12 Easy Weeknight Dinners That Even the Kids Will Eat
Weeknight dinners can be a challenge; busy schedules, picky eaters, and the pressure to get something healthy on the table quickly. To make your evenings easier, here are 12 kid-approved, simple, and delicious recipes that you can whip up without stress.
1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Throw sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onions on a sheet pan, toss with taco seasoning, and bake. Serve with tortillas and let everyone build their own fajitas, guaranteed fun for kids.
2. Baked Mac & Cheese with Hidden Veggies
Take classic mac and cheese to the next level by sneaking in some extra nutrition. Blend cooked carrots, cauliflower, or butternut squash into the cheese sauce for a creamy, vitamin-packed boost that picky eaters won’t even notice. The result is rich, cheesy comfort food that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome. It’s a win-win for parents and kids alike.
3. One-Pot Spaghetti & Meat Sauce
Brown ground beef, add jarred marinara sauce, and simmer with spaghetti noodles right in the same pot. Less cleanup, more smiles.
4. Mini Pita Pizzas
Set out pita bread, marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and toppings. Let the kids assemble their own pizzas, then bake until crispy.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
Cook chicken pieces in teriyaki sauce, then serve over rice with steamed broccoli. Sweet and savory flavors make this a family favorite.
6. Quesadillas with Dipping Sauce
Fill tortillas with cheese, beans, or shredded chicken, cook until golden, and cut into wedges. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
7. Sloppy Joes
A classic! Ground beef cooked with a sweet and tangy sauce, served on buns. Bonus: serve with carrot sticks or apple slices on the side.
8. Breakfast for Dinner
Who says breakfast has to be eaten in the morning? Whip up fluffy scrambled eggs, stack some golden pancakes, and serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a colorful, balanced meal. This twist on dinner feels special and lets kids enjoy some of their favorite foods at night. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with toppings, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces.
9. Taco Bar Night
Turn dinner into a fun, hands-on experience with a build-your-own taco bar. Cook seasoned taco meat, set out shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and other favorite toppings, and let everyone assemble their perfect taco. Kids love the freedom to create their own combinations, and it encourages them to try new ingredients. It’s a festive, easy meal that makes weeknights feel like a celebration.
10. Baked Chicken Tenders
Forget the frozen version, homemade baked chicken tenders are healthier and just as satisfying. Simply coat chicken strips in seasoned breadcrumbs, pop them in the oven, and bake until golden and crispy. They’re crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and pair perfectly with ketchup, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce. A simple, crowd-pleasing dinner the whole family will devour.
11. Pasta Primavera
This dish is the perfect solution for using up whatever vegetables are in your fridge. Toss warm pasta with olive oil, garlic, and a mix of colorful veggies, then top with freshly grated parmesan. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with flavor, and a delicious way to sneak in extra nutrients. Perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner that feels fresh and wholesome.
12. DIY Burrito Bowls
Bring the restaurant experience home with customizable burrito bowls. Layer fluffy rice, seasoned beans, shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, and any other toppings you love. Each family member can create their own combination, making it a fun and interactive meal. It’s nutritious, budget-friendly, and great for using up leftovers.
Tips for Success:
- Get kids involved: Let them choose toppings or stir ingredients.
- Double up: Make extra and save leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Keep it simple: Focus on 5–7 ingredients per recipe to stay stress-free.
With these 12 easy weeknight dinners, you can feed the whole family, keep picky eaters happy, and still have time to relax after dinner.
Conclusion
Making weeknight dinners doesn’t have to be stressful, these 12 easy, kid-approved recipes can bring joy back to your evenings and save you time in the kitchen. Whether you try just one new dish or rotate through them all, you’ll have a variety of tasty, balanced meals that keep everyone happy.
Your turn: Which recipe will you try first? Share your favorite weeknight dinner idea in the comments below and don’t forget to bookmark this list or pin it for future meal planning inspiration!