Looking for delicious and stress-free dinner ideas that your kids will love? You’re in luck! We’ve got 20 mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for a weeknight dinner rush. From classic comfort foods to creative twists on familiar favorites, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
From cheesy baked chicken tenders and mini pizza bagels to taco stuffed bell peppers and mac and cheese with hidden veggies, we’ve got you covered. Whether your kiddos are in the mood for something savory or sweet, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to hit the spot. In this article, we’ll share our top 20 quick and easy dinner recipes for kids that are guaranteed to become family favorites.
Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders
A delicious twist on classic chicken tenders, these cheesy baked bites are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying crispy, melty goodness in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Mini Pizza Bagels
Mini Pizza Bagels: A Fun Twist on Classic Pizza!
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying mini pizza bagel that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of mini bagels (about 12-15 bagels)
– 1 jar of pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni or other favorite topping
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the mini bagels in half.
3. Spread a small amount of pizza sauce on each bagel half.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add chopped pepperoni or other topping of your choice.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, this recipe fills bell peppers with a savory mixture of ground beef, cheese, and taco seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add taco seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
5. Top each pepper with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies
This creamy macaroni and cheese recipe is a game-changer for parents looking to sneak some extra veggies into their kids’ meals. With the addition of pureed carrots, zucchini, and spinach, this dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup pureed carrots
– 1/4 cup pureed zucchini
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh spinach leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
6. Add pureed carrots, zucchini, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
7. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
8. Top with chopped spinach leaves (if using) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas
Get ready for a flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla! This recipe combines tender turkey, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together diced turkey and shredded cheese.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the turkey-cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spaghetti with Simple Meat Sauce
This hearty spaghetti dish is a staple of Italian cuisine, featuring tender meat sauce and al dente pasta. This simple recipe yields a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Bring sauce to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with meat sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
A delicious and easy-to-make snack or lunchbox addition that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the savory flavors of ham and cheese with a crispy, flaky pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 6 slices of deli ham
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut into 6 equal pieces. Place one piece of ham and one tablespoon of butter in the center of each piece.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Roll up each piece tightly, starting from the long side. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Veggie-Packed Fried Rice
This simple and delicious recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, and can be customized to your taste with your favorite veggies. With its mix of savory flavors and textures, it’s a perfect meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook, stirring constantly, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Chicken Nuggets
Ready in under 30 minutes, these juicy chicken nuggets are a kid-friendly favorite that’s also perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying crispy, flavorful nuggets in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and paprika.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: Under 30 minutes
Cheeseburger Sliders
These bite-sized burgers are perfect for parties or snacks. With a combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, and sweet and tangy sauce, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 slices American cheese
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten slightly into patties.
3. Grill the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble the sliders by spreading a slice of cheese on the bottom bun, followed by a patty, a dollop of ketchup-mayo sauce (mix equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce), and finishing with the top bun.
6. Serve immediately and customize with lettuce, tomato, pickles, or your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Savor the simplicity of this classic Italian dish, where a single pot yields a flavorful and satisfying meal. This recipe requires minimal effort and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, penne, or rotini)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot to medium-high heat. Add olive oil and cook onion until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add pasta, tomatoes, chicken broth, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
A classic comfort food combination that never goes out of style! This recipe brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness of grilled cheese sandwiches with the rich, tangy flavor of homemade tomato soup.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1-2 slices of cheddar cheese
– 1 medium-sized tomato, diced
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place cheese on one slice, then top with the other buttered slice.
4. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. In a pot, sauté diced tomatoes in butter until softened.
6. Add chicken broth, milk, and basil; bring to a simmer.
7. Cook soup for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
8. Serve grilled cheese with tomato soup alongside.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Fish Sticks with Sweet Potato Fries
A healthier twist on a classic favorite, these baked fish sticks and sweet potato fries make for a delicious and nutritious snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or tilapia fillets, cut into stick shapes
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into fry shapes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: paprika, garlic powder, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip fish sticks into the mixture, coating evenly.
5. Place fish sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, toss sweet potato fries with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Spread sweet potato fries on a separate baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: Fish sticks: 12-15 minutes; Sweet potato fries: 20-25 minutes
Peanut Butter Banana Wraps
A delicious and satisfying snack or dessert that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of bananas, all wrapped up in a convenient and easy-to-eat package.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
– 1 large tortilla (flour or whole wheat)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Spread one half of the tortilla with the peanut butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Slice the banana into thin strips and arrange them on top of the peanut butter, slightly overlapping each other.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling, pressing gently to ensure the ingredients stay in place.
5. Cut the wrap in half, if desired, for a more manageable snack.
Cooking Time: None! Serve immediately and enjoy.
Mini Meatloaf Muffins
These bite-sized treats combine the flavors of meatloaf with the convenience of a muffin, perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12-15 mini muffin tin cups
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Divide mixture evenly among mini muffin tin cups.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are set and centers are cooked through.
5. Let cool in tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Mix well.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
4. Add the rice mixture to the prepared dish and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pancake Tacos with Fruit Filling
Start your day off right with these unique pancake tacos filled with a sweet and tangy fruit filling. Perfect for brunch or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for cooking
– Fresh fruit of your choice (such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas)
– Optional toppings: whipped cream, chopped nuts, or sprinkles
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing a cooked pancake in the center of a tortilla, followed by a spoonful of fresh fruit and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes you make)
Simple Beef and Bean Tacos
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of beef, beans, and spices with the convenience of tacos.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Salsa, avocado, sour cream, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the black beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef mixture.
5. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef and bean mixture onto a warmed tortilla, topping with shredded cheese (if desired), and adding any additional toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Homemade Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard
Elevate your snack game with this easy recipe that combines tender chicken strips with a sweet and tangy honey mustard coating.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into finger-shaped strips
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then eggs, and finally panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Drizzle with honey mustard sauce (about 1 tablespoon per 2-3 fingers).
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Veggie and Cheese Omelet
Get a nutritious breakfast on the go with this simple recipe that combines the flavors of veggies and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. Heat the butter in a medium-sized non-stick pan over medium heat.
3. Add the mixed veggies and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the veggies and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to set.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on half of the omelet and fold the other half over to cover.
6. Cook for an additional minute, then slide onto a plate and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 7-9 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your kids with these 20 quick and easy dinner recipes that are both delicious and nutritious! From classic favorites like mac and cheese and spaghetti, to creative twists like taco stuffed bell peppers and pancake tacos, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many of these recipes hide veggies in unexpected places, making mealtime a breeze for parents and kids alike. Whether you’re short on time or looking for new ideas, this list has got you covered.
