Presenting a delightful selection of dinner dishes that not only cater to the taste buds of children but also pack a nutritious punch for the whole family!
Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas
Picture plates filled with sweet and savory Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, cheesy and fun Taco Casserole, and the vibrantly tasty Red Pesto Pasta, among other delicious options. These meals are designed to bring smiles to the dinner table, making mealtime a joy for kids and stress-free for parents. With flavours that appeal to young palates and ingredients that parents can feel good about, these kid-friendly dinners are sure to become favourites in your home meal rotation.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a crowd-pleaser, wrapped up in an easy, savory-sweet sauce. Brimming with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and carrots, it’s a quick yet wholesome meal. Perfect for garlic lovers, this dish packs a flavorful punch with garlic-infused sauce that gently coats every bite. Ready in no time, it’s the ultimate go-to for a tasty and healthy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil divided use
- 1 cup thinly sliced peeled carrots
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth or water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- salt and pepper to taste
Taco Casserole Recipe
Picture layers of crispy tortilla chips, savory refried beans, and juicy beef, all smothered in melted cheese. It’s a stress-free way to serve up the bold flavors of tacos without the mess, making it a hit for both busy weeknights and hungry crowds. Just add your favorite toppings after baking for a custom finish that's sure to gather everyone around the table.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
- ½ cup onion finely diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes do not drain
- 1 ¼ cups tortilla chips crushed
- 16 ounce can refried beans
- 1 ¼ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomato and sliced olives
- cooking spray
Red Pesto Pasta
Red Pesto Pasta brings Italy to your kitchen with a twist of roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes, blended into a perfectly smooth sauce. Born from the love of rich Italian flavors, this dish is an easy win for any dinner. A splash of olive oil, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese create a taste that’s both comforting and delightfully surprising.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta - of choice
- Red Pesto
- ¾ cup roasted red peppers - from the jar
- ⅔ cup fresh basil leaves - lightly packed
- ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil - drained
- ¼ cup parmesan - freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts - can sub walnuts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic - minced
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes - add more if you want more heat
- ¼ cup olive oil
Make Chicken Nuggets From Scratch
Cooking chicken nuggets from scratch is fun and easy, giving you a tasty alternative to store-bought versions. With simple ingredients like flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices, you can create crispy, tender bites everyone loves. Customize them by adding Parmesan or garlic to the breading. Bake or fry to golden perfection, and pair with your favorite dip.
Ingredients
- ½ cup flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian)
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 3 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 3 teaspoons pepper
- 1 cup canola oil
- Optional: ⅛ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Hamburger Casserole
Oven-baked to bubbly perfection, this dish turns a busy weeknight into a delicious dinner fest with simple steps and familiar ingredients. It's a breeze to make with lean ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and elbow macaroni, creating a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults queue up for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion peeled and diced
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 32 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
This customizable, oven-baked pasta marvel blends ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with spaghetti sauce and, optionally, fresh basil or meats. Perfectly suited for make-ahead meals, it's best served bubbling with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. Each bite offers a delightful mix of creamy cheese and al dente pasta, making any dinner feel special.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 large egg
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, optional
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 4 ½ cups store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spaghetti Boats
Simple to whip up, this dish transforms your extra pasta into a delightful meal that feels brand new. With the option to use homemade French bread, or even zucchini for a healthier version, spaghetti boats are a hit for both taste and convenience. Imagine crispy garlic French bread cradling warm, saucy spaghetti, all topped off with bubbling mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups leftover spaghetti
- 1 loaf french bread , sliced in half
- 4 Tablespoons butter , softened
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Chicken Quesadillas offer a quick, cheesy delight, turning last night's chicken into today's crunchy comfort food. Ready in just 15 minutes, these quesadillas are a four-ingredient wonder. Layer shredded rotisserie chicken and melty cheddar between flour tortillas, then cook to golden perfection. Serve them up as a tasty snack for movie nights or amp up your next meal with this simple, customizable dish .
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese,
