a caserole dish put alittle pam on dish, layer speagetti, three cheese, cream of chicken with the cook chicken, layer that back and forth till top of dish, then cover with foil and put in oven for about 25minutes on 275 to 300 degrees, maybe a little garlic bread and a little toss salad its great! your freinds will love it, ps season meat to taste, good luck

Answer 16

i have 7 children this fast easy and cheap! get a couple of boxes of shells and chedder (like the one with the cheese in foil pack not powder cheese) prepare as directed on box. Then add a large can of homel chili or you favorite canned chili heat and mix. serve with cornbread. cornbread box mix is cheap and easy to make add a little sugar while mixing the cornbread to sweeten. My kids love this stuff.

Answer 17

One of my favorite crock pot recipes. 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 can cream soup (which ever your family eats) 1 cup sour cream Put it all in a crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 hours. Serve over rice. My family is very picky too. One other meal everyone likes is BBQ ribs. I get beef ribs and stick them in the crock pot cover with BBQ sauce and cook on low heat.

Answer 18

Add a little ground cumin ,garlic powder ,and diced onion ,chile powder to ground beef fry and serve on soft taco shells

Answer 19

I was gonna say lasange, too. Usually it's a popular dish and easy and tasty to reheat.

Answer 20

You can't go wrong with pizza, unless you have some bizarre topping combination like onions with pineapple.

Answer 21

A SALAD WITH DRESSING AND MAYBE A PIECE OF MEAT ON THE SIDE. WITH A JUICY STEAK MAYBE!



OR BETTER YET, BOIL SOME PARTA, TOSS SOME RAGU ON TOP. FAST, EASY AND GOOOOOD! :)

Answer 22

You are so nice to bring dinner!! I hope these help...



I have made this so may times...it is SUPER EASY to make and tastes wonderful!



Simply Lasagna



Recipe Rating: * * * * *

Prep Time: 20 min

Total Time: 1 hr 20 min

Makes: 12 servings



1 lb. ground beef

2-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided

1 container (15 oz.) POLLY-O Natural Part Skim Ricotta Cheese

1/2 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce

1 cup water

12 lasagna noodles, uncooked



PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Brown meat in large skillet on medium-high heat. Meanwhile, mix 1-1/4 cups of the mozzarella cheese, the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the parsley and egg until well blended; set aside. Drain meat; return to skillet. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Pour water into empty sauce jar; cover and shake well. Add to skillet; stir until well blended. (You should have about 5 cups sauce.)

SPREAD 1 cup of the meat sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish; top with layers of 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture and 1 cup of the meat sauce. Repeat layers two more times. Top with remaining 3 noodles and the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1-1/4 cups mozzarella cheese and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover tightly with greased foil.

BAKE 45 min. Remove foil; continue baking 15 min. or until center is heated through (160°F). Let stand 15 min. before cutting for easier serving.



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If you don't know if the children will eat lasagna...this is a great mac and cheese recioe...



The Lady's Cheesy Mac

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen



Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Rating: * * * * *



4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, drained

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup sour cream

4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk



Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained, place in a large bowl and while still hot and add the cheddar. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour macaroni mixture into a casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese if desired.



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Hot Garlic Cheese Bread



Recipe Rating: * * * * *

Prep Time: 15 min

Total Time: 40 min

Makes: 12 servings



1 pkg. (8 oz.) POLLY-O Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 loaf (16 oz.) Italian bread



PREHEAT oven to 425°F. Mix all ingredients except bread.

SLICE bread at 3/4-inch intervals almost to bottom of loaf, being careful to not cut all the way through loaf. Spread 1 side of each bread slice with the cheese mixture. Wrap in foil.

BAKE 25 minutes. Serve hot.



Variation

Prepare as directed, substituting 1/2 tsp. garlic powder for the minced fresh garlic and 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves for the parsley.



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This dessert is so simple my husband can make it by himself...and it tastes great too!!



Cherry Pineapple Crumble





1 20oz. Can Crushed Pineapple (do NOT drain)

1 20oz. Can Cherry Pie Filling

1 Box White or Yellow Cake Mix

1 Stick Butter

1 – 1 ½ Cups Powdered Sugar

Warm Water





Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a cake pan (8x13) spread crushed pineapple and juice. Spread cherry pie filling over pineapple. Sprinkle cake mix (dry) over fruit. Cut stick of butter into thin pats and top cake mix with pats of butter. Bake 30 minutes.



After the crumble comes out of the oven mix the powdered sugar with enough warm water to make glaze. Pour glaze over the crumble. Best served at room temperature. Top with ice cream if desired.



Enjoy!!

Answer 23

Pot Roast is really easy, any of the complete meals.

Or plain out KFC.