13 irresistible meals that will have your kids asking for second helpings

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Dive into these 13 irresistible meals, chosen for their kid-approved flavors, textures, and fun-factor. From crispy delights made in the air fryer to comforting slow-cooked favorites, each dish is a surefire way to not satisfy kids.

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If your kids enjoy tacos, this casserole is a game-changer. It packs all those favorite taco flavors into an easy-to-eat dish, making dinner both fun and tasty. With a blend of seasoned meat, cheese, and crunchy chips, it’s a guaranteed kid-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this chicken parmesan made in the air fryer is hard to resist. It brings restaurant-quality taste right to your dinner table. Your kids will adore the cheesy, tomatoey goodness of this classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plate of spaghetti and meatballs topped with parmesan.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Say goodbye to juggling pots and pans; this all-in-one Instant Pot dish delivers flavorful spaghetti and juicy meatballs without the fuss. Kids will love the familiar taste, and you’ll love the minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This chicken is slathered in tangy BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in crispy skin and succulent meat. It’s the kind of finger-licking treat that kids eagerly await all day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combining the hearty warmth of chili with the comfort of macaroni, this slow cooker dish is both filling and delicious. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, making it a hit with kids of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the flavors of Olive Garden to your home with this creamy chicken pasta. It’s a rich and delightful dish that offers kids the pleasure of dining out while staying in.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These chicken legs are incredibly juicy inside with a perfectly crispy exterior. The air fryer method ensures a consistent, mouth-watering result every time, and kids just can’t get enough of that crunch!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Three bacon wrapped hot dogs in buns topped with cheese and onions.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Elevate the classic hot dog with a savory bacon twist. The crispy bacon wrapping adds an irresistible layer of flavor that kids go wild for, making it the star of any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

It’s the ultimate combo of sweet and savory. With deliciously seasoned chicken layered between fluffy waffles, it’s a dish that satisfies all cravings, ensuring empty plates and happy kiddos.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turning the beloved taco into a skillet meal means less mess but all the flavor. With seasoned meat, cheesy goodness, and rice to fill them up, kids will definitely be coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a dream come true. It’s the kind of meal kids daydream about during school, eager to come home and dig in.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Pizza

Pizza in basket of the air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get the crunch of a brick-oven pizza right from your air fryer. With customizable toppings and a perfectly crisped crust, this pizza is a kid-favorite that’s ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These chicken tacos offer tender meat, rich flavors, and the convenience of a slow cooker. Set it up, let it cook, and serve up a meal that kids rave about — taco night has never been this easy or delicious!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Air Fryer Meatballs

Plate of frozen meatballs with toothpicks sticking out of them.
Air Fryer Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Juicy on the inside with a crispy outer layer, these meatballs are a delightful treat from the air fryer. They’re bite-sized wonders that kids can’t resist, perfect for spaghetti or a snack on their own.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs

Ham, Egg and Cheese Waffle Sandwiches

Breakfast sandwich with ham, egg and cheese on waffles.
Ham, Egg and Cheese Waffle Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! This sandwich offers the savory combo of ham, egg, and cheese between two delicious waffles. It’s a whimsical, hearty meal that kids will want every morning (and night).
Get the Recipe: Ham, Egg and Cheese Waffle Sandwiches

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