Breaking out of the dinner routine doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you have a list of 21 easy, kid-approved meals that are bound to become new favorites. These dishes bring a fresh twist to the table, combining simplicity with flavors that appeal to the younger crowd, and possibly, you haven’t explored them yet. It’s about making mealtime a hit with recipes that punch in taste without the complex steps, ensuring smiles around the dinner table.
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Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
![A casserole dish containing egg casserole.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Egg-Casserole.jpg)
Kickstart your mornings with a dish that’s ready before you even open your eyes. Loaded with eggs, your choice of veggies, and heaps of cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that makes breakfast the easiest meal of the day. Plus, the versatility means you never get bored.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Scalloped Potatoes
![Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Scalloped-Potatoes-1.jpg)
Dive into layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. This side dish often ends up stealing the spotlight, proving that potatoes plus cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Best Lemon Pasta
![A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MSN-Lemon-Pasta.jpg)
Bring a burst of citrus to your dinner table with pasta that’s light, zesty, and undeniably refreshing. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that turns an ordinary night into something special. The tangy lemon sauce pairs beautifully with the pasta, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and light.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Wild Rice Casserole
![A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MSN-Wild-Rice-Casserole.jpg)
Experience the hearty goodness of wild rice mixed with mushrooms and veggies, all baked together in a savory casserole. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and offers a delicious way to enjoy grains and vegetables. This casserole might just become your new favorite way to serve rice.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
![Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Air-Fryer-Glazed-Carrots-2.jpg)
Transform carrots into a side dish that’s sweet, slightly caramelized, and utterly irresistible, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Glazed with a hint of honey or maple syrup, they become a treat that even veggie skeptics will love. It’s a quick and easy way to add a splash of color and nutrition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Easy Vegetable Stew
![A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSN-Vegetable-Stew.jpg)
Simmer down with a bowl of vegetable stew that’s both comforting and bursting with flavors. Packed with whatever veggies you have on hand, it’s a versatile and hearty dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cool day. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure you’re getting a healthy dose of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
![Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cauliflower-Casserole-1.jpg)
Revel in the creamy, cheesy delight that turns cauliflower into a main attraction. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is a testament to how delicious veggies can be with just a little cheese. It’s a side that often ends up as the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Baked Potato
![Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Baked-Potatoes.jpg)
A classic baked potato is a blank canvas for an array of toppings, transforming it from a humble side to a filling main. Load it up with cheese, sour cream, chives, or even chili for a customizable meal that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest dishes are the best.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Breaded Mushrooms
![Breaded Mushrooms in a white bowl with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MSN-Mushrooms-with-Aioli.jpg)
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these breaded mushrooms are a delicious way to enjoy fungi. Perfect for dipping or enjoying as is, they’re a versatile snack or side that’s unexpectedly satisfying. They might just convert mushroom doubters into fans.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms
Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets
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For a plant-based twist on a favorite snack, these cauliflower nuggets are crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. They’re a hit with vegans and meat-eaters alike, proving that cauliflower really can do it all. It’s a fun and tasty way to get your veggies in.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets
Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts
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Satisfy your sweet tooth with gluten-free chocolate donuts that are soft, moist, and utterly decadent. Covered in a rich chocolate glaze, they’re a treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. These donuts make it easy to indulge without the gluten.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
![A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Zucchini-Casserole-3.jpg)
This casserole transforms zucchini into a cheesy, savory dish that’s impossible to resist. Layered with cheese and herbs, it’s a side that can easily take center stage. It’s a delicious way to make sure everyone’s eating their greens.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Easy Burrito
![Someone stacking veggie burritos.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Veggie-Burrito-4.jpg)
Wrap up dinner with easy burritos that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Stuff them with beans, rice, veggies, or whatever your heart desires for a customizable meal that satisfies. It’s a hands-on dinner option that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito
Easy Vegan Mug Brownie – Ready in 5 Minutes!
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Dive into the decadent world of Easy Vegan Mug Brownies, a dessert that’s ready in just 5 minutes. This treat is perfect for when you need a chocolate fix but don’t want to make a whole batch. It’s rich, fudgy, and completely plant-based, making it a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Mug Brownie – Ready in 5 Minutes!
Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)
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Bite into a vegan chickpea burger that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, even for the meat lovers. This gluten-free option is packed with protein and spices, making it a delicious alternative to traditional burgers. It’s a great way to switch up your burger game with something healthy and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)
Stuffed Peppers
![Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Air-Fryer-Stuffed-Peppers-2.jpg)
These aren’t just any stuffed peppers; they’re a vibrant, flavorful meal packed with a mixture that might include rice, meat, or a rainbow of vegetables. Each pepper becomes a self-contained dish that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. They’re a great way to sneak more veggies onto the dinner table in a form that’s both colorful and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Fried Banana
![A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Fried-Banana-MSN.jpg)
Treat your taste buds to the sweet simplicity of Fried Bananas, a dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Caramelized on the outside and soft on the inside, they can be served with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a scoop of ice cream. It’s a quick and easy treat that brings a touch of tropical flair to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Air Fryer Carrot Fries
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Say hello to Air Fryer Carrot Fries, a healthier alternative to traditional fries that doesn’t skimp on flavor. They come out crispy and golden, perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce. This side dish is a clever way to get kids excited about eating their veggies, proving that carrots can be just as fun as potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
![Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cinnamon-Rolls-1.jpg)
Imagine the aroma of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls filling your kitchen, a scent that promises bites of soft, sweet pastry swirled with cinnamon. These rolls are a labor of love that’s worth every minute, perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet snack. They’re so good, you’ll forget about any store-bought version you’ve tried before.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
![A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Egg-Potato-Breakfast-Casserole-2.jpg)
This Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole is a hearty way to start any day, combining fluffy eggs, savory potatoes, and your choice of add-ins. It’s a versatile dish that can cater to any taste, making it a hit for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious, ready-to-eat option on busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
Easy Banana Pudding
![Banana pudding in a bowl with whipped cream and bananas.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Banana-Pudding-3.jpg)
End your meal on a sweet note with an easy banana pudding that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Layered with
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding