12 Easy Meals Kids Will Eat

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Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

These meatloaf cupcakes are a fun and comforting twist on a classic dish, baked to tender perfection and packed with savory flavor. Each little “cupcake” is topped with a swirl of creamy garlic-thyme mashed potatoes, giving them the look of frosted treats while adding a deliciously herby, buttery finish. They’re perfectly portioned for serving, making them a great option for family dinners, potlucks, or even casual get-togethers. Best of all, even the pickiest eaters can’t resist their charm, making them a meal that’s as playful as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, packed with creamy, gooey cheese that makes every bite irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, coming together in just minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy without all the fuss. With simple pantry staples, you can have a homemade dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs

There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a skillet filled with spaghetti and meatballs, especially when it all comes together in just one pan. This dish combines juicy, fully cooked homemade meatballs with tender pasta that simmers right in a rich, flavorful sauce, letting every bite soak up that goodness. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you need something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s a family-friendly meal that feels special while still being wonderfully simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs

Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

This roast beef and smoked gouda grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a hearty lunch or even a casual dinner. The savory roast beef pairs beautifully with the smoky, creamy gouda, creating layers of rich flavor in every bite. Grilled until golden and crisp on the outside while gooey and melty inside, it’s a sandwich that feels both satisfying and indulgent. Enjoy it alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup for a classic pairing, or savor it on its own as a meal that truly hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Chicken Nuggets

These homemade air fryer chicken nuggets are the perfect blend of quick, easy, and delicious. With a crispy golden coating on the outside and juicy, tender chicken on the inside, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, they cook up in under 30 minutes, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Since they’re air-fried instead of deep-fried, you get all the crunch without the excess oil, and kids and adults alike will love them.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Ritz Chicken Casserole

This Easy Ritz Chicken Casserole is the kind of meal that brings comfort to the table without a lot of fuss, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights. Tender pieces of chicken are baked in a rich and creamy sauce, then finished off with a golden topping of buttery Ritz crackers that add just the right amount of crunch. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, yet they come together in a way that feels cozy and satisfying. It’s a kid-friendly dish that’s hearty enough for adults too, making it a go-to family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Ritz Chicken Casserole

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are the kind of meal that brings both comfort and excitement to the table. With a golden, crunchy coconut coating on the outside and juicy, tender chicken on the inside, they strike the perfect balance between fun and wholesome. This recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Not only are they kid-friendly and family-approved, but their tropical flavor twist makes them just a little extra special for everyone to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Cooking Mongolian beef in the air fryer is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this takeout favorite at home. The beef turns out beautifully crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, then gets coated in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that tastes just like the kind you’d find at P.F. Chang’s. It’s a dish that both kids and adults will love, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner option. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, so you can have a flavorful, restaurant-style meal on the table without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits

Pizza night just got even easier and more delicious with this Biscuit Pizza Casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights when time is short but cravings are big. With just six simple ingredients, you can enjoy all the classic flavors of pizza—gooey cheese, savory sauce, and hearty toppings—baked into one cozy dish that everyone at the table will love. Kids devour it, adults appreciate the no-fuss prep, and you’ll love how effortlessly it turns an ordinary night into something fun and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits

Cheeseburger Dumplings

Cheeseburger dumplings are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining the comfort of a juicy cheeseburger with the bite-sized appeal of dumplings. Each one is stuffed with a savory blend of seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese, making them irresistible for both kids and adults alike. They can be cooked in an air fryer for a crisp golden finish or pan-fried for that familiar potsticker-style crunch. Quick, easy, and bursting with cheesy goodness, they make the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a playful main dish that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Dumplings

One-Pot Creamy Noodles

This kid-friendly recipe is the kind of meal that brings both comfort and convenience to the table. With creamy, flavorful noodles cooked all in one pot, it keeps things simple while still delivering that cozy, homemade taste everyone loves. It’s the perfect go-to option for busy weeknights when you need something quick but still want a dish that feels hearty and satisfying. Both kids and adults will enjoy it, making it a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Creamy Noodles

Silly Chili Macaroni

If you’re looking for a kid-approved dinner that’s as easy to make as it is tasty, this Silly Chili Macaroni is the perfect choice. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that combines hearty chili with cheesy pasta, making it a favorite for both little ones and grown-ups at the table. The best part is how versatile it is—you can adjust the seasonings, toppings, or even sneak in extra veggies to suit your family’s preferences. Since it uses simple pantry staples, it’s a budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Before long, this fun and cozy recipe is bound to become a regular in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Silly Chili Macaroni