When it comes to quick dinners, we all want meals that are not just fast but also so irresistible that the kids can’t wait to sit down and eat. That’s exactly what you’ll find here: great recipes designed for busy families who need to whip up something in a hurry. Get ready for a stampede to the dinner table as soon as you call out that dinner’s ready.
Canned Chicken Patties
These chicken patties are a great choice for last-minute meals your kids will actually want to eat. You only need canned chicken, Parmesan cheese, almond flour (or other flour), eggs, and a few pantry seasonings to make a delicious meal in 20 minutes. Just mix everything together, shape the patties, and cook them in a skillet until golden brown. Serve with steamed broccoli or put them in a sandwich with your kids’ favorite toppings for a quick dinner that hits the spot. You can store the cooked patties in the fridge for up to three days, so they’re ready to go when you need them. Kids love the crispy exterior and tender, flavorful chicken inside, making these patties a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Your kids will love these chicken bacon ranch poppers, and they’re perfect for last-minute meals. Made with ground chicken, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, ranch seasoning, and eggs, these poppers are packed with flavor. Make a batch ahead of time, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag for easy storage. When you need a hassle-free dinner, just bake the frozen poppers in the oven until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping, and watch your kids devour them. These poppers are fun to make and eat, so they’re a great choice for family movie nights or get-togethers. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch is irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Baked Ravioli
When you’re racing against the clock on a busy weeknight, this Baked Ravioli is your go-to. Think of it like a simplified lasagna. You grab some frozen cheese ravioli, layer it with marinara sauce and cheese, and you’ve got a great meal on the table in just an hour. It’s a solid pick for a quick dinner that’s sure to have the kids running to their seats, ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This one-pot casserole has all the flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for last-minute meals your kids will love. Ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings come together to create a hearty, comforting meal. When you’re short on time, just brown the beef, mix everything together in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work for 45 minutes. You’ll have a filling, nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. If there are any leftovers, they reheat well for a quick lunch or dinner the next day. Kids love the colorful bell peppers and the savory, cheesy flavors in this casserole, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These garlic butter chicken bites are a great last-minute meal your kids will devour. Made with tender chicken breast pieces, garlic, butter, and parsley, they’re ready in just 20 minutes and only need one pan, so they’re perfect for busy evenings. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, cook them in a hot skillet then coat in butter and garlic, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley. Serve the chicken bites over rice, salad, or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich buttery sauce. The savory flavors and juicy chicken will have your kids asking for more, making dinner time a snap. Kids love the buttery, garlicky sauce and the bite-sized pieces of chicken that are easy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
When you need a last-minute meal that your kids will actually eat, this loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole is the way to go. Just combine frozen broccoli and cauliflower with crispy bacon pieces, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce made with milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together in a baking dish and top with more cheese and bacon before baking for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. The cheesy goodness and crispy bacon bits will get even picky eaters to enjoy their veggies. Top with sliced green onions for extra color and flavor, and serve this hearty casserole as a quick, filling family meal. Kids love the creamy, cheesy sauce and the crispy bacon that make this veggie-packed casserole irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This one-skillet meal mixes cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and ground beef for a filling dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for those last-minute meals when you need something cheesy and hearty that your kids will actually want to eat. Plus, it stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy it all week long or save it for later. This creamy ground beef skillet is a stress-free dinner that will have everyone coming back for more. Serve it with a side of steamed veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal. Kids love the cheesy, creamy texture and the familiar flavors of ground beef and mushrooms.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
When you’re too busy to think about dinner but still want to feed your kids something they’ll enjoy, this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the way to go. Just mix ingredients like egg noodles, peas, tuna, and cheddar cheese, then bake for a meal that’s ready in under an hour. It’s a simple, foolproof way to keep everyone happy and well-fed on hectic nights. Use elbow macaroni or even canned chicken if that’s what your family likes. This classic casserole is perfect for making ahead and reheating on busy nights. Kids will love the creamy, cheesy pasta and all of the comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This easy, filling dinner is great for last-minute meals that your kids will happily eat. Just put your favorite sausages, peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan and bake. You’ve got a meal that’s a breeze to make and clean up. The leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day, too. This no-stress dinner saves time and gives the whole family a well-rounded meal. Kids will love the juicy sausages and the colorful veggies, and you’ll love how easy it is to get dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These Shake and Bake Pork Chops give you crispy, flavorful pork chops without the need for frying, all in just 25 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice for those nights when you need a great last-minute dinner that your kids will actually want to eat. Simply coat the pork chops in a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices then bake until golden brown and crispy. The irresistible crunch of these pork chops will have the kids running to the table as soon as the timer goes off. Serve them with some creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic, comforting meal everyone will love. Kids will enjoy the crispy coating and the juicy, tender pork inside.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful last-minute meal your kids will love. With chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, onions, and mozzarella baked together, this dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Wrap it in tortillas or serve it over cilantro lime rice for a family-friendly meal that keeps dinner exciting without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is easily customizable, so you can add or remove ingredients based on your family’s preferences.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Green Chile Chicken
Give leftover chicken new life in this quick, 20-minute green chile dish. It’s a great last-minute meal your kids will actually want to eat. Mix the shredded chicken thighs with green chiles, onion, and garlic for a flavorful kick. Top with sour cream and cilantro. Serve with rice, tortillas, or your family’s favorite sides. This green chile chicken turns leftovers into an exciting dinner without the stress. Kids love the mild spiciness and creamy toppings, making it a win for the whole family. Double the recipe for easy lunches throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This sweet potato and red pepper soup is a creamy, wholesome one-pot meal that’s perfect for last-minute dinners your kids will enjoy. Ready in about an hour, this bright soup is a great weeknight option for a homemade meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. Sweet potatoes, red peppers, and carrots make this soup healthy and flavorful. Add sour cream and parsley on top for extra flavor. This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, perfect for busy families. Plus, its bright colors and healthy ingredients make it a fun way to get kids to eat their veggies. Serve it with some grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal. Kids will love the sweet, creamy flavor of the soup and the fun colors. This soup is a great way to get your kids to try new veggies without a fight.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
Whip up this cabbage and sausage stir-fry in 25 minutes with ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s a perfect go-to for a quick, filling, last-minute meal your kids will happily eat. Sauté sliced sausage, cabbage, onion, and garlic, then add a tangy mustard sauce. Great for busy weeks when you need something easy and hearty. Serve it hot with crusty bread or over fluffy rice. The savory sausage and tender cabbage make this dish a family favorite. Plus, it’s a clever way to get kids to eat more veggies without complaints.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Turn classic chicken pot pie into a comforting soup in just an hour – a perfect last-minute meal your kids will love. It’s got tender chicken, veggies like peas and carrots, potatoes, and a creamy broth, all in one bowl. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping. Leftovers taste even better the next day. This chicken pot pie soup is perfect for bringing the family together, especially on chilly days. Kids love the familiar pot pie flavors and the fun of eating soup with a spoon. Top with croutons, crispy bacon, or cheese for an extra special touch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This cheesy beef casserole is a quick and healthy meal that’s great for last-minute dinners your kids will actually want to eat. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese come together in about 30 minutes. It’s a cozy, filling dinner that makes great leftovers, so you can have an easy meal ready for later. This casserole sneaks in veggies, making it a balanced meal the whole family will love. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Kids will love the cheesy, beefy flavor and the fact that they can’t even taste the veggies. This casserole is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables without a fight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Spinach Chicken Bake
This spinach chicken bake is a creamy, comforting meal that’s easy to make, perfect for last-minute dinners your kids will ask for again. Chicken thighs, cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, and spinach bake in just 30 minutes. Add a side of veggies to complete the meal. Leftovers taste just as good the next day, great for busy families. You can also serve this dish over pasta or rice to make it even more filling. Kids will love the creamy, cheesy sauce and the tender chicken. This dish is a great way to get your kids to eat their spinach without even realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Italian Sausage Soup
This Italian sausage soup is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute dinners your kids will love. Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and spinach make this soup hearty and filling. Add Parmesan and parsley on top for extra flavor. This soup keeps well, so you can have easy, delicious meals later. It’s a great way to bring the family together over a comforting bowl of soup. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. Kids will love the sausage and the creamy broth, and they won’t even notice the spinach. This soup is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies without a fight.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken Corn Soup
This chicken corn soup has it all – tender chicken, sweet corn, potatoes, and a savory broth. It’s a perfect last-minute meal that’ll have your kids coming back for more. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe that’s ready in under an hour. More time with family, less time cooking. Ladle into bowls, add a sprinkle of parsley and enjoy. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days, great for planning ahead. The creamy texture and familiar flavors make this soup a hit with kids. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This creamy garlic chicken is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for last-minute meals your kids will enjoy. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish has tender chicken breasts in a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Serve it with pasta or veggies to really enjoy the delicious sauce. This meal brings restaurant-style dining to your home, making it a hit with kids and adults. You can also add some mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies. Kids will love the creamy, garlicky sauce and the tender chicken. This dish is a great way to get your kids to try new flavors without being too adventurous.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is a comforting one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes, great for last-minute dinners your kids will love. Chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper make this dish flavorful and filling. Serve it over quinoa or rice to soak up the rich sauce. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can have easy meals later. You can also add some spinach or kale to the sauce for extra veggies. Kids will love the creamy, tomato-y sauce and the tender chicken. This dish is a great way to introduce your kids to new flavors without being too spicy or adventurous.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken