Coming up with easy dinner ideas that are both nutritious and a win with picky eaters is no easy task. Combine that with busy weeknights when there’s not much time for cooking and it can be a recipe for disaster! That’s where I come in with these easy kid friendly dinners!
I’m Jamie, a Registered Dietitian and busy Mom myself. I know the struggle of trying to make kid-friendly recipes that everyone eats without having to be short-order cooks. Whether you’re feeding young kids, older kids or you just need ideas for the whole family- I’ve got you covered (even for the pickiest eaters).
In this recipe round up you’ll find easy recipes and family favorites that are made with nutritious, wholesome ingredients and pantry staples. You’ll find classic dishes like mac and cheese, sloppy joes and chicken nuggets and even ideas for taco night.
Easy Kid-Friendly Dinner Recipes
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
These air fryer turkey meatballs are done in less than minutes! Serve them with your family’s favorite pasta and sauce for a super easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Big Mac Sloppy Joes
This surprisingly simple meal combines two family-favorites: sloppy Joe’s and Big Macs. And trust me, they go together PERFECTLY. These Big Mac Sloppy Joes will impress even the pickiest eaters. They’re one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners because they’re always a hit!
Cheese Chicken Nuggets
These cheesy chicken nuggets are one of my favorite options for picky kids. Not only are they perfectly golden brown and crispy but they’re packed with extra protein from cheese!
High Protein Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy and packs a ton of protein with a secret ingredient! This is classic family-favorite that everyone will love.
Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Turkey
This classic family-friendly meal is made with ground turkey, mashed potatoes and packed with extra veggies.
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
This no-boil meatball casserole could not be easier. You throw everything into a dish and into the oven it goes! Top with parmesan cheese and serve with some yummy garlic bread.
Baked Chicken Nuggets with Ground Chicken
These baked chicken nuggets are made with ground chicken but you can even use ground turkey for them. They’re easy, simple and perfect for dipping in everyone’s favorite sauce.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
This easy higher protein pizza dough only calls for 2 main ingredients and a couple of spices. It’s SO easy and you can even make personal pizzas so that everyone can add their favorite toppings.
Tacos with Peppers
Taco night just got a little bit healthier with this simple dinner idea! Use this taco with pepper meat for tacos, quesadillas, taco bowls or even nachos!
Loaded Ground Turkey Nachos
Speaking of nachos, these ground turkey nachos will be an easy hit for kids! Just skip the spicy stuff if needed when serving to kids.
Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce (Cottage Cheese Alfredo)
Creamy high protein cottage cheese pasta sauce made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, onion and garlic. This is a twist on mac and cheese that your kids will love. Serve with rolls and butter or garlic bread!
Deconstructed Lasagna
All of the flavors of lasagna you love with none of the hassle. Pasta, tomato sauce, mozzarella and ricotta cheese, and ground beef layered in a casserole pan and baked to perfection.
Ground Turkey Alfredo Pasta
Creamy Alfredo pasta tossed with ground turkey and fresh chopped broccoli. This super easy one pan dinner is a family favorite!
Taco Potato Casserole
A hearty, flavorful and high protein taco casserole made with potatoes, veggies, lean ground beef, cheese and topped with everyone’s favorite taco toppings.
High Protein Pizza
This high protein pizza made with two-ingredient dough, pizza sauce, shredded chicken and your favorite delicious pizza toppings. The best part is that you can customize this to be kid-friendly depending on what your family enjoys!
Cheesy Taco Rice
Cheesy taco rice made in one pot with ground turkey, rice, taco seasoning, salsa and lots of melty cheese. This quick meal is one of my most popular kid-friendly dinners!
Pizza Boats
Quick, easy pizza boats made on French bread with your favorite toppings, done in 15 minutes. Customize everyone’s pizza based on their favorite toppings! Make dinner time fun and so easy with these pizza boats.
Breakfast Pancake Tacos
Breakfast for dinner got a little makeover with these fun breakfast pancake tacos! If all else fails, one of my favorite kid-friendly dinners is actually breakfast! These pancakes are made with whole wheat flour and you can serve them as is, or filled with bacon, eggs and maple syrup!
