21 kid-approved recipes even your picky eater will devour

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Explore this delightful collection of kid-approved recipes designed to make family meals a joyful experience. From comforting classics to exciting new flavors, these dishes are sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces.

A crock pot full of sausage, peppers, and marinara sauce.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Roasted chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and shallots on a sheet tray.
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Our Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner brings a burst of seasonal flavors to the table that both young and young-at-heart will appreciate. Kid-friendly chicken apple sausage combines with a colorful array of roasted veggies, offering a balanced and delicious meal without the kitchen chaos.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

For busy school nights, our Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are a kid’s dream come true. Tender chicken, melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce make a mouthwatering combination rolled up in tortillas and slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring happy faces at dinnertime.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The simplicity of our Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is a gift to parents on hectic evenings. Savory ground beef and crisp cabbage join forces in a one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying for kids and stress-free for those preparing it.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Closeup overhead shot of roasted salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and cherry tomatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Our Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies serve up a school night dinner that’s not only nutritious but also tantalizing for kids. Perfectly roasted salmon, combined with a rainbow of veggies, creates a visual and flavorful feast that even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Air Fryer Ham Steak

air fryer ham steak on a white plate with asparagus and mashed potatoes.
Air Fryer Ham Steak. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

An Air Fryer Ham Steak is a kid-approved protein option that delivers succulent and crispy goodness on school nights. With a quick sizzle in the air fryer, thick ham steaks become a delightful and effortless dinner option that children and parents can rally around.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

A crock pot full of sausage, peppers, and marinara sauce.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers offer a taste of Italy to kids’ palates without the hassle. Juicy sausages, vibrant bell peppers, and a medley of spices come together in the slow cooker to create a flavorful meal that young diners will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas are a deliciously wholesome and kid-friendly option that parents can feel good about. Creamy white beans, spread on tortillas, and sprinkled with cheese create a comforting yet nutritious meal that will satisfy even the most discerning young eaters.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake takes school night dinners up a notch with its spicy and cheesy allure. Imagine tender pasta coated in a spicy buffalo chicken sauce, crowned with melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection—each bite promises to excite young taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown and hamburger casserole in white pan.
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole brings a comforting twist to the school night table. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and crispy hashbrowns unite in a casserole that will make both kids and parents eager to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Penne al Baffo

a dish of penne al baffo topped with parsley.
Penne al Baffo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Penne al Baffo offers an Italian-inspired school night meal that kids will savor. Perfectly cooked penne pasta in a flavorful sauce creates a simple yet satisfying dinner that’s sure to please young diners without causing dinnertime stress.
Get the Recipe: Penne al Baffo

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Tuna Pesto Pasta is a time-saving solution for school nights, offering a delightful combination of pantry staples. Al dente pasta, flaky tuna, and vibrant pesto sauce make for a quick and satisfying meal that kids will enjoy, leaving parents with a bit more peace of mind.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Hearty Marinara Sauce

A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Our Hearty Marinara Sauce elevates school night dinners with its rich, aromatic essence that kids will love. Simmering on the stove, it fills the kitchen with comforting scents, turning any dish into a delightful experience for young diners.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Turkey Smash Burgers

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turkey Smash Burgers are a playful and juicy school night treat that kids will enthusiastically embrace. Juicy turkey patties, seasoned to perfection and nestled in fluffy buns, offer a burger night experience that guarantees smiles around the table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Panko shrimp with dipping sauce.
Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp are a kid-approved seafood indulgence for school night dinners. Picture succulent shrimp, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, and fried to a golden perfection that children won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

A bowl of chicken and cabbage soup is shown on a rustic wooden cutting board with parsley and a red linen.
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Our Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger is a soothing and nourishing bowl of comfort that kids will appreciate on school nights. Tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and the warmth of ginger-infused broth come together to create a wholesome meal that will have young diners slurping with delight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Pork Fried Rice

Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.
Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pork Fried Rice is a takeout-inspired delight that offers kids a taste of restaurant-style cuisine on school nights. Imagine fluffy rice stir-fried with savory pork and a medley of vegetables, bringing the deliciousness of takeout right to your home.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Slow cooker salsa chicken with rice and beans on a plate.
Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken simplifies school night dinners without compromising on flavor. Tender chicken simmers in zesty salsa sauce, infusing southwestern flair into a hassle-free meal that leaves both parents and kids satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs introduce rustic charm and savory flavors to school night dinners that kids will love. Imagine chicken thighs sizzling in a cast iron skillet, their skin turning irresistibly crispy while staying tender and flavorful beneath.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese offers creamy, cheesy goodness that makes school night dinners feel like a cozy celebration. Gooey cheese envelops tender pasta and savory turkey in a skillet, creating a meal that kids devour happily.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Taco Rice Skillet

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

Taco Rice Skillet brings the flavors of taco night to school night dinners in a convenient one-pan dish. Seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and all the taco fixings simmer together, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and fun for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes

Penne pasta with burst cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and parsley on white plate next to a pan filled with pasta.
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes combines the elegance of salmon with the ease of a quick school night meal. Imagine al dente penne pasta tossed with tender salmon and juicy cherry tomatoes in a creamy, dreamy sauce—a flavorful and convenient option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes

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