21 Easy Kid-Fiendly Dinners

Kids can be picky eaters, making mealtime a challenge for many parents. However, with these 21 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinners, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief. These recipes are not only delicious but also quick and simple to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

The main ingredients used in these recipes are specifically chosen to appeal to children’s taste buds. From classic favorites like mac and cheese and chicken nuggets to creative twists on familiar dishes like pizza quesadillas and taco spaghetti, there is something for every little palate.

Not only are these recipes kid-friendly, but they also offer a variety of benefits for parents. By incorporating more vegetables and whole grains into these dishes, you can ensure that your children are getting the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Additionally, involving your kids in the cooking process can help them develop a love for food and cooking, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

So say goodbye to mealtime battles and hello to happy, satisfied little eaters with these 21 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinners.

Quick and simple to make
Main ingredients chosen to appeal to children’s taste buds
Incorporate vegetables and whole grains for added nutrition
Get kids involved in cooking for a love of food and healthy eating habits

Table of Contents

1. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

This comforting casserole combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheese in a wholesome, kid-friendly dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

2 cups (475 ml) cooked chicken breast, shredded
4 cups (950 ml) broccoli florets, steamed
3 cups (710 ml) cooked rice
1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup (240 ml) milk
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

Cooking Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

2. Mini Turkey Meatball and Veggie Skewers

This fun and nutritious recipe is perfect for getting kids to eat their veggies! Mini turkey meatballs combined with colorful vegetables on skewers make for an engaging and delicious meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
Wooden or metal skewers

Cooking Method

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small, 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs.
Thread the meatballs onto skewers, alternating with bell pepper pieces and zucchini rounds.
Brush the skewers with olive oil, ensuring all the ingredients are lightly coated.
Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

3. One-Pot Spaghetti with Hidden Veggie Sauce

This delicious one-pot spaghetti dish sneaks in lots of veggies, making it a nutritious meal for kids without compromising on taste. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground turkey or beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, finely grated
1 zucchini, finely grated
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 jar (24 oz/680g) marinara sauce
3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
12 oz (340g) spaghetti, broken in half
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Cooking Method

In a large pot, cook ground turkey or beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.</ li>
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent.
Mix in grated carrots, zucchini, and chopped bell pepper. Cook until they soften.
Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot. Ensure spaghetti is submerged in the sauce.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

4. Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Sneaky Cauliflower

This creamy and cheesy macaroni dish hides nutritious cauliflower, making it a perfect way to sneak in some veggies for your kids. The cauliflower adds extra creaminess without compromising the classic mac and cheese flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni (200g)
1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets (approx. 3 cups or 300g)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
1 cup milk (240ml)
2 tablespoons butter (30g)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (50g)

Cooking Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Puree the cauliflower in a blender or food processor until smooth.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Mix in the pureed cauliflower and shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring to combine evenly.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

5. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

These cheesy chicken quesadillas are quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that kids will love.

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
4 large flour tortillas
1/2 cup (120ml) salsa
1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil

Cooking Method

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese, chicken, and a spoonful of salsa.
Top with another tortilla and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

6. Mini Meatball Subs

Mini meatball subs are fun to eat and easy to make, making them a favorite among kids.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) ground beef
1/2 cup (30g) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt
1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
6 mini sub rolls
1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and salt. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan and add cooked meatballs.
Fill mini sub rolls with meatballs and sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella.
Place subs on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

7. One Pot Tomato Pasta– Mrs. Jones’s Kitchen

8. Veggie-Packed Mac and Cheese

This veggie-packed mac and cheese is a nutritious twist on a classic comfort food that kids can enjoy.

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
1 cup (240ml) milk
2 cups (240g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (150g) steamed broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup (75g) cooked peas
1/2 cup (75g) shredded carrots
2 tbsp (30g) butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and bring to a simmer.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Add cooked macaroni, broccoli, peas, and carrots to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

9. Homemade Chicken Nuggets

These homemade chicken nuggets are crispy, delicious, and healthier than store-bought options.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt
1/2 tsp (2.5g) black pepper
1/2 tsp (2.5g) paprika
Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Method

Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry chicken nuggets in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm with dipping sauce.