20 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids
Fast, Fun, and Kid-Approved!
If you’re anything like me, the thought of getting dinner on the table after a long day is enough to make you want to order takeout for the fifth time this week. But, fear not, my fellow stressed out parent! I’ve got your back with these quick and easy dinner ideas for kids that are not only delicious but also guaranteed to make everyone (yes, even the picky eaters) happy.
From cheesy pasta bakes to one-pan wonders, these meals are simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights. Grab your apron, a comfy t-shirt, and let’s get cooking. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be delicious and, let’s be real, a little bit fun. Ready to feed the fam without the fuss? You and me both, friend!
The Best Dinner Ideas for Kids
I’ve rounded up the best dinner recipes for kids and families, with tasty options starring ground beef, chicken, and pork —plus some delicious meatless vegetarian meals that everyone will gobble up!
Quick and Easy Ground Beef Recipes
1. Cheesy Baked Taco Skillet
Credit: Simply Recipes
This one-pan wonder combines seasoned ground beef, rice, black beans, and melty cheese for a quick and satisfying meal. Top with your family’s favorite taco fixings for extra fun.
2. Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake
Credit: AllRecipes
Enjoy all the flavors of stuffed shells without the fuss. This dish layers pasta, ground beef, ricotta, and marinara sauce, baked to bubbly perfection.
3. Classic Goulash
Credit: AllRecipes
A hearty mix of macaroni, ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, this comforting dish is both kid-approved and easy to prepare.
4. Beef Stroganoff Sauce with Meatballs
Credit: AllRecipes
Tender meatballs smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over noodles, make for a dinner that’s both elegant and kid-friendly.
5. Easy Taco Skillet
Credit: AllRecipe
This quick dish brings together ground beef, taco seasoning, and your choice of toppings, all in one skillet. Perfect for taco nights with minimal cleanup.
Easy Kid-Friendly Chicken Recipes
6. Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Credit: Southern Living
A flavorful Creole dish featuring chicken, sausage, and rice, this one-pot meal is both exciting and approachable for young palates.
7. Cheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo
Credit: Eating Well
Creamy orzo pasta with tender chicken and broccoli, all cooked in a single pot, makes for a nutritious and appealing dinner.
8. Chicken & White Bean Skillet
Credit: Eating Well
This hearty skillet meal combines chicken, white beans, and vegetables in a savory sauce, perfect for a wholesome family dinner
9. Quick Chicken Piccata
Credit: Allrecipes
Tender chicken breasts in a zesty lemon-caper sauce, this dish is both sophisticated and simple enough for kids to enjoy.
10. Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs
Credit: Allrecipes
Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce, baked to perfection for a meal that’s sure to please
11. Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole
Credit: Allrecipes
This baked pasta dish combines penne, chicken, and pesto in a creamy sauce, topped with cheese for a bubbly, golden finish
Easy Pork Recipes
12. Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Sandwiches
Credit: Food Network – Giada De Laurentiis
Grilled sausages with sautéed peppers and onions, served in a bun, offer a fun and flavorful handheld meal for the family.
13. Spaghetti Bolognese
Credit: Valeene’s Recipes
An Italian classic that comes together in 30 minutes! With ground sausage and beef, adults and kids alike will love this easy kid friendly recipe.
14. Baked Pork Chops
Credit: Food Network Kitchen
These pork chops require minimal prep and come together in 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal. Plus the flavor is suitable for adults and kids alike!
15. Pasta Carbonara
Credit: Simply Recipes
Carbonara is a creamy, kid-friendly made with simple ingredients like spaghetti, eggs, crispy bacon, and parmesan cheese. A comforting meal that’s easy to love!
Kid-Friendly Vegetarian Recipes
16. Spinach Ravioli Lasagna
Credit: Southern Living
Layers of cheese ravioli, spinach, and marinara sauce create a lasagna that’s both simple to assemble and delightful to eat.
17. Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
Credit: Budget Bytes
Layers of tortillas, beans, corn, and cheese baked together for a Mexican-inspired dish that’s both hearty and meatless.
18. Kids Favorite Mac and CheeseC
Credit: Martha Stewart
What kid doesn’t love Mac and cheese? (Besides my 8 year old who hates cheese.) This recipe has everything kids love, as well as a few extras parents will love too!
19. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
Credit: Eating Well
Sweet Potatoes are a kid favorite, adding them to a chili? Game changer. Kids will gobble this vegetarian dish up faster than they can say “I’m hungry!”
20. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Credit: Pinch of Yum
Shepherd’s pie is a family favorite, but make it vegetarian for a meatless Monday by using earthy mushrooms in a rich sauce. You won’t even miss the meat!
And there you have it—20 quick and easy dinner ideas for kids that will (hopefully) keep everyone at the table happy, full, and maybe even asking for seconds! Sure, there might still be the occasional “I don’t like that” or a rogue vegetable pushed to the side of the plate, but hey, you’re winning at dinnertime, and that’s what counts.
So, whether you’re whipping up cheesy pasta, sneaking veggies into tacos, or embracing the glory of one-pot meals, just remember: you’re doing amazing, Mom (or Dad)! Now, pour yourself a cup of coffee—or let’s be real, a glass of wine—and give yourself a high-five. You deserve it. Cheers to feeding the family without losing your sanity!