How to Make 21 Kid Approved Easy Dinners for Busy Nights

Hey there, busy moms and dads! If you’re anything like me, you know that weeknights can be a whirlwind of activities, homework, and the eternal question: “What’s for dinner?” Well, I’ve got you covered with 21 kid approved easy dinners for busy nights that are not only quick but also delicious! These meals are perfect for picky eaters and will have your family asking for seconds. Let’s dive into these easy pasta recipes and more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick family dinners that can be made in 30 minutes or less.
• Kid-friendly meals that even picky eaters will love.
• Versatile recipes that allow for ingredient swaps based on what you have at home.
• Easy cleanup, so you can spend more time with your family.
• Delicious flavors that will make your weeknight dinner ideas exciting!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these fantastic meals:

• Tortillas
• Cooked chicken
• Cheese
• Veggies (your kids’ favorites!)
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Spaghetti
• Meatballs
• Marinara sauce
• Parmesan cheese
• English muffins
• Pita bread
• Taco shells
• Seasoned ground beef
• Lettuce
• Macaroni
• Butter
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Chicken pieces
• Breadcrumbs
• Dipping sauces
• Scrambled eggs
• Cooked bacon
• Sausage
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Rice
• Tomato sauce
• Store-bought ravioli
• Your favorite sauce
• Ziti
• BBQ sauce
• Coleslaw
• Ground turkey
• Deli meat
• Chopped veggies
• Simple dressing

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these easy dinners:

1. Fill tortillas with cooked chicken, cheese, and any veggies your kids like. Cook them in a skillet until crispy and golden. Serve with salsa or sour cream for a tasty meal.
2. Cook the spaghetti and meatballs separately, then mix with marinara sauce. Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
3. Use English muffins or pita bread as the base and let kids add their favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Brown ground beef and mix it with a tangy tomato sauce. Serve on hamburger buns for a fun and filling dinner.
5. Fill taco shells with seasoned ground beef or chicken, then top with cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
6. Cook macaroni and mix with a cheese sauce made from butter, milk, and cheddar. Bake for a crispy top or serve it straight from the pot.
7. Coat chicken pieces in breadcrumbs and bake or fry until crispy. Serve with dipping sauces like ketchup or honey mustard.
8. Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage. Roll them up and serve with salsa or avocado.
9. Cook thin slices of beef with veggies like bell peppers and broccoli in a tasty sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.
10. Mix cooked pasta with marinara sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Bake until bubbly and golden.
11. Cook chicken with BBQ sauce, then shred and serve on buns. Add coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch.
12. Cook chicken and mix with fettuccine pasta and a rich Alfredo sauce. Add some steamed veggies for a complete meal.
13. Coat fish pieces in breadcrumbs and bake until crispy. Serve with a side of tartar sauce or ketchup.
14. Fill bell peppers with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. Bake until the peppers are tender.
15. Use store-bought ravioli and cook according to package instructions. Mix with your favorite sauce and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
16. Mix cooked ziti with marinara sauce, cheese, and any additional toppings like meatballs. Bake until bubbly and golden.
17. Season ground turkey and shape into patties. Cook on the grill or stovetop and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
18. Cook rice and mix with steamed broccoli and a cheese sauce.
19. Thread chunks of chicken and veggies onto skewers and grill or bake. Serve with a side of rice or a dipping sauce.
20. Fill tortillas with deli meat, cheese, and any veggies your kids like. Roll them up and slice into pinwheels.
21. Cook pasta and mix with chopped veggies, cheese, and a simple dressing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make your cooking experience even smoother:

• Prep ingredients ahead of time to save time during the week.
• Involve your kids in the cooking process; they’ll love helping out!
• Experiment with different sauces and toppings to keep things exciting.
• Make extra portions to have leftovers for lunch the next day.
• Check out my Air Fryer Asparagus and 10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli for quick side dishes!

How to Serve

These meals are perfect for family dinners! Serve them with:

• Fresh salads
• Steamed veggies
• Garlic bread
• Fruit for dessert

Don’t forget to let your kids customize their plates with their favorite toppings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Many of these meals can be made ahead of time. Here’s how to store them:

• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Some meals, like casseroles, can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat!
• For quick meals, consider prepping ingredients on the weekend.

With these quick and easy dinner recipes for family kids picky eaters, you’ll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again. Enjoy these delicious meals and happy cooking!