15 kid-friendly dinners you can make faster than they can whine

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When dinnertime rolls around, getting a meal on the table before the kids start whining can feel like a race against the clock. But fear not! We’ve curated a list of 15 kid-friendly dinners that you can whip up faster than they can voice their complaints. From quick pizza bowls to crowd-pleasing chicken pockets, these recipes are not only delicious but also designed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have dinner ready in no time, leaving you with happy tummies and minimal whining.

Mini pizza cups served on a plate with fresh parsley garnish.
Pizza Bowls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Pigs in a Blanket

Hot dog buns with little smokies on a plate.
Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Pigs in a Blanket offer a playful and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for kids’ meals or party appetizers. With smokies wrapped in a homemade seasoned dough and baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized snacks are easy to make and fun to eat. Whether served with dipping sauces or enjoyed on their own, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, providing a tasty and satisfying option for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole bites

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole bites. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Bites are bite-sized packages of joy that make dinner time fun and delicious for kids. Packed with flavor and cheesy goodness, these bites offer a creative twist on traditional casseroles, making them a hit with the whole family. Despite their small size, they deliver big taste, proving that good things come in small packages when it comes to satisfying kids’ appetites.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole bites

Pizza Bowls

A plate with four mini pizzas on it.
Pizza Bowls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Pizza Bowls reinvent pizza night by offering a customizable and interactive dining experience, perfect for kids who love to build their own meals. With all the familiar pizza flavors in a convenient bowl format, these bowls make dinner time enjoyable and hassle-free. Say goodbye to the chaos of traditional pizza slices and hello to a new family favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bowls

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Pepperoni rolls on a plate.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls put a fun twist on traditional pizza, offering a bite-sized snack that’s perfect for kids’ appetites. These rolls are filled with all the savory goodness of pepperoni and cheese, making them a tasty and convenient option for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or party platters. Quick to assemble and bake, they’re a great way to satisfy pizza cravings in a flash, ensuring smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Chicken and Broccoli Pockets

A plate of chicken and broccoli pockets on a cutting board.
Chicken and Broccoli Pockets. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken and Broccoli Pockets combine familiar ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce in a convenient handheld form, making them ideal for busy weeknights or on-the-go meals. These pockets offer a comforting and satisfying taste that kids will adore, whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for later. With their creamy filling and flaky pastry crust, they’re sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Pockets

Meatball Casserole

A casserole dish filled with meatballs and cheese.
Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Meatball Casserole combines the classic flavors of meatballs, cheese, and creamy sauce in a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please kids of all ages. With its comforting and familiar taste, this casserole offers a convenient way to enjoy a favorite meal without the hassle of rolling individual meatballs. Simply customize with your family’s favorite ingredients and enjoy a hearty and delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Bacon Cheeseburger Kebabs

Meatball skewers on a plate with lettuce and tomatoes.
Bacon Cheeseburger Kebabs. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Bacon Cheeseburger Kebabs offer a playful twist on the classic burger, making them a hit with kids who love finger foods. These kebabs are loaded with all the tasty elements of a cheeseburger – bacon, cheese, and juicy beef – making them a surefire crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. With their convenient skewer format, they’re easy to handle and enjoy, ensuring a fuss-free mealtime experience.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Kebabs

Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar

Bacon wrapped meatloaf on a plate.
Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Capture the nostalgia of fast-food favorites with Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwiches, a comforting and familiar taste for kids. With tender roast beef, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and tangy Arby’s sauce, these sandwiches provide a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Skip the drive-thru and whip up this homemade version in no time, ensuring a delightful treat for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar

Chicken Pot Pie

A plate of pot pie on a table.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken Pot Pie is the epitome of comfort food, offering a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners. With its golden biscuit topping and creamy chicken and veggie filling, this dish provides a warm and comforting taste that kids will crave. Quick to prepare and bake, it’s a convenient option for busy nights when you need a wholesome meal that’ll satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Grilled Cheese

Two slices of grilled cheese on a plate.
Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Grilled Cheese gets a gourmet makeover with this homemade twist, offering a flavorful and comforting option for kids’ dinners. Loaded with a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and American cheeses between slices of freshly made bread, this grilled cheese is bursting with flavor and crispy edges that kids will love. Say goodbye to ordinary sandwiches and hello to a cheesy delight that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Asian chicken skewers on top of rice.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers offer a sweet and savory flavor that’s irresistible to kids, making them a guaranteed hit for family dinners. Grilled to perfection and brushed with homemade teriyaki sauce, these skewers provide a gourmet touch to outdoor dining without the fuss. With their simple preparation and delicious taste, they’re a great way to elevate your dinner routine while keeping everyone satisfied and happy.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Single Serve Pizza

A pizza on a wooden cutting board.
Single Serve Pizza. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Single Serve Pizza caters to individual tastes, providing a personalized pizza experience that’s ideal for kids’ dinners. With its customizable toppings and buttery crust, each pizza is made just the way you like it, ensuring a satisfying and delicious meal every time. Quick, easy, and perfectly portioned, it’s pizza night made personal, offering a fun and convenient option for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Single Serve Pizza

Taco Casserole

A casserole dish filled with meat and cheese.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Taco Casserole brings the excitement of taco night to the dinner table without the mess, making it a practical choice for kid-friendly dinners. This flavor-packed dish transforms traditional taco ingredients into a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With its hearty and satisfying taste, it’s a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, providing a convenient and delicious solution for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Chicken Meatballs

Chicken meatballs in a white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken Meatballs offer a flavorful alternative to traditional beef meatballs, making them a kid-friendly option for dinner or snacks. With their tender texture and savory buttery sauce, these meatballs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether served as a main dish or a tasty appetizer, they’re quick to prepare and packed with protein, ensuring a satisfying and delicious meal every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Burrito Bowls

A bowl of cauliflower rice with meat and vegetables on a cutting board.
Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Burrito Bowls provide a fun and customizable dining experience that’s perfect for kids who enjoy assembling their own meals. With colorful ingredients like ground turkey, bell peppers, and cauliflower rice, these bowls offer a nutritious and flavorful option that kids will love. Whether topped with cheese, salsa, or guacamole, they’re a versatile dinner option that encourages kids to explore new flavors while enjoying a hands-on dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Burrito Bowls

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