Tired of the dinnertime battle? Our kid-friendly dinner ideas will please little ones and parents alike. The best part is it doesn’t take long to get these weeknight dinners on the table, so you can enjoy extra family time.
51 Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas
Updated on Sep. 20, 2024
Cheeseburger Cups
Little bites for little mouths is one of the best kid-friendly dinner ideas. The easy-to-find ingredients in this cheeseburger-inspired dish will definitely work in your favor after a long day.
1/51
2/51
Chicken Strips
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recently made this recipe of Mom’s for my in-laws and they told me it was the “best fried chicken ever.” Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
3/51
Ravioli Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The whole family will love this yummy dish that tastes like lasagna without all the fuss. Timesaving ingredients like prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to put together. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas
Our favorite kid-friendly dinner ideas are simple and quick, and that’s exactly what this ravioli casserole promises. You don’t even have to make the ravioli: Just layer your favorite refrigerated brand in a baking dish and top with plenty of cheese and sauce.
4/51
Contest-Winning Taco Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My preschooler doesn’t eat ground beef unless it’s taco flavored, so I came up with this casserole we all like. To make assembly easy, I prepare the taco meat and freeze several bags at a time. —Kathy Wilson, Romeoville, Illinois
We love casseroles because of their dump-and-go ease. Cook your pasta, brown the beef, dump all the ingredients and watch them bubble to perfection in the oven. Love to meal prep? This taco casserole can be prepped ahead and reheated in the same pan. For maximum freshness, wait to sprinkle the crushed tortilla shells on top so they don’t get soggy sitting in the fridge.
5/51
Chinese Pork Fried Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretty peas and crunchy carrots add color to tender meat and rice in this Chinese pork fried rice recipe. —Peggy Vaught, Glasgow, West Virginia.
If your kids give you a hard time about eating vegetables, getting creative is sometimes the only way to do it. In this recipe, vitamin-rich carrots, broccoli and peas are mixed in with seasoned pork and yummy rice. The kids might even go back for seconds!
6/51
Baked Orange Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This baked orange chicken is a quick and elegant recipe. It can easily be doubled or tripled for company. I like to serve mine with baked potatoes. —Pamela Siple, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Four-ingredient dinners ready in under 30 minutes are a game-changer on busy weeknights. Serve this baked orange chicken with a side of rice and your favorite vegetables.
7/51
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
Comfort food mashups are so fun to make and kids love them because they’re a mix of their favorite foods. This bacon cheeseburger pasta comes together in half an hour and you can make it your own by swapping regular bacon for turkey bacon or cheddar cheese with Havarti or pepper jack.
8/51
Big Kahuna Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
We know, we know, pineapples on pizza can be controversial. But if pineapple is one of your favorite pizza toppings, we’ve got the homemade pizza recipe for you. Of course, it wouldn’t be a kid-friendly dinner idea without an easy instruction list: Let the kids assemble their own pizzas for a fun family dinner night.
9/51
One-Dish Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick one-dish dinner helped keep my husband and me on track throughout the week while we were still learning to balance our busy schedules. — Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia
Ah, one-pot dinners, the shining star of busy evenings. When your sink is full of dishes and you don’t even want to think of adding 10 more to the pile, whip up this ground turkey and sweet potato skillet.
10/51
Skillet Mac & Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
A list of kid-friendly dinner ideas just wouldn’t be the same without mac and cheese. Four servings can be made in just 25 minutes and you can use any pasta shape sitting in pantry.
11/51
Steak Sandwich Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Skewers with seasoned steak, bread and veggies are grilled and topped with provolone cheese for a fantastic meal. Coleslaw, spruced up with chopped walnuts, is a great side for the kabobs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Love a grilled steak sandwich? These kabobs are the kid-friendly dinner version of the classic sandwich. If the kids are too little to be wielding skewers of steak, you can cook this meal on the skewers and then pull off the chunks and serve them in a bowl with garlic bread on the side.
12/51
One-Skillet Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
One-skillet meals are a lifesaver when you have hungry mouths to feed and not a lot of time. This lasagna dish is so easy and flavorful, and it’s sure to fill the whole family up. Though the recipe is simple, there are quite a few items on the ingredient list, so be sure to give it a glance before you go grocery shopping.
13/51
Homemade Corn Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
14/51
Cornflake Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I took a recipe off a box of baking mix and altered it to make the prep easier. The result was this moist oven-fried cornflake chicken with a thick golden coating that's a lot crisper than the original. —Angela Capettini, Boynton Beach, Florida
There are so many ways to bread chicken, and cornflakes are certainly on our list of favorite methods. The preparation time is only 10 minutes and you’ll have golden, crispy drumsticks and chicken thighs before you know it.
15/51
Hearty Pita Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need to skimp on flavor when trying to eat healthy. Our 9-year-old daughter enjoys helping us make these tasty tacos, and likes eating them even more. —Jamie Valocchi, Mesa, Arizona
These flavorful and protein-filled pita tacos are ideal on chilly nights when you’re not quite in the mood for a cozy soup but you also don’t want to sit around preparing a complicated meal. Pair this dinner with a side of chips and guacamole and the whole family will be happy.
16/51
Game-Night Nacho Pizza
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some like it hot with jalapenos; others like it cool with a dollop of sour cream. But one thing’s for sure: This is “nacho” ordinary pizza night. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
In just 20 minutes, you can have the wonderful mashup that is nachos and pizza. For very hungry families, double the recipe or pair it with a healthier side dish like a salad.
17/51
Chicken and Bows
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this recipe when I was a professional nanny. It comes together quickly at dinnertime when the kids are hungry. —Danette Forbes, Overland Park, Kansas
This pasta dish seems to have it all: pasta, cheese, veggies, chicken. That’s a whole lot of flavor in one dish! If you foresee a busy week ahead, make this dish early and freeze it. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight and serve it the next day.
18/51
Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Recipes that use precooked meat are so helpful on busy nights. Next time you’re in the freezer section, stock up on meatballs, or make homemade meatballs ahead of time. Once they’re done, this kid-friendly dish can be created in about 30 minutes and served over a bed of rice for a filling base.
19/51
Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender skillet chops make a speedy weeknight meal. These ones are finished with a creamy and flavorful Parmesan sauce. Here’s a new family favorite! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Pork dinners are a great way to change things up if you’re tired of chicken or looking to cut down on red meat. These pork chops with Parmesan sauce come together in only 20 minutes. Pair with you favorite veggie sides.
20/51
Mexican Turkey Roll-Ups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the perfect recipe when you're hungry for a dish with Mexican flavor and want to use turkey. These roll-ups are fun and so tasty, even kids like them. It's a different use for leftover turkey. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
Run out of ideas for what to do with leftover turkey? These easy roll-ups are packed with flavor. Top them with salsa and sliced olives.
21/51
Weeknight Pasta Squiggles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
It doesn’t get much more fun than silly shaped noodles at dinner time. The kids will love the squiggly cavatappi noodles, and the lower-sodium ingredients in the rest of the recipe are a healthy bonus.
22/51
Waffle-Iron Pizzas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These little pizza pockets put together using the waffle maker are a fun mashup. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
It’s breakfast for dinner with a savory twist! Get your waffle iron heated up and get ready to make the cutest pizza pies ever. This is one of those kid-friendly dinner ideas that is sure to be an instant success.
23/51
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
24/51
Cowboy Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
11 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this dish back in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Since it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey
There are quite a lot of cowboy dinners we love, but this cowboy stew has to be one of the easiest. Even better, it freezes well so you can make it ahead of time. Store it in the freezer for up to three months.
25/51
Dill Pickle Hamburger Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
This is the burger-pizza mashup of our dreams. If your kids can eat a 12-inch pizza in two bites or less, you might want to double the recipe!
26/51
Parmesan Fish Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Easy fish dishes that are ready in 30 minutes or less are great for families looking to vary their protein sources throughout the week. These fish sticks have a deliciously crispy coating and only take about 10 minutes to bake.
27/51
Southwestern Spaghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana
Kid-friendly dinner ideas that parents also love make planning a meal so much easier. This flavorful southwestern recipe calls for zucchini, but you can add other vegetables to change it up.
28/51
Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy Alfredo sauce is creamy, comforting and coats fettuccine noodles in fine fashion. This recipe is wonderful as is, but sometimes I like to add sliced fresh mushrooms and black olives that have been sautéed in butter and garlic. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana
There’s just something about buttery, garlicky fettuccine noodles that’s so hard to resist! To add protein and color to this noodle dish, pair it with grilled or baked chicken breasts and lemony broccolini.
29/51
Pizza Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
14 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I clipped this recipe from our local paper a few years ago. It's a tasty lunch treat for hearty appetites. Plan on doubling the recipe for hungry grandkids. —Maxine Smith, Owanka, South Dakota
Whether you use a from-scratch biscuit mix or buy one from the store, add these pizza pancakes to your breakfast-for-dinner rotation. Get creative with the savory elements—you can swap out the Italian seasoning for garlic powder or your favorite dried herbs.
30/51
Beef with Ramen Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this beef with ramen noodles recipe when I was looking for good Chinese food in beautiful Oregon. Each time I make this, I change something slightly. Leftovers heat easily in the microwave or fry pan.
This is not your college ramen! The bright, flavorful vegetables in this dish really make the rest of the ingredients pop. Beef top sirloin, round steak or flank steak work best in this recipe because the thin pieces of meat cook quickly without becoming dried out or too chewy.
31/51
Muffin-Tin Lasagnas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
There are some genius ways to use muffin tins that don’t have anything to do with baking sweets. We love these mini lasagna cups made in a muffin tin—they’re the perfect size for a kid-friendly dinner.
32/51
Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
You can’t go wrong with chicken nuggets for kids (or grown-ups!). Make sure the nuggets are all cut to the same size so they’ll cook evenly. If you don’t want to deep-fry dinner, try cooking the nuggets in an air fryer instead. For a spin on southern comfort food, pair the chicken nuggets with waffle sticks.
33/51
Burger Sliders with Secret Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a hit! I love that they are "fast food" without our having to go to a restaurant. Take them to a party, make them for dinner or serve them on game day. The meat can also be made ahead of time in preparation for your gathering. —April Lee Wiencek, Chicago, Illinois
Secret sauce isn’t just for drive-thru dinners. These kid-sized burger sliders can be made right at home and taste even better than the ones you’d get at your favorite fast-food restaurant.
34/51
Stovetop Beef and Shells
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Kids will love the fun pasta shells in this easy stovetop recipe. Add vegetables like chopped zucchini or serve a spinach salad on the side for a well-rounded meal.
35/51
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
This chicken rice bowl is so easy because it calls for prepared foods like ready-to-serve rice and coleslaw mix. Just make the dressing, toss everything together, and dig in!
36/51
Frito Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
When you’re craving a dish that’s salty and comforting, Frito pie is hard to beat. A bigger version of walking tacos, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes.
37/51
Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just a few ingredients and little prep time. It's a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Who doesn’t love a cheeseburger-inspired recipe? This creative casserole requires just four ingredients and bakes in under an hour.
38/51
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
There are so many ways to love sweet potatoes, and these sweet potato chip-crusted chicken nuggets (try saying that three times, fast!) are one of them. Fry the nuggets in small batches and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
39/51
Tacos on a Stick
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Kid-friendly dinner ideas that are served on sticks never get old. They’re fun for kids to eat and easy for parents to make. You’ll need to leave enough time for marinating the beef, but once ready these skewered tacos take only 15 minutes to grill.
40/51
Pork Barbecue Sandwiches
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We were happy when there was pork roast on the menu because we were sure that, within the next few days, we'd be feasting on leftover pork in these tasty sandwiches.
-George Hascher, Phoenicia, New York
Barbecue recipes are hard to pass up—the rich flavors of sizzling meats always seem to beckon for second servings. These pork barbecue sandwiches are great for using up leftover pork.
42/51
Easy Beef Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful, easy beef soup comes together in minutes. Even my husband, who admits he's no cook, makes it on occasion. —Agnes Bierbaum, Gainesville, Florida
Our easy beef soup lives up to its name! It’s simple but full of flavor, and you can adjust the seasonings to make it your own. Pair it with dinner rolls for dunking.
43/51
Skillet Ham & Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan
Ham, rice and mushrooms come together in this tasty stovetop meal. This family-friendly recipe is easy to double if you need a bigger batch.
44/51
Whole Grain Chow Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California
Sneak some vegetables onto the dinner table with this chow mein recipe. Your kids will be gobbling up broccoli and bok choy before they know it!
45/51
Veggie Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Veggie tacos are the perfect break from a week of meat-heavy meals. This recipe makes 8 tacos—you can double it if you need more, or pair the tacos with cilantro-lime rice for a filling meal.
46/51
Chicken-Pepper Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want a lighter dinner, I use lean turkey bacon in this recipe. It gives the pasta that richness you want without all the extra fat. —Courtney Harris, Denton, Texas
This creamy kid-friendly pasta dish is so easy to customize. If you’re not in the mood for chicken, simply leave it out and add some extra turkey bacon. Have your own Alfredo sauce recipe? Whip that up in place of the store-bought sauce. (We love this copycat Olive Garden Alfredo).
47/51
Turkey Salsa Bowls with Tortilla Wedges
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Delicious and nutritious, this dish was a favorite of the kids who participated in the junior chef classes I taught at my church. The recipe encouraged creativity and healthy eating as students designed their own salsa bowls using whole grains, vegetables and lean protein. —Jean Gottfried, Upper Sandusky, Ohio
Turn to ground turkey recipes when you need more lean protein in your family’s diet. These nutritious taco bowls will give the kids a boost of energy for whatever they have planned for the evening—soccer practice, math homework, playing with friends, you name it.
48/51
Chicken Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My fun twist on typical pizza is an excellent way to use up leftover pesto. And since it’s loaded with protein-rich chicken and black beans, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
It wouldn’t be a list of weeknight dinners for kids if it wasn’t full of mashups! Turn plain chicken breasts into pizza slices that are packed with flavor and easy for little hands to hold.
49/51
Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a new spin on a classic casserole, try my easy version. For a fun twist, just add your family’s favorite pizza toppings! —Sharon Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
No matter what age you are, tater tots are simply the best. This casserole comes together in about 45 minutes and makes 8 servings. If you need a light side dish with this cheesy meal, try a crunchy green salad.
50/51
Italian Submarine
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian husband grew up eating this flavorful sandwich, which his mother used to make it after Saturday chores were finished. Put the sub together a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then serve with chips, veggies and dip for a delicious meal. —Christine Lupella, Fifty Lakes, Minnesota
Sometimes, the best dinners are the most simple. Get the kids involved in assembling these sub sandwiches. They can choose their favorite ingredients to put in the sandwich to guarantee the perfect bite.
51/51
Ranchero Supper
Total Time
15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty dish is fast and easy to fix after a busy workday. We like to use hickory and bacon baked beans and serve it with fruit or a green salad for a complete meal. —Karen Roberts, Lawrence, Kansas
This easy dinner dish is packed with flavor and the kids will love munching on cheesy tortilla chips. The recipe makes 7 servings in only 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick meal when you have to run out the door to the next activity. Of course, dinner wouldn’t be complete without some easy dessert ideas.
