20 Meals Kids Will Eat Besides Chicken Nuggets

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Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

These tender and flavorful meatloaf cupcakes are a fun and comforting twist on a classic favorite. Each mini loaf is baked to juicy perfection and topped with a generous swirl of creamy garlic thyme mashed potatoes that look just like frosting. The combination of savory beef and aromatic herbs makes every bite rich and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these little cupcakes are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist their hearty flavor and playful presentation.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. Every bite melts in your mouth, wrapping you in that familiar warmth only a bowl of homemade mac and cheese can bring. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Best of all, it goes from your pantry to your dinner table in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak is a beloved Southern classic that delivers pure comfort on a plate. Each piece of tender steak is carefully triple-dipped in a seasoned batter, creating an irresistibly crispy crust that stays crunchy with every bite. Once perfectly fried to a golden brown, it’s generously smothered in rich, creamy white gravy that ties all the flavors together. The result is a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of down-home charm. It’s one of my all-time favorite comfort foods — and the best part is, it’s surprisingly easy to recreate right in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

One Pot Skillet Lasagna

This cheesy Italian comfort food has been reimagined into a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s perfect for busy days. It captures all the rich, creamy, and comforting flavors you love while keeping the process simple and stress-free. Everything comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and saving you precious time. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, and even the pasta cooks right in the skillet, soaking up all that delicious flavor as it simmers. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade and hearty without all the hassle.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Skillet Lasagna

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

This Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is the ultimate cozy meal that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. It’s loaded with tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles that come together in a flavorful, savory broth. The recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or chilly days when you need something nourishing. Best of all, the Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a homemade classic in a fraction of the usual time. It’s a wholesome dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Nuggets

Try this simple yet incredibly tasty homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe that the whole family will love. These nuggets are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite. They’re a great alternative to fast food and can be made with just a few ingredients you probably already have at home. Best of all, this kid-friendly recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

One-Pot Creamy Noodles

This recipe is a wonderful option for families, especially those with kids, because it’s both simple and incredibly comforting. It brings together creamy, delicious noodles in a one-pot dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up afterward. The mild, cozy flavors make it a favorite among picky eaters, while the smooth texture gives it a homemade, heartwarming touch. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or just craving something soothing, this meal is a quick and satisfying go-to for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Creamy Noodles

Canned Chicken Patties

These Canned Chicken Patties are a delicious and wholesome option for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious meal. They’re completely gluten-free, low in carbs, and perfect for those following a keto lifestyle, making them suitable for a wide range of diets. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, they’re an easy choice for busy families or anyone craving something satisfying without the hassle. Whether served on their own, paired with fresh steamed vegetables, or tucked into your favorite bread as a hearty sandwich, these patties bring convenience and great flavor to your table. Best of all, they’re kid-approved, so even the pickiest eaters will love them!
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Whip up a delicious batch of Mongolian beef right in your air fryer for a meal that’s both quick and full of flavor. The beef comes out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, coated in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that tastes just like the restaurant version from P.F. Chang’s. It’s a family favorite that even the kids will love, thanks to its balance of salty and slightly sweet flavors. Best of all, this comforting dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Tortilla Quiche Bake With Cottage Cheese

This Tortilla Quiche Bake is a wholesome, high-protein meal that’s bursting with flavor and freshness. Made with creamy cottage cheese, tender spinach, and layers of soft tortilla, it’s inspired by a viral TikTok sensation that puts a fun twist on traditional quiche. Whether you’re craving something savory for breakfast, hosting a weekend brunch, or looking for a light yet filling dinner, this dish has you covered. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, and a fantastic alternative to sugary morning staples that keeps you feeling full and energized. Plus, its simple ingredients and comforting texture make it a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Quiche Bake With Cottage Cheese

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect choice when you want a comforting yet effortless meal that still feels indulgent. This dish features juicy, tender shrimp tossed in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that coats every strand of fettuccine to perfection. The combination of buttery flavors, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic creates a luscious texture and taste that’s impossible to resist. Ready in just minutes, it’s an elegant dinner that feels restaurant-quality but can easily be made at home for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Quick Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

A flavorful marinade seeps deep into the chicken, giving it a mouthwatering taste while keeping it tender and juicy—perfect for these Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps. Each bite combines the savory richness of chicken and crispy bacon with the refreshing crunch of lettuce, juicy slices of ripe tomato, and a little kick from zesty red onion. The ranch dressing ties it all together with its creamy tang, adding just the right amount of indulgence. Wrapped snugly in a soft, warm tortilla, these wraps are not only satisfying but also quick and easy to make, making them ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. They strike the perfect balance between comfort food and a fresh, flavorful bite you’ll crave again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

A mouthwatering BBQ chicken sandwich starts with a combination of rich, smoky, and tangy flavors that blend perfectly together. All you need to do is place the ingredients in a pressure cooker, making it a super convenient way to prepare a hearty meal without much effort. In just a short time, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, juicy, and infused with that irresistible barbecue goodness. Once it’s ready, simply pile the flavorful chicken onto soft, toasted buns and enjoy a comforting, homemade sandwich that feels like a backyard BBQ any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Instant Pot Ranch Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Ranch Pork Chops with Homemade Mashed Potatoes is the kind of hearty, soul-warming meal that makes dinner feel extra special, even on the busiest nights. Each tender pork chop is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, soaking up the rich, savory flavors of ranch seasoning for a deliciously seasoned bite every time. The creamy mashed potatoes are made from scratch with butter, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and flavorful side that pairs beautifully with the juicy pork. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that combines convenience with comfort, bringing the whole family to the table with smiles. Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of those go-to dinners everyone looks forward to week after week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ranch Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

This Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder is a warm and creamy meal that brings comfort to your table, especially on cold or rainy days. Each spoonful is filled with tender pieces of chicken, sweet bursts of corn, and soft chunks of potatoes, all simmered together in a rich, velvety broth. Made conveniently in the Instant Pot, this dish comes together quickly without sacrificing depth of flavor or heartiness. The blend of simple ingredients creates a balanced and satisfying chowder that feels both homemade and indulgent. It’s the kind of cozy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds and quickly become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

Beef Taquito Casserole

This Beef Taquito Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but easy to prepare. It combines layers of crispy frozen beef taquitos with a rich, creamy sauce that adds just the right amount of flavor and texture. As it bakes, the taquitos soak up the sauce, becoming tender on the inside while keeping a satisfying crunch on the outside. To top it all off, a generous layer of melted cheese creates a gooey, golden finish that ties everything together. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that feels homemade without taking hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Taquito Casserole

Cast Iron Shepherd’s Pie Skillet

This Cast Iron Shepherd’s Pie Skillet is a comforting, homestyle dish with a modern, time-saving twist. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you can quickly prepare this hearty meal using seasoned ground beef and a mix of flavorful vegetables, all brought together in a single skillet. The recipe keeps things simple by using store-bought or leftover mashed potatoes for the topping, making it both convenient and satisfying. Baked to golden perfection, it delivers the rich, savory flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie without the hassle. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your home with irresistible aromas.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Shepherd’s Pie Skillet

Taco Joes

Get ready to fall in love with Taco Joes — a mouthwatering, Mexican-inspired twist on the traditional sloppy joe sandwich! This dish combines the comforting heartiness of ground beef with the bold, zesty flavors of taco seasoning and salsa, creating a meal that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking to spice up your taco night or add a fun new recipe to your rotation, Taco Joes are sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table!
Get the Recipe: Taco Joes

Chicken Paprikash

This comforting dish comes together effortlessly in your Instant Pot, turning simple chicken thighs into something truly special. The thick, rich, and smoky gravy coats every piece of chicken, giving it an incredible depth of flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of homestyle goodness—perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and delicious without all the fuss. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this easy meal delivers big, bold flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs are the perfect comfort food for busy days when you want something hearty without all the hassle. These juicy, tender meatballs slowly cook in a savory mushroom and onion gravy, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully over time. As they simmer away, your kitchen fills with a cozy, home-cooked aroma that promises a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or prepping an easy weekend dinner, this recipe combines classic comfort with effortless convenience.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs