20 Hearty Dinner Recipes for Kids
Finding dinners that kids actually eat can be a challenge. So, here I’ve put together a list of 20 hearty dinner recipes for kids that even picky eaters will surely enjoy!
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Kids need meals that keep them full and give them energy. Hearty dinners often have a mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs, which helps kids stay satisfied until their next snack. And I hope you find something here!
You may also like this list of 15+ Kids’ Snacks for School That Aren’t Sweets
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
This Buttermilk Fried Chicken is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Made with simple pantry spices and soaked in buttermilk, it’s a classic family favorite that’s easy to cook at home.
Smash Burger Tacos
These Smash Burger Tacos are an easy and tasty weeknight meal. Juicy beef patties cook right on soft tortillas, topped with melty cheese, a creamy sauce, and fresh lettuce and onions. Great for family dinners!
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
This creamy baked mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb layer. Great for family dinners or a comforting weeknight meal.
Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
These Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a cozy, flavorful meal made with juicy marinated chicken, roasted broccoli, and a rich, homemade garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken
This creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken is a one-skillet dinner made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan in a rich, dreamy sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes!
Sheet Pan Cheesy Lasagna
This Sheet Pan Lasagna is an easy, cheesy, and family-friendly dinner that cooks all on one pan. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s great for weeknight meals or a simple family dinner.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is tender, saucy, and packed with sweet and savory flavor. Just 10 minutes of prep for a takeout-style dinner the whole family will love!
Crockpot Soy Honey Garlic Chicken
This Crockpot Soy Honey Garlic Chicken is tender, juicy, and full of sweet and savory flavor—an easy, hands-off dinner the whole family will love!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas come together with chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pantry spices—then roast in the oven. Serve them with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, and avocado.
Creamy Potato Gnocchi with Bacon
Soft potato gnocchi, tossed with crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and a light tomato sauce, makes for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
Sheet Pan Mississippi Chicken and Potatoes
This easy Sheet Pan Mississippi Chicken and Potatoes is a no-fuss weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken, golden potatoes, tangy pepperoncinis, and melted mozzarella all cook together on one pan.
Healthy Sheet Pan Sausage with Veggies
This Healthy Sheet Pan Sausage with Veggies recipe is an easy, one-pan dinner with juicy sausage, tender roasted vegetables, and simple seasonings—ready in about 30 minutes.
Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti
A quick and easy dinner, Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spaghetti features golden, crunchy chicken served over buttery, garlicky spaghetti with melted mozzarella—perfect for weeknights or family meals.
One-Pan Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini
This one-pan Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini combines tender tortellini with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a quick, hearty dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
No-Fry Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos
These crispy baked chicken tacos are made with shredded chicken cooked in salsa and taco seasoning, then folded into warm corn tortillas with melted cheese and baked until golden and crunchy. Perfect for a quick dinner or fun taco night at home.
Sheet Pan Tex Mex Quesadillas
These Sheet Pan Tex Mex Quesadillas are loaded with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, black beans, and melty cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a family-friendly meal!
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Casserole
This creamy spinach artichoke chicken casserole is a cheesy, comforting pasta bake that’s great for a simple weeknight dinner or family meal.
Honey Pepper Chicken with Rice
This Honey Pepper Chicken is made with tender chicken cooked in a sweet honey-soy glaze with garlic and red bell pepper, served over rice and topped with scallions. A quick and easy family dinner.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This dump-and-bake chicken Parmesan casserole is an easy, one-dish dinner with tender chicken, pasta, marinara, and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
One Pan Cheeseburger Pasta
This One Pan Cheeseburger Pasta is a hearty and comforting dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, all cooked together in one skillet.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
This slow cooker chicken and gravy is a dinner recipe made with tender chicken that cooks low and slow in a creamy, seasoned gravy until it’s fall-apart soft and easy to shred. Perfect for soaking into mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
