Skip to main content
healthy for your kids
and healthy for you

Family friendly dinners

Delicious family friendly dinner ideas for busy weeknights.

Imagine coming home after a long day and effortlessly preparing a delicious, family-friendly dinner that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, get ready to make that dream a reality with these 50 amazing dinner ideas! From chicken nugget delights to kid-approved vegetarian meals, there’s something for everyone in this mouth-watering collection – all perfect for busy weeknights.

Kid friendly dinner ideas

  • Delight your family with delicious and easy-to-make dinner ideas!
  • Enjoy kid approved recipes like chicken nuggets, ground beef dishes, fried rice creations & more.
  • Make mealtime fun with DIY dinner stations or breakfast for dinner delights!

Chicken nugget delights

Chicken nuggets promise a kid-friendly dinner that will have everyone gathering around the dinner table, ready to dig in. Recipes such as:

  • Chicken Parmesan
  • Sesame Chicken
  • Baked Chicken Tenders
  • Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

For a delicious twist on Baked Chicken Tenders, try adding a pinch of taco seasoning along with salt, pepper, and rosemary – it’s that easy.

Or, why not try the irresistible Chicken Parmesan Sliders made with:

  • frozen chicken nuggets
  • pasta sauce
  • cheese
  • Hawaiian rolls
  • garlic butter

The possibilities are endless, and your family will be begging for more!

Ground beef wonders

For an array of exciting, straightforward, and kid-approved chicken nugget-inspired recipes, consider the wonders of ground beef. With creative dipping sauces and unique flavor combinations, these dishes will have the whole family asking for seconds.

From Cheeseburger Biscuit Bombs made with refrigerated biscuits filled with cheesy hamburger, pickles, and bacon, to the tantalizing Cheesy Tater Tot Dinner Casserole topped with crispy tater tots and loaded with cheesy ground beef mixed with cream of mushroom soup and veggies, these ground beef recipes are perfect for a comforting meal on a busy weeknight.

Fun fried rice creations

Recipes such as Cowboy Casserole, Cheesy Baked Tortellini & Meat Sauce, and Lazy Shepherd’s Pie, all featuring ground beef, are not only adaptable but also ideal for hectic weeknights. With mouthwatering ingredients, these dishes are sure to become a family favorite and a go-to dinner option.

For a scrumptious treat, try the Cowboy Casserole made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, chiles, cheese, sour cream, and topped with crunchy tater tots. Or, indulge in the comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, packed with flavor and perfect for all ages to enjoy. With these fun fried rice creations, dinner time will never be boring again.

Garlic bread goodness

Those who relish carbs and crave the rich, garlicky goodness of garlic bread will find these recipes irresistible. With just a few ingredients, you can create delicious dishes that kids and grown-ups alike will adore.

For a fun twist on traditional garlic bread, try making garlic toast pizzas by using frozen garlic toast as the crust. Or, whip up an amazing unstuffed bell pepper skillet by combining everything into an easy skillet meal. With these garlic bread recipes, you’ll have no trouble pleasing even the pickiest eater at the dinner table.

Rotisserie chicken magic

Rotisserie chicken offers a tasty and easy solution for those bustling weeknight dinners. With recipes like Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole, King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese, and Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole, you can easily create a variety of dishes that are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

For a delicious and easy meal, try the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole made with rotisserie chicken, pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce – it’s sure to be a hit. Or, get creative and whip up a Coconut Curry Zoodle Ramen with rotisserie chicken for a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite. The possibilities are endless when it comes to rotisserie chicken magic.

The ultimate list of healthy chicken family dinner ideas

Kid-friendly pasta dishes

Pasta, a child-friendly favourite, can be effortlessly morphed into a myriad of delectable dishes, ideal for weeknights when time is at a premium. Some examples of kid-friendly pasta dishes include:

  • Stuffed Shells
  • One Pot Pasta with Sausage
  • Baked Spaghetti
  • Slow Cooker Lasagna

There’s something for everyone in this collection of kid-friendly pasta dishes.

For a fun and interactive dinner idea, try making Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells by stuffing jumbo pasta shells with cheesy, taco-seasoned ground beef, and then smothering them in enchilada sauce in a large baking dish.

Or, indulge in the creamy and comforting Slow Cooker Lasagna, perfect for those hectic days when you need a delicious meal ready and waiting.

These pasta dishes are sure to be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.

Slow cooker sensations

Slow cooker meals offer a convenient solution for hectic families, facilitating straightforward meal preparation and reducing cleanup. With delicious options like Uncle Jack’s Mac-and-Cheese, Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese, and Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs, you can have a scrumptious meal waiting for you at the end of a long day.

Try the creamy and cheesy Uncle Jack’s Mac-and-Cheese, cooked in a slow cooker for an irresistibly delicious meal. Or, for an unconventional twist on a classic favorite, serve up some Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs, combining Sloppy Joes and hot dogs with the exciting addition of cola. These slow cooker sensations are perfect for simplifying mealtime and maximizing flavor.

Delicious and easy family slow cooker meals for busy weeknights

Grilled cheese galore

Is there anyone who can resist a well-made grilled cheese? These recipes take the classic sandwich to new heights, adding unique flavors and mouthwatering ingredients that kids and adults alike will love.

For a gourmet twist on a classic, try the Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon, which takes your typical grilled cheese sandwich and adds crispy, savory bacon to the mix. Or, warm up on a chilly day with a bowl of Cheesy Potato Soup with Bacon, a delicious soup that’s like a loaded baked potato in liquid form. With these grilled cheese recipes, you’ll have no trouble satisfying even the pickiest eaters.

Tomato soup twists

Tomato soup, a timeless comfort food, can be effortlessly enhanced with distinctive flavors and ingredients. These twists on the traditional soup are perfect for pleasing picky eaters and introducing new flavors to your family’s dinner table.

For a creamy and comforting meal, try the Cheesy Baked Tortellini & Meat Sauce, which combines tender tortellini with a rich tomato-based meat sauce. Or, for a fresh take on a classic, serve up a bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup alongside a bacon-laden grilled cheese recipe. These tomato soup twists are sure to become family favorites in no time.

One-pot wonders

One-pot dinners serve as a boon during hectic weeknights, lessening cleanup chores while amplifying flavor. With easy dinner ideas like One-Pan Ranch Chicken And Vegetables and One-Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Rice, these dishes are perfect for those days when you need a quick and easy meal without sacrificing taste.

To make a delicious One-Pan Ranch Chicken And Vegetables, simply season chicken and vegetables with ranch seasoning mix and bake them on a sheet pan. Or, for a spicy twist on a classic, try the One-Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Rice, which combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce. These one-pot wonders are sure to become your go-to recipes for busy evenings.

Taco night triumphs

Taco night never fails to delight the entire family, and these adaptable recipes cater to everyone’s individual tastes and preferences. Some delicious taco recipes to try include:

  • Ground Beef Tacos
  • Carnitas
  • Baked Chicken Taquitos
  • Lentil Tacos

There’s a taco recipe for everyone to enjoy.

For a delicious and easy meal, try the Easy Taco Casserole, a tantalizing mixture of meat, beans, tortillas, and cheese all baked together in one dish. Or, give Taco Mac & Cheese a whirl, combining seasoned ground beef with a few boxes of Velveeta Shells & Cheese for a scrumptious combination that will tantalize your taste buds. With these taco night triumphs, dinner will never be dull again.

Pizza party perfection

Pizza night invariably pleases the crowd, and with your own pizza dough and distinctive toppings, you can craft a delightful and unforgettable family dining experience. Some pizza topping ideas include:

  • Classic tomato sauce and cheese
  • Pepperoni and mushrooms
  • BBQ chicken and red onions
  • Margherita with fresh basil and mozzarella
  • Hawaiian with ham and pineapple
  • Veggie with bell peppers, onions, and olives
  • Potato-crusted pizza

The possibilities are endless!

To make delicious homemade pizza dough, simply combine the following ingredients:

  • Flour
  • Yeast
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Olive oil

Let your imagination run wild with toppings. Or, for a unique twist on pizza, try the Potato-Crusted Pizza, which features a crisp crust of shredded potato rounds. With these pizza party recipes, you’ll have no trouble pleasing even the pickiest eaters.

Kid-approved vegetarian meals

While introducing children to a range of vegetables and flavors might be challenging, these child-endorsed vegetarian meals demonstrate that vegetables can be both tasty and healthy. Some examples of these meals include:

  • Vegetarian chili
  • Vegetarian burrito bowl
  • Vegetarian enchilada skillet
  • Coconut curry zoodle ramen

These recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

For a hearty and satisfying meal, try the vegetarian chili, packed with beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices for a flavorful and filling dish. Or, for a lighter option, whip up a vegetarian burrito bowl with rice, beans, veggies, and your favorite toppings. These kid-approved vegetarian meals make it easy to sneak in some extra veggies while keeping dinner exciting and delicious.

Breakfast for dinner delights

Serving breakfast for dinner offers an intriguing and uncomplicated method to add variety to your typical dinner routine. With recipes like:

  • pancakes
  • waffles
  • omelets
  • French toast

You can enjoy a fun and easy quick meal that the whole family will love with these kid friendly dinner ideas, including some amazing kid friendly dinner recipes, kid friendly food options, and kid friendly recipes.

For a classic breakfast-for-dinner option, whip up a stack of fluffy pancakes served with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, syrup, and whipped cream. Or, for a savory twist, try making breakfast burritos filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of veggies or protein. These breakfast for dinner delights are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

DIY dinner stations

DIY dinner stations provide an excellent opportunity to unite the family and make dinner time both pleasurable and engaging. By allowing kids to customize their meals, you can cater to everyone’s tastes and preferences while having fun in the process.

Some creative DIY dinner stations include:

  • Build-your-own taco stations
  • Pasta bars
  • Salad stations
  • DIY burger stations
  • DIY pizza stations

With a variety of ingredients and flavors to choose from, everyone can create their ideal meal while spending quality time together around the dinner table. These DIY dinner stations are perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a family favorite.

Search for kid friendly dinner recipes

In conclusion, these delicious family-friendly dinner ideas offer a variety of flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal. From chicken nugget delights to kid-approved vegetarian meals, there’s something for everyone in this collection. So, why not shake up your dinner routine and give some of these amazing recipes a try? You might just find a new family favorite!

What is fun to cook with friends?

Cooking with friends is a great way to bond, and there are plenty of delicious recipes that everyone can enjoy! Try your hand at Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips, Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread, Mediterranean Nachos, Jambalaya-Stuffed Peppers, Easy Homemade Potato Gnocchi, Air Fryer Fish Stick Tacos with Crema, Guava Empanadas, or Steak with Caper Butter.

What to cook for the homeless?

Let's work together to make a nutritious and delicious meal for the homeless. Spaghetti or tacos are great options that won't take too long to make. Ask the shelter staff what the guests would enjoy most, and have your children join in with the shopping. Arrive early on the appointed day to make sure everything is ready.

What are some easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights?

Make dinnertime fun and stress-free with quick and easy recipes like chicken nuggets, ground beef dishes, fried rice, or breakfast for dinner.

How can I make a delicious homemade pizza dough?

Create a delicious pizza dough by mixing together flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil for a flavorful result.

What are some kid-friendly vegetarian meal ideas?

These easy-to-prepare vegetarian meals are sure to be a hit with your kids: vegetarian chili, burrito bowl, and coconut curry zoodle ramen.

Family-friendly vegetarian recipes that are perfect for weeknight meals