50 Kid-Friendly Dinners for Busy School Nights

Are you tired of your picky eaters refusing to eat what you make for dinner every night? Find 50 kid-friendly dinners for busy school nights.

This post may contain affiliate links.  You can read my full disclosure here.

Love printables? Sign up here to access my free resource library that has meal planning printables such as shopping lists and favorite meal worksheets.

Let’s face it, weeknights can be stressful enough with activities, homework, and practices. The last thing you want to do after a busy day is watch your kid pick at their plate or refuse to eat what you’ve made for dinner.

Since I have picky eaters in my home, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes to make mealtime less stressful every night. No one wants to have to be a short-order cook just to get their kid to eat something.

To avoid this, I’ve found ways to encourage my picky eaters to try new recipes by switching up their favorite foods. For instance, if you have a pizza lover in your home, find recipes that have all those flavors your kids love, like pizza casserole, pizza chicken, or a pizza grilled cheese sandwich (find these easy and tasty recipes below).

Kids love macaroni and cheese so try to jazz up their favorite mac and cheese recipe by adding different flavors of cheese, meats, and veggies. Making foods that seem familiar to them, may encourage them to try new recipes. This is also a great way to sneak in some veggies, like shredded carrots and zucchini.

In case you are still struggling to come up with easy recipes your kids will love, I’ve gathered up 50 kid-friendly dinners that are perfect for busy school nights. Most of these recipes require simple ingredients and can be made up in less than 30 minutes. 

Looking for more quick and easy dinner ideas? 

• 85 Easy Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas
• Best 20-Minute Meals for Busy Weeknights
• 19 Quick and Easy 10-Minute Meals
• Simple Mix and Match Dinner Ideas
  

50 Kid-Friendly Dinners for Busy School Nights

Kids can be notorious for being picky when it comes to trying new recipes. But these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest kid. You will find easy crockpot recipes, comforting casseroles, sheet pan dinners, and one-pot meals. As well, as delicious pasta, chicken, beef, and pizza recipes.

Pasta Recipes Kids Will Love

Pasta recipes are usually a hit with kids. Anything from lasagna, macaroni, and cheese to a simple pasta and sauce. Your kids will be asking you to make these tasty recipes again and again.

Homemade Spaghetti O’s– Strength and Sunshine

Kick the can and make this healthy recipe for the kids instead. Homemade Spaghetti O’s that are allergy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. A super easy dinner that’s kid-friendly and mom-approved!

Pizza Pasta- I Heart Eating

Pizza pasta takes the best of both pizza and pasta and turns those flavors into an easy pasta casserole. This kid-friendly dinner recipe can be on the table in about 30 minutes.

Freezer Friendly Lasagna– Crystal and Comp.

This freezer-friendly lasagna is packed with flavor. It’s easy to make and family-friendly.

One Pot Tomato Pasta– Mrs. Jones’s Kitchen

This one-pot tomato pasta is on the table in under 30 minutes. Made with store cupboard ingredients, it is popular with the whole family.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese- Everyday Family Cooking

This homemade Mac and cheese will be the only Mac and cheese your kids will ask for. It contains no processed food and is super easy to make!

Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese– The Fast Recipe

This recipe makes the most delicious mac and cheese with cream cheese. It’s comforting macaroni baked in a super creamy and cheesy sauce. You can have it ready in less than an hour.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese– Clan Kitchen

Indulge in a timeless favorite with this Kid-Friendly Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Its creamy blend of cheddar and gruyere cheeses over tender pasta is a comforting delight that children and adults alike will savor.

 

Easy Crockpot Recipes

The crockpot is without a doubt a busy mom’s best friend, so when you add the simplicity of slow cooking with easy recipes your kids will love, it’s the perfect combination. Make dinner time less stressful with these hearty crockpot recipes like pizza casserole, taco soup, and chicken enchiladas.

Angel Crockpot Chicken– The Typical Mom

Crockpot angel chicken is easy and delicious for everyone. Dump in with chicken breasts and noodles at the end.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole–  Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole is a favorite with kids and adults with only a 15-minute prep. Everyone will be asking for seconds of this flavor-packed pasta dish.

Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas-Two Cloves Kitchen

These Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas are spicy, tangy, cheesy, and delicious. Kids and parents alike love this easy dinner.

Looking for more easy crockpot recipes your kids will enjoy?

• 30 Cozy Crockpot Chicken Dinners
• 20 Dump and Go Crockpot Soup Recipes
  
• 25 Frugal Crockpot Ground Beef Recipes
• 27 Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Meals for Fall

Kid-Friendly Casserole Recipes

These cozy casserole recipes include all the flavors that kids love. Find tater tot casserole, taco casserole, and ravioli casserole.

Loaded Bacon Tator Tot Casserole with Sour Cream- Mimosas and Motherhood

Layers of amazing flavor combine for a fast (and kid-approved) meal any night of the week. This easy tater tot casserole recipe will quickly become a family favorite!

Taco Casserole- Love From the Oven

This Taco casserole is a fun and exciting way to serve tacos for dinner!

Ravioli Casserole with Meat Sauce– Today’s Creative Life

This layered ravioli casserole has all the flavors every kid loves! Easy to make and always a family favorite.

Chicken Recipes 

When my boys were younger, their biggest request for dinner was always chicken nuggets. And, although we did keep the frozen chicken nuggets on hand, I always preferred to make homemade instead (especially in the air fryer). Eventually, I started adding rotisserie chicken recipes to the mix and got creative with chicken casserole recipes.

Of course, I’m always on the search for new chicken recipes to try, and I can’t wait to try some of these delicious kid-friendly recipes. You will find everything from sheet pan chicken to chicken quesadillas.

Takis Chicken– Healthy Mom Healthy Family

This delicious Takis Chicken packs a bold flavor and crunch from crushed Takis chips. This chicken bakes in just 30 minutes in the oven for an easy weeknight meal.

Baked Cornflake Chicken Tenders– Fresh Apron

These Baked Cornflake Chicken Tenders are easy to make and delicious. Chicken tenders are coated in cornflakes and then baked until perfectly crispy.

Chicken Mozzarella Skillet- Easy Family Recipes

This Chicken Mozzarella Skillet is an all-time family favorite. Tender chicken breast is seared and then simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce flavored with garlic and basil. This recipe is quick and easy to make with only a handful of ingredients in just one skillet.

Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner-Easy Budget Recipes

This Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner is made with chicken thighs, broccoli, squash, bell pepper, carrots, and a delicious marinade. It’s easy to make, and all made on a sheet pan.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice- Modern Honey

Quick and Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice are all made in one skillet. This 30-minute, no-bake chicken and rice dish is such a crowd-pleaser and so easy!

Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry– My Kids Lick the Bowl

Pineapple Chicken Stirfry, bright and colorful, and with the sweetness of pineapple makes it a hit with kids.

Kid-Friendly Jambalaya-Platter Talk

Kid-friendly jambalaya is an easy and affordable meal that is guaranteed to please kids of all ages!

Pizza Chicken- Get Inspired Everyday

Looking for a new recipe for pizza night? Try this easy and delicious pizza chicken that your whole family is sure to enjoy.

Salsa Chicken- Low Carb Spark

If you are tired of those same old and simple chicken dinners, this salsa chicken recipe is exactly what you are looking for. Ready in 30 minutes and loaded with a delicious zesty salsa flavor, this chicken recipe is sure to impress.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas– Maple+Mango

These Cheesy Shredded Chicken Enchiladas are easy to make and extra cheesy and delicious thanks to a special ingredient: homemade nacho cheese sauce.

Chicken Quesadillas– In the Kid’s Kitchen

Kid-friendly chicken quesadillas are a quick and easy meal made with simple ingredients. Chicken and cheese are layered in a flour tortilla and cooked until golden brown and melty.

Skillet Chicken Fajitas- Primavera Kitchen

Skillet chicken fajitas are an easy weeknight one-pan meal. This Tex-Mex favorite has healthy protein and fresh veggies all in one amazing yet simple dish.

Ground Beef Recipes 

We love ground beef recipes in our home. They are the perfect frugal meal for busy weeknights. Layered nacho casserole made with ground beef is one of my kid’s favorite dishes. Here are some more tasty ground beef recipes your kids are sure to enjoy!

Your kids will love this homemade version of the hamburger helper we all know and love from our childhood!

The best juicy Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe is bursting with flavor. The ground beef is loaded with a sauteed vegetable and spice mixture, cheeses, wrapped in bacon slices, and baked. Each slice is light, fluffy, tender, and holds together.

Salisbury Steak– I Heart Naptime

Seasoned ground beef patties, tender onions, and earthy mushrooms are smothered in a rich, velvety brown gravy. This easy Salisbury steak recipe is served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting 30-minute meal your whole family will love!

 

Beef Pasta Hamburger Helper- Healthy Kids Recipes

This homemade hamburger helper is so much better than store-bought. It’s an easier and healthier option too.

Pizza Sloppy Joes– Two Healthy Kitchens

Two kid-favorite meals in one super-easy dinner! Sloppy Joes get a delicious upgrade with the beloved flavors of pepperoni pizza.

Healthy Sloppy Joes- Pure and Simple Nourishment

These are the best healthy sloppy Joes. Saucy and filled with flavor this homemade sloppy Joe recipe is made in just one pan and makes the perfect quick and easy meal.

Taco Salad- Fluxing Well

This easy taco salad has the ingredients kids love, like nacho cheese tortilla chips.

Taco Pie- An Edible Mosaic

This Taco Pie has everything you love about beef tacos re-made into a cheesy casserole that’s layered with soft tortillas and tons of vegetables! Kids love it and it freezes well, so it’s also great for meal prep.

Loaded Dorito Nachos– Caramel and Cashews

Doritos nachos feature crunchy chips, ground beef, refried beans, and all the toppings! They’re filling and take less than 30 minutes to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight.

Crunchy Wonton Taco Cups– Hey Snickerdoodle

These super fun Crunchy Wonton Taco Cups are easy to make and add a fun twist to taco night. They are made with a crispy wonton shell, layered with refried beans and ground beef taco meat.

Sheet Pan Taco Bake– Quiche My Grits

Sheet Pan Taco Bake makes taco night even more fun! You’ll love the puff pastry crust and variety of toppings. It’s an easy sheet pan tacos recipe that will please your whole family.

Kid-Friendly Chili Recipe- Simply Full of Delight

Kids will love this kid-friendly chili recipe! This delicious chili is perfect for busy school nights.

Lasagna Soup– On My Kids Plate

A flavorful tomato broth full of tender noodles, hearty ground beef, and savory Italian flavors, this shortcut lasagna soup has everything you love about traditional lasagna all in one steamy bowl that is ready in about thirty minutes.

More Kid-Friendly Recipes 

When it comes to kids, you can’t go wrong with anything pizza-flavored. Here are some tasty pizza recipes. As well as a few more kid-friendly recipes, like homemade crunchy fish sticks, and ham and cheese sliders.

Puff Pastry Pizza- Living Lou

The whole family will love this easy puff pastry pizza, personalized with your favorite toppings. Thanks to the convenience of frozen puff pastry (no rolling required), you’ll achieve a light and crispy crust that perfectly complements the flavorful toppings.

Pepperoni Pita Pizza- Homan at Home

Healthy and fun, these pita pizzas are done in minutes. Let the kids choose their toppings.

 Pizza Grilled Cheese- Scarlati Family

This tasty pizza grilled cheese is the best comfort food mash-up. Made with garlic bread, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese, this super gooey sandwich is perfect for both kids and adults.

Ham Delights (Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders)– Mandi of the Mountains

Ham delights are a sweet and savory Southern favorite. This updated classic uses honey-dijon butter, everything bagel seasoning, and sweet Hawaiian rolls for an easy meal the whole family will love.

Crispy Baked Fish Sticks– Grandbaby Cakes

If your kids love fish sticks, definitely make them this perfectly Crispy Baked Fish Sticks Recipe! They are crunchy and flavorful with tender fish right inside.

Looking for more kid-friendly recipes?

• 70 Easy Breakfast Ideas for Kids
• 27 Easy Back-to-School Lunch Ideas for Kids
• 58 Simple Snack Ideas for Kids

Don’t forget to sign up for my Free Resource Library where you can find meal planning, shopping list printables, and more.

Follow me on Pinterest for more meal planning and recipe ideas.