Finding meals that are both quick to prepare and loved by kids can feel like a daunting task for any parent.

In this article, we’ve curated a list of 20 fantastic family meals that are not only easy to make but also guaranteed to delight the taste buds of your little ones.

Whether you’re in a hurry or just looking for some inspiration, these kid-approved recipes will make mealtime a breeze and bring smiles to your family table.

1. Cheesy Veggie Quesadillas

These cheesy veggie quesadillas are a delightful twist on a classic dish. Packed with colorful bell peppers, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese, they are not only tasty but also a great way to sneak some vegetables into your child’s diet.

Simply grill them until golden brown and serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. The best part? They can be prepared in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

– 4 flour tortillas

– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, spinach)

– Salsa or guacamole for dipping

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half the cheese on one half of the tortilla.

3. Add the mixed vegetables on top of the cheese.

4. Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Flip and cook the other side until cheese is melted.

6. Repeat with remaining tortillas and serve with salsa or guacamole.

2. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

This one-pot pasta primavera is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Bursting with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli, it’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of colors!

Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Pair this dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and you’ll have a family favorite in no time.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)

– 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli)

– 4 cups vegetable broth

– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

– Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, vegetables, and vegetable broth.

2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.

4. Stir in olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve warm with extra cheese on top.

3. Mini Turkey Meatballs with Dipping Sauce

Who can resist mini meatballs? These turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for little hands. Ideal for dipping in marinara sauce, they make for a fun and interactive meal.

Serve them with whole-grain spaghetti or in a sub for a delectable meatball sandwich. Your kids will love them, and you’ll love how easy they are to make!

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground turkey

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 egg

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and garlic powder.

3. Shape into small balls and place on a baking sheet.

4. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

5. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

4. Quick and Easy Tacos

Tacos are always a hit, and these quick and easy tacos are no exception! Customize them with your child’s favorite toppings, from cheese and lettuce to avocado and salsa.

Using pre-cooked chicken or ground beef makes the preparation a breeze, allowing you to whip them up in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a family taco night!

Ingredients:

– 8 taco shells

– 1 lb pre-cooked chicken or ground beef

– 1 cup shredded lettuce

– 1 cup diced tomatoes

– 1 cup shredded cheese

– Salsa and avocado for topping

Instructions:

1. Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.

2. In a skillet, heat the pre-cooked chicken or beef until warm.

3. Assemble tacos by filling each shell with chicken/beef and topping with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and avocado.

4. Serve immediately.

5. Pancake Breakfast Sandwiches

Breakfast sandwiches take on a fun twist with these pancake creations! Fluffy pancakes serve as the perfect base for layers of eggs, bacon, and cheese.

Not only are they delicious, but they also look adorable, making breakfast exciting for your kids. You can even let them help assemble their sandwiches for added fun!

Ingredients:

– 2 cups pancake mix

– 1 cup water

– 4 eggs

– 4 slices bacon

– 4 slices cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare pancakes according to the mix instructions.

2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.

3. In the same skillet, scramble eggs until cooked through.

4. Assemble sandwiches by layering pancake, bacon, egg, and cheese. Top with another pancake.

5. Serve warm.

6. Homemade Pizza Pockets

These homemade pizza pockets are a fun, portable meal option that kids will love! Filled with gooey cheese and their favorite toppings, these pockets are not just delicious but also easy to make.

You can customize them with whatever ingredients your kids prefer, making them a versatile dinner option. Pair them with a side of marinara for dipping, and you’re set for a family pizza night!

Ingredients:

– 1 package refrigerated pizza dough

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup pepperoni or veggies of choice

– Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven according to pizza dough instructions.

2. Roll out pizza dough and cut into circles.

3. Place cheese and toppings on one half of each circle and fold over.

4. Seal the edges with a fork and place on a baking sheet.

5. Bake according to dough instructions until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce.

7. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

These spinach and cheese stuffed shells are a creamy, cheesy delight that your kids won’t be able to resist! Baked in marinara sauce and topped with cheese, they are not only delicious but also an excellent way to incorporate spinach into their diet.

These shells make for a hearty meal that can be prepared ahead of time and popped in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients:

– 12 jumbo pasta shells

– 1 cup ricotta cheese

– 1 cup spinach, cooked and chopped

– 1 cup marinara sauce

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.

3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, and half the mozzarella.

4. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.

5. Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

8. Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Stir-fry is a fantastic way to serve up a colorful array of vegetables and proteins in one quick dish. This chicken and veggie stir-fry can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Kids love the sweet soy sauce glaze, and you can customize the veggies to suit their tastes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Ingredients:

– 1 lb chicken breast, sliced

– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 2 tbsp honey

– Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink.

3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes.

4. Mix soy sauce and honey, pour over the chicken and veggies, and stir until coated.

5. Serve over rice or noodles.

9. Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

These fish tacos with mango salsa are a fresh and flavorful way to introduce seafood to your family’s diet. The flaky fish pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy mango salsa, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Kids will love the colorful presentation and the chance to build their own tacos. Serve with a side of corn for a complete meal!

Ingredients:

– 1 lb white fish fillets

– 8 small tortillas

– 1 cup diced mango

– 1/2 cup diced red onion

– 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Cook fish in a skillet until flaky, about 4-5 minutes per side.

2. In a bowl, combine mango, red onion, and lime juice to make salsa.

3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet.

4. Assemble tacos with fish and top with mango salsa.

5. Serve with corn on the side.

10. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

These enchiladas are a nutritious and satisfying option that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the hearty texture of black beans. Topped with a savory enchilada sauce and cheese, they are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a great addition to family dinner nights.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups roasted sweet potatoes

– 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

– 8 corn tortillas

– 2 cups enchilada sauce

– 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes and black beans.

3. Fill each tortilla with the mixture, roll it up, and place in a baking dish.

4. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.

5. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Banana and Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Start your day off right with these healthy banana and oatmeal breakfast cookies. They are chewy, naturally sweetened, and packed with oats for a nutritious kick.

Kids will love the taste, and you can add in their favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit for variety. Perfect for on-the-go mornings!

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe bananas, mashed

– 1 cup oats

– 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, oats, and mix-ins until combined.

3. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.

4. Bake for 15 minutes until golden.

5. Let cool before serving.

12. Sloppy Joe Sliders

These sloppy joe sliders are a fun and messy meal that kids adore! With their sweet and tangy sauce, these mini sandwiches are perfect for little hands.

Serve them with a side of carrot sticks or chips for a complete meal that’s sure to please. They’re quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear!

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef or turkey

– 1 cup sloppy joe sauce

– 12 slider buns

– Pickles for topping

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground meat until browned and cooked through.

2. Stir in sloppy joe sauce and heat until warm.

3. Spoon the mixture onto slider buns and top with pickles.

4. Serve immediately.

13. Veggie-Packed Breakfast Burritos

These veggie-packed breakfast burritos are a great way to kickstart the day! Filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and an assortment of vegetables, they are both filling and nutritious.

Wrap them up and serve with a side of salsa for a delicious breakfast on the go. Kids will love the fun of holding their own burrito!

Ingredients:

– 4 large tortillas

– 4 eggs

– 1 cup bell peppers, diced

– 1 cup cheese, shredded

– Salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, scramble the eggs and add diced vegetables until cooked.

2. Place the mixture in the center of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.

3. Roll up the burritos tightly and serve with salsa.

14. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Tomato soup and grilled cheese is a classic combination, but take it up a notch with grilled cheese croutons! This creamy tomato soup is both comforting and easy to make, and the cheesy croutons add a delightful crunch.

Kids will love dipping the croutons into the soup, making this meal a fun experience.

Ingredients:

– 1 can tomato soup

– 4 slices of bread

– 4 slices of cheese

– Butter for grilling

Instructions:

1. Prepare tomato soup according to can instructions.

2. In a skillet, grill the bread with cheese until golden and gooey.

3. Cut grilled cheese into small squares and serve on top of the soup.

15. Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

End your meal on a sweet note with these chocolate chip banana pancakes! Fluffy and delicious, they are perfect for breakfast or even dessert.

The combination of ripe bananas and chocolate chips creates a delightful taste that kids will be begging for. Serve with a drizzle of syrup for a special treat!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pancake mix

– 1 ripe banana, mashed

– 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix pancake mix, mashed banana, and water according to package instructions.

2. Stir in chocolate chips.

3. Cook pancakes on a heated skillet until bubbles form, then flip.

4. Serve warm with syrup.

16. Corn Dog Muffins

These corn dog muffins are a fun twist on a classic fair food that kids will love! Moist and fluffy, they are easy to make and can be served with mustard or ketchup for dipping.

Perfect for lunchboxes or a quick snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit at your next family gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 box corn muffin mix

– 1 cup hot dogs, cut into pieces

– Mustard or ketchup for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven according to muffin mix instructions.

2. Prepare muffin mix according to package instructions, then fold in hot dog pieces.

3. Pour batter into muffin tins and bake until golden.

4. Serve with mustard or ketchup.

17. Rainbow Fruit Skewers

These rainbow fruit skewers are not only visually appealing but also a healthy snack option! Kids will love the fun of building their own skewers with a variety of colorful fruits.

Serve them with a yogurt dip for an added treat. These skewers are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or as a refreshing dessert.

Ingredients:

– Assorted fruits (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, grapes)

– Yogurt for dipping

Instructions:

1. Cut fruits into bite-sized pieces.

2. Thread fruits onto skewers in a rainbow order.

3. Serve with yogurt for dipping.

18. Easy Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese salad skewers are a fresh and delightful appetizer that kids will enjoy! Combining cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, these skewers are bursting with flavor.

They are perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to any meal. Plus, they’re easy for little hands to grab and eat!

Ingredients:

– 1 pint cherry tomatoes

– 8 oz mozzarella balls

– Fresh basil leaves

– Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.

2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

19. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and delicious dinner option that your kids will love! The combination of succulent shrimp with pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible.

Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet is super easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup butter

– Parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.

2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Toss shrimp with pasta and garnish with parsley before serving.

20. Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-Ups

Peanut butter and banana roll-ups are a simple yet satisfying snack that kids can help make! This healthy treat is not only delicious but also packed with energy for their busy days.

These roll-ups are perfect for lunchboxes or an after-school snack, and can be made in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

– 2 tortillas

– 1/2 cup peanut butter

– 2 bananas, sliced

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter evenly over each tortilla.

2. Place banana slices in a line along the edge of one tortilla and roll it up tightly.

3. Slice into pinwheels and serve.

Conclusion

With these 20 quick and easy family meals, you’ll never run out of ideas for kid-approved dinners that everyone can enjoy.

These recipes are not only simple to prepare but also designed to please the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters.

Get ready to create joyful mealtime memories with your family!