30 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids

Krista Marshall
·6 min read

When suppertime rolls around, wouldn't it be nice to have some quick, kid-friendly dinner ideas to make sure the meal is easy on you, and loved by the little ones? Meal planning does not have to be stressful, and these 30 quick dinner ideas for kids prove it! From delicious casseroles to classic favorites kids will eat over and over, there is so much dinnertime inspiration in this round up, you will start looking forward to the 6 o'clock hour!

Related: 50 Easy Lunch Ideas For Kids

The Best Recipes and Dinner Ideas for Kids

With so many of us busier than ever these days, the thought of what to make for supper every night can be exhausting, especially if you are dealing with picky eaters. We need to get a satisfying meal on the table with as little hassle as possible! Have no fear though, because I've gathered up 30 delicious, simple and quick recipes kiddos of any tastebud are sure to love and gobble down.

Related: The 30 Best Tater Tot Recipes

Do not let suppertime have you pulling your hair out. Scroll through these recipes for some yummy inspiration and be sure to pin all your favorites too!

<p>Jon Ashton</p><p>Your kids are going to want seconds and thirds of these cheesy chicken enchiladas.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/chicken-enchiladas" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Chicken Enchiladas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Chicken Enchiladas</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Here's a hands-on lunch kids will love making and eating. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1226174/kristamarshall/garlic-bread-pizzas/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Garlic Bread Pizzas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Garlic Bread Pizzas</a></strong></p>
<p>These awesome zucchini boats not only reinvent tuna for lunch but they also appeal to a wide crowd. They are <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/wondering-deal-gluten-heres-guide-192903451.html" data-ylk="slk:gluten;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">gluten</a>-, grain-, dairy-, and egg-free but still fill your kids up and taste great. Prepare the night before for a perfect no-utensils-needed lunch.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/321674/parade/zucchini-tuna-boats-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Zucchini Tuna Boats;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Zucchini Tuna Boats</a></strong></p>
<p>When you're in a pinch, the PB&J on a tortilla and get ready for your kids to ask for seconds. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/152392/devinalexander/devin-alexanders-pb-and-j-spirals/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:PB and J Spirals;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">PB and J Spirals</a></strong></p>
<p>The Food Charlatan</p><p>These are truly fun for the whole family. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://thefoodcharlatan.com/homemade-pretzel-dogs/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pretzel Dogs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pretzel Dogs</a></strong></p>

The Food Charlatan

These are truly fun for the whole family.

Get the recipe: Pretzel Dogs

<p>CALLIE BLOUNT</p><p>Here's a great way to pack vegetables into dinner for the whole family. It’s so versatile: toss in any vegetables you have in the fridge, plus leftover chicken or <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/40-steak-recipes-bring-steakhouse-231058426.html" data-ylk="slk:steak;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">steak</a>.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842630/communitytable/ravioli-with-roasted-veggies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ravioli with Roasted Veggies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ravioli with Roasted Veggies</a></strong></p>
<p>The Italian restaurant comes to your dinner table with this cheesy baked bread dinner.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://southernbite.com/easy-stromboli/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Stromboli;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Stromboli</a></strong></p>

The Italian restaurant comes to your dinner table with this cheesy baked bread dinner.

Get the recipe: Easy Stromboli

<p>Southern Bite</p><p>Your kids will love to eat these burger-fied stuffed pepper, and you will love how easy they are to make. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://southernbite.com/sloppy-joe-stuffed-peppers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers</a></strong></p>
<p>Everyday Mom's Meals</p><p>This big, hearty casserole fed our <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/101-family-quotes-show-ones-212045719.html" data-ylk="slk:family;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">family</a> of four for about $7, with some leftover for lunch the next day.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:<a href="https://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2019/02/dollar-store-delight.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pizza Gnocchi Bake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "> Pizza Gnocchi Bake</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>This casserole is something I like to call an "almost one pan wonder" since you have to brown the <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/150-ground-beef-recipes-dinner-133027676.html" data-ylk="slk:ground beef;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">ground beef</a> in the skillet first and there are two pans to be washed, but it's still super quick and the oven does most of the work!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842668/kristamarshall/fiesta-taco-rice-bake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fiesta Taco Rice Bake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fiesta Taco Rice Bake</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography / styling by Teresa Blackburn</p><p>You can feed the whole team of kiddos with these tasty sliders.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841846/communitytable/pull-apart-turkey-cheddar-sliders/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pull-Apart Turkey & Cheddar Sliders;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pull-Apart Turkey & Cheddar Sliders</a></strong></p>
<p>Stephanie Manley</p><p>You need to get dinner on the table fast. The kids want <a href="https://parade.com/1256189/kaitlin-vogel/hot-dog-could-shorten-life-study/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:hot dogs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">hot dogs</a>. What's the easiest way to make this happen and have a delicious dinner ready for when the whole <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/101-family-quotes-show-ones-212045719.html" data-ylk="slk:family;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">family</a> sits down to eat? Let your <a href="https://parade.com/1177364/kelli_acciardo/ninja-air-fryer-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:air fryer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">air fryer</a> come to the rescue!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1364910/aliceknisleymatthias-2/air-fryer-hot-dogs/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Air Fryer Hot Dogs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Air Fryer Hot Dogs </a></strong></p>
<p>Southern Bite</p><p>What's a kid-perfect dinner without chicken tenders?</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://southernbite.com/cornbread-crusted-ranch-chicken-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cornbread Crust Ranch Chicken Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cornbread Crust Ranch Chicken Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Tyson</p><p>You simply can't go wrong with a classic chicken quesadilla for dinner. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/155656/sponsoredbytysongrilledready/chicken-quesadillas/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chicken Quesadillas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chicken Quesadillas</a></strong></p>
<p>Your Cup of Cake</p><p>A true one-pot dinner wonder.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.yourcupofcake.com/one-pot-cheesy-chicken-rice-and-broccoli/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Casseroles are another way to enjoy tasty, hearty meals that can turn a bad day around the minute you take the first bite. This <strong>chicken casserole recipe</strong> has a stuffing topping, big flavor, is super simple and sure to become a staple in your midweek meal rotation.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/chicken-casserole" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chicken Stuffing Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chicken Stuffing Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>MARK BOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY / STYLING BY TERESA BLACKBURN</p><p>Oven-baked tenders and a trio of sauces are perfect for a speedy supper.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/864528/parade/crispy-baked-chicken-dippers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crispy Baked Chicken Dippers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crispy Baked Chicken Dippers</a></strong></p>
<p>Sarah Hone</p><p>Can't decide on pizza or pasta? Try both in this speedy supper inspired by everyone’s favorite food. The comforting <a href="https://parade.com/882535/stephaniebrubaker/cheesy-creamy-baked-pasta-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:baked pasta recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">baked pasta recipe</a> is loaded with whole-wheat pasta, lean <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/150-ground-beef-recipes-dinner-133027676.html" data-ylk="slk:ground beef;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">ground beef</a> and <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/long-does-cook-perfect-turkey-183936104.html" data-ylk="slk:turkey;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">turkey</a> pepperoni, so you'll feed good serving it to your kids. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/958601/parade/make-ahead-supreme-pizza-pasta-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Supreme Pizza Pasta Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Supreme Pizza Pasta Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>Callie Blount</p><p>If your family loves Chinese food, this Quick Vegetable Lo Mein is a great weeknight meal or side.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <a href="https://parade.com/842108/kristamarshall/quick-vegetable-lo-mein/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Quick Vegetable Lo Mein;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Quick Vegetable Lo Mein</strong></a></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>This step-by-step guide to making Goulash is what you need to make a simple family supper that fits your busy schedule.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842574/kristamarshall/goulash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Goulash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Goulash</a></strong></p>
<p>Parade</p><p>This grilled cheese is not traditional but it sure does taste fabulous.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/690375/parade/good-and-proper-grilled-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Good and Proper Grilled Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Good and Proper Grilled Cheese</a></strong></p>
<p>Dina Avila</p><p>This combo of Mexican and British specialties pushes the boundaries of what a taco can be.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/fish-chips-tacos-fast-easy-163000594.html" data-ylk="slk:Fish & Chips Tacos;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Fish & Chips Tacos</a></strong></p>
<p>Parade</p><p>Weekday dinners ordering takeout can get expensive. Make a sandwich with the leftovers and pack it for lunch the next day!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/28891/sheilalukins/easy-does-it-meatloaf/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy-Does-It Meatloaf;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy-Does-It Meatloaf</a></strong></p>
<p>Theresa Greco</p><p>This high-protein, creamy tomato pasta is an easy dinner recipe full of flavor from homemade marinara sauce and cottage cheese.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/feel-good-foodies-cottage-cheese-160117880.html" data-ylk="slk:Cottage Cheese Pasta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Cottage Cheese Pasta</a></strong></p>
<p>Served Up With Love</p><p>This easy <em>recipe</em> for the classic sloppy joe can truly come together mostly from your pantry and fridge.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1331894/kristamarshall/sloppy-joes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best Homemade Sloppy Joes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Best Homemade Sloppy Joes</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Baked Spaghetti is layers of meat, cheese and sauce that come together in a meal that will satisfy even the most hungry crowd!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:<a href="https://parade.com/1318275/kristamarshall/baked-spaghetti/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Spaghetti;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Spaghetti</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>These are perfect for a simple weeknight meal, or for snacking on in the backyard or by the pool at your next summer family dinner. However you serve them, they pack a ton of flavor into one little sandwich!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842688/kristamarshall/kickin-ham-cheese-sliders/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Kickin' Ham & Cheese Sliders;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Kickin' Ham & Cheese Sliders</a></strong></p>
<p>This good-for-the-soul soup tastes like it was simmered all day but in reality, takes only 25 minutes to cook.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/25-minute-homestyle-chicken-noodle-224151680.html" data-ylk="slk:Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup</a></strong></p>
<p>Eva Kolenko</p><p>This recipe for Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Thighs With Sweet Potato Bake is a very hands-off dinner. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/shaqs-crispy-sheet-pan-bbq-202742018.html" data-ylk="slk:Shaq's Crispy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Thighs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Shaq's Crispy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Thighs</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p> This <strong>Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies</strong> dinner is filled with no-fuss frozen ingredients like <a href="https://parade.com/848796/felicialim/the-12-best-butternut-squash-recipes-youll-ever-make/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:butternut squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">butternut squash</a>, <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/green-bean-casserole-green-beans-141937705.html" data-ylk="slk:green beans;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">green beans</a>, onion and chicken sausage seasoned with maple syrup and Dijon mustard. But it's so customizable: you can also swap any of these for whatever you have in your fridge and freezer that you're trying to use up.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/998284/jocelynruggiero/sheet-pan-sausage-and-veggies-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies</a></strong></p>

Up next: Aldi's New Super-Handy (and Trendy) $10 Backpack Coolers Have Shoppers Rushing to Grab Every Style

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next