What’s for dinner tonight? Figuring out what to prepare for your family can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when you have picky eaters in the house. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious and kid-friendly meals that can make mealtime a breeze. Here’s a collection of seven delightful dinners that your children will not only eat but also enjoy. Each recipe is designed to be simple, tasty, and appealing to even the most discerning palate.
Monday: Simple Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is often a go-to comfort food for families. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also delivers on flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat and add the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well-coated. Serve warm and enjoy!
This dish often garners rave reviews from kids and parents alike, as it’s both cost-effective and delicious. Feel free to add additional ingredients like broccoli or diced chicken for added nutritional value.
Tuesday: Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a kid-favorite and can easily be made healthier by baking instead of frying. This recipe produces tender and crispy chicken that the little ones will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve: These baked chicken tenders are perfect with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
Families appreciate this recipe for its accessibility and the fun factor of homemade tenders. Your children might even want to help you with the coating process!
Wednesday: Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs
Nothing says comfort food quite like a classic spaghetti dinner with meatballs. This Italian dish is not only hearty but also an excellent way to sneak in some veggies.
Ingredients for Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Sauce
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Form into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the crushed tomatoes and basil, then season with salt and pepper. Allow to simmer.
- Cook the Meatballs: In another pan, brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer them into the sauce. Let them cook in the sauce for about 20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
This classic dish brings a taste of Italy to your family dinner. It’s packed with flavor, and making it from scratch will impress everyone at the dinner table.
Thursday: Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
This baked chicken dish combines the sweetness of honey with the tang of mustard, creating a delightful glaze that your kids will adore.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Pour the honey mustard glaze over the chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
- Serve: This dish goes well with rice or steamed vegetables, making it a complete meal that is also visually appealing.
Your family will appreciate the different flavors presented in this easy-to-make dish. Plus, the golden-brown chicken looks fantastic on the dinner table.
Friday: Baguette Pizza
Pizza is a family favorite, and this baguette pizza idea offers a quick alternative to traditional pizza. It’s perfect for a fun family dinner that doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, halved
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Baguette: Place the baguette halves on a baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce over each half.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously and add toppings as desired.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into pieces and serve warm.
What’s great about this recipe is the customization—let your kids choose their favorite toppings, making them feel involved in the meal.
Saturday: Sheet Pan Quesadillas
If you’re searching for a quick and efficient dinner, sheet pan quesadillas are the way to go! It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 4 large tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1 cup cooked chicken or beans
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Assemble the Quesadillas: On a large baking sheet, place two tortillas. Spread cheese, followed by chicken, peppers, and salsa on top. Top with the remaining tortillas.
- Bake: Bake for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden color.
- Cut and Serve: Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream or guacamole.
This shared meal is a great way to enjoy a relaxed Saturday night, ensuring everyone can have their fill of melted cheese and fillings.
Sunday: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
End the week on a high note with a cheeseburger tater tot casserole that will transform your typical Sunday dinner into a comfort-food feast.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- Ketchup and mustard for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the onions until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the beef, cream of mushroom soup, and half the cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top it with a layer of tater tots, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden.
- Serve: Serve with ketchup and mustard on the side for the complete cheeseburger effect.
This dish captures the essence of a cheeseburger in casserole form, making it fun for kids to dig into while providing satisfying flavors.
Final Thoughts
Cooking for children doesn’t have to be a chore. By incorporating simple and tasty recipes into your dinner rotation, you can create meals that your kids will look forward to and enjoy. The key is to focus on easy-to-prepare dishes that are not only delicious but also provide an opportunity for family bonding at the dinner table. Whether it’s mac and cheese on a busy Monday or a fun baguette pizza on a Friday night, these meals will help make your family dinners memorable. Enjoy cooking and the smiles that come with every delicious bite!
