What’s for Dinner? A Month of Kid-Approved Recipes
The perennial question, “What’s for dinner?” can often feel like a daunting challenge for parents. Each night brings different moods, preferences, and allergies, making recipe planning more complex. It’s a familiar scene: one day the kids can’t get enough of your homemade lasagna, and the next, they wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.
However, there’s a silver lining. When you find a recipe that everyone loves, it’s a major victory—one worth repeating. To help you score more culinary wins at the dinner table, we’ve curated a month’s worth of kid-approved recipes. These meals are not only simple and satisfying, but many are also fun to prepare together. Involving kids in the cooking process tends to pique their interest in the meal, leading to cleaner plates. Let’s dive into some of these delightful dinner options.
1. Uglies
Don’t let the name fool you—these “Uglies” are a delicious twist on comfort food. While they might not win any beauty contests, they promise satisfied taste buds. Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a wholesome meal, and if you manage to make a double batch, they freeze beautifully. Just don’t forget where you stashed them—your family will likely wipe them out in one sitting!
2. Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs
Set your slow cooker and let it do the magic for you! This recipe is a breeze to prepare with everyday pantry staples and has become a staple for families everywhere. The chicken thighs become tender while marinating in a flavorful honey-garlic sauce, perfect for serving over basmati rice or quinoa paired with veggies.
3. Spaghetti and Meatballs Muffin Bites
Transform the beloved classic into bite-sized delights! These muffin bites encapsulate the comforting flavors of spaghetti and meatballs but make them fun to eat and easy to serve. They’re perfect for a dinner party or a simple family meal, proving that you can always put a creative spin on traditional recipes.
4. Mini Meatloaves
Family classics have a way of embedding themselves in our hearts, and mini meatloaves are no exception. This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights, offering a delicious way to enjoy a homemade dinner in under an hour. Pair them with roasted potatoes or steamed veggies for a balanced plate that appeases even the pickiest of eaters.
5. Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
What could be more comforting than a warm, cheesy bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese? This dish is easily prepared and will have the whole family asking for seconds. Creamy, gooey, and utterly satisfying, it’s a celebrated family favorite that never goes out of style.
6. Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Hidden vegetables? Check! Cheesy goodness? Check! These stuffed shells provide the perfect vehicle for a host of fillings, making them a versatile choice for dinner. Kids will love the fun shape, and you’ll appreciate the nutritious benefits from the added chopped veggies.
7. Baked Ziti
With layers of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce, baked ziti is a beloved dish that can feed a crowd or provide leftovers for busy weeknights. It’s just as delicious without meat, catering to vegetarian preferences while still being incredibly satisfying.
8. Ham and Cheese Bow Ties
This pasta dish combines the classic flavors of ham and cheese into a quick, kid-friendly meal. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dinner that leaves everyone asking for more. And who doesn’t love a dish that can be ready so fast?
9. Spaghetti and Meatball Hand Pies
Bring excitement to dinner with these fun hand pies filled with classic spaghetti and meatballs. Each bite offers a nostalgic taste of a family favorite, perfect for little hands and great for on-the-go meals or picnics.
10. Simple Beef Pot Roast
Not only does this pot roast deliver on flavor, but it’s also an easy one-pot dish that simplifies your evening cleanup. The fast prep time yields a strikingly delectable meal that your kids will rate as a 5-star dinner.
11. Hamburger Steak With Onions and Gravy
Rich, savory, and comforting—this dish brings the family together for hearty warmth. The blend of flavors and textures keeps everyone engaged with every bite, and it’s perfect paired with mashed potatoes or steamed greens.
12. I Don’t Know
This playful, one-pot dish is as much about creativity as it is about flavors. Ground beef layered with potatoes and cheese, plus whatever veggies you have on hand, makes it an easy throw-together that can be personalized for picky eaters.
13. Unbelievable Chicken
This chicken dish lives up to its name! Perfect for gatherings and family vacations, marinate and freeze ahead of time for a meal that’ll steal the show wherever you go.
14. Disney’s Ratatouille
Let your kiddos take charge in the kitchen with this easy ratatouille recipe—a perfect way to get them involved in meal prep. With minimal effort and endless possibilities for customizing ingredients, it’s a hit across all age groups.
15. Breaded Chicken Fingers
Forget the frozen version; these homemade chicken fingers are crispy, flavorful, and made with love. A perfect recipe for child chefs in training, you can customize them with your favorite spices and pair them with dipping sauces.
16. Easy Shake and Bake Chicken
Transform chicken with a simple shake of spices and flour, then bake for a crispy, golden finish. It’s an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dinner without excessive prep.
17. Chicken Enchiladas
Rich and cheesy enchiladas are a favorite in many households. They are adaptable and can serve as an introduction to new flavors for kids, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table.
18. World’s Best Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Sure to please a crowd, these pork chops are flavorful and tender, with a sweet glaze that lingers on your taste buds. It’s a recipe that parents rave about for its simplicity and heartiness.
19. Homemade Tater Tots
Why settle for store-bought when you can make crispy, delightful tater tots at home? These will delight kids and adults alike, serving as a nostalgic side dish or crispy snack.
20. Quick Beef Stir-Fry
Harness the power of quick prep! This beef stir-fry can be tailored with any vegetables you have on hand and serves as a quick meal that brings a delicious taste of Asian cuisine to your dinner table.
21. Kid’s Favorite Pizza Casserole
This creative dish offers all the flavors of pizza in a casserole form, making it accessible and appealing for even the pickiest palates. Prep this ahead of time for stress-free family dinners.
22. Vegetable Pizza
Ideal for gatherings, this vegetable pizza recipe is versatile, accommodating different cheeses and vegetables according to family preferences. It’s an easy option that works wonderfully as an appetizer or a main course.
23. Bubble Pizza
The kids will be delighted by this fun twist on pizza, making it a request for family nights. It’s simple to prepare and offers an engaging experience for everyone around the table.
24. Pigs in a Blanket
An all-time favorite, these are not just for kids! They evoke a sense of nostalgia for adults and deliver laughter for the younger crowd. Customize with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun twist.
25. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Minimal clean-up and maximum flavor—these sheet pan fajitas are a brilliant choice for a busy weeknight. The leftovers can be repurposed for lunch, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
26. Turkey Sloppy Joes
Upgrade your sloppy joes with a turkey version that still packs a flavor punch. This recipe intersperses spice and zest, appealing to adults and children alike.
27. Lo Mein Noodles
This versatile dish can be tailored with an array of proteins and vegetables, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Try it as a side or as a main attraction, and enjoy the balance of flavors it provides.
28. Cheesy Lasagna Sheet Pasta
Streamlined for ease, this three-ingredient recipe takes the hassle out of meal prep while promising to deliver cheesy comfort their taste buds will savor.
29. Broccoli Chicken Divan
Here’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your family’s diet. The creamy texture and cheesy topping make this dish appealing to even the toughest critics at the dinner table.
30. Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Finish the month strong with these fall-off-the-bone slow-cooked ribs that require minimal effort but maximum impact. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy Sundays at home, they promise to leave a lasting impression.
With these 30 kid-approved dinner ideas, you’re equipped to tackle the age-old question of “What’s for dinner?” and keep the whole family happy and engaged at meal times. Enjoy the cooking journey together, and watch those empty plates pile up!