Fussy eaters at your table? These seven dinner recipes are not only foolproof, but they’re also decidedly kid friendly. (Grown-ups won’t be able to resist them either, promise.) Our menu for this week includes tried-and-true favorites, like chicken nuggets and cheesy meatballs, as well as hands-off tacos, a lightning-fast soup and a fresh take on pepperoni pizza. Don’t be shocked when they ask for seconds.
Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (May 1 – 7)
•
Published Apr 28, 2023
Shopping List
Produce
8 garlic cloves
1 yellow onion
3 small carrots
4 medium russet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
1½ pounds sweet potatoes
One large head cauliflower (or 4 cups cauliflower rice)
4 avocados
1 lemon
4 lettuce leaves
3 limes
2 jalapeños
1 white onion
2 oranges
1 bunch parsley
1 bunch basil
1 large bunch scallions
1 large bunch cilantro
1 bunch oregano
Meat
6 large eggs
2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
1 pound ground chicken
6 slices bacon
24 to 30 slices pepperoni
3 pounds cubed pork shoulder
Dairy
3 ounces finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
4 slices provolone cheese
4 ounces milk, cream or half-and-half
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
Sour cream, for serving
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Grains
3 ounces quinoa
4 slices white bread
Crusty bread, for serving
4 kaiser rolls
1 pound bite-size pasta
Canned and Packaged Goods
One 16-ounce jar marinara sauce
32 ounces chicken stock
Kettle-style potato chips, for serving
One 15-ounce can black beans
One 15-ounce can corn kernels
1 sheet store-bought puff pastry
Pizza sauce, for serving
4 ounces chicken broth
Pantry Ingredients: all-purpose flour, garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, extra-virgin olive oil, sesame seeds, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, hot sauce, cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes
Monday: Baked Quinoa Chicken Nuggets
When in doubt, make chicken nuggets. Thanks to cooked quinoa, these turn out moister than the frozen kind (although they take about the same time to bake to crispy perfection).
Tuesday: Chicken Parm Meatballs
Wednesday: Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Thursday: Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers
Vegetarians and picky kids alike will have no complaints about these hearty handhelds, which contain 32 grams of plant-based protein each. Pan-fry the patties as the recipe suggests or pop them on the grill if the weather is right.
Friday: Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
What better way to kick off the weekend than with a low-lift, 20-minute dinner that serves a crowd? You can even prepare it the night before if you have time—pasta salad keeps like a charm in the fridge.
Saturday: Puff Pastry Pizza Bundles
This foolproof meal requires only seven ingredients and 25 minutes of your time, and it’ll make you the coolest mom on the block (well, at least in your kids’ eyes). Serve the bites with salad, soup and plenty of store-bought pizza sauce for dipping.
Sunday: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Let your Crockpot do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day (or blend a batch of frozen margaritas to pair with dinner). Top the succulent tacos with pickled onions, sliced avocado, salsa verde and lots of fresh lime juice.
Taryn Pire is PureWow’s associate food editor. A former bartender and barista, she’s been writing about all things delicious since 2016, developing recipes, reviewing restaurants and investigating food trends at Food52, New Jersey Family Magazine and Taste Talks. When she isn’t testing TikTok’s latest viral recipe, she’s having popcorn for dinner and posting about it on Instagram @cookingwithpire.
