Dinner can feel like a battle when your family turns up their noses at everything on the table. These 17 homemade dinners are easy to make and get two thumbs up from even the pickiest eaters. Each one is full of simple ingredients and big on flavor, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re stuck on what to cook tonight, these kid-approved recipes might just save the day.
Lemon Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Southwest Tortilla Pie
This tortilla pie is loaded with chicken, beans, corn, and cheese, which makes it a filling and fun option for dinner. It’s easy to layer and bake, and kids will love how much flavor it packs in every bite. Make this one when you want a kid-friendly dinner that’s simple to throw together and always gets eaten.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is tender, full of flavor, and works great in sandwiches, wraps, or on its own with a side. It takes very little effort to make but feels like a special dinner kids won’t complain about. Try this pulled pork tonight for a dinner that’s easy, satisfying, and made for picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Calzones
These calzones are like mini pizza pockets stuffed with cheese and other favorite fillings, and they’re great for dinner or leftovers. Kids will love helping fold the dough, and it’s a fun way to get them to eat without a fuss. Make these tonight for a hands-on, kid-friendly dinner everyone will actually finish.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Italian Meatball Soup
This soup is packed with savory meatballs and noodles in a flavorful broth that’s warm and hearty. It’s easy to make and perfect when kids want something simple but tasty. Serve it tonight for a homemade dinner kids will ask for again.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Chicken Tenders
These crispy chicken tenders are baked or fried until golden and are way better than the frozen kind. They’re great for dipping and don’t take much effort, making them perfect for picky eaters. Cook up a batch tonight for an easy kid-friendly dinner that always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole mixes beef, rice, and gooey cheese into a dinner that’s both filling and easy to make. It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes for being fast, flavorful, and something kids actually enjoy. Try this casserole when you need a no-fuss, kid-approved meal that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a simple way to turn leftovers into something fast and tasty that kids love. It’s packed with just enough flavor and texture to make dinner exciting without being too much. Make this for a quick, kid-friendly dinner when time is tight but you still want to serve something good.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Roasting chicken with lemon gives it a fresh flavor that’s bright but not too strong for kids. It’s juicy, easy to prep, and perfect for when you want something simple that still feels like a full meal. Make this one when you’re after a kid-friendly dinner with no complaints at the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
This garlic roast pork cooks low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender and full of flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work, which makes it perfect for busy nights when dinner still needs to be good. Try this one for a hands-off, kid-friendly dinner that still feels like a win.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
These pasta shells are stuffed with cheese and baked in sauce until bubbly and delicious. They’re easy to prep and kids love the creamy filling and the soft pasta around it. Serve these tonight when you want a cozy, kid-friendly dinner that’s always a safe bet.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cashew Chicken
This dish is all about crispy chicken and crunchy cashews tossed in a flavorful sauce that’s still kid-friendly. It cooks fast and works great over rice, making it a quick win on weeknights. Make cashew chicken when you want a kid-friendly dinner with some bite and texture.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers are full of flavor and come together fast with just a few pantry staples. The mix of seasoning makes them taste different in a good way, but still familiar enough for kids. Throw these on the table when you want a fun, homemade dinner that kids will actually enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Asian Inspired Turkey Burgers
Carnitas
Carnitas are super tender and flavorful, made with pork that’s slow-cooked until it’s easy to shred. They’re great in tacos or bowls, and kids can pick their own toppings, which makes dinner more fun. Make these when you need a hands-off, kid-friendly dinner that still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs mix sweet potato and ground turkey for a juicy and flavorful twist on a dinner classic. They’re bite-sized and great for dipping, which always helps with picky eaters. Bake a tray of these when you want a kid-friendly meal with something just a little different.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Savory Pork Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls mix soft, fluffy dough with pulled pork for a twist on two dinner favorites in one. They’re fun to eat, super satisfying, and something both kids and adults will get into. Bake these when you’re in the mood for a kid-friendly dinner that feels like something new.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pork Cinnamon Rolls
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This meal has everything you love about egg rolls but without the wrapper and all in one pan. It’s packed with veggies and flavor but simple enough that kids won’t turn it down. Try this for a quick, kid-friendly dinner that checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These roll-ups have all the cheesy layers of lasagna but are easier to eat and quicker to make. Kids like that they’re rolled up and fun, and you’ll like that they’re easy to serve. Whip these up when you want a homemade dinner that gets two thumbs up from kids.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups