Kids love macaroni and cheese, pizza, and lasagna [1]. Plenty of adults love those foods too — but it's easy to fall into a recipe rut, which can be boring for the whole family. So, mix things up with kid-friendly recipes that have been slightly reinvented. Easy to make and out-of-this-world tasty, these kid-friendly recipes are sure to become new family favorites — from kid-friendly chicken recipes [2] to crowd-pleasing pasta dishes [3] that take only minutes of prep work. Oh, and did we mention all the delicious leftovers?! Talk about taking the guesswork out of school lunch [4].
Many of these recipes are kid-friendly in another way too: your little one can join in on the prep and cooking. And when you get your kid involved in preparing a meal, they're often even more excited to eat it. So, keep reading to get a look at some of our favorite kid-friendly recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond.
Chicken Teriyaki
You'll forget your favorite takeout's phone number after trying this slow-cooker chicken teriyaki [5] from Cooking Classy. And this Asian dish has just the right amount of salty and sweet, which results in lots of empty plates.
Cheeseburger Pizza Pie
Instead of popping that juicy burger on a roll, try this inventive recipe from BlogChef for Cheeseburger Pizza [6]. This easy family dinner can be topped with your favorite burger toppings for a really unique meal.
Creamy Shells and Beef
Take your mac and cheese routine to the next level (without the cost) with this Creamy Shells and Beef [7] recipe.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup doesn't just have to be for sick days! This Chicken Noodle Soup [8] will become a family favorite in no time, and with basic but delicious ingredients, it won't break the bank.
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Whether your children are craving mac and cheese or you are, this Broccoli Mac and Cheese [9] will satisfy your cravings and your wallet.
Beef & Broccoli
Upgrade a classic takeout favorite with this healthier version of Beef and Broccoli [10]. And if you already have rice in the pantry, that's a few less dollars you have to spend.
Tex-Mex Egg and Cheese Cauliflower Casserole
Nothing screams family meal quite like a casserole! And this Tex-Mex egg and cheese cauliflower casserole [11] from Cotter Crunch is so easy to make with just five ingredients.
Chili Mac and Cheese
Add a little spice to your everyday noodles with a functional chili mac and cheese [12] recipe. Don't forget a dollop of sour cream!
Healthy Chicken Quesadilla
How pretty does this healthy chicken quesadilla [13] look? Make a few trays ahead of time and throw them in the freezer for busy nights.
Kid-Friendly Veggie-Loaded Meat Sauce
Is Sunday dinner really ever complete without a delicious meat sauce? We think not! Fortunately for parents, this kid-friendly veggie-loaded meat sauce [14] recipe is loaded with veggies your kids won't even taste.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Prepare to get messy with slow cooker sloppy joes [15] your kids will surely be begging for regularly. Added bonus: this recipe only takes 10 minutes to throw together!
Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole
Perfect for evenings spent with the family, this cheesy beef and pasta casserole [16] will definitely last your squad a few days.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Looking for a Pinterest-worthy meal? We can't get enough of these delicious stuffed zucchini boats [17], which are jam-packed with nutritious goodness.
Kid-Friendly Turkey Beet Meatballs
Children will love the color of these kid-friendly turkey beet meatballs [18]. You simply can't have too many veggies.
Slow Cooker Meatballs
An Italian classic. Use your slow cooker to pack moisture into these slow cooker meatballs [19].
Zucchini Noodle Veggie Lo Mein
Ditch take-out lo mein and spiralize some of your family's favorite veggies to make your own version of Lo Mein [20] with so much less salt but all of the flavor.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Melt-in-your-mouth-level tasty, these easy-to-assemble ham and cheese sliders [21] will certainly go over well in your household. And did we mention leftovers?!
Turkey Tacos
These Turkey Tacos [22] are sure to spice up your family's Taco Tuesday (or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday!) and only take about 15 minutes to whip up.
Cauliflower Burgers
These colorful Cauliflower Burgers [23] are all veggie without sacrificing taste.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Not only can this Fried Rice [24] be whipped up in 15 minutes, but it's also a lot lighter than traditional rice, as the recipe calls for cauliflower instead!
Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Dive into a warm bowl of Asian-inspired Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken [25] that makes for the perfect weeknight meal.
Baked Cheeseburger Sliders
Put a healthy spin on this tried-and-true kid favorite with a Baked Cheeseburger Slider [26] recipe your kids will love, sans too much oil.
Oven-Baked Fish Sticks
These crispy Oven-Baked Fish Sticks [27] will be a surefire crowd-pleaser as soon as they hit the table!
Pasta Primavera
This light take on Pasta Primavera [28] will have your kids asking for seconds, and, er, maybe even thirds!
Apple Almond Butter Bars
We bet your won't be able to make these Apple Almond Butter Bars [29] fast enough to replace the ones your kids eat. Yum!
Kid-Friendly Southwestern Oat Muffins
There's nothing easier than taking breakfast or an after-school snack [30] on the go, especially when you have a school bus to catch! And these hearty Kid-Friendly Southwestern Oat Muffins [31] will keep 'em full all morning long.
Peanut Butter Protein Bars
A tasty tray of Peanut Butter Protein Bars [32] never lasts long in our homes. And the dark chocolate chips add a sweet touch!
Banana Smoothie
Pull out your blender, and get to work making these creamy Banana Smoothies [33], which are sure to leave your little ones satisfied on busy mornings.
Korean Chicken Skewers
Put a healthy spin on this mouthwatering Korean Chicken Skewer [34] recipe by adding a hearty amount of sesame seeds. The glaze flavor comes from Asian chiles, garlic, and ginger, so yes, it qualifies as guilt-free. PS: your kids will love pulling the chicken off their wooden sticks!
Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas
These Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas [35] are easy on stomachs, budgets, and schedules — win, win, win!
Baked Chicken Meatballs
Swap beef for poultry using this mouthwatering Baked Chicken Meatballs [36] recipe. We bet your kids won't even know the difference!
Chinese Cauliflower Rice Casserole
This yummy Chinese Cauliflower Rice Casserole [37] recipe is a great meal prep option! Cauliflower rice adds a healthy touch!
Barbecue Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Barbecue Chicken Lettuce Wraps [38] are the name of the game for families who are looking for some lighter fare once dinner rolls around.
General Tso's Chickpeas
Your go-to Chinese fave just got a reboot with this General Tso's Chickpeas [39] recipes that eliminates the usual main ingredient: fried chicken.
Sheet-Pan Fajitas
In just under 20 minutes, you can transform a boring chicken breast into the most juicy and zesty Sheet-Pan Fajitas [40]. Serve it with cauliflower rice [41] or low-carb tortillas.
Vegetarian Cauliflower Rice Skillet Meal
You won't have to sweat the details when you whip up this Vegetarian Cauliflower Rice Skillet Meal [42], and it's packed with veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Ground Beef Tacos
Taco night is always a fun one! Start with this Ground Beef Taco [43] recipe, and set up toppings stations in your kitchen so your kids can build their own meals.
Cheeseburger Soup
This out-of-the-box Cheeseburger Soup [44] puts your little one's favorite food in an entirely new format. Bonus points for creativity!
Granny’s Classic Beef and Noodles
A tried-and-true kid-pleaser, this Granny's Classic Beef and Noodles [45] is a great options for families all year long.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
A crowd favorite for sure, this Chicken Pot Pie Soup [46] is surprisingly easy to whip together when you have a slow cooker on-hand.
Chicken Tacos
Set up topping stations and go to town making these child-friendly Chicken Tacos [47] in a jiffy. Who doesn't love tacos?!
Cashew Chicken
Kids who don't mind a little spice in life will love digging into this bowl of Cashew Chicken [48]. Just add some quick rice and you're good to go.
Taco Chili
Who wants regular soup when you can chow down on a big bowl of Taco Chili [49]? All you need is some sour cream and a few tortilla chips to top the recipe off.
BBQ Pulled Pork
Grab a few rolls and slather a generous helping of BBQ Pulled Pork [50] on them for a quick dinner your children will gobble up in minutes.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Take your grandma's recipe up a few notches with a Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup [51] that puts a heartier spin on a classic.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Yes, there are some hidden veggies in this bowl of Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese [52], but hey, you gotta get the kids to eat 'em somehow, right?
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Is there anything more kid-friendly — and, er, messy — than a Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe [53]? We don't think so.
Mashed Potatoes
There are few things more comforting than a giant bowl of Mashed Potatoes [54] on a chilly night.
Lasagna Soup
Our mouths are watering just looking at this delicious bowl of Lasagna Soup [55]. All parents need to do is pass the cheese. Yum!
Orange Chicken
Put an Asian-inspired twist on your squad's next dinner date with a hearty plate of Orange Chicken [56].
French Dip Sliders
I'm an absolute sucker for a French Dip Slider [57], and we're willing to hedge a bet your little ones will be, too.
Vegetable Beef Soup
Getting your kids to chow down on this nutrient-packed Vegetable Beef Soup [58] will be a breeze! Isn't it colorful?!
Chicken and Rice Soup
A hearty bowl of classic Chicken and Rice Soup [59] will keep their bellies full all night long.
Creamy Chicken and Rice
There's nothing better than a warm bowl of the good stuff — aka Creamy Chicken and Rice [60] — that packs in major flavor without taking forever to make.