Weeknight rescue: 17 quick & easy recipes kids will actually eat!

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Turn your weeknight dinners into a smooth operation with these 17 quick and easy recipes that are sure to win over the toughest young critics. Designed with busy families in mind, each dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavors that kids love. These meals are perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want to put a healthy, enjoyable dinner on the table.

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re looking for a snack that’s sure to be a hit at family movie night, look no further. Chicken Pakora is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Kids will love the fun bite-sized pieces, and adults will appreciate the flavorful twist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cabbage beef casserole inside cast iron.
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Imagine a dish that’s both hearty and comforting, packed with flavor that the whole family will enjoy. Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole mixes tender beef and cabbage under a blanket of melted cheese, making it a perfect meal for those busy weeknights. It’s a satisfying dinner option that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Overhead view of apple pie with apples.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

There’s nothing like the smell of an apple pie baking in the oven to make a house feel like a home. Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie brings a touch of nostalgia and a lot of flavor, ideal for a family dessert. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, especially with kids who love to help in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

For a dinner that’s guaranteed to disappear from plates, try these crispy, crunchy pork chops. Breaded Panko Pork Chops are a simple way to elevate your weeknight meal into something special. They cook up in no time and pair perfectly with any side dish.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe

A plate loaded with biscuit and sausage gravy casserole and scrambled eggs.
Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Bring the taste of a diner breakfast into your kitchen with a creamy, savory gravy that’s perfect over fresh biscuits. This Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe is a comforting start to any morning and a hit with the whole family. It’s quick to whip up and tastes like it’s straight from the restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Set it and forget it with a chicken dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is rich, comforting, and perfect for a hassle-free dinner that’s ready when you are. Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning for a delicious meal by dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

Fundido dip with chips.
Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turn up the fun at your next family game night with a cheesy dip that’s packed with flavor. Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip is irresistible with tortilla chips or veggies, and it’s sure to keep everyone coming back for more. It’s a quick and easy way to make snacking exciting.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip

OMG Bars

Chocolate cookie bars on a cutting board.
OMG Bars. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

For those times when you need a dessert that lives up to its name, OMG Bars are here to save the day. They’re sweet, indulgent, and easy enough for kids to help make. This treat is perfect for when you want to spoil your family with something decadently delicious.
Get the Recipe: OMG Bars

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whether it’s a gathering or a simple family snack, this dip is always a crowd-pleaser. Taco Dip with Cream Cheese layers flavors that kids and adults alike can’t resist. Serve it up with a big bowl of chips for the perfect party treat.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combine comfort with convenience in a dish that’s perfect for breakfast or any time of day. Hashbrown Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and a hit with anyone who tries it. It’s simple to assemble and cooks to perfection, a great way to satisfy the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne with meat sauce and parmesan cheese.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Pasta night just got easier and cheesier. Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne is the kind of dish you set up earlier in the day and come back to find ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re running kids to activities and need a warm meal ready at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Cinnamon roll pumpkin skillet cake with icing drizzled from spoon.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Fill your kitchen with the aromas of fall any time of the year. Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake is easy to bake and even easier to fall in love with. This sweet, seasonal treat is sure to delight anyone looking for a warm dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Egg Bites

Egg bites.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Start your morning or power up your afternoon with a protein-packed snack. Egg Bites are customizable, easy to make, and great for on-the-go eating. They’re a healthy option that keeps you full and focused, perfect for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Watermelon Rind Smoothie

A strawberry watermelon smoothie in a short glass with fresh mint.
Watermelon Rind Smoothie. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Don’t toss those watermelon rinds; turn them into a refreshing smoothie instead. Watermelon Rind Smoothie is delicious and packed with nutrients, making it a smart and tasty way to reduce waste. It’s a cool treat that’s especially refreshing during warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Rind Smoothie

Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and dates on a white plate.
Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Jazz up your dinner routine with a dish that looks fancy but is straightforward to prepare. Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special. They’re a delicious way to get your greens and protein all in one.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

A picture of baked cauliflower mac and cheese in cast iron skillet on wooden table.
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Give a classic comfort food a nutritious twist. Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and sneaks in some veggies without losing any of the flavors kids love. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, especially when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Easy Dairy-Free Waffles

Easy waffle recipe with no milk stack on blue plate.
Easy Dairy-Free Waffles. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Enjoy a breakfast classic, no milk required. Easy Dairy-Free Waffles are light, fluffy, and perfect for topping with all your favorites. Whether it’s a busy morning or a lazy weekend, these waffles are sure to start your day off right.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dairy-Free Waffles

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