49 Kid-Friendly Meals (That Aren’t Chicken Nuggets)

Updated on Sep. 19, 2024

Dish out these kid-friendly recipes for your little ones. These dishes will please even the pickiest of eaters (seriously!).

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Frito Pie

Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here’s my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico

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Muffin-Tin Lasagnas

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This is a super fun way to serve lasagna. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 2 mini lasagnas: 414 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
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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 always 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.

Here are our kid-friendly dinner ideas that will please little ones and parents alike.

Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
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Chili Dog Pizza

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 404 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1113mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
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Meatball Stroganoff

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
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Meaty Sloppy Joe Pockets

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It’s easy to turn sloppy joes into hearty hot pocket snacks. I make the filling ahead and use refrigerated biscuits. I time them so they’re done baking just before kickoff. —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 pocket (calculated without cheese): 294 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 35 mg cholesterol, 909 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate (9 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 15 g protein.
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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
Nutrition Facts: 1 pizza (calculated without sauce): 461 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 1650mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
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Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 198 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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The Elvis Sandwich

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1 serving
From the Recipe Creator: Like the King himself sang, you'll be "all shook up" when you taste this savory-sweet sandwich. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 open-faced sandwich: 266 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
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Over-the-Top Baked Ziti

Total Time 4 hours 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef, garlic and onions. The revised recipe was a success with my family. It’s so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 499 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
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Pizza on a Stick

Total Time 30 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My daughter and her friends had fun turning sausage, pepperoni, veggies and pizza dough into these cute kabobs. —Charlene Woods, Norfolk, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 2 kabobs with 1/4 cup sauce: 429 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1337mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
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Ham & Swiss Baked Penne

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: As a kid I loved to the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 559 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 905mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
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Brief Burritos

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With three children in school, evenings are often hectic and short on time—especially during the holiday season. I can put this dish together after school and still have time to run back to town for evening activities. Best of all, the kids love it. —Ginger Burow, Fredericksburg, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 burrito: 430 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1022mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
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Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Kids can have fun helping to prepare these mini meat loaves in muffin cups. For extra spice, we sometimes add 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 cup of salsa. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 2 mini meat loaves: 330 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
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Ham and Cheese Puffs

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 110 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Homemade Fish Sticks

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are amazing with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 278 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
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Beefy Chili Dogs

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings (2 cups chili)
From the Recipe Creator: For years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 hot dog with 1/4 cup chili: 400 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1092mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
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Pizza Roll-Ups

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Since getting this recipe from our 4-H club, it's been a regular after-school snack. We like to dunk these bite-sized pizza treats, made with refrigerated crescent rolls, in spaghetti sauce. —Donna Klettke, Wheatland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll-up: 94 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Mini Shepherd’s Pies

Total Time 50 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I’m as confident serving these little pies to company as to family. If I have enough time, I’ll use homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes. —Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 2 mini shepherd's pies: 612 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.

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Pizza Casserole

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 casseroles (10 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator: Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.

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BLT Wraps

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mom and I used to make these easy wrap-ups for summer days at the lake with our entire family. These days, we love to bring them to picnics and days in the park. —Jonnah Burks, Brighton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 409 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
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Corn Dog Twists

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Kids will have as much fun making as they will eating these cute twists on hot dogs and buns! Set out bowls of relish, mustard and ketchup for dunkable fun. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 corn dog: 302 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
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Citrus-Honey Chicken

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We raise heirloom-breed chickens, so I'm always looking for chicken recipes. This one with oven baked chicken tenderloins and orange and honey flavors is tops at our house. —Beth Nafziger, Lowville, NY
Nutrition Facts: 2 chicken tenders with 2 tablespoons sauce: 326 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
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Reuben Rounds

Total Time 30 min
Servings 16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator: Fans of the classic Reuben sandwich will go crazy for baked pastry spirals of corned beef, Swiss and sauerkraut. They're so easy to make, and bottled Thousand Island dressing makes the perfect dipping sauce. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 114 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When my kids were small, I'd stuff leftover chicken into these oven-baked quesadillas. I often grab rotisserie chicken instead. —Pam Martin, Canandaigua, New York
Nutrition Facts: 4 wedges: 446 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
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Kid-Friendly Chili

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This third-generation hearty chili is a family favorite. It's a sweet and easy chili that's sure to warm up the whole family on those chilly fall nights. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 359 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 9g fiber), 30g protein.

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Pizza Sandwich

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I give grilled cheese a special treatment by using slices of mozzarella cheese and adding delicious extras like pepperoni and fresh tomatoes. Dipped in warm pizza sauce, this will be a fast favorite! —Mary Monaco, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 495 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1121mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.

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Skillet Nachos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 676 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1293mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
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Homemade Pizza

Total Time 50 min
Servings 2 pizzas (3 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is a hearty, zesty main dish with a crisp, golden crust. Feel free to add your favorite toppings. —Marianne Edwards, Lake Stevens, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 2 pieces: 485 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 972mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
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Biscuit Turkey Bake

Total Time 30 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here's one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends' birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 327 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 1117mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
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Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1 serving
From the Recipe Creator: Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 open-faced sandwich: 220 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
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Flying Saucers

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4-6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These handy pita pocket sandwiches can be filled and served ready to eat... or you can set up a make-your-own buffet with ingredients that the kids can choose to suit themselves.
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 539 calories, 39g fat (12g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1647mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
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Peanut Butter-Banana Yogurt Parfaits

Total Time 5 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a lightning-fast breakfast, I layer vanilla yogurt with bananas, peanuts and multigrain cereal. It’s crunchy, easy and perfect for kids.—Teresa Miller, Hamilton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 parfait: 457 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
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Nacho Casserole

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a delicious, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos if you prefer a little heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 477 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1119mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
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Loaded Pulled Pork Cups

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Potato nests are simple to make and surprisingly handy for pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and other toppings. Make, bake, and collect the compliments. —Melissa Sperka, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 hash brown cup: 129 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 439mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
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Crispy Almond Tilapia

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Since changing to a healthier style of cooking, I’ve come up with new coatings for baked fish. I use almonds, panko bread crumbs and a smidge of hot sauce to add crunchy texture with nice heat. —Amanda Flinner, Beaver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 2 fillet pieces: 251 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat.
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Muffin-Cup Cheddar Beef Pies

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 20 beef pies
From the Recipe Creator: My kids love these beef rolls so much. I always make extra since they heat up so quickly. I give the kids their choice of dipping sauces—spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing are the top picks. —Kimberly Farmer, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 2 meat pies: 482 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 850mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
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Grilled Italian Meatball Burgers

Total Time 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I just love these burgers! They're a big hit with kids and adults. I serve them with sliced green peppers, tomato and onion slices and a jar of crushed red peppers on the side for adults. Kids enjoy them best "as is." —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 399 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 743mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
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Homemade Peanut Butter

Total Time 15 min
Servings about 1 cup
From the Recipe Creator: We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. My homemade version is easier on my wallet, and I know what ingredients are in it. It's also a lot tastier! —Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska
Nutrition Facts: 1 tablespoon: 111 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat.
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Pigs in a Poncho

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For pigs in a blanket Mexican style, we add refried beans and green chiles. Spice it up even more with pepper jack, jalapenos and guacamole. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without sour cream and salsa): 726 calories, 50g fat (14g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1494mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.

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Pizza Muffins

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I just baked these mini pizzas and the kids are already demanding more. The no-cook pizza sauce and refrigerated dough make this meal a snap. —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 2 pizzas with 2 tablespoons sauce: 209 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.

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French Toast Sticks

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Keep these French toast sticks in the freezer for an instant filling breakfast. Their convenient size makes them ideal for a breakfast buffet. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3 sticks: 183 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
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Toasted Mexican Ravioli

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We like Mexican and Italian foods, so spicy breaded ravioli gives us the best of both worlds. We serve sauce on the side and pass the queso fresco. —Cristy King, Scott Depot, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 789 calories, 41g fat (14g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 1490mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
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Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli

Total Time 50 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
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The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Total Time 15 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
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Walking Tacos

Total Time 40 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without toppings): 530 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
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Sausage, Rice and Broccoli

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The first recipe my kids requested when they left home was broccoli with sausage and rice. If fresh zucchini or summer squash is available, add it to the mix. —JoAnn Parmentier, Branch, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without sour cream and hot sauce): 276 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Air-Fryer Taco Twists

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Why serve tacos only in ordinary flour or corn tortillas? For a mouthwatering change of pace, try these air-fried tacos baked in flaky, golden crescent rolls. My family enjoys them for a warm lunch or light dinner. —Carla Kreider, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco twist: 371 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
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Mama Mia Meatball Taquitos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love lasagna, but it takes too long on weeknights. My solution: meatball taquitos. My kids get the flavors they want, and I get a meal on the table in a hurry. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 taquitos: 617 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.