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Over the years we have noticed little things that help make a kid-friendly meal. Here is our go-to list of dinner ideas for kids!!

A collage of dinner ideas for kids.

Easy Dinners for Kids!

There’s not a hard fast thing that makes things kid-friendly, and the more children we have, the more we realize how incredibly different they all are. Including what they will eat.

One thing we decided long ago is that we will not be a short-order cook and the family will eat what is served. Fortunately, we have plenty of yummy dinner ideas for kids that even the pickiest kids will love!

Each of these kid friendly meals are EASY and many can even be made by your kids! All of these recipes are loved by OUR kids and you’re sure to find something to please your picky eaters!


Our Top 10 Dinners for Kids

4.93 from 55 votes

Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe

Get the crispy, delicious copycat Chick Fil A nuggets without leaving the house. They taste just like the real thing!
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4.98 from 873 votes

White Sauce Recipe

This super simple and delicious white sauce recipe is packed with flavor. This dish is perfect by itself or you can add chicken too!
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5 from 112 votes

Corn Dog Recipe

This recipe is a beyond simple delicious hand-dipped corn dog making you never want to buy store-bought again!
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5 from 181 votes

Pigs in a Blanket

Both kids and adults will love these quick and simple pigs in a blanket. This nostalgic recipe is on the table in 20 minutes!
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5 from 365 votes

Kid-Friendly Spaghetti

Our favorite spaghetti is kid-friendly and simple with a delicious homemade sauce making it the perfect family dinner recipe!
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4.99 from 283 votes

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Everyone loves a good slow cooker recipe, and this crock pot mac and cheese is so simple, cheesy, and delicious!
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4.97 from 60 votes

Hamburger Helper Recipe

Better than the box, Homemade Hamburger Helper is a perfect one-pot meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
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5 from 13 votes

Best Grilled Cheese Recipe

This best grilled cheese recipe is easy to make and loved by everyone. It's easily changed up, but this version is our go-to!
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5 from 51 votes

Chicken Nuggets Recipe

This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and a million miles away from anything frozen.
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5 from 384 votes

Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this easy fettuccine alfredo that's on the table in only 30 minutes!
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More Dinner Ideas for Kids

5 from 98 votes

Ham and Cheese Slider Recipe

Our hot ham and cheese slider recipe is easy and on the table in 30 minutes – an absolutely addicting crowd favorite that disappears in a heartbeat!
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4.97 from 309 votes

Chicken Quesadilla

This easy, cheesy chicken quesadilla is a crowd favorite. Filled with a delicious homemade sauce, these hand-held bites are irresistible!
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5 from 116 votes

Pizza Casserole

Easy cheesy pizza casserole is prepped in under 10 minutes and only requires 5 ingredients for a dinner win!
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4.93 from 42 votes

Hot Dog Nuggets Recipe

Hot Dog Nuggets only require TWO ingredients and make a perfect for lunch, dinner or even a party appetizer! Kids and adults alike will love these little bites.
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4.87 from 45 votes

Chicken Drumsticks in Oven

These perfectly seasoned chicken drumsticks in oven are a healthier alternative to fried chicken and are finger-licking good!
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5 from 10 votes

English Muffin Pizzas

Simple 5-ingredient English muffin pizzas are ready in only 15 minutes and freeze well for a quick and easy snack!
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5 from 22 votes

Tostada

An crunchy open-face tostada is topped with all of your favorite Mexican ingredients and on the table in 20 minutes!
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5 from 34 votes

Cheese Crisp

A cheese crisp is a crunchy open-face quesadilla that is an Arizona favorite!! They are quick, easy, and perfectly dippable.
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5 from 84 votes

Chicken Tacos

Skip the wait and cost – whip up restaurant-quality chicken tacos at home in under 30 minutes for a satisfying crunch and explosion of flavor!
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5 from 52 votes

Bean Burrito Recipe

This is Great Grandma's famous bean burrito recipe, filled with amped up creamy beans and on the table in 30 minutes!
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5 from 8 votes

Walking Tacos Recipe

Walking tacos are an easy grab-and-go meal that is full of flavor! They are no mess, easy to make, and perfect for large gatherings!!
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5 from 9 votes

Lunch Kabobs Recipe

Kid-friendly lunch kabobs are filled with savory meats and fresh veggies. They're perfect for parties and BBQs!
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5 from 12 votes

Pizza Roll Ups Recipe

Crazy fast and easy to make, these Pizza Roll Ups are oozing with cheese and pepperoni. They are tiny pockets of big flavor!
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5 from 10 votes

Mini Corn Dog Muffins Recipe

Mini corn dog muffins are yummy and kid friendly. These tasty bite-size snacks are ready in under 20 minutes!
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5 from 929 votes

Taquitos Recipe

Everyone loves these classic taquitos! They're fried to golden perfection and are great as appetizers or even a main dish.
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4.86 from 7 votes

Pizza Muffin Recipe

Cheesy pizza muffins are made with canned biscuit dough for a delicious kid-friendly dish that's ready in minutes!
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5 from 16 votes

Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe

Totally customizable Hawaiian Haystacks are a pile of fluffy rice stacked with chicken, gravy, and all your favorite toppings!
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4.99 from 173 votes

Best Homemade Mac and Cheese

This is the cheesiest, CREAMIEST best homemade mac and cheese recipe you'll ever make! The whole family will definitely approve!
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5 from 6 votes

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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5 from 7 votes

Hot Ham and Cheese Roll Up Recipe

Crazy quick and easy hot ham and cheese roll ups require only 3 ingredients and are ready in minutes. Just be sure you make extras!
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5 from 23 votes

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

This cheesy baked spaghetti is filling and flavorful. It's a simple dinner recipe the entire family will love!
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5 from 10 votes

Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Filled with meat and veggies, tater tot casserole is easy, cheesy, and comes together in no time for a delicious comfort food dish.
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5 from 100 votes

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Chicken Spaghetti is a new twist on your favorite pasta dinner! This dish is creamy + cheesy, making it the epitome of comfort food.
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5 from 21 votes

Beef Stroganoff Recipe

This Easy Beef Stroganoff recipe is simple and flavorful. Served with egg noodles, this creamy stroganoff made in the slow cooker is a classic Sunday dinner recipe and is perfect to enjoy any night of the week.
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5 from 10 votes

Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

This homemade pepperoni pizza recipe is wonderfully crispy and delicious every time. Achieve the perfect slice right at home!
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5 from 10 votes

Spaghetti Pie

Spaghetti pie is a hearty and delicious dinner-time twist, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners!
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5 from 44 votes

Baked Ravioli Recipe

Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a quick, simple, and delicious dinner recipe that the whole family loves! It's so cheesy and so tasty!
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5 from 9 votes

Frito Pie Recipe

Our beyond-simple Frito pie recipe is packed with creamy and crunchy textures and big taco-style flavors the entire family will love!
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5 from 205 votes

Easy Meatball Recipe

This easy meatball recipe delivers juicy, flavorful perfection with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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5 from 9 votes

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Hearty cheeseburger casserole is filled with ground beef and pasta, and oozing with cheese! It really is everything but the bun.
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5 from 49 votes

Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Homey & delicious hamburger tater tot casserole is layered with flavors everyone will love! It is kid-friendly, easy, and freezes perfectly!
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5 from 13 votes

Chicken Tenders Recipe

Our favorite fried chicken tenders recipe is a go-to 30-minute meal, perfect for weeknights. It's quick, simple, and always a hit!
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5 from 54 votes

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni sandwiched between two pieces of buttery garlic toast. It's a fun twist on a classic.
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5 from 8 votes

Baked Rigatoni

Deliciously cheesy baked rigatoni is meaty and hearty, a perfect family-style dish for any night of the week!
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5 from 29 votes

Popcorn Chicken

Extra crispy popcorn chicken is a family favorite that's fun to eat. With simple steps and few ingredients, it's a perfect weeknight dinner!
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5 from 13 votes

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Chicken noodle casserole is filled with veggies and topped with a buttery cracker crust making it a flavorful family favorite.
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5 from 18 votes

Chicken Penne Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes, this classic chicken penne pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
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5 from 2 votes

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Switch up pizza night with this smoky BBQ chicken pizza – with some simple shortcuts, it's on the table in no time!
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4.98 from 35 votes

Dorito Casserole

Cheesy Dorito casserole is an easy crunchy taco lasagna. It's layered with meat and of course nacho cheese Doritos!
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4.87 from 15 votes

Chicken Fingers Recipe

A healthy way to eat chicken that kids absolutely love – Baked Chicken Fingers! Chicken dipped in flour, egg, and panko, then baked to a crispy perfection! Not to mention they’re SO easy to make!
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5 from 12 votes

Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Baked chicken nuggets are easy to make and packed with flavor. Tastier than the frozen options, they are flavorful and healthy!
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5 from 11 votes

Mini Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas are our new favorite dinner recipe. They're easy, quick and can be made custom for each person with their favorite toppings!
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5 from 5 votes

Bean Chimichangas Recipe

Easy and delicious Bean Chimichangas are filled with beans, cheese and ROTEL and they taste just like the ones at the restaurants!
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5 from 9 votes

Mini Pizzas

These bite-sized mini pizzas are topped with fresh tomatoes and basil and are on the table in only 20 minutes!
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5 from 12 votes

Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs can be enjoyed over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a flavor-packed weeknight dinner in minutes!
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5 from 20 votes

Sloppy Joe Recipe

This sloppy joe recipe is quick and easy, perfect for feeding a crowd! You'll make these meaty sandwiches from scratch every time. 
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4.97 from 604 votes

Easy Goulash Recipe

This old-fashioned easy goulash recipe is a one-pot family favorite! It's the perfect go-to dinner recipe for any night of the week.
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Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Easy cheesy pull apart pizza bread uses refrigerated biscuits to create a deliciously fun appetizer, snack, or easy dinner!
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5 from 2 votes

Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese

Craving creamy Chick-fil-A mac and cheese? This homemade recipe captures the iconic taste. Get ready to indulge in cheesy goodness!
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5 from 3 votes

Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy, nostalgic comfort food awaits with this easy, cheesy classic Velveeta mac and cheese with buttery panko crumb topping.
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5 from 37 votes

Best Hamburger Recipe

This is the BEST Hamburger recipe for grilling up a juicy American classic. You'll have a perfect burger every time!
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5 from 42 votes

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken is juicy, flavorful. and preps in minutes! This simple dish is great for holidays, parties and potlucks!
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4.86 from 7 votes

Stuffed Shells Recipe

Stuffed Shells is simple, cheesy and bakes in only 30 minutes. It's a perfect busy weeknight meal the entire family will love!
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4.96 from 21 votes

Triple Cheddar Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Even my pickiest eaters love this easy chicken pasta, which is why it’s a go-to weeknight dinner in our family! With pasta, chicken, seasonings, and cream sauce full of cheese, you definitely can’t go wrong!
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5 from 78 votes

Chicken Flautas

Deliciously cheesy, filled chicken flautas can be fried, air-fried, or even baked for the perfect appetizer or dinner at your next fiesta.
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5 from 17 votes

How to Boil Hot Dogs

Learn how to boil hot dogs for the fastest and easiest way to cook for a crowd or for your family dinner. You will love it!
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5 from 40 votes

Hot Dogs in Crock Pot

Hot dogs in crock pot are the easiest way to make hot dogs for a crowd! They're perfect for your summer potluck needs.
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5 from 10 votes

Mac and Cheese with Ham

Hearty mac and cheese with ham is a deliciously cheesy baked casserole that will feed a crowd and is perfect for sharing!
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5 from 13 votes

Easy Baked Ziti

Easy baked ziti recipe is a meaty baked pasta smothered in a cream cheese tomato sauce. It's ready in 30 minutes and feeds a crowd!
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About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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3 Comments

  1. Sue says:

    First, my kids LOVED Macaroni and Cheese recipe on here. I served it with the pigs in a blanket recipe (How my kids reached teen years with my never making these I don’t know). Next time I’ll use parchment paper since some of the “blanket” stuck to my pan.
    Also, wanted to give shout out for your pizza dough recipe . i make it almost each week. My kids love using it to make their own personal pizzas.

  2. Olivia says:

    I love all the yummy food ideas for the kids. There’s really nothing here that the kids won’t eat. Everything is good and not hard to make. Sure to please everyone.

  3. Joy says:

    My kids are older, but still so picky! They would love everything in this post! Thanks for sharing these great ideas!