Are you tired of the same old dinner routine with your kids? Do you find yourself struggling to come up with new and exciting meal ideas that your children will actually enjoy? Look no further than these easy and delicious kids recipes for your family dinner ideas!
With a variety of options to choose from, you can find the perfect recipe for any picky eater. From classic favorites like mashed potatoes to more adventurous dishes like vegetable stir-fry and chicken quesadillas, these recipes are sure to please even the most finicky of eaters. Plus, many of them can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Not only are these recipes tasty and kid-approved, but they also offer a great opportunity to get your children involved in the cooking process. Let them help measure ingredients, mix and stir, and even set the table. Not only will it make them feel like they are contributing to the whole family, but it can also help them develop important life skills and a love for cooking. So why not try one of these recipes tonight and see how much fun cooking with your kids can be!
Getting Kids Involved In Cooking
Cooking with your kids can be a fun and educational experience for both you and your children. Getting your kids involved in the kitchen can help them develop important skills, such as measuring, following directions, and problem-solving. Here are some tips on how to get your kids involved in cooking.
Teaching Kitchen Safety
Before you start cooking with your kids, it’s important to teach them about kitchen safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Always wash your hands before handling food.
Use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot dishes.
Keep sharp knives and other dangerous tools out of reach.
Use caution when working with hot liquids and appliances.
By teaching your kids about kitchen safety, you can help prevent accidents and make cooking a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Fun Cooking Activities
Cooking an evening meal with your kids doesn’t have to be a chore. There are plenty of fun and easy cooking activities that you can do together. Here are some other easy dinner ideas for family:
Make homemade pizza: Let your kids help you assemble the pizza by adding toppings and spreading the sauce.
Bake cookies: Kids love making cookies, and it’s a great way to teach them about measuring and following directions.
Create a salad bar: Set out a variety of toppings and let your kids create their own salads.
Make smoothies: Let your kids pick their favorite fruits and blend them together to make a healthy and delicious smoothie.
By getting your kids involved in cooking, you can save time, help them develop important skills and create fun memories together. So why not put on your aprons and start cooking with your kids today!
Easy Dinner Ideas For Family
Looking for easy and healthy dinner recipes that your kids will love? Look no further! Here are four simple and delicious options that are sure to please even the pickiest of picky eaters.
Vegetable Stir Fry
A vegetable stir fry is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies. Start by sautéing some chopped onions and garlic in a little bit of oil. Then, add your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. Cook until the veggies are tender but still crisp. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Vegetable Stir Fry Ingredients:
Mixed vegetables of your choice (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas)
1 large onion, sliced
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Soy sauce (to taste)
Optional: ginger, sesame oil, chili flakes, tofu or your choice of protein
Vegetable Stir Fry Instructions:
Prepare Vegetables: Chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using harder vegetables like carrots or broccoli, consider blanching them first for a couple of minutes to soften.
Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic (and ginger if using) and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the rest of the vegetables. Stir frequently and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
Add Flavor: Drizzle soy sauce over the vegetables, and add any optional ingredients like sesame oil or chili flakes. Stir well to combine.
Serve: If you’re including a protein like tofu, you can add it towards the end to warm it through. Serve your stir-fry hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste and add any other ingredients you like, such as nuts roasted vegetables or seeds for a crunch. Enjoy your homemade vegetable stir fry!
Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas are a quick and easy dinner that your kids will love. Start by cooking some diced chicken in a skillet with a little bit of oil. Then, add some sliced bell peppers and onions and cook until the veggies are tender. Place a tortilla in a separate skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add the chicken and veggie mixture on top of warm tortillas and cover with another tortilla. Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Cut into wedges and serve.
Chicken Quesadillas Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 large flour tortillas
1-2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1/2 teaspoon of cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cilantro, lime, sour cream, salsa, avocado
Chicken Quesadillas Instructions:
Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, let it cool slightly, and then shred or cut into small pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the sliced bell pepper and onion over medium heat until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a layer of cheese, then add a layer of cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables. Top with another layer of cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
Serve: Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve with optional toppings like cilantro, lime, sour cream, salsa, or avocado.
Enjoy your homemade chicken quesadillas! They’re great for a quick meal and are very customizable based on your preferences.
Homemade Pizza
Homemade pizza is a fun and easy way to get your kids involved in the cooking process. Start by making the dough from scratch or using a pre-made crust. Spread some tomato sauce on top and add your favorite toppings such as sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, and olives. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. Cut into slices and enjoy!
Homemade Pizza Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup warm water (not too hot, around 110°F or 45°C)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (more for dusting)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
Tomato sauce (pizza sauce or crushed tomato sauce)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Your choice of toppings: such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.
Optional: dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes
Homemade Pizza Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast is frothy.
Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically between 450°F to 500°F (230°C to 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Prepare the Pizza:
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it if you want smaller pizzas.
Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and transfer it to a pizza peel or a baking sheet.
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and arrange your chosen toppings.
Bake the Pizza:
Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven.
Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve:
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then slice and serve.
Feel free to get creative with the toppings and the type of cheese you use. Enjoy your homemade pizza!
With these easy and healthy dinner recipes, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your entire family, while still enjoying delicious meals together.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish, beloved for their creamy texture and comforting taste. They’re surprisingly simple to make and can be dressed up with various flavors according to your preferences. Whether pairing them with a hearty stew a roast, or enjoying them on their own, this simple dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s an easy recipe to create this delicious dish:
Mashed Potatoes Ingredients:
2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are great choices)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for richer mashed potatoes)
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: garlic, chives, sour cream, or cheese for extra flavor
Mashed Potatoes Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal-sized chunks, about 1-2 inches in size. This ensures even cooking.
Cook the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.
Add Flavor: Add the butter and stir until it’s completely melted. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously, until the mashed potatoes reach a creamy consistency. Add more milk if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Add-ins: For more flavor, you can mix in minced garlic, chopped chives, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Serve: Serve hot as a side to your favorite main dish.
This basic recipe for mashed potatoes is versatile, allowing you to adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
Baked Spaghetti
Baked spaghetti is a delightful twist on the traditional spaghetti dish, offering a comforting, cheesy, and oven-baked variation. It combines the familiar flavors of spaghetti with the heartiness of a baked casserole. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you crave something more substantial than plain pasta but still want to keep the preparation simple. It’s also a great option for feeding a crowd or when you need a dish that reheats well for leftovers. Here’s an easy recipe for you to try:
Baked Spaghetti Ingredients:
1 pound spaghetti
1 jar (about 24 oz) of marinara sauce
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes, herbs like basil or oregano
Baked Spaghetti Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Cook Spaghetti:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs or red pepper flakes. Remove from heat.
Combine Egg and Cheese:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the Dish:
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the egg and cheese mixture. Place half of the spaghetti in a greased baking dish (9×13 inch works well).
Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve:
Let the baked spaghetti stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly for easier serving.
Enjoy your delicious baked spaghetti, this recipe makes a dish that’s sure to satisfy your pasta cravings with its rich flavors and cheesy goodness!
Ground Beef Tacos
Tacos are a beloved and versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Originating from Mexico, they have gained worldwide popularity for their delicious combination of a crunchy or soft shell filled with a variety of flavorful ingredients. Tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or a festive gathering with friends. They’re easy to make and can be filled with anything from seasoned meats to grilled vegetables, topped with cheese, salsa, and other tasty condiments. Here’s a simple recipe for making classic ground beef tacos:
Ground Beef Tacos Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 packet of taco seasoning (or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt)
8-10 taco shells (hard or soft)
Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), sour cream, guacamole, salsa
Optional: diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges
Ground Beef Tacos Instructions:
Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning and follow the packet’s instructions (usually, this involves adding a small amount of water and simmering the mixture for a few minutes).
Prepare Toppings:
While the beef is cooking, prepare your toppings. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and shred the cheese. If using, chop onions and cilantro, and prepare any other toppings you like.
Warm the Taco Shells:
If using hard shells, warm them in the oven as per the package instructions. For soft shells, you can quickly warm them in a skillet or microwave.
Assemble the Tacos:
Spoon the cooked ground beef into the taco shells. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and any other toppings you prefer.
Serve:
Serve the tacos immediately, with optional sides like lime wedges for squeezing over the top, extra salsa, and sour cream.
Tacos are incredibly adaptable – feel free to substitute the ground beef with chicken, pork, fish, or even vegetarian options like beans or grilled veggies. Enjoy creating your own taco night with this family favorite this easy and delicious recipe!
Hearty Beef Stew
Slow cookers are a fantastic tool for making flavorful, tender dishes with minimal effort. They allow for a “set it and forget it” approach, slowly cooking ingredients over several hours, which is perfect for busy lifestyles. Slow cooker recipes often result in deep, melded flavors and tender textures that are hard to achieve with other cooking methods. One of the classic and easy recipes you can try in a slow cooker is a hearty beef stew. It’s perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day and gets better as the flavors develop over time.
Hearty Beef Stew Ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 potatoes, diced
4 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
Hearty Beef Stew Instructions:
Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef cubes in the flour mixture until they are well coated.
Layer the Ingredients: Place the beef in the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and chopped celery.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, bay leaf, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir to combine everything well.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The stew is done when the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Final Touches and Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
This beef stew recipe is very forgiving and versatile. You can add different vegetables according to your preference or availability, such as sweet potatoes, turnips, or peas. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors that only a slow cooker can provide!
