Figuring out what to make for dinner for a family of picky eaters is no easy task, let alone nutritious meals with fruits and vegetables. It can seem like an impossible mission, so parents often turn to frozen dinners, fast food, or a small safelist of meals. Cheese pizza and chicken tenders, anyone? But if you’re in the mood to cook and want to bolster your list of “safe meals” that also make for easy weeknight dinners, we’ve got just the thing.
We put together a list of kid-friendly dinners that includes classics, such as macaroni and cheese, ham and cheese sandwiches, sloppy joes, and more; as well as recipes that will hopefully expand their comfort zone, such as Tex-Mex quesadillas, mustard chicken, and spiced tomato soup. We also made sure to include some veggie-packed recipe picks, so the little (or big) ones in your life will still receive their daily dose of nutrients, even if they’ve sworn off “healthy foods.”
For more easy dinner ideas for kids, make sure to check out our lists of school lunch ideas for picky eaters, chicken recipes for kids, and kid-friendly slow cooker recipes next.
Let us know if these kid-friendly meals were a hit in the comments below!
1
Stovetop Mac 'n' Cheese
Your kids will be cheesin' when they get a taste of this melty macaroni goodness.
Get the Stovetop Mac 'n' Cheese recipe.
2
Hot Dog on a Stick
This is a recipe you'll want to stick with. Substitute regular hot dogs for turkey dogs, if you're after a healthier version of this yummy dish.
Get the Hot Dog on a Stick recipe.
3
Crispy Baked Chicken
Chicken nuggets are already a popular kid dinner, but when elevated with cornflakes and buttermilk, kids will be asking for them every night.
Get the Crispy Baked Chicken recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Sure, they may be sloppy, but they're still a kid-friendly meal that everyone will love. Just make sure to have a stack of napkins on standby.
Get the Sloppy Joe Sliders recipe.
5
PB and J Banana Pancakes
Every kid loves breakfast for dinner, so get excited because it's peanut butter jelly (pancake) time.
Get the PB and J Banana Pancakes recipe.
6
Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips
You don't need to hit the drive-thru for fast food. This fresh turkey burger recipe only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
Get the Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese
Give your little one an extra protein punch by adding layers of juicy ham to their favorite sandwich.
Get the Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese recipe.
8
Grilled Tomato Soup and Cheddar Sandwiches
Grill the tomatoes to take this classic combo to the next level.
Get the Grilled Tomato Soup and Cheddar Sandwiches recipe.
9
Peanut Butter Barbecue Pork Kebabs
At first glance, combining pork with peanut butter may sound a little strange. However, if the kiddos can't get enough PB&J sandwiches, this dish will surely please them. Plus, nut butter is a pantry staple, making this an easy dinner for you, too.
Get the Peanut Butter Barbecue Pork Kebabs recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Mini BLTs
A classic mini sandwich for your mini-me. To save on time, buy store-bought biscuits and fill them with BLT fixings.
Get the Mini BLTs recipe.
11
Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Dealing with a sick child can be stressful, but making them a bowl of soup doesn't have to be.
Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.
12
Skillet Shrimp Tacos
Taco night just got a whole lot better with this light, refreshing shrimp dish.
Get the Skillet Shrimp Tacos recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Disguise cauliflower as fried rice to get more veggies into the tummies of little ones.
Get the Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.
14
Loaded Chicken Nachos
These 15-minute chicken nachos are perfect if you're in a time crunch but still want to serve up a healthy dinner.
Get the Loaded Chicken Nachos recipe.
15
Tex-Mex Chicken Quesadillas
Take your kids on a trip down South with this tasty quesadilla recipe. Serve it with mixed green salad dressed with fresh lime vinaigrette for an extra dose of veggies.
Get the Tex-Mex Chicken Quesadillas recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Nutty Nuggets with Ruby-Red Sauce
Kids will go nuts when you cover chicken nuggets in chopped pecans and Panko breadcrumbs. Dip them in a tangy cranberry-mustard sauce for extra yummy flavor.
Get the Nutty Nuggets with Ruby-Red Sauce recipe.
17
Scrambled Egg Tacos
Breakfast for dinner, all tucked inside a taco shell? Say less.
Get the Scrambled Egg Tacos recipe.
18
Buttermilk Waffle, Bacon and Egg Sandwich
For a hearty brekkie combo that can just as easily be a dinner sandwich, get out the waffle iron, and fry up some eggs.
Get the Buttermilk Waffle, Bacon and Egg Sandwich recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Egg and Tater Bake
Add tater tots to pretty much anything, and your kids will want seconds for sure.
Get the Egg and Tater Bake recipe.
RELATED: Easy Breakfast Ideas for the Best Morning Ever
20
Quick Chili
You'll love this dinner idea because it only takes 40 minutes to prepare; they'll love it because it's jampacked with flavor.
Get the Quick Chili recipe.
RELATED: Quick Gluten-Free Meals for the Whole Family
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Kate Franke
Editorial Assistant
Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
