If you’re like me and always looking for easy dinner ideas you can whip up and enjoy with your family, these recipes are a total lifesaver!
I know how hard it can be to find meals that are both kid-friendly and picky-eater approved. Plus, you want something that’s nutritious to help those little ones grow strong, right? These dishes check all the boxes—they’re healthy, budget-friendly, and perfect for those nights when you’re in a rush.
If you’re craving even more dinner inspiration, you’ve got to check out my article on 17 Easy Creamy Pasta Recipes You Should Try For Dinner—it’s full of delicious ideas you’ll love!
21+ Super Easy Dinner Recipes For A Family With Kids
Cheesy Potato Tacos
Let’s kick off this list of easy family dinner recipes with these kid-approved tacos! The best part about tacos is how customizable they are—you can make them just the way your family loves. For this version, I stick to ingredients that are always a hit with kids: potatoes, sour cream, taco seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and tortillas. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a dollop of classic salsa on top to finish it off!
Nacho Pizza
I know it might sound a little weird, but trust me—it’s surprisingly delicious! This nacho pizza recipe is the ultimate combo of two favorites, and kids love it!
For this recipe, you’ll need a mix of classic pizza and nacho ingredients: pizza dough, marinara sauce, cheese, ground beef, lettuce, and taco seasoning. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some Doritos for an extra crunch—it’s a total game-changer!
Chick ‘N’ Veggie Fried Rice
When it comes to quick, easy, and kid-approved dinners, Chick ‘N’ Veggie Fried Rice is an absolute winner in my house. It’s not just packed with protein to keep everyone full and energized, but it’s also super flavorful—so no complaints from picky eaters!
What I love most is how easy it is to sneak in a variety of veggies without anyone batting an eye. The colorful mix blends perfectly with the rice and chicken, making it look fun and appetizing for the little ones. Whether it’s peas, carrots, or even some chopped broccoli, this dish lets you boost the nutrition without the usual veggie battles at the table.
It’s also a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes for me (yay!). Perfect for busy weeknights or even as a quick lunch option, it’s a recipe that leaves everyone happy and satisfied. Trust me—this one’s a keeper!
Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup
This is one of my go-to kid-friendly dinner recipes for the family! With simple ingredients like chicken broth, shredded chicken, a mix of cheeses, and heavy cream, it’s super easy to throw together. Plus, I love sneaking in some veggies like carrots or spinach to make it a little healthier—my kids hardly notice!
Cheese Quesadillas
I love how easy it is to make these simple cheese quesadillas with just two main ingredients: tortillas and cheese! The only other thing you’ll need is a little butter for cooking. The best part? You can use any cheese you like—cheddar, mozzarella, or even a mix of both for extra yumminess! I like to add chopped vegetables next to it for extra vitamins.
Classic Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese recipes are classic for a reason. They’re easy to make, yummy, and of course, kids love them! For an ultra-creamy mac and cheese, you’ll need some flour, butter, seasonings, macaroni noodles, and Velveeta cheese. If you’re looking for more creamy pasta recipes, then you should definitely check this out.
Easy Swedish Meatballs
You can make meatballs with some ground pork and beef, eggs, and different seasonings. For the gravy, you’ll need butter, flour, beef broth, heavy cream, and different spices! If your kids are anything like mine and can’t stand those ‘green dots’ (lol) in their food, feel free to skip the chopped parsley.
Mini Corn Dogs
Corn dogs aren’t just for carnivals—they’re a fun and easy dinner option for kids at home too! These mini corn dogs are the perfect size, making them a hit with kids of all ages (and let’s be honest, adults love them too!).
To whip these up, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: buttermilk, egg, honey, yellow cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and hot dogs cut into thirds. It’s such a quick and tasty recipe that’ll make everyone happy!
Teriyaki Noodles
If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and kid-friendly meal, these Teriyaki Noodles are a total winner! I love how simple they are to make, and my kids can’t get enough of the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s packed with flavor, and you can easily throw in some veggies or protein to make it even more filling. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious in a flash!
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
I know, I know—most kids aren’t exactly fans of broccoli. But surprisingly, I’ve met plenty of kids who actually love it and happily eat it! Starting early and introducing broccoli when they’re young can definitely make a difference.
For this delicious meal, all you’ll need is some flank steak, olive oil, broccoli, and sesame seeds. To tie it all together, just add some stir-fry sauce—whether you go with a store-bought option or whip up your own from scratch. Easy and so tasty!
Chicken Alfredo
Another one of my go-to easy dinner recipes for the family is chicken alfredo. This classic Italian dish is made with fettuccine, chicken breasts, heavy cream, and a blend of herbs and spices. And of course, don’t forget the cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that perfect finishing touch!
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a classic go-to for kids, but let’s be real—they’re not the healthiest option. The good news is, by making them at home, you can make them so much better! I love using skinless chicken breasts, panko breadcrumbs, and a mix of spices to keep them flavorful and healthier. Plus, since you can choose how to cook them, like baking instead of frying, you can make them a guilt-free option the whole family will love!
Parmesan Fish Sticks
If your kids are picky eaters and you’re looking to sneak some fish into their meals, you’ve got to try this recipe! My son absolutely loves fish and chips, and this one is definitely one of his favorites. All you need is some salmon, flour, egg whites, and breadcrumbs, and if you want to make it extra tasty, you can even stuff it with some cheese! You can make this recipe also with white fish like sea bar or seabream. For the dipping sauce, I keep it simple by mixing mayo, yogurt, mustard, and chives—so delicious!
Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast
This Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast is the perfect dinner for kids who love juicy, flavorful meat without all the fuss! It’s super easy to make, cooks in no time, and comes out perfectly tender every time. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have a kid-approved meal that’s both healthy and delicious—perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying! For the side dish, serve white rice, pasta, or chopped veggies.
Sloppy Joes
This recipe is so tasty – It’s like a Bolognese-style meat in a bun – and perfect for kids! With just some ground meat, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, paste, and a few seasonings, you can whip this up easily. You can even sneak in some veggies to make it healthier!
Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
If your kids love BBQ, they’re definitely going to love this recipe! I know slow-cooker meals can sometimes seem like they take a while, but trust me, this one is super easy. All you need is a rack of baby back ribs, some BBQ sauce, and a few seasonings and spices. The best part? You can prep everything in the morning, and by dinnertime, it’s all ready to go!
Cheeseburger Casserole
Want to make cheeseburgers a little less messy? This kid-friendly dinner is perfect! It’s got rotini pasta, ground beef, garlic, onion, and a mix of seasonings, plus diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, and plenty of cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that you can whip up in no time!
Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a classic Mexican dish that’s so much fun to eat! I love making them with chicken breasts, bell peppers, lime juice, and cilantro. All I do is toss everything together with some seasoning on a sheet pan and pop it in the oven. When they’re ready, I serve them with flour tortillas, avocado slices or guacamole, and any other toppings I’m in the mood for—it’s always a hit!
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
I remember when my grandpa used to make this toast for me when I was a kid—I loved it so much! Grilled cheese sandwiches are just the best, right? But you can totally take them up a notch with a little extra flair. All you need is some good-quality bread, like sourdough, a mix of cheeses like muenster and Asiago, a touch of Dijon mustard, and a few seasonings. Now that’s what I call fancy!
Cheesy Tex-Mex Pasta
Your kids are going to love this cheesy pasta! With ground beef, beef broth, veggies, black beans, Rigatoni pasta, and plenty of cheese, you can have this meal ready in under 20 minutes. And the best part? You can make it all in just one pot—talk about easy cleanup!
Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
This homemade marinara sauce is super easy to make and can be whipped up with either fresh or canned tomatoes. It’s the perfect, versatile sauce to add to almost any Italian meal. Plus, it’s a healthy dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes—how awesome is that?
Final Thoughts
Family meals are key to building a strong family life. They give you a chance to connect, teach your kids by example, and boost their self-esteem—plus, they help prevent future psychosocial issues and even weight struggles.
Dinner time isn’t just about bonding; it’s also a great way to develop healthy eating habits. Balanced, home-cooked meals promote good nutrition, control weight, and help kids try new foods, making them less picky over time!
I know meal prepping can be tough, especially with kids around, but if you’re looking for some easy family dinner ideas to make things simpler, this list of kid-friendly recipes will totally save you!
