Feeding the whole family can feel like a full-time job, but it doesn't have to. These crowd-pleasers are fast, healthy(ish) and satisfying. Don't worry: We also made sure they're a little bit sophisticated (anything but baked chicken and peas), so the chef can enjoy them, too.
25 Easy Dinners Every Kid on the Planet Will Love
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Published Jun 22, 2017
Creamy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese “croutons”
The kiddos will gobble this up, and you’ll want to take leftovers to work. May we suggest making a double batch?
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Baked Quinoa Chicken Nuggets
Better than anything you’ll find in the freezer aisle, these golden crisp tenders don’t taste remotely “healthy.”
Rainbow Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Little ones will get a kick out of decorating and eating this colorful pie. And, bonus, for mom: The crust is low-carb.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Polenta And Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs again? Enter this slightly classier version the kids (and you) will still love.
Ham And Cheese Tortellini
Add this delightfully cheesy dish to your weekly rotation.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
One-pan Roasted Chicken With Carrots
Simple and perfectly seasoned, this dish is sure to become a family hit. (And, bonus, practically zero cleanup.)
Broccoli Cheese And Potato Soup
Guaranteed to get your picky son to eat his greens.
Southwest Sweet Potato Tater Tot Hotdish
Serve your toddler first—everyone else will be fighting for seconds.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Eggplant Pizza
Almost as fast as a frozen pizza, this healthy veggie-centric version lets you rest easy.
Asparagus Grilled Cheese With Brown Butter And Dijon
Grilled cheese for dinner will make your tot’s day. (And we give you permission to call it a tartine.)
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin Mcdowell
Baked Zucchini “ziti” Spirals With Mozzarella
You'll love the squash, your preschooler will adore the cheesy sauce.
Skillet Taco Pasta Shells
After soccer practice and piano lessons, this 30-minute crowd-pleaser is a godsend.
Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders With Honey Mustard Sauce
Crusted in coconut and almond flour, these gems are perfect for weeknight dinners.
Broccoli And Ricotta Lasagna Rolls
Warm, comforting and sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Chicago Dogs
Set up a topping bar and let everyone assemble their own dogs.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin Mcdowell
Tortellini Soup With Italian Sausage
All the greatest hits in one delicious dish.
Taco Pizza
The next time you’re tempted to get fast food, remind yourself that this pizza takes just 30 minutes. And shhh—don’t tell your preschooler—it’s practically just a big salad.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin Mcdowell
Sweet Potato Noodles With Almond Sauce
Your kiddo will swoon over these “swoodles.” And so will your waistline.
A Better Happier St. Sebastian
Classic Chicken Pie
Think: Free-form chicken potpie. Home run.
Get the recipe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin Mcdowell
Blt Tacos
One thing the whole fam can agree on? Bacon makes everything better.
The Essential Cheese Quiche
Make everyone’s night with this light and fluffy cheese pie. (Optional: French wine for the chef.)
One-pan Pizza Chicken
The kids love cheese. You hate doing dishes. Best compromise ever.
Avocado Pasta With Asparagus And Peas
Appetizing shells will lure them in; creamy avocado sauce will have them coming back for more.
Bacon Wrapped Guacamole Stuffed Chicken
Family-friendly, but oh-so-fancy.
Quesadilla Burger
Clear off a space on the bookshelf for that “Mom of the Year” trophy.
