56 Easy, Kid-Friendly Dinners The Whole Family Will Love
What if we said you could have an extra free hour every day? Well, with these speedy, easy kid-friendly dinners in your back pocket, you basically can. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time helping out with that science project (or just kicking back with a glass of wine). From classic pasta recipes to inventive veggies that are picky eater-proof, here are 56 ideas that are sure to please everyone at your table.
50 Toddler Lunch Ideas Even the Pickiest Eaters Will Love
1. Quick Chicken Potpie
Recipe Tin Eats
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, high protein
Puff pastry is the ultimate time-saver (and it's virtually impossible not to like).
2. Veggie Sheet Pan Nachos
Two Peas & Their Pod
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, sheet pan recipe
Coterie member Maria Lichty has finally figured out a way to get kids to eat a pile of vegetables…without hiding them.
3. One-Pot, 15-Minute Pasta Limone
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, one pot, <10 ingredients
You know the kid who doesn’t like sauce? This one’s for her. Top it with a chicken cutlet to make it more filling.
4. Blackberry-Peach Grilled Cheese
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
Totally sophisticated enough for Mom, too. (Come on, the sammy has fontina, goat cheese *and* Emmentaler.)
5. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Swap in your kid’s favorite pasta shape and half your work is done. Serve it hot or cold.
6. 12-Minute Chicken and Broccoli
Gimme Some Oven
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, high protein
Sweet and salty FTW. The kids will swear you ordered takeout, only the meal is ready to serve in less time than it takes to place and pick up an order.
7. Honey-Mustard Sheet Pan Salmon
Aubrie Pick/Eat What You Love
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe
Think your kids won’t eat salmon? Wrong: The honey-mustard glaze on this one-pan meal will have them coming back for seconds, once you get them to try a bite. (You have your ways, we're sure.)
8. Instant Cup of Noodles with Spiralized Vegetables
Inspiralized
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
Stash it in the fridge and pour boiling water into the jar when you need dinner ready, stat.
9. Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, vegetarian
You’ll love this veggie-heavy recipe just as much as the little ones (as long as you provide them with plenty of ketchup, that is).
10. Eggplant Pizza
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
Get the kids to help you prepare this easy dish, which trades carby pizza crust for eggplant rounds.
11. Enchilada Skillet Lasagna with Chicken and Chorizo
Kitchen Sanctuary
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, high protein, <30 minutes
We love this twist on a dinner staple. Nix the chile or chorizo if spice is a deal-breaker for your kid.
12. Pancake Tacos with Cheese and Bacon
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein
Breakfast for dinner: exciting every time. What kid would complain about maple syrup making a dinner cameo?
13. Loaded Baked Potato and Cauliflower Soup
Healthyish
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, one pot
Just as comforting as the original but with a good-for-you secret. Rope them in with all those delicious toppings.
14. Rainbow Vegetable Sandwich
Two Peas and Their Pod
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, vegetarian
Whoa, rainbows really do have magical powers (as does herb-kissed cream cheese).
15. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Casserole
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pan, kid-friendly
All of their dinner favorites, combined in one cheesy casserole.
16. 20-Minute Healthy Chicken Parm
Pinch of Yum
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
PSA: Many grocery stores now sell pre-made zoodles, so you won't have to spiralize your own.
17. Roasted Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Serve a heaping scoop with a side of peas and dinner’s done, secret vegetables and all.
18. Waffle Breakfast Sandwich with Chorizo
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, high protein
Everyone will go bonkers when you announce this brinner masterpiece. Go the extra mile with a side of frozen hash browns.
19. Baked Quinoa Chicken Nuggets
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, crowd-pleaser
Fun fact: Quinoa is a complete protein that also happens to be gluten free. Pass the honey mustard.
20. Roasted Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Now this is a salad preschoolers can get behind. Make a batch on Sunday and nosh on it all week long.
21. Baking Sheet Quesadillas
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Bookmark this one for when the kids have friends over: It’s ready in a flash and leaves you with only one dirty dish.
22. Garlic Breaded Roast Chicken Breast
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Crispy chicken *without* a spitting vat of oil, right this way. Serve it with pasta, steamed veggies or Caesar salad.
23. Carrot Pasta
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, vegetarian
The ultimate answer to “How do I get my kids to eat more veggies without them noticing?”
24. Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, make ahead, one pot, crowd-pleaser
Double the recipe and stash half in the freezer for nights when you’re tempted to order in.
25. Broccoli Cheddar Melts
Half Baked Harvest
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
It's sort of like their favorite broccoli-cheddar soup, plus the bonus of buttery sourdough bread.
26. Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, one pot
This stick-to-your-ribs soup costs less than $5 a serving and feeds a crowd. What are you waiting for?
27. Buffalo Cauliflower Nuggets
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Saucy and flavorful (but not too spicy). Serve them with ranch dressing to further curb the heat.
28. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein
When all else fails, lean on this classic that never quits (and packs a ton of protein onto your kid's plate).
29. Eggplant Parm Casserole
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, beginner-friendly
For those nights when you need a hearty meal that'll satisfy your whole crew—and their craving for cheese.
30. Rainbow Thai Chicken Salad
Gimme Some Oven
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, beginner-friendly
It may look like a risk, but trust us. Start with a bite of the chicken drizzled in peanut butter dressing, and your kids will be sold.
31. The Ultimate Chicken Potpie
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, high protein, crowd-pleaser
Hello, old friend. Whip up this timeless dish in your trusty cast iron skillet.
32. Polenta Ragu Casserole
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
As satisfying as lasagna, minus the fussy, fragile noodles. Did we mention it freezes like a charm?
33. BLT Tacos
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
Bacon wins every time, even on Taco Tuesday. Your kids won't miss the white bread, promise.
34. The Ultimate Pasta Pie
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, high protein, <10 ingredients
Seal the deal by telling everyone you're serving pie for dinner. It's like baked ziti, only a million times more exciting. You can even get the kids in on helping you line up the noodles in the pan.
35. General Tso's Cauliflower
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
Prep the white rice ahead and you're halfway to the finish line before you even begin.
36. Swedish Meatballs
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Let the whole fam know it’s hygge night. Don't forget the easy mashed potatoes.
37. Cauliflower “Tater” Tots
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
They'll love these poppable gems so much that they won't even notice they're potato-free.
38. Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Damn Delicious
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, kid-friendly
BRB, drooling. It's so decadent and delicious that the kids (and you) will want to lick their plates.
39. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Our favorite cruciferous veggie strikes again. Prepare the crust, then let them add the toppings.
40. Chicken and Carrot Cups
Inspiralized
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
Anything baked in a muffin tin is a guaranteed hit with the pre-K set. Send them to school with the leftovers.
41. Parmesan-Ranch Chicken Thighs
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
They'll be hooked at the first mention of ranch. You'll be hooked once you learn you only need seven ingredients.
42. 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, one pan, <30 minutes
Just like takeout, but faster and healthier. File this one under “ingenious.”
43. Chicken and Snap Pea Stir Fry
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, beginner-friendly
Oh, your kid hates bell peppers? No big deal, trade them for another crisp veggie, like carrots or broccoli.
44. Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Peas
Ambitious Kitchen
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, gluten free
Yes, your kids can see the peas, but the sweet butternut squash sauce with cream cheese more than makes up for it.
45. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 7 hours and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, high protein
Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas, sandwiches—the possibilities are endless.
46. Pasta alla Norma with Eggplant, Basil and Pecorino
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
It's a breeze to prepare and the homemade sauce comes together in one pot. Best of all, you can make four servings for less than $10.
47. Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Damn Delicious
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, beginner-friendly, no cook
You could use this recipe as an opportunity for a fridge clean-out, or let your kids pick and choose the fillings.
48. Black Pepper Chicken
KRISTEN KILPATRICK/THE DEFINED DISH
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly
A clean version of a takeout favorite that’s ready in 30 minutes. Kudos to you.
49. White Turkey Chili with Avocado
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pot, high protein
If your kids think standard beef-and-tomato chili is too intense, they'll love this dialed-down take.
50. Easy One-Pan Baked Ziti
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, one pan, kid-friendly
Memorize this formula: pasta + canned tomatoes + cheese = happy kids. It's that easy.
51. Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Colin Price/Two Peas & Their Pod Cookbook
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, high protein, beginner-friendly
They already dip their chicken tenders into honey mustard, so why not try this easy, low-effort meal? (If your kids are totally anti-sauce, you always can serve it on the side.)
52. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, low carb
Psst: This dinner staple is even easier to prepare if you use frozen cauliflower rice instead of making your own.
53. Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Presentation is everything. They might pass on a boring bowl of soup, but they’ll gobble these minis right up.
54. Lightened-Up Fettuccine with Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, vegetarian, <30 minutes
We love a sneaky vegetable as much as the next person, and no one will know this sauce is full of cauliflower.
55. Portobello and Avocado Quesadillas with Magic Green Sauce
David Frenkiel/Little Green Kitchen
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, vegetarian
Give them permission to eat with their hands and they’ll love you even more.
56. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, no cook, make ahead
The yogurt is just as creamy as mayonnaise but a little more nutritious. Pack these in lunches or serve them as a quick dinner.
65 Simple, Delicious School Lunch Ideas That Even the Pickiest Eaters Will Love
