Getting kids to the dinner table without a fuss can feel impossible after a long day. Some meals get ignored, and others lead to complaints. These easy weeknight dinners change that. They’re the kind of meals kids actually want to eat—no bargaining required. From cheesy favorites to quick, hearty dishes, these recipes make dinnertime smoother and a lot more enjoyable.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Chicken, tender vegetables, and a rich broth come together under a layer of soft, golden biscuits. This comforting dish is hearty enough to keep everyone full and easy enough to make on a busy night. It’s a kid-friendly meal that brings all the flavors of a classic home-cooked dinner without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Juicy chicken, crispy cabbage, and a flavorful sauce turn a classic egg roll into a fun, easy-to-eat dinner. There’s no frying or wrapping, which makes this a great choice for nights when time is tight but dinner still needs to be delicious. It’s a kid-friendly meal that keeps things simple while delivering all the flavors everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Pizza Rolls
Flaky dough filled with melty cheese, chicken, and spinach turns pizza night into something even better. These handheld rolls are perfect for kids who love pizza but want something fun and easy to eat. They come together quickly, making them a great choice for busy nights when a satisfying dinner is a must.
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Shredded BBQ Chicken
Smoky, tender chicken coated in a rich barbecue sauce makes for an easy, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or just piling onto a plate with a side of fries. Kids will love the bold flavors, and it’s simple enough to throw together on any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce make for a dinner that always pleases. This classic meal is filling, easy to make, and perfect for kids who love dipping bread into something saucy. It’s a simple recipe that brings big flavors without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned chicken, black beans, and gooey cheese make this a meal kids will keep asking for. Every bite is packed with bold flavors, and it’s easy to slice and serve. This is a great go-to dinner for busy nights when something satisfying is needed without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Potato Gnocchi
Soft, pillowy gnocchi make an easy and comforting dinner that kids will actually want to eat. Whether tossed in butter, marinara, or a creamy sauce, this dish is simple to customize and quick to make. It’s a budget-friendly meal that turns out delicious every single time.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth create a meal that feels like a warm hug. This dish is filling and kid-friendly, with soft dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s a great choice for nights when dinner needs to be hearty without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Juicy turkey patties packed with bold flavors turn burger night into something a little different. Topped with crispy veggies and a flavorful sauce, these burgers are fun to eat and easy to make. They’re a great kid-friendly meal when dinner needs to be quick but still exciting.
Get the Recipe: Asian-Inspired Turkey Burgers
Chicken Fried Rice
Rice, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables come together in a meal that’s both filling and easy to make. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while still serving something fresh and delicious. Kids will love the mix of flavors, and it’s ready in no time on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Calzones
Flaky, golden crust surrounds melty cheese and whatever fillings the family loves most. These handheld pockets are fun to make and even more fun to eat, giving everyone a chance to customize their own. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s always a hit at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Chicken Tortellini Soup
A rich, savory broth filled with tender chicken and cheesy tortellini makes this soup a warm and hearty meal. The combination of flavors is comforting, and it’s filling enough to satisfy kids and adults alike. It’s a great choice for busy nights when something cozy and delicious is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce come together in these enchiladas that make dinner both easy and delicious. The flavors are bold but kid-friendly, making this a great meal for the whole family. It’s a satisfying dish that doesn’t require much effort but still delivers big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Juicy, tender chicken slow-cooked with tomatoes and a zesty lime kick makes for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy days when dinner needs to be ready with minimal work. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or on its own for a satisfying and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Cacio e Pepe
A rich, cheesy pasta with just the right amount of black pepper turns simple ingredients into something special. The creamy sauce coats every bite, making this dish a favorite for kids who love pasta but want something a little different. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s easy to throw together anytime.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Tender, juicy chicken skewers with a bright, citrusy marinade make dinner both fun and flavorful. The combination of chicken and colorful veggies is easy to eat and perfect for kids who like interactive meals. This dish is a great way to keep things fresh while still being simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Fluffy quinoa, black beans, salsa, and bold seasonings come together in a one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s hearty enough to keep everyone full while still being easy to make on a busy night. This dish is a great way to mix things up while keeping dinner simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tender chicken coated in a tangy, savory sauce makes for a versatile and easy meal. This dish works great in tacos, rice bowls, or as a main dish, giving plenty of options for a stress-free dinner. It’s full of flavor without requiring much effort, making it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken mixed with a creamy, flavorful dressing makes this a great option for sandwiches, wraps, or salads. It’s light yet filling, making it an easy meal that still satisfies. This recipe is perfect when there’s not much time to cook but something hearty is needed.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Honey Glazed Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and full of flavor, this chicken is coated in a caramelized honey glaze that kids will love. The balance of savory and sweet makes this a fun twist on a classic dinner. It’s an easy way to turn a simple meal into something special without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Juicy turkey meatballs with a hint of sweetness from mashed sweet potatoes make for a unique and kid-friendly dinner. The combination of flavors is both nutritious and delicious, making this a great option for picky eaters. These meatballs are easy to make and perfect for busy nights when a filling meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Kefta Kebabs
Skewers of seasoned ground meat make this a flavorful and fun meal that kids will enjoy. The juicy, spiced meat pairs well with rice, pita, or fresh veggies, making it a great way to add variety to dinnertime. It’s an easy-to-make dish that keeps things exciting while still being simple.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Ground Turkey Pancakes
Savory turkey pancakes turn dinnertime into something different and fun while still being filling and packed with protein. The crispy edges and flavorful interior make them a great alternative to traditional meals. This dish is easy to prepare and sure to be a favorite for both kids and adults.
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Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy, cheesy goodness make for a satisfying and comforting meal. The rich, gooey filling pairs perfectly with marinara sauce for a dinner that feels special but is easy to make. It’s a kid-friendly option that’s perfect for busy nights when something hearty is needed.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Chicken Taco Wraps
Juicy rotisserie chicken wrapped in soft tortillas with all the best taco toppings makes for a fun and easy meal. Everyone can customize their wrap, making it a great option for kids who like to pick their own ingredients. It’s a simple but satisfying dinner that comes together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Buttery, flaky crescent dough wrapped around savory hot dogs makes these handheld bites a kid-friendly favorite. The golden crust adds a crispy texture, making them both fun and satisfying to eat. This is an easy dinner option for nights when something quick and tasty is needed.
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Carnitas
Slow-cooked pork that’s juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor makes for the perfect taco filling. The meat is tender and seasoned just right, making it a kid-friendly choice that’s easy to serve in different ways. It’s a great meal for busy nights when something flavorful and satisfying is needed.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Italian Meatball Soup
A rich, flavorful broth filled with tender meatballs and pasta make this soup a comforting and filling meal. It’s a great way to serve something warm and hearty without a lot of prep time. This dish is perfect for cold nights or whenever a cozy dinner is needed.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Flaky pastry filled with seasoned chicken makes these handheld pockets a fun and easy dinner option. The crispy crust and savory filling create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a great choice for busy nights when something satisfying is needed without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese come together in a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. The layers of flavors make this a comforting meal that kids will love without any complicated prep. It’s a one-pan recipe that makes dinnertime simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Gooey cheese and rich marinara sauce get rolled into pasta for a fun take on traditional lasagna. Each roll is packed with flavor and easy to serve, making this a great option for kids who love cheesy pasta. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make on even the busiest nights.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Pizza Pot Pies
A flaky, golden crust filled with all the best pizza toppings makes these mini pot pies a fun twist on dinner. The individual portions make them easy to eat, and the gooey cheese and sauce bring all the classic flavors of pizza. It’s a creative and satisfying meal that kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Noodles
Tender beef, a sweet and savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles come together in this easy, flavorful dish. The sauce clings to every bite, making it a satisfying meal that kids and adults will both enjoy. It’s a great choice for busy nights when takeout sounds tempting but homemade is just as good.
Get the Recipe: Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Noodles