Check out our list of flavorful, simple-to-make dishes that are sure to delight everyone! These are easy, tasty recipes perfect for picky eaters.
Tasty Meals for Picky Eaters
Attacking the challenge of pleasing picky eaters is made easier with these delightful recipes. They're so delicious that even those with selective tastes will be eager for seconds. Imagine indulging in a tender muffin that cleverly combines sweet oats and leafy greens, or savoring a cheesy casserole packed with chicken and beans. Not to mention, the turkey nuggets come out perfectly crispy from the air fryer, offering a healthier alternative. These meals prove that nutritious food doesn't have to compromise on flavor, making healthy eating exciting and simple for everyone.
Oatmeal Green Smoothie Muffins
These easy-to-bake goodies blend the health of 2 cups of spinach with the sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of maple syrup or honey. Ground oats give them a hearty texture, while still being delightfully soft and fluffy. Beloved by kids and with a quick 20-minute bake time, these muffins are a top pick for a nutritious breakfast or a convenient snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats, uncooked, Gluten Free option, use gluten free oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, can sub with 2 "flax eggs" to make egg-free
- ¼ cup milk of choice, I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can use whatever your family prefers
- ¼ cup avocado oil, or melted coconut oil
- 1½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 medium very ripe bananas, Can sub with 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
Ground Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe with Black Beans
Just assemble, bake, and watch this casserole become a new family favorite at the dinner table. This oven-baked delight layers zesty seasoned chicken, hearty black beans, and corn tortillas under a generous blanket of melted cheese. Dubbed as Mexican Lasagna, its simple preparation is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting meal that promises leftovers for the next day.
Ingredients:
- Ground Chicken and Beans
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 15 oz Black Beans
- 15 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes
- 4 oz Canned Green Chilis
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- 2 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Tomato Sauce
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- Make Casserole
- 12 Corn Tortillas, 6″
- 3 Scallions (green onions)
- 12 oz Shredded Cheese Cheddar or Taco Blend
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- 1 Tomato, large
- ½ cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped Optional
Cheese Straws Recipe
Made with puff pastry and filled with cheese, they're baked to golden perfection in just 10 minutes. These straws are versatile, pairing well with everything from soup to salad, and can even be frozen for later. A simple delight, cheese straws upgrade any meal with their playful shape and mouthwatering taste, making them a hit for all ages.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded Italian cheese blend, such as Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
Ground Turkey Nuggets (Air Fryer)
Kids and adults love their golden, crispy exterior, which comes with fewer calories thanks to air frying—no deep frying here! Easily switchable with chicken, Ground Turkey gluten-free nuggets are fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. They are the perfect homemade alternative to the frozen aisle, offering a wholesome and tasty option that's ready in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder, divided
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs, divided
- 2 large eggs, whisked
Waffled Tofu
By using a waffle iron, you can give firm tofu a unique, crispy texture and an engaging grid pattern. Not just for fun, this method also compresses the tofu, making it chewier and more flavorful as it absorbs a mix of sesame and miso. Served alongside crunchy waffled rice, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an amusing and tasty experience, perfect for shaking up your usual meal routine.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14 ounces) firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into ¾-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon yellow miso paste
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce, plus more for serving
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 cups cooked Asian-style short grain rice or Thai sticky rice
- Sriracha, for serving (optional)
- Black sesame seeds, for serving (optional)
Mini Meatloaf
Based on a tried-and-true family recipe, these tiny treats are perfect for couples or anyone craving leftovers for a tasty sandwich. They mingle ground beef with breadcrumbs, ketchup, and a special blend of seasonings, all held together with a touch of mayo. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, they bake up fast for a no-fuss, delicious dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. hamburger 90/10 blend
- ½ Tbsp minced onion dried
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 egg or 1 Tbsp mayo
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp steak sauce
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- Meatloaf Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Po-tacos!
This inventive dish turns potato skins into taco shells, packed with any fillings you fancy, from pesto and Greek yogurt to chili or BBQ chicken. Not only are they wallet-friendly, but the options are also endless. Perfect for busy weeknights, they're a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients:
- 4 sweet or russet potatoes
- Topping Ideas
- pesto
- greek yogurt
- manchego cheese
- chicken chili with cheddar cheese
- refried beans
- sour cream
- salsa
bbq chicken
Easy Healthy Orange Chicken
Easy Healthy Orange Chicken turns your dining table into a no-guilt Chinese restaurant. This homemade dish, ready in 20 minutes, swaps out heavy takeout for fresh orange juice, light soy sauce, and lean chicken breast. You'll get a zesty, slightly sweet sauce that clings to perfectly browned chicken. Loved by adults and kids, it's a versatile meal that pairs well with rice or veggies, minus the excess calories—proof that quick can be both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 large orange zested
- ½ cup orange juice from about 1 large orange
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 bunch of green onions chopped (optional)
Smoked Sausage & Rice One Skillet Meal
Whether you pick spicy sausage or keep it milder, it's a tasty dish that promises smiles around the table. This savory favorite combines Hillshire Farm’s Beef Smoked Sausage, crispy broccoli, fluffy rice, and melty cheese—all cooked in just one pan for a super easy cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 tbs butter
- 1 lb Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage sliced ¼-inch thick
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1½ cups cooked brown rice - I use minute rice to save time!
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Baked Chicken Chimichangas
These oven-baked delights crisp up nicely, ensuring you won't miss the fried version. Packed with tender chicken and wrapped in a golden tortilla, this recipe melds convenience with taste. Perfect for a family dinner, they bring the essence of Mexican cuisine right to your table—no deep fryer needed! Plus, they’re a healthier option for those keeping an eye on their calorie intake.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup of your favorite salsa
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (about ¼ cup)
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- diced tomato, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese for topping
