Our best hot lunch ideas for kids include classic soups, cheesy pasta skillets and savory finger foods. They’ll make packing warm school lunches easier and more delicious.
41 Hot Lunch Ideas for Kids That They’ll Love
Updated on May 21, 2025
1/41
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
2/41
Cheeseburger Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
3/41
Chili-ghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 374 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
4/41
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
5/41
Hash Brown Egg Cups
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
They may look like muffins, but these cuties pack all your favorite rise-and-shine ingredients—eggs, hash browns and bacon—into a single-serving cup. Grab one and get munching. —Talon DiMare, Bullhead City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 hash brown cup: 180 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
6/41
Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd. For added convenience, it stays warm in a slow cooker. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 329 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
7/41
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tangy sauce, combine with green pepper and pineapple, tranforms Ruther’s pre-made meatballs into a delightful main dish served over rice. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 meatballs: 389 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
8/41
French Fry 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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 352 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
9/41
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 375 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 538mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
10/41
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 because they heat up so quickly. I give them 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.
11/41
Turkey Noodle Soup
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Make the most of leftover turkey with this down-home soup. Creating a broth by roasting the turkey, garlic and vegetables adds richness and depth to the flavor without the need for additional fats. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 188 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
12/41
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.
13/41
Hurry-Up Ham N Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a rich-tasting entree. The basic, hearty dish is ready to serve in almost the time it takes cook the noodles. It is super for a luncheon or anytime I’m in a hurry. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 619 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1154mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
14/41
Tacos in a Bowl
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy skillet dish offers a delicious use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 480 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1279mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
15/41
Lunch Box Pizzas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 94 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
16/41
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
17/41
Muffin-Tin Chicken Potpies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these personalized chicken pot pies in muffin tins for my kids, and they gobbled them up. For the record, the grown-ups did, too! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini potpies: 330 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 1049mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
18/41
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
19/41
Cashew Chicken with Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 638 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
20/41
Unstuffed Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like stuffed peppers, you'll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
21/41
Priscilla’s Vegetable Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the perfect soup to warm up with on a cold fall or winter day. Serve it in a bread bowl to make it extra special. —Jenna Jackson, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 281 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
22/41
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.
23/41
Taco Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1369mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
24/41
Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 biscuit cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a busy teacher and mom, so weekday meals with shortcuts are a huge help. I always have to share this recipe when I take these to school. —Julie Ahern, Waukegan, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 biscuit cups : 463 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1050mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
25/41
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
26/41
Corn Chowder with Bacon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was raised on a farm, so a warm soup with homey ingredients, like this corn chowder with bacon, was always a treat after a chilly day outside. My hearty chowder nourishes the family. —Katie Lillo, Big Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
27/41
Slow-Cooker Barbacoa
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband adores this slow-cooker barbacoa simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup cooked rice: 513 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
28/41
Macaroni and Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this simple skillet recipe many years ago on a can label. I made some tweaks, and my family loved it. Because it's so easy to put together, it's a real timesaver for people with super busy schedules. —Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 317 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
29/41
Beef Noodle Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was working on the local election board in the '50s, one of my co-workers gave me this recipe, and it has been a family favorite ever since. It's quick to make for unexpected company or easily doubled for a potluck.—Mary Hinman, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 436 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
30/41
Egg Roll Noodle Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 302 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
31/41
Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 570 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
32/41
Meat Lover's Pizza Rice Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son named this “pizza rice” after I threw together a quick dinner from what I had in the fridge and pantry. Add any other pizza topping ingredients you desire. I often add black olive slices or mushrooms. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 390 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
33/41
Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
34/41
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, cheesy casserole is so hearty that second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Buford, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 549 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
35/41
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.
36/41
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love this cheesy dish. It is proof that soup doesn't need to be made in big batches to be good. —Cheryl McRae, West Valley, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 494 calories, 37g fat (24g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1145mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
37/41
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 291 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
38/41
Ham Chowder
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My five children all agree that this soothing recipe is wonderful. The soup is full of potatoes, carrots and ham. The best part is that I can get it on the table in only a half hour of hands-on time. —Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 404 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1081mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
39/41
Easy Chili Mac
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 422 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
40/41
White Chili
Total Time
50 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-law. She had made a big batch and served it to a crowd one night. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 334 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein.
41/41
Corn Dog Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Reminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun main dish really hits the spot on fall days. It’s perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven. —Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 578 calories, 38g fat (16g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
Hot Lunch Ideas for Kids FAQ
What can I make for school-friendly hot lunches?
Some of our favorite school-friendly hot lunches include recipes like mac and cheese, soups, chili, crescent roll hot dogs or mini corndogs. These dishes can easily be packed in a thermos or a heated lunchbox. To keep meals interesting, try alternating between cheesy, saucy and bite-sized recipes throughout the week.
What are the best quick school lunch recipes for picky eaters?
Quick school lunch recipes for picky eaters include simple, familiar flavors like cheesy quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches and English muffin pizzas. These dishes are easy to customize with different fillings or toppings to suit your child’s taste. You can also swap in ingredients like turkey instead of beef or add extra cheese to make lunches even more appealing for kids.
How do you keep easy lunchbox meals hot?
Use a preheated thermos or an insulated lunch bag to keep your lunchbox meals hot for several hours. Before adding your meal, fill a thermos with boiling water and seal it tightly. Dump the water, fill the thermos with the meal and close the lid to trap the heat inside. It’s also important to tightly seal containers holding soups, pastas and casseroles to help keep meals warm and prevent spills until lunchtime.
