23 Dinner Recipes Your Kids Will Actually Eat

Getting dinner on the table is hard, but finding something your kids will actually eat can make it harder. Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters, busy weeknights, or just trying to avoid another untouched plate, having a few reliable go-to meals makes all the difference. These dinner recipes are made with familiar ingredients, quick prep, and flavors that tend to go over well with younger eaters. From cheesy pastas to crispy chicken, this list is full of meals that keep things simple while still making everyone at the table happy.

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

This rich and creamy mac and cheese is a great weeknight option because it comes together quickly and feels like a special treat. The cheesy flavor and familiar texture make it something kids will ask for again. It works well as a side or main dish depending on your needs. You can prep it ahead and warm it up easily without losing its texture.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

This one-pan dish blends taco-seasoned ground beef with spaghetti for a fun twist that’s easy to put together. It brings bold flavors without being too spicy, making it easy for younger eaters to enjoy. You can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes, and cleanup is minimal. It’s a good way to work a familiar favorite into your meal rotation with something just different enough.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Chicken Roll Ups

These roll ups are a simple dinner option that can be made with common ingredients like shredded chicken, cheese, and refrigerated dough. They’re easy for kids to pick up and eat with their hands, which helps make mealtime smoother. You can get them in the oven in less than 15 minutes. They also reheat well, which is helpful for leftovers or next-day lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups

Personal Pizza

Making small pizzas lets everyone choose their own toppings, which often means fewer complaints at the table. It’s a hands-on dinner that can double as a fun activity with your kids. You can use store-bought dough or pre-made crusts to save time. This works great for a relaxed Friday night dinner or weekend lunch.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Popcorn Chicken

These bite-sized pieces are easy to cook and quick to serve, especially with the help of an air fryer or oven. Their familiar taste and size make them a reliable option for younger eaters. You can serve them with dipping sauces and a quick veggie or salad. They freeze and reheat well, which helps when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

This meal can simmer all day and be ready by dinner without much hands-on work. The slow cooker makes the chicken extra tender, which helps if you’re serving picky eaters. You can pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies depending on what you have. It’s dependable for busy weekdays when you’re juggling a lot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

These pork chops come out crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside, thanks to the panko coating. The crunch makes them more appealing for kids who aren’t always into meat dishes. They cook in under 30 minutes and pair well with simple sides like mashed potatoes or green beans. It’s a solid option when you want something hearty but not complicated.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Sloppy Joe Casserole

This casserole puts a twist on the classic sandwich by layering the meat with biscuits or pasta. The familiar sloppy joe flavor makes it a hit with kids, especially since it’s not too spicy. You can prep it earlier in the day and bake it when ready. It’s warm, filling, and makes great leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

You can set this mac and cheese in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you handle other things. The creamy texture and mild flavor make it a steady choice for kids of any age. It’s a solid main or side dish for potlucks, busy days, or gatherings. Leftovers hold up well, especially when reheated with a splash of milk.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Penne Pasta Bake

With baked cheese and a mild red sauce, this pasta dish is easy to prep and hearty enough for dinner. It’s a familiar flavor combo that tends to go over well with kids. You can make it ahead and bake when needed, which is helpful during the week. It’s also easy to double if you want leftovers or freezer portions.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

These nuggets come out crispy without much oil and can be ready in less than 15 minutes. They’re a go-to for younger kids because they’re easy to dip and eat. You can make a big batch and freeze extras for later. They work well with quick sides like fruit or carrots for a fast lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Alfredo Steak Pasta

This pasta combines tender slices of steak with a creamy Alfredo sauce that feels a bit more special. Kids who enjoy cheese-based sauces will probably take to this one without much fuss. It’s filling enough to serve as a full meal without needing a lot of extras. The whole thing can be done in under 30 minutes if you prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Crock Pot Tomato Soup

This smooth tomato soup can simmer all day and pairs well with grilled cheese or crackers. Its simple flavor makes it easy for younger eaters to try, especially if they’re not into chunky soups. Prep is minimal, and you can leave it unattended for most of the cook time. It’s a low-effort way to get a warm, homemade dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Cream Cheese Chicken

This creamy chicken dish uses just a few ingredients and works well over rice or pasta. The smooth texture and mild flavor are usually easier for kids to enjoy without complaint. It’s cooked in a slow cooker, so you can prep it early and not worry about dinner later. Leftovers store well for a second meal later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer gives you crisp skin and juicy meat with less mess. It’s a good way to get a few meals’ worth of protein with minimal effort. The mild flavor works well with kids and can be served plain or with a dipping sauce. It’s also fast for a whole chicken—ready in about an hour.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These tenders are crispy on the outside and soft inside, and they don’t take long to cook. Their simple flavor makes them easier for kids to try, especially with a dipping sauce. You can make them ahead and reheat easily. They’re great for lunches, dinners, or even snacks when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

This one-pan meal combines ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce for a quick and easy dinner. The texture and flavor are familiar, which usually helps when feeding kids. It’s on the table in under 30 minutes with very little cleanup. You can add extra veggies or keep it basic depending on what your family likes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

These legs come out with crispy skin and juicy meat using just a few ingredients. Their handheld size and mild seasoning make them appealing for younger kids. They cook faster than oven methods and don’t need much attention. You can pair them with any quick sides for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Meatball Pasta Bake

This baked dish includes pasta, red sauce, cheese, and meatballs all in one pan. The familiar flavors and soft texture make it a reliable dinner option for families. You can assemble it ahead and bake it when ready. It also freezes well for those nights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Frito Chili Pie

This layered dish combines ground beef chili, cheese, and crunchy corn chips for a fun and filling meal. The familiar texture of the chips helps kids try the chili even if they wouldn’t eat it on its own. It’s quick to make and even quicker to serve. Leftovers hold up well and can even be packed for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This casserole uses a familiar trio of chicken, bacon, and ranch to bring in kids who prefer straightforward flavors. It’s creamy, warm, and easy to scoop into bowls for a quick dinner. You can prep it the night before and bake when you’re ready. It also works well as a reheatable lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

These kabobs cook quickly and can be made with whatever vegetables your kids will eat. Their bite-sized pieces make them more approachable for picky eaters. They’re done in about 20 minutes and don’t require a grill or much cleanup. Serve with rice, salad, or bread depending on your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Individual Lasagna

Making small, single-serving lasagnas helps control portion size and makes the dish easier for kids to eat. They’re just as hearty as a full pan but take less time to cook. You can prep them in ramekins or muffin tins for added convenience. They freeze well too, which is helpful for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

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