So we compiled dozens of easy kid- (and adult!) friendly dinner recipes to provide some inspo for the next meal you’ll share with your little ones. From quick, healthy dinner solutions to comforting and kid-approved classics, these fast family meals will delight anyone — both over and under the age of nine.
The best part about kid-approved cooking is that kids tend to prefer more straightforward meals with few ingredients — which means less work (and dishes!) for you. Better yet, ditch the utensils altogether and host a family-friendly taco night. Kids’ dinners can also be a little more fun (and a lot cheesier) than the dinner party mainstays you might serve to a room of adults. Plus, they don’t demand anything too fancy, so if you only have time to throw a bunch of ingredients into the Instant Pot and call it a night, you can still serve up something totally delicious and crowd-pleasing. Plus, plenty of these recipes are simple enough to let your kids cook along with you (calling all mini-chefs in the making!).
And if you’re truly at a loss of what to serve your family tonight, a classic stir fry is endlessly adaptable according to picky eaters’ tastes or what you have in the house. These easy dinner ideas for the whole family prove that cooking for rambunctious roomies doesn’t have to be bland or boring. Bring on the flavor!
Skip takeout and opt for this kid-friendly (and veggie-packed!) stir-fry instead.
Juicy meatballs, covered in gooey mozzarella cheese sounds like the perfect dish to share with the family tonight.
This one pot wonder is a real crowdpleaser thanks to its creamy texture and cheesy taste. Plus it is the ultimate canvas for any toppings your family may enjoy: Try a fried egg, a dollop of pesto, or a sprinkle of peas.
Hoisin sauce turns average drumsticks into an addicting dinner.
Chicken breast cooked in a homemade peanut sauce will make this Taco Tuesday unforgettable.
Burger meets grilled cheese in this rich and delicious dinner.
Say hello to your easiest (1-ingredient!) marinade, pesto. Try it with store-bought or our homemade version.
Baking this crunchy, crowd-pleasing favorite makes it much healthier and lower in fat than a traditional fried chicken recipe.
Sweet and spicy pickles and peppers make this barbecue favorite a real winner.
This easy, cheesy casserole is the perfect breakfast for dinner menu addition.
Fresh corn adds sweetness (and some veggies) to this tasty family-friendly pasta.
This crunchy, cheesy sandwich is the ultimate grab-and-go dinner and is ready in only 25 minutes!
Sneak some veggies into dinnertime by topping an easy, cheesy pizza with thinly sliced cauliflower.
There’s a good chance you already have all the ingredients you need for this easy weeknight dinner.
This flavor-packed dinner is loaded with a pork meat sauce, three cheeses, spinach, and herbs, and it’s layered with no boil noodles. We’ll have seconds, please!
Lighten up taco night with our slightly spicy take on this crunchy family fave.
Cream cheese and lemon turn average chicken and pasta into a luxurious kid-friendly dinner.
Elevate an average hot dog to an epic dinner dish with the addition of homemade chili.
Homemade crispy coated chicken is a real crowd pleaser, and is best served with an easy barbecue side for the most delicious summer dinner.
Your kids will come running when they hear that these flavor-packed party snacks are for dinner.
With just five ingredients and 30 minutes, you can have a hearty dinner on the table that the whole family will love.
Zesty jalapeños bring the heat to this Mexican-inspired chicken dinner.
Mascarpone cheese replaces the standard butter and flour combo in this super-fast (and decadent!) stovetop mac.
Turn this sweet and smoky chili into an epic DIY bar with the addition of sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and grated cheese. Who said you can’t have fun with your food?
If your kids love chicken noodle, try this flavor-packed version, full of herbs and bulgar wheat, to zest up your soup routine.
Make a big batch of this veggie-packed casserole over the weekend and keep in your freezer for the night when prepping dinner is the last thing you want to do.
Add pasta for a fun and fresh take on spaghetti and meatballs.
Make extra breadcrumbs when prepping this easy weeknight dinner: you’ll want to add them to all your favorite dishes.
For a quick weeknight meal, try this one-pot Southern staple.
The tiny pieces of fresh sweet zucchini are disguised in this tangy fresh pasta dish. Even veggie-haters will devour a bowl.
