Dinner can feel like the hardest part of the day, but it does not have to be. These 17 easy dinners take the stress out of cooking and bring food to the table that makes sense for busy nights. You will keep making these meals without thinking twice because they are simple, filling, and always get the job done.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
A warm dish of beef, rice, and melted cheese comes together in one big pan that feels filling and comforting. The flavors are simple and familiar, which makes it something kids always enjoy without hesitation. This easy, kid-friendly dinner saves time while still making sure everyone leaves the table full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Chicken Tenders
Crispy breading on the outside and juicy meat inside make these chicken tenders far better than frozen ones. Kids love dipping them into sauces, which makes dinner feel fun while still being simple to serve. This classic, kid-friendly dinner is always a safe choice that disappears from plates fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Savory Pork Cinnamon Rolls
Soft rolls are stuffed with shredded pork for a meal that mixes two kid favorites in one bite. They look fun, taste filling, and don’t need a lot of sides to feel complete. This creative, kid-friendly dinner gives something different while still being easy for kids to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pork Cinnamon Rolls
Cashew Chicken
Tender chicken pieces mix with crunchy cashews in a lightly sweet sauce that is never too strong for kids. It can be served over rice or noodles, and it comes together quickly on busy nights. This easy, kid-friendly dinner offers both flavor and crunch that keep kids coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Cheese and tomato sauce are rolled up in pasta sheets for a meal that is easier to serve than a full pan of lasagna. Kids enjoy the rolled shape because it feels fun and simple to eat without a mess. This quick, kid-friendly dinner is comforting and usually eaten up before you even offer seconds.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Calzones
Each calzone is stuffed with gooey cheese, sauce, and fillings that kids already love, all tucked inside a golden crust. They can be dipped into extra sauce for a dinner that feels fun but is still neat. This kid-friendly dinner feels homemade and special while staying easy to make on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken turns out juicy and tender with just a light touch of lemon that kids can handle. The Dutch oven does most of the work, so prep is fast and cleanup is simple. This hands-off, kid-friendly dinner delivers a full meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken and vegetables are cooked together with light seasoning to bring egg roll flavors without the wrapper. Everything comes together in one pan, which means less time cooking and less mess after dinner. This fast, kid-friendly meal mixes flavor with ease in a way that keeps kids interested.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork cooks until soft and juicy, then shreds apart easily for sandwiches, bowls, or wraps. Its mild flavor works well with all kinds of sides, so kids never feel overwhelmed. This slow-cooked, kid-friendly dinner is filling, easy to serve, and always eaten quickly.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded chicken gets coated in tangy barbecue sauce for a meal that is juicy and full of flavor. It cooks fast and works well in sandwiches, wraps, or over rice for a simple dinner option. This quick, kid-friendly dinner makes the table feel exciting without taking much effort.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Large pasta shells are filled with creamy cheese and baked in a rich tomato sauce until everything is bubbling. The smooth filling and soft pasta make it a dish that kids enjoy bite after bite. This kid-friendly dinner feels cozy and comforting while being simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Garlic pork cooks low and slow until it is tender, juicy, and full of flavor that kids actually like. The prep takes only minutes, and the slow cooker handles the rest of the work. This hands-off, kid-friendly dinner is an easy way to make sure everyone gets a meal they enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Honey Glazed Chicken
Honey glazed chicken turns out sticky, sweet, and packed with flavor that appeals to kids without needing anything extra. The glaze keeps the meat juicy and tender in every bite. This simple, kid-friendly dinner feels special but is quick enough for any night.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Layers of tortillas, chicken, beans, and cheese bake into a pie that holds its shape when sliced. The flavors stay simple enough for kids to enjoy while still being filling for everyone at the table. This fun, kid-friendly dinner makes serving easy and keeps plates clean.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Italian Meatball Soup
A mild broth with soft pasta and tender meatballs makes a soup that feels comforting without being heavy. Kids like the simple flavors, and it’s filling enough to count as a full meal. This quick, kid-friendly dinner always gets finished without complaints.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Shredded chicken is rolled into tortillas, topped with sauce and cheese, then baked until hot and bubbly. Shortcuts make it fast to prepare while keeping all the flavors rich and satisfying. This cheesy, kid-friendly dinner is simple to serve and usually eaten without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers cook up fast and bring a fresh change to the table without being too different for kids. They use simple ingredients you likely already have, so there is no stress about what to make. This easy, kid-friendly dinner adds variety while still being something kids enjoy eating.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers