17 kid-friendly recipes that make dinner stress-free
Finding dinners that everyone in the family will actually eat can feel like a challenge, especially with picky eaters at the table. The good news is there are plenty of simple meals that kids genuinely love and parents feel good about serving. These kid-friendly dinners are easy to make, full of familiar flavors, and perfect for busy nights when you need something everyone will enjoy. They’re the kind of recipes that quickly become regulars in the weekly dinner rotation.
Mostaccioli
This mostaccioli bake layers pasta with Italian sausage, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella for a cheesy, cozy casserole that feeds a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mostaccioli
Lipton Meatloaf
Lipton meatloaf is a super easy recipe that pairs seasoned beef with a tangy glaze for juicy slices and satisfying weeknight comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Lipton Meatloaf
Spaghetti Pizza
Spaghetti pizza is a family-friendly mash-up that features pasta, sausage, cheese, and pepperoni, baked to perfection for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Pizza
Philly Cheesesteak
Philly cheesesteak is layered with juicy ribeye, caramelized onions, peppers and cheese, all topped with a garlic sriracha mayo in baguettes.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak
Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti pie is part pasta and part cheesy baked casserole with sausage, ricotta and melted cheese. It’s so rich, meaty, cheesy, and tasty!
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Pie
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian ground beef noodles feature tender beef, chewy noodles and a rich, tasty sauce made with soy and hoisin for quick, bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ritz cracker chicken casserole layers tender chicken, bacon and green onions in creamy sauce with buttery crumbs for crispy comfort.
Get the Recipe: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Slow cooker crack chicken with ranch seasoning, bacon, cream cheese and cheddar makes a creamy dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Best Italian Meatballs
The best Italian meatballs are tender, juicy and full of classic flavor. Brown them well, then serve right away or simmer them in sauce.
Get the Recipe: Best Italian Meatballs
Homemade Shake And Bake Pork Chops
Coat homemade shake and bake pork chops with crisp panko coating and bold seasonings then bake on a sheet pan for succulent results.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Shake And Bake Pork Chops
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Craving a crunchy snack? Try easy homemade chicken nuggets. Golden brown, perfectly crispy and delicious, they’re a hit for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken turns chicken breast into crisp bites with a seasoned flour-cornstarch coating that keeps every piece juicy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken
Chopped Cheese Sandwich
A cheesy, beefy chopped cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato & tangy condiments is easy to make and perfect for dinner or game day cravings.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Chicken Riggies
This chicken riggies recipe is creamy, spicy and packed with flavor. It’s a bold pasta dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Riggies
Korean Beef Sloppy Joes
Sweet, savory and slightly spicy, these Korean Beef Sloppy Joes are a quick weeknight meal. So good, you’ll love them!
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Sloppy Joes
Baked Mac And Cheese
Creamy, gooey baked mac and cheese that’s perfectly spoonable and irresistibly delicious; ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac And Cheese
Baked Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tenders are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and then oven-baked until crispy. Serve with your favorite dips & homemade fries!
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Tenders
