Looking for kid-approved dinner ideas you can make on busy school nights? Find 60 days of easy kid-friendly dinner recipes that perfect for back-to-school nights and picky eaters!
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.
A new school year has begun which means that busy nights are back. Between homework, activities, sports, and everything else that fills up the calendar, getting dinner on the table can feel like just another thing on your never-ending to do list.
And, if you have picky eaters at home (like I do), then finding easy meals that everyone will actually eat can sometimes feel impossible. That’s why I decided to gather up 60 days of kid-friendly dinner ideas to help make busy school nights a little less stressful.
These kid-approved recipes are made with ingredients that kids are familiar with and flavors that they love, making them perfect for even the pickiest of eaters. You will find kid-favorite recipes like homemade chicken nuggets, walking tacos and chicken quesadillas. As well, as cheesy pasta dishes, casseroles, and slow cooker meals that will help get you through the next couple months of school nights.
Looking for more kid-friendly recipes for busy school nights?
- 30 Days of Kid-Friendly Recipes for Picky Eaters
- 52 Easy Back to School Dinner Ideas
- 56 Best Picky Eater Dinner Ideas
60 Days of Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas
With 60 dinner ideas to choose from, you can use this list to plan two months of kid-friendly meals. Simply pick 1-2 recipes from each category to add to your weekly meal plan. You can mix and match by having a shortcut dinner on your busiest night, making a cheesy pasta dish on Monday, taco casserole on Taco Tuesday, a pizza bake for Friday, and maybe a comforting crockpot meal on Sunday. Then, just choose a couple more recipes for the remaining days and you are all set for the week. Enjoy!
Pasta Recipes
Pasta is always a great choice when you’re feeding kids, especially with picky eaters. I know it’s my son’s most requested meal. These hearty pasta recipes have familiar flavors that your kids will love.
1
Mommy Evolution
Skillet Mac and Cheese
This Skillet Mac and Cheese is a creamy and comforting dish that uses just one pan and simple pantry ingredients.
Get This Recipe
2
Mom Foodie
Baked Ziti Alfredo with Ricotta
Baked Ziti Alfredo recipe with mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheeses makes the perfect easy pasta casserole for busy weeknights.
Get This Recipe
3
The Wholesome Spoon
Lasagna Style Baked Ziti
This Lasagna Style Baked Ziti is made with hearty Italian Sausage tomato sauce, a ricotta parmesan cheese layer, and a ton of melty mozzarella!
Get This Recipe
4
Bites with Bri
Baked Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Baked jumbo stuffed shells are filled with ricotta, basil pesto, mozzarella, and parmesan, layered with ground sausage marinara and baked until golden and bubbly.
Get This Recipe
5
Corrie Cooks
Mac and Cheese Pizza
No need to choose between macaroni and cheese or your favorite pizza for dinner tonight. Try this kid-friendly mac and cheese pizza instead.
Get This Recipe
6
Two Sisters Mix It Up
One Pan Creamy Supreme Pizza Pasta
This One Pan Creamy Supreme Pizza Pasta is loaded with smoky Italian sausage, peppers, and tender noodles for a delicious weeknight family dinner idea.
Get This Recipe
7
Simply Well Balanced
Viral Doritos Taco Pasta Salad
This Doritos Taco Pasta Salad comes together in just 20 minutes, is packed with kid-approved flavors, and will make weeknight dinners a breeze.
Get This Recipe
8
The Fresh Cooky
One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
This One Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta is a super easy recipe that's packed with incredible flavor for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Get This Recipe
9
I Heart Eating
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
Cheesy kielbasa pasta is a simple, cheesy pasta recipe that is made with pantry-staple ingredients and can be made in about 30 minutes.
Get This Recipe
10
Fork & Ladle
Creamy Ham and Pasta
This Creamy Ham and Pasta dish is super-easy to make and your entire family will love it. Diced ham and pasta coated in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce for the perfect weeknight dinner idea.
Get This Recipe
11
Little Black Skillet
The Best Homemade Hamburger Helper
This homemade hamburger helper without milk is a one-pan dinner that’s faster and tastier than the box that's ready in just 30 minutes.
Get This Recipe
12
The Clean Happy Life
Creamy Mexican Taco Pasta
One pot creamy Mexican Taco Pasta combines the best of both worlds-tacos and pasta! Ground beef and veggies are cooked with taco seasoning, then simmered with pasta and a zesty tomato sauce all in one pot.
Get This Recipe
13
Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Enjoy all the delicious flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger with this bacon cheeseburger pasta that's made with ground beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, pasta shells, and tangy sauce. It's perfect for a no-fuss family dinner on busy weeknights.
Get This Recipe
14
Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini Alfredo
This creamy kielbasa tortellini alfredo combines cheese tortellini, savory kielbasa, broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce for a quick and comforting family dinner that only takes 20 minutes to make.
Check out this recipe
Casserole Recipes
Casserole dishes are perfect for busy families because they are not only delicious but easy to make. These kid-friendly casseroles have simple ingredients and can be made on busy weeknights for a stress-free family meal.
15
Little Chef Within
French Fry Casserole
French Fry Casserole is pure comfort food. Crispy fries on top, creamy beef filling inside, and cheesy flavor in every bite.
Get This Recipe
16
Chicken Fried Kitchen
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
This easy Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole combines ground beef, cheese, and tater tots for a family favorite with the classic flavors we all love!
Get This Recipe
17
The Cookin' Chicks
Taco Tater Tot Casserole
This easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy ground beef dinner topped with crispy tater tots, perfect for busy nights.
Get This Recipe
18
Mama Loves Food
Dorito Casserole
Dorito casserole made with ground beef, taco seasoning, sour cream, loads of cheese and nacho Doritos is always a dinner hit!
Get This Recipe
19
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
This easy pepperoni pizza casserole combines penne pasta, sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni for a quick, family-friendly dinner idea for busy weeknights.
Get This Recipe
20
Thriving in Parenting
Spaghetti Casserole
This easy homemade spaghetti casserole recipe is a hearty one-pan meal to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Get This Recipe
21
The Chaotic Table
Taco Bake
This Taco Bake combines all the classic taco flavors baked into one cheesy, bubbly taco casserole that saves dinner on busy nights. You can even prep it ahead of time for a stress-free family meal.
Get This Recipe
22
Tessie's Table
Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread Topping
All the flavors of classic sloppy joes baked into an easy casserole with a soft cornbread topping and melted cheese. Great for busy weeknights.
Get This Recipe
23
In the Kitch
Creamy Burrito Casserole
This creamy burrito casserole has multiple layers of meat, cheese, flour tortillas and peppers; it is like eating a Mexican-style lasagna!
Get This Recipe
24
Foodess
Cheeseburger Casserole
This easy cheeseburger casserole recipe is quick, simple to make and everyone loves it!
Get This Recipe
25
Get Inspired Everyday!
Taco Casserole
This easy to make, Taco Casserole is the perfect family dinner and kid-friendly too. It’s gluten free with make-ahead options as well.
Get This Recipe
26
From Valerie's Kitchen
Baked Ravioli
Frozen ravioli straight from the freezer is layered with meat sauce and mozzarella cheese and baked to create this easy Baked Ravioli.
Get This Recipe
27
The Forked Spoon
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
This Sloppy Joe Casserole features is made with pasta coated in a rich, tangy, beefy tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. Comforting and budget-friendly, it’s the perfect family-friendly dinner.
Get This Recipe
Looking for more casserole recipes?
- 18 Best Ground Beef Casserole Recipes
- 28 Best Fall Casserole Recipes
- 29 Simple Winter Casserole Recipes
Chicken Pasta & Casserole Recipes
There is nothing better than a chicken casserole or a hearty chicken pasta dish when you are craving a little comfort food after a long day. You will find everything from cheesy chicken casseroles to pesto chicken tortellini.
28
Living Chirpy
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Lemon Chicken Orzo is a creamy, cozy one-pot dinner that's easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Get This Recipe
29
The Peasant's Daughter
Pesto Chicken Tortellini
Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini is a one-skillet, 30-minute meal with tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich, garlicky pesto sauce.
Get This Recipe
30
100 Days of Real Food
Chicken Casserole
This homemade chicken casserole is the perfect family dinner! Great for busy weeknights at home.
Get This Recipe
31
Sugar & Snap Peas
Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole
Transform leftover chicken into a fresh meal with this chicken broccoli potato casserole. It’s made from scratch with no canned soup or mayo!
Get This Recipe
32
My Rad Kitchen
Cheesy Chicken Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken Casserole is creamy and comforting, with tender chicken, broccoli, pasta, and a rich homemade cheese sauce.
Get This Recipe
33
Kitchen Ready Betty
Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
Create a family favorite with this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole. A creamy, satisfying dish without canned soup.
Get This Recipe
34
Nibble and Dine
Pizza Chicken Casserole
Pizza Chicken Casserole uses rotisserie chicken and a few other basic ingredients to make a cheesy, saucy casserole jam-packed with pizza flavor!
Get This Recipe
35
Cheesy Ritz Chicken Noodle Casserole
This cheesy Ritz Chicken Noodle Casserole is made with rotisserie chicken, egg noodles, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping for an easy, comforting dinner the whole family will love.
Get This Recipe
Related:
- 10 Hearty Chicken Casserole Recipes
- 65 Easy Chicken Breast Dinner Recipes
- 42 Healthy Chicken Recipes
Slow Cooker Recipes
Let your slow cooker do all the work on those extra busy school nights. These kid-approved slow cooker dinners are simple to put together earlier in the day, so you can come home to a delicious meal that your whole family will love.
36
Tasty Oven
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
If you’re craving a cozy meal that the family will love, Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole is a must try! This rustic dish combines beef, beans, veggies and tater tots cooked in a flavorful cheese sauce.
Get This Recipe
37
The Lazy Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Ravioli & Meatballs
This easy slow cooker meal uses frozen meatballs and fresh ravioli for a delicious, no-prep meal that everyone loves.
Get This Recipe
38
Kim Schob
Easy Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Chili Mac is a simple prep crockpot dinner idea that's loaded with ground beef, seasoning, beans, pasta, and more.
Get This Recipe
39
Savvy Honey
Crockpot Chicken Fajita Pasta
Make crockpot chicken fajita pasta with chicken, bell peppers, fajita seasoning, cheese, and penne for a slow cooker dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Get This Recipe
40
Bless This Meal
Easy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a cozy, one-pot meal packed with beef, rice, tomatoes, peppers, and cheese—perfect for a hassle-free weekend dinner!
Get This Recipe
41
The Magical Slow Cooker
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti made with Rotel, Velveeta, and cream cheese for a cheesy, easy family meal.
Get This Recipe
42
Small Town Woman
Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
This tasty and easy crockpot ravioli lasagna combines frozen or fresh ravioli with onions, mushrooms, marinara, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Get This Recipe
43
Cheerful Cook
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
This Chicken and Stuffing Crock Pot Casserole recipe is made by layering chicken, creamy sauce, and dry stuffing mix in a slow cooker for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner.
Get This Recipe
44
Kalyn's Kitchen
Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
These delicious Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas are perfect to make in the Crock-Pot.
Get This Recipe
45
Our Love Language is Food
Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken recipe is bursting with tropical flavor. This dump-and-go recipe is the perfect easy weeknight dinner recipe!
Get This Recipe
46
Blue's Best Life
Classic Crockpot Sloppy Joes
This classic crockpot sloppy joe recipe skips the ketchup for a richer, homemade flavor. Easy, hearty, and perfect for busy nights or feeding a hungry crowd.
Get This Recipe
47
Trop Rockin Recipes
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie is a creamy, comforting dinner with tender chicken and vegetables, served over warm biscuits.
Get This Recipe
You May Like:
- 30 Healthy Dump and Go Crockpot Recipes
- 30 Cozy Crockpot Chicken Dinners
- 36 Easy Crockpot Ground Beef Recipes
- 47 Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Meals for Fall
Shortcut Recipes
Sometimes one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table fast is with shortcut recipes that contain simple and budget-friendly ingredients. These shortcut recipes use favorites like frozen meatballs, rotisserie chicken, and breaded chicken nuggets to create quick and flavorful dinners that your kids will actually want to eat.
48
Shortcut Chicken Parmesan Bake
This shortcut chicken parmesan bake uses frozen chicken tenders for a super easy weeknight casserole that everyone will enjoy.
Get This Recipe
49
Baked Ziti with Meatballs
This easy baked ziti with meatballs is the ultimate shortcut recipe for quick family dinners. Made with frozen meatballs and jarred pasta sauce, it's the perfect budget-friendly, kid-approved meal that even picky eaters love.
Get This Recipe
50
Shortcut Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Make dinner quick and easy with these shortcut sweet and sour meatballs. Frozen meatballs are cooked in a homemade sauce and served over rice for a simple weeknight family dinner idea everyone will love.
Get This Recipe
51
Shortcut Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo Bake
This creamy and cheesy chicken alfredo bake is made with rotisserie chicken and penne pasta for an easy shortcut dinner the whole family will love.
Get This Recipe
52
Pam's Daily Dish
One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
This recipe for one pot spaghetti and meatballs is the easiest recipe to make using frozen meatballs.
Get This Recipe
53
Little Chef Within
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Rotisserie chicken tacos ready in 10 minutes. Seasoned with homemade taco seasoning and salsa, served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Get This Recipe
54
On My Kid's Plate
Chicken Nugget Wrap
These easy chicken nugget wraps are perfect for lunchboxes, picky eaters, or a quick weeknight dinner. Use frozen nuggets, add your favorite toppings, and don’t skip the creamy honey mustard sauce, it pulls everything together! Great hot or cold and super customizable with what’s in your fridge.
Get This Recipe
55
Easy Meatball Sub Recipe
These easy meatball subs are made with frozen meatballs, jarred pasta sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and cheesy budget-friendly dinner your whole family will love.
Get This Recipe
56
A Cedar Spoon
Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders are simple to make and great for a quick weeknight meal. Hawaiian sweet rolls are topped with chicken tenders, tomato sauce and shredded cheese.
Get This Recipe
Kid Favorites
And, you can’t go wrong with a few classic recipes that kids love like homemade chicken tenders, walking tacos, or a fun pizza recipe. Perfect to avoid those dinnertime struggles on nights when you need an easy no-fuss meal.
57
The Slow Roasted Italian
Walking Taco Recipe
Walking tacos are perfect to enjoy your favorite Mexican flavors without the mess. Make this recipe for an easy kid-friendly weeknight dinner.
Get This Recipe
58
365 Days of Baking and More
Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Chicken Quesadillas will become a new favorite meal! With simple, fresh ingredients and a fast prep time, these quesadillas are an easy meal to enjoy on busy weeknights with the family.
Get This Recipe
59
She's Not Cookin'
Bubble Up Pizza Bake
Easy Bubble Up Pizza Bake is the perfect lazy day dinner made with biscuit dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Family-friendly and delicious!
Get This Recipe
60
Sweet and Savory Meals
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
Oven Baked Chicken Tenders have a crunchy layer of crumbs on the outside and a juicy and tender on the inside! They are also simple and easy to prepare!
Get This Recipe
Find even more easy dinner recipes that kids love:
- 45 Easy Taco Night Recipes
- Easy and Cheap Ground Beef Recipes for Families
- 30 Easy 30 Minute Dinners for Busy Weeknights
Don’t forget to sign up for my Free Resource Library to grab my meal planning printables. You will also get access to lots more printables all completely free for you to print out and enjoy!
Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes and meal planning inspiration
