When you’re looking for quick meals that kids will love, you want options that make dinner time the highlight of the day. Let’s face it: between work, school, and extracurricular activities, finding time to prepare a great meal can be a challenge. Each meal is designed to be simple, fast, and, most importantly, something that kids are excited to sit down and eat. So, let’s get cooking and turn dinner time into the best time!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
For those evenings when dinner time sneaks up on you, Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are perfect. These bites are filled with ground chicken, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, homemade ranch seasoning, and eggs, all of which combine to make a delicious treat. Prepare them in advance, freeze them, and simply bake them when needed. Serve with ranch dressing for a meal that’s both fun and flavorful. The chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch make them irresistible to both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Canned Chicken Patties
When you need a quick dinner that your kids will actually look forward to, Canned Chicken Patties are a great pick. These patties, made from canned chicken, Parmesan cheese, ground sunflower seed meal, eggs, and basic seasonings, can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Simply mix the ingredients, form them into patties, and fry in a skillet until they’re golden brown. Serve them with steamed broccoli or as sandwiches with your kids’ favorite toppings. This dish not only cooks quickly but also stores well, so you’ll always have a fast, delicious meal ready anytime. Kids adore the crispy outside and the juicy, flavorful chicken inside.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
When you’re strapped for time but need a dinner that will please the kids, try the Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It combines egg noodles, peas, canned tuna, and cheddar cheese, baked to create a meal that’s ready in less than an hour. This casserole is straightforward, perfect for those evenings when you’re too busy to prep but still want a hearty meal for your family.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is your solution for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and exciting meal for the kids. Using frozen cheese ravioli shortens prep time. Layer with marinara sauce and more cheese, and you can have a comforting meal ready in about an hour. It’s like a quick version of lasagna but much simpler to prepare. This dish is a great choice for getting a delicious dinner on the table fast, and it’s sure to bring all the kids racing to eat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
When you’re pressed for time but still want to serve a meal that’s both hearty and pleasing to the kids, the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is your best bet. It combines ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings in a single dish that bakes in the oven for 45 minutes. It’s always a popular choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a quick and delicious option for last-minute dinners that your kids will eagerly eat. Done in just 20 minutes using a single pan, these bites consist of chicken breast pieces cooked on the stovetop and then coated in garlic butter. They’re perfect served over rice, salad, or mashed potatoes. The delicious and tender chicken bites, combined with the savory garlic butter, are sure to make dinner a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Quick dinners are essential for busy families, and the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice makes mealtime easy and will make kids excited to eat it. Mix cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and ground beef in one skillet for a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s not only quick but also versatile to store, perfect for enjoying throughout the week. It’s a recipe that kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
For those hectic evenings when you need a quick dinner your kids will love, this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a perfect choice. This dish features frozen broccoli and cauliflower blended with crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar, all in a creamy cheese sauce. Assemble everything in a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese and bacon on top, and bake it for 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. The combination of cheesy, creamy textures and the crisp bacon always make this veggie-packed casserole a hit with the family. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage them to eat their greens.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for those last-minute dinner rushes, serving your kids a nutritious meal made with minimal effort. Just arrange sausages, peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan and bake. This meal is a breeze to prepare and clean up, plus it’s colorful and packed with flavors that kids will love. The baking method allows all the ingredients to cook together, enhancing their natural flavors, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a great way to serve a balanced meal that everyone will be excited about.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
For a great last-minute dinner, these Shake and Bake Pork Chops are always a perfect solution. Coat the pork chops in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and bake until they are golden brown and crispy. This dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it super fast and easy for busy nights. Kids will rush to the table for the crispy texture and juicy flavor of these pork chops. Baking instead of frying keeps it simple and less messy, with the same great taste. Serve with rice or salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Fajita Baked Chicken
The Fajita Baked Chicken is a great option for evenings when you need a quick and flavorful meal that your kids will eagerly await. Combining chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, this dish is baked to perfection in about 30 minutes. Whether served with steamed veggies or a side salad, it’s a family-friendly meal that keeps dinner exciting. Got leftovers? They store well for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
For a quick and healthy dinner that your kids will be excited about, try the Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. This dish combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese, baking into a cozy meal in about 30 minutes. It’s not only filling but also sneaks in veggies in a way that kids won’t even notice, thanks to the delicious cheesy, beefy flavor. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty baguette for a complete, balanced meal. This casserole is perfect for those busy nights and when you want great leftovers that simplify meals for days.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Spinach Chicken Bake
The Spinach Chicken Bake is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for last-minute meal plans. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful mix of garlic, Italian seasoning, and spices. The chicken is then baked with layers of cream cheese and spinach, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese. The creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender chicken makes it a dish your kids will request time and again, and it’s a subtle way to get them to enjoy spinach.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Green Chile Chicken
Revitalize leftover chicken into a flavorful dinner with this 20-minute Green Chile Chicken recipe, perfect for last-minute meals that kids will love. Mix shredded chicken thighs with green chiles, onions, and garlic, topped with chopped green onions and more cheese for a flavorful burst. This dish can be served with breadsticks, tortillas, or your preferred sides, turning leftovers into an exciting meal with shorter prep. The mild spiciness and creamy toppings are kid-approved, making it a family favorite for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Transform the classic comfort of a chicken pot pie into a comforting soup in just an hour with this Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It features tender chicken, mixed vegetables like peas and carrots, potatoes, and a creamy broth, cooked all in one pan. Serve with bread for dipping to make the most of the comforting, creamy broth. This soup is particularly great for chilly evenings, bringing everyone together for a warming meal. Kids will enjoy the familiar flavors of a traditional pot pie in a fun, spoonable format.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
For a quick, nutritious dinner, the Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a great choice. Ready in about an hour, this creamy, colorful soup combines sweet potatoes and red peppers for a hearty and healthy meal. Garnished with sour cream and parsley, it’s not only flavorful but also a great way to encourage kids to eat their veggies. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy evenings. The sweet and creamy flavor paired with fun colors makes this soup a great way to introduce new vegetables to your kids.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
If you need a quick, hearty meal, this Cabbage and Sausage dish is perfect, ready in just 25 minutes with common kitchen staples. Sauté sliced sausage, cabbage, onion, and garlic, then finish with tangy apple cider vinegar for a dish that’s full of flavor. It’s great for busy weeks, serving a filling meal that your kids will happily devour. Serve it hot with mashed potatoes or over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup serves a warming, flavorful meal that’s ready quickly, perfect for busy evenings. This soup includes Italian sausage, cream cheese, and diced and pureed tomatoes, creating a hearty and delicious bowl that’s ready in 30 minutes. Topped with Parmesan and parsley for added flavor, it’s perfect served with crusty bread for dipping. This soup is great for bringing the family together over a comforting meal, and the kids will love the savory sausage and creamy broth, making it a smart choice for incorporating more veggies into their diet.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting and quick option for last-minute dinners. It’s made in a single pot and ready in less than an hour, combining tender chicken with hearty vegetables in a flavorful broth. The soup features creamed corn and frozen corn kernels, chicken broth, diced carrots, and potatoes, all seasoned with thyme and garlic powder. Delicious, cozy, and always a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
The Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delicious one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. This dish consists of chicken breasts that are seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s all cooked on the stovetop in about 30 minutes. This dish brings a taste of restaurant dining home that both kids and adults will love. The creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken make this dish a family favorite, especially on those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken