Quick and Easy: 10 Kid-Approved Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes
Weeknight dinners can be a slog, especially when you are trying to please picky eaters. The good news? You can make meals your kids will love without spending hours in the kitchen. These 10 Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids are also ready in 30 minutes! Let’s get cooking!
Stuffed with melted cheese and your kids’ favorite fillings — chicken, beans or veggies, quesadillas cannot go wrong. Oh, and they’re super versatile! Try two kinds of cheese or slip in finely minced spinach for an extra nutrition boost. A side of salsa or guacamole for dipping fun.
Make mini pizzas from store-bought pita bread or English muffins. Allow kids to add toppings of their choice, such as pepperoni, mushrooms or pineapple, for a customized dinner they’ll appreciate. They bake in 10 minutes, and you have an interactive meal that fuels creativity.
A perennial favorite that’s easy to make. Put this one together in no time, using pre-made meatballs and a jar of marinara sauce. For an added twist, serve over zucchini noodles or whole-wheat spaghetti for a healthier dish that still pleases.
Whether homemade or store-bought, chicken tenders served alongside colorful veggie sticks and a side of ranch are a winning balance of easy and kid-friendly. For a healthier twist, bake the chicken tenders instead of frying. Spruce things up a bit with honey mustard or BBQ sauce for dunking.
Top slider buns with mini sloppy joes. The small portions are ideal for small hands and the sweet-and-savory combos never fail. Add finely diced vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, for an extra punch of nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Amped-up boxed mac and cheese: Stir in steamed broccoli, diced ham or shredded chicken. It’s a comforting meal, and a one-pot one, too. For richness you can’t deny, top with a dollop of cream cheese or a dusting of shredded cheddar.
Tacos are a favorite and they are easily customizable. Make your own tacos — tortillas, seasoned meat, beans, cheese plus fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes and avocado. Kids get a kick out of building their own tacos, so this meal is equal parts fun and delicious.
Cook some pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon for a quick dinner that’s delicious and feels special. Serve with fresh fruit on the side for a healthy twist. Want to mix it up? Try adding banana pancakes, or add some chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious surprise.
Old reliable, known to bring comfort, and easy to make. Make the grilled cheese with whole-grain bread and serve it with a store-bought tomato soup for an energizing, cozy meal.” You can dress up the soup with a swirl of cream or a few croutons for added texture and flavor.
Use precooked noodles and stir-fry them with soy sauce, some vegetables and a protein like chicken or tofu. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s a good way to introduce kids to novel flavors. Drizzle some honey or teriyaki sauce on top for a sweet touch that kids will eat right up.
Beating the Clock: Kid-Friendly Dinners in Record Time
Keep it Simple: Use the ingredients and flavors that your children already like, and not a ton of new ones.
Get Them Involved: Give your kids small jobs such as adding toppings or stirring sauces. That makes them more likely to eat the meal.
Plan Ahead: Prepare ingredients such as chopped vegetables or cooked proteins ahead of time to save time.
Balance the Plate: Mix up the protein, carbs and veggies to maximize nutrition and fullfactor.
Experiment with Presentation: Fun shapes and colorful ingredients can make meals more attractive to picky eaters.
Final Thoughts
You can avoid the stress with these 10 kid-approved dinners and spend more time enjoying family. These easy, quick meals are great for any weeknight, and even have the pickiest eaters loving dinner. Whether you’re making gooey quesadillas or enjoying taco night, these suggestions are sure to bring smiles all the way around. Which one will you try first? Please share your favorites in the comments!
