“What’s for dinner?” It’s the question that can strike fear in the heart of any parent, especially when your reply is met with groans of disappointment from unenthusiastic offspring. Throw in picky eaters or no time to meal plan, and something as simple as dinner with the family becomes something to be endured rather than enjoyed. But making a kid-friendly dinner that adults can also appreciate doesn’t have to be difficult. I’ve found that you just have to return to some basic family favorites. Add these five easy, kid-friendly dinners to your weeknight lineup, and your kids are sure to be asking for seconds:
Spaghetti with Meatballs. Whether you use sauce from a jar or make your own, this go-to dish is a classic for a reason. Make a big batch of meatballs and then freeze half of them. You’ll thank yourself later when you need a quick dinner idea.
Loaded Baked Potatoes. If you have an Instant Pot, it’s super easy to cook potatoes quickly. Or you can do it the old-fashioned way and bake them in the oven. Once the potatoes are done, let everyone choose their own toppings: butter, cheese, sour cream, chives, bacon, and any leftover cooked meat hanging out in your fridge or freezer are all great options. My husband smokes meat and baked potatoes with leftover brisket or pork is beyond delicious.
Pizza. My kids look forward to pizza night each week. Instead of relying on Red Baron or Domino’s, make your own pizza dough. It’s easy and the dough only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to rise. Once you’re ready to bake the pizza, add sauce, cheese (the real mozzarella from the gourmet cheese section of the grocery store is best but whatever you have on hand will work just fine), and toppings. For a fun twist, use the dough to make individual pizzas. Then let everyone in your family choose their own toppings.
Instant Pot Burrito Bowls. These pressure cooker burrito bowls are easy and delicious. The best part is that you simply dump all the ingredients into your Instant Pot and then let it do its magic. Top with cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips and enjoy!
Chicken Fried Rice. The key to good chicken fried rice is cooking the rice early in the day and letting it cool completely before you use it. If you can refrigerate it beforehand, it’s even better. Throw some egg or spring rolls into the oven and you’re set.
I hope you and your family enjoy these easy recipes. Leave us a comment and tell us about your family’s favorite kid-friendly meals!
