50 Healthy Kid Friendly Dinners That Can Be Made in a Pinch

Figuring out what to make for dinner for a family of picky eaters is no easy task, let alone nutritious meals with fruits and vegetables. It can seem like an impossible mission, so parents often turn to frozen dinners, fast food, or a small safelist of meals. Cheese pizza and chicken tenders, anyone? But if you’re in the mood to cook and want to bolster your list of “safe meals” that also make for easy weeknight dinners, we’ve got just the thing.

We put together a list of kid-friendly dinners that includes classics, such as macaroni and cheese, ham and cheese sandwiches, sloppy joes, and more; as well as recipes that will hopefully expand their comfort zone, such as Tex-Mex quesadillas, mustard chicken, and spiced tomato soup. We also made sure to include some veggie-packed recipe picks, so the little (or big) ones in your life will still receive their daily dose of nutrients, even if they’ve sworn off “healthy foods.”

For more easy dinner ideas for kids, make sure to check out our lists of school lunch ideas for picky eaters, chicken recipes for kids, and kid-friendly slow cooker recipes next.

Let us know if these kid-friendly meals were a hit in the comments below!

Stovetop Mac 'n' Cheese

Your kids will be cheesin' when they get a taste of this melty macaroni goodness.

Get the Stovetop Mac 'n' Cheese recipe.

Hot Dog on a Stick

This is a recipe you'll want to stick with. Substitute regular hot dogs for turkey dogs, if you're after a healthier version of this yummy dish.

Get the Hot Dog on a Stick recipe.

Crispy Baked Chicken

Chicken nuggets are already a popular kid dinner, but when elevated with cornflakes and buttermilk, kids will be asking for them every night.

Get the Crispy Baked Chicken recipe.

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Sure, they may be sloppy, but they're still a kid-friendly meal that everyone will love. Just make sure to have a stack of napkins on standby.

Get the Sloppy Joe Sliders recipe.

PB and J Banana Pancakes

Every kid loves breakfast for dinner, so get excited because it's peanut butter jelly (pancake) time.

Get the PB and J Banana Pancakes recipe.

Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips

You don't need to hit the drive-thru for fast food. This fresh turkey burger recipe only takes 30 minutes to prepare.

Get the Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips recipe.

Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese

Give your little one an extra protein punch by adding layers of juicy ham to their favorite sandwich.

Get the Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese recipe.

Grilled Tomato Soup and Cheddar Sandwiches

Grill the tomatoes to take this classic combo to the next level.

Get the Grilled Tomato Soup and Cheddar Sandwiches recipe.

Peanut Butter Barbecue Pork Kebabs

At first glance, combining pork with peanut butter may sound a little strange. However, if the kiddos can't get enough PB&J sandwiches, this dish will surely please them. Plus, nut butter is a pantry staple, making this an easy dinner for you, too.

Get the Peanut Butter Barbecue Pork Kebabs recipe.

Mini BLTs

A classic mini sandwich for your mini-me. To save on time, buy store-bought biscuits and fill them with BLT fixings.

Get the Mini BLTs recipe.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Dealing with a sick child can be stressful, but making them a bowl of soup doesn't have to be.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.

Skillet Shrimp Tacos

Taco night just got a whole lot better with this light, refreshing shrimp dish.

Get the Skillet Shrimp Tacos recipe.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Disguise cauliflower as fried rice to get more veggies into the tummies of little ones.

Get the Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.

Loaded Chicken Nachos

These 15-minute chicken nachos are perfect if you're in a time crunch but still want to serve up a healthy dinner.

Get the Loaded Chicken Nachos recipe.

Tex-Mex Chicken Quesadillas

Take your kids on a trip down South with this tasty quesadilla recipe. Serve it with mixed green salad dressed with fresh lime vinaigrette for an extra dose of veggies.

Get the Tex-Mex Chicken Quesadillas recipe.

Nutty Nuggets with Ruby-Red Sauce

Kids will go nuts when you cover chicken nuggets in chopped pecans and Panko breadcrumbs. Dip them in a tangy cranberry-mustard sauce for extra yummy flavor.

Get the Nutty Nuggets with Ruby-Red Sauce recipe.

Scrambled Egg Tacos

Breakfast for dinner, all tucked inside a taco shell? Say less.

Get the Scrambled Egg Tacos recipe.

Buttermilk Waffle, Bacon and Egg Sandwich

For a hearty brekkie combo that can just as easily be a dinner sandwich, get out the waffle iron, and fry up some eggs.

Get the Buttermilk Waffle, Bacon and Egg Sandwich recipe.

Egg and Tater Bake

Add tater tots to pretty much anything, and your kids will want seconds for sure.

Get the Egg and Tater Bake recipe.

RELATED: Easy Breakfast Ideas for the Best Morning Ever

Quick Chili

You'll love this dinner idea because it only takes 40 minutes to prepare; they'll love it because it's jampacked with flavor.

Get the Quick Chili recipe.

RELATED: Quick Gluten-Free Meals for the Whole Family

Crispy Mustard Chicken

For a quick and delicious chicken dinner, prepare this dish that has a mustardy flavor both kids and adults will enjoy.

Get the Crispy Mustard Chicken recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

If they're a fan of buffalo chicken on its own, they'll love this pizza version.

Get the Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe.

Kale and Romaine Chicken Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a summertime classic, and with the addition of kale, they'll get plenty of greens.

Get the Kale and Romaine Chicken Caesar Salad recipe.

RELATED: Heart-Healthy Recipes to Make for an Easy Dinner Tonight

Mediterranean Chicken Pitas

This easily customizable dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Stick to the recipe for a Mediterranean twist, or add their favorite veggies and spread for a custom pita meal.

Get the Mediterranean Chicken Pitas recipe.

Chili Dogs

If you're celebrating a little league win tonight, make these hearty dogs to top off the night.

Get the Chili Dogs recipe.

Everything Chicken Fingers with Wedge Salad

Turn their favorite bagel order into a protein-focused meal with these everything-seasoned chicken fingers.

Get the Everything Chicken Fingers with Wedge Salad recipe.

RELATED: Best Chicken Recipes for Kids That Are Fast and Simple

Pasta with Easy Sausage Ragu

Ragu can be a multi-hour process, but this recipe condenses it into just twenty-five minutes. How about that for time savings?

Get the Pasta with Easy Sausage Ragu recipe.

Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles

Introduce more seafood into their diet by tempting them with fun zoodles. The name alone should be enough to intrigue them.

Get the Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles recipe.

RELATED: 100+ Light Dinner Ideas That Are Easy and Delicious

Cheesy Shells and Greens

With cheesy noodles in the mix, kids won't even notice the pop of green in this dish.

Get the Cheesy Shells and Greens recipe.

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Pizza

You can skip the chorizo for a vegetarian pizza or keep all the ingredients as is for an easy cheesy pie recipe.

Get the Sweet Potato and Chorizo Pizza recipe.

Smoky Beef Tacos

There is some smoke to this taco recipe, but you can adjust the ratio of chipotle chile powder to suit your family's taste buds.

Get the Smoky Beef Tacos recipe.

Roasted Salmon, Potatoes & Green Beans

If you want a simple recipe to incorporate more brain-powered food into your kid's diet, this roasted salmon dish is perfect.

Get the Roasted Salmon, Potatoes & Green Beans recipe.

Sautéed Shrimp, Poblanos and Corn with Creamy Rice

Creamy long-grain rice, sweet poblano peppers, and thawed frozen corn make this shrimp dinner ideal for all ages.

Get the Sautéed Shrimp, Poblanos and Corn with Creamy Rice recipe.

Pasta with Marinated Cherry Tomato Sauce

Say ciao to your new weeknight dinner pasta recipe. It's easy, tasty, and packed with veggies.

Get the Pasta with Marinated Cherry Tomato Sauce recipe.

Spiced Tomato Soup with Flatbread

Tomato soup is arguably the most kid-friendly soup out there — and you'll enjoy this recipe, too, with the addition of flavorful ingredients that you can adjust depending on your spice preference.

Get the Spiced Tomato Soup with Flatbread recipe.

Crunchy Tortilla Fish Sticks with Purple Cabbage Slaw

Popping some frozen fish sticks into the oven is a speedy meal, but this homemade version won't take too long to prepare either.

Get the Crunchy Tortilla Fish Sticks with Purple Cabbage Slaw recipe.

Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs

Whether you're surprising the family with a ball game outing tonight or want to bring the stadium vibes to the dinner table, these chicken dogs can achieve both (all the while being a healthier hot dog option).

Get the Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs recipe.

Grilled Buffalo Chicken with Cucumber Salad

Buffalo chicken fans will go ga-ga over this easy recipe that pairs well with fresh veggies and a side of citrus.

Get the Grilled Buffalo Chicken with Cucumber Salad recipe.

Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Arugula Salad

Balsamic vinegar is an easy way to season chicken, so even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy their dinner.

Get the Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Arugula Salad recipe.

Spring Vegetable Carbonara

Skip the typical pancetta and prepare this Italian classic with asparagus and peas for an easy vegetarian pasta bowl.

Get the Spring Vegetable Carbonara recipe.

Grilled Caesar Salad Flatbread

Caesar salad is a classic dish even kids will swoon over. When you top flatbread with the iconic salad, they will be asking for this every night of the week.

Get the Grilled Caesar Salad Flatbread recipe.

Ravioli with No-Cook Tomato Sauce

Cheesy ravioli plus sauce that can be ready in just 15 minutes? That's enough to add this small list of ingredients to your grocery list.

Get the Ravioli with No-Cook Tomato Sauce recipe.

Tex Mex Meat Loaf Sandwiches

The best part about this recipe is that you can have sandwiches on repeat for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Get the Tex Mex Meat Loaf Sandwiches recipe.

Hearty Beef Soup

Beef soup can be a nostalgic meal that transports kids to their grandparents' home on a cold winter night. This slow-cooker meal will give them those cozy vibes.

Get the Hearty Beef Soup recipe.

Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Spinach Quesadilla

If quesadillas are a fan favorite amongst family members, this veggie-focused combo will be a crowd-pleaser.

Get the Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Spinach Quesadilla recipe.

Creamy Tomato Skillet Lasagna

Make a long process shorter by layering zucchini, summer squash, Italian sausage, lasagna noodles, and marina sauce in a skillet rather than a baking dish.

Get the Creamy Tomato Skillet Lasagna recipe.

Mexican Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs may be the easiest egg to cook — but when you add in tomatoes, avocado, tortilla chips, and red onion, it becomes a lot fancier without too much extra time.

Get the Mexican Scrambled Eggs recipe.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells

This recipe requires a bit more time to prepare as it's a slow-cooker dish, but once you have everything in the pot, you can go about your merry way.

Get the Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe.

RELATED: Slow Cooker Meals for Kids That Prove Your Crockpot Is Dinner's MVP

Skillet Mac and Cheese

The moral of the story is that skillets make "baking" favorite pasta dishes a whole lot easier (and quicker).

Get the Skillet Mac and Cheese recipe.

Black Bean, Corn, and Spinach Enchiladas

This 20-minute enchiladas recipe is perfect for meatless Mondays around the dinner table.

Get the Black Bean, Corn, and Spinach Enchiladas recipe.

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