Finding dinners that are both kid-friendly and tasty can be tricky, but this list of 33+ ideas is here to make meal planning a breeze! From fun twists on classic dishes to simple recipes that even your little ones can help with, these meals are sure to please the whole family without all the fuss.
DIY Taco Bar
A DIY taco bar is a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in dinner. Just look at all those colorful ingredients! You can set up a spread that includes fresh veggies, various toppings, and delicious salsas.
Start with a base of soft or hard taco shells. Then, lay out bowls filled with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. You can also add some tasty extras like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
Don’t forget about proteins! Ground beef, shredded chicken, or even beans can be great options. This way, everyone can build their own perfect taco just the way they like it.
Kids love to customize their meals, and a taco bar makes it easy. They can choose their favorite toppings and create a taco that suits their taste. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Pasta with Hidden Veggie Sauce
Pasta with hidden veggie sauce is a fun and tasty way to get kids to eat their vegetables. The image shows a bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich tomato sauce filled with colorful diced veggies. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and flavor, making the dish look inviting.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare and can be made with whatever veggies you have on hand. Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini work great. Simply chop them up, sauté, and blend them into the sauce for a smooth finish.
To make this dish, start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. While that’s cooking, prepare the sauce. Sauté your veggies in olive oil until soft, then add crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Let it simmer for a bit, then blend until smooth. Combine with the pasta and serve!
Fish Stick Sliders
Fish stick sliders are a fun and easy dinner option that kids will love. These mini sandwiches are perfect for little hands and make for a tasty meal that’s quick to prepare.
To make these sliders, start with crispy fish sticks. You can bake or fry them, depending on your preference. Place a fish stick on a soft slider bun, add a bit of lettuce for crunch, and top it off with a dollop of mayo or your favorite sauce.
These sliders are not just delicious; they’re also customizable. You can add cheese, pickles, or even a slice of tomato. Let the kids get creative with their toppings!
Serve these sliders with a side of veggies or fruit for a balanced meal. They’re great for family dinners or even parties. Everyone will enjoy building their own sliders!
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
Cheesy chicken quesadillas are a hit for family dinners. They are simple to make and packed with flavor. The golden-brown tortillas are filled with gooey cheese and tender chicken, making them irresistible.
This dish is not just tasty; it’s also versatile. You can add veggies like bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some extra nutrition. Serve them with salsa or guacamole for a fun dipping experience.
To make these quesadillas, start by cooking some chicken and shredding it. Mix it with cheese and any other fillings you like. Then, place the mixture between two tortillas and cook until crispy. Slice them up, and they’re ready to enjoy!
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Homemade chicken nuggets are a hit with kids and adults alike. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect dinner option. You can customize them with different spices or dips to suit your family’s taste.
To make these nuggets, start with boneless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Then, prepare a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. This creates that delicious crunch everyone loves.
Fry the nuggets in hot oil until golden brown. Serve them with ketchup, ranch, or any favorite dipping sauce. Kids will enjoy helping out in the kitchen, making this a fun family activity.
These homemade chicken nuggets are not just tasty but also healthier than store-bought versions. You know exactly what goes into them, and they can be made gluten-free or baked for a lighter option. Enjoy a meal that everyone will love!
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Sweet potato and black bean tacos are a fun and colorful dinner option that kids will love. These tacos are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a great choice for family meals.
The image shows delicious tacos filled with vibrant orange sweet potatoes, black beans, and fresh veggies. The bright colors make the dish appealing to little ones. Tacos are easy to hold and eat, which is perfect for kids.
To make these tasty tacos, you’ll need sweet potatoes, black beans, tortillas, and toppings like cilantro and avocado. Start by roasting the sweet potatoes until they’re tender. Then, warm the tortillas and fill them with the sweet potatoes and black beans. Top with your favorite ingredients for extra flavor.
This meal is not only kid-friendly but also quick to prepare. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors and healthy ingredients to your family’s dinner table.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Vegetable stir-fry with rice is a colorful and nutritious dish that kids will love. The vibrant mix of bell peppers, green onions, and other veggies makes it visually appealing. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with your child’s favorite vegetables. You can use ingredients like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas. Just chop them up and toss them in a hot pan.
Start by cooking the rice. While it’s simmering, stir-fry the vegetables in a bit of oil. Add soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor. Once everything is cooked, serve the veggies over the rice.
This meal is not only quick to make but also encourages kids to enjoy their veggies. It’s a fun way to introduce them to different flavors and textures!
Mini Veggie Pizzas
Mini veggie pizzas are a fun and easy dinner option for kids. They are colorful, tasty, and packed with healthy ingredients. Each mini pizza is topped with a rich tomato sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, and a variety of fresh veggies.
To make these delightful bites, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Start with mini pizza crusts or English muffins as the base. Add tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and your choice of toppings like bell peppers, olives, and spinach. Kids can even help assemble their own pizzas, making it a fun family activity.
After baking them in the oven, the mini pizzas come out golden and crispy. They are perfect for little hands and can be served with a side of fruit or a light salad. These mini veggie pizzas are not just delicious; they also encourage kids to enjoy their veggies!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and colorful dinner option that kids usually love. These vibrant veggies are filled with tasty ingredients, making them both appealing and nutritious.
To make stuffed bell peppers, you can use a mix of ground meat, rice, and spices. Add some cheese on top for that melty goodness that kids crave. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Start by cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds. Then, cook your filling and stuff it into each pepper. Bake them until they’re tender and the cheese is bubbly. It’s a simple recipe that allows for creativity, so feel free to swap in your kids’ favorite ingredients!
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dinner that kids love. The combination of tender pasta and savory meatballs in rich tomato sauce makes it a favorite on many dinner tables.
To make this dish, you’ll need spaghetti, ground meat (like beef or turkey), breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and your favorite marinara sauce. Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While that’s cooking, mix the ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices to form meatballs.
Brown the meatballs in a pan, then add the marinara sauce and let it simmer. Once the spaghetti is ready, serve it topped with the meatballs and sauce. A sprinkle of cheese on top adds a nice touch!
This meal is not just tasty; it’s also a great way to get kids involved in cooking. They can help roll the meatballs or mix the ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun dish to eat!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that kids adore. This dish features creamy cheese sauce enveloping tender pasta, creating a warm and satisfying meal. The golden, bubbly top adds a delightful crunch, making it even more appealing.
To make this dish, you’ll need ingredients like elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and breadcrumbs. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. Then, prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter, mixing in flour, and gradually adding milk and cheese until smooth. Combine the pasta with the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs before baking until golden.
This meal is not just tasty; it’s also easy to customize. You can add veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition, or mix in proteins like chicken or bacon. Baked macaroni and cheese is perfect for family dinners and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a fun and colorful way to make dinner exciting for kids. These tasty treats are layered with creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh fruit. They not only look appealing but also pack a nutritional punch.
To make a parfait, start with your favorite yogurt. Greek yogurt is a great choice for added protein. Next, add a layer of granola for crunch. Finally, pile on the fruit! Strawberries and blueberries are popular options, but you can mix in bananas or any seasonal fruit you have on hand.
Building the parfait is simple. Just alternate layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit in a clear glass. This way, kids can see the colorful layers, making it more enticing. Serve them as a light dinner or a fun dessert!
Savory Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are a fun and tasty way to kick off the day. These wraps are filled with a mix of ingredients that kids love, making them perfect for family dinners too. Imagine a warm tortilla packed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and colorful veggies. The combination is not just delicious but also nutritious.
To make these burritos, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Start with flour tortillas, eggs, shredded cheese, and your choice of veggies like bell peppers and spinach. You can even add diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Just scramble the eggs, sauté the veggies, and layer everything in the tortilla. Roll it up, and you’re ready to go!
These burritos are great for busy nights. You can prepare them ahead of time and just heat them up when it’s time to eat. Kids can customize their own burritos, choosing their favorite fillings. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Rainbow Veggie Wraps
Rainbow Veggie Wraps are a fun and colorful way to get kids excited about healthy eating. These wraps are filled with fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and leafy greens, making them not just tasty but also visually appealing.
To make these wraps, start with a large tortilla or wrap. Spread a layer of hummus or your favorite spread for added flavor. Then, layer in the veggies. Roll it up tightly and slice it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy for kids to grab and enjoy.
These wraps are perfect for busy weeknights or packed lunches. You can customize them with whatever veggies your kids love. Serve with a side of fruit or yogurt for a complete meal.
Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes
Pancakes for dinner? Yes, please! These fluffy stacks are a hit with kids and adults alike. The image shows a delicious tower of pancakes, perfectly golden and drizzled with warm syrup. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Making pancakes is simple and fun. You just need flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients, pour the batter onto a hot skillet, and flip when bubbles form. Serve them warm with syrup and berries for a delightful dinner.
This meal is not just tasty; it’s a great way to get kids involved in cooking. Let them help mix the batter or arrange the toppings. It’s a fun way to bond and enjoy a meal together. Plus, who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?
