Having to come up with dinner ideas every night for yourself is daunting enough, but when you have to find something the kids will eat, as well, it could make any parent scour the internet for help. From the nights you were stuck at work or the ones where you can’t summon the energy to make everyone a multi-course meal to the ones you have the energy to be a personal chef, here are easy dinner ideas for kids and adults that are quick and simple — and that everyone can enjoy.
A twist on normal options
Sliders
Whether you do ham and cheese, mini burgers or make them BLT style, sliders are perfect for kids. They are the ideal size and easy to make, and you can even let the kids take over in making this dinner. If it’s cold outside, pop these in the toaster oven to warm everyone up.
Pita night
Some nights, we only have the strength to make cold sandwiches for dinner. That’s fine, but for a fast and easy dinner the kids will have a blast putting together and customizing, pita sandwiches are an ideal option. Let the kids help with prep work, cutting up and sorting fillings and toppings into dishes for everyone to use to create pitas. You could use this one over and over again and change the fillings, like doing meats and cheeses one time to a taco-themed pita night another.
Breakfast for dinner
Sometimes, you need to switch it up, and that means having breakfast for dinner. Things get crazy and you feel like you haven’t sat down for breakfast all week, so make pancakes, bacon, French toast, eggs, and a fruit cup and bring the morning meal to the dinner table.
Pasta dishes
Creamy alfredo
Yes, spaghetti and meatballs are always a good go-to, but sometimes you want creamier pasta. With a smooth alfredo base, you could add whatever protein topping your children like, whether that’s chicken, shrimp, or fish. Kids always love a noodle-based dish, and creamy alfredo never disappoints.
Stuffed shells
When you feel like spaghetti but don’t want the classic noodle version, stuffed shells hit the spot. Sometimes, kids get tired of the same thing, but serving it another way works. Stuff the shells with cheese, meat, or spinach, add red sauce, and then bake for a tasty and different way to eat the usual pasta dish.
One-pan dishes
Casserole
A one-pan dinner option is the best for many reasons. Throwing everything together in one pot or the crockpot means minimal cooking and easy cleanup. From broccoli and chicken cheddar with rice to shredded beef with vegetables, you can create a simple pan dish your children will love. Just don’t forget warm rolls or bread.
Chicken pot pie
It’s simple to throw ingredients in a casserole dish and back for a quick dinner, and chicken pot pie is a perfect go-to recipe. You’ll have protein and veggies all in one dish, and you know how good chicken pot pie is heated up the next day, which is one less day you have to cook, as well.
Versatile options
Meatballs
Meatballs are such a versatile dinner because you can make them any flavor your kids like. You can put them on a bun for a sandwich or toss them on some pasta, use red or barbecue sauce, or serve them with a side of veggies for a meal. Meatballs are also a food to let the kids make, because squishing and mixing the ingredients is entertaining.
Quesadillas
You can’t go wrong with cheese and a tortilla for dinner, but quesadillas have the potential to be infused with so many other flavors. Add pepperoni and a red dipping sauce for a pizza version or add ham for a spin on a ham and cheese sandwich, or see what other ways you can spice up a quesadilla.
Taco night
Taco Tuesdays are called that for a reason. You can find any combination of toppings for the whole family for taco night to make sure everyone eats up. Offer hard shell and soft shell, or let your kids create a taco bowl if that’s easier.
Rice bowls
Rice bowls are an interesting way to let kids have freedom over what they want to eat. Just cook up whatever style of rice your family likes, whether that’s white, brown, or yellow, and have an array of toppings set out on the table, like tomatoes, onions, beans, cilantro, and cheese, and let everyone personalize their bowl.
Loaded toppings bar
If you have multiple kids and each one likes certain things on their plate, doing a loaded toppings bar means everyone can pick what they want. Use baked potatoes or nachos as the base and have a spread of everything from black olives and cheeses to sour scream and broccoli and more.
Finding easy dinners for kids that they will like and be able to help make isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Children helping in the kitchen is an important way to build their self-confidence, help them learn measuring, and learn how to follow instructions, and it’s a beneficial way to encourage them to become independent. Let’s face it, we all love help in the kitchen, and there is no better sous chef than your kiddo. Let them help with these easy dinner ideas for kids and see how much fun dinner time can be.
