Make dinner time an adventure with these 15 recipes that turn meal prep into a bonding experience. Your kids will love taking on new roles in the kitchen, and you’ll love the help. Plus, these dinners are so engaging that they might even become family traditions. Who knew that dinner time could be so much fun and so tasty?
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Kids often love getting their hands in the mix, and Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts offers a great chance to do just that. Mixing ingredients can be a fun puzzle—figuring out which flavors go together best. The sweetness of cranberries paired with the crunch of walnuts makes for an engaging texture experience. Why not let your children help toss everything together and watch their interest in kitchen magic grow?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
If your family enjoys a good barbecue, Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter might just be the perfect choice. Standing by the grill and laying out the steaks can be a captivating task for older kids. The cowboy butter adds a bold twist they can help whip up. It’s a simple joy to watch their proud faces as they serve the steaks they’ve helped cook.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that can turn your kitchen into a fun zone for teamwork. Wrapping this classic dish can be an exciting challenge that offers a real sense of accomplishment once done. Air frying is also safer for kids to handle, with less worry about hot oil. Let them experience the thrill of creating something that looks as if it came from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
When it’s time to whip up something quick yet pleasing, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a terrific choice. Kids can help by washing the cherry tomatoes or stirring the sauce as it simmers. This is a great way to introduce them to cooking pasta, an essential life skill. Plus, it’s always more enjoyable to eat something you’ve had a hand in making.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries is not just simple, but it’s also a fantastic way to start the day with a bit of creativity. Smearing the cottage cheese and topping it with fresh blueberries can be quite the art project for your little ones. It’s a dish that combines nutrition with fun. Watching their unique designs come to life can make breakfast an exciting time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
Tacos Dorados
Crispy and filled with flavor, Tacos Dorados offers a hands-on dinner experience that is sure to keep everyone involved. Folding the tacos and filling them up can be a playful activity for kids. It’s a dish that not only allows them to explore their delish side but also to create something that’s fun to eat. Everyone can have a laugh as they try to keep the fillings from spilling out!
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Chicken Stir Fry
Stirring up a delicious Chicken Stir Fry can be a dynamic way for kids to learn about different vegetables and proteins. They can help by mixing the ingredients and seeing how quickly everything cooks together. This can be a great lesson in timing and sequences in cooking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to talk about nutrition as they choose which veggies to throw into the pan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry
Steak & Pasta Salad
Combining the hearty feel of steak with the lightness of pasta, Steak & Pasta Salad is perfect for older kids to help prepare. They can assist in cooking the pasta and adding the salad mix. It’s a dish that brings everyone around the table to enjoy a balanced meal. Plus, the involvement in making it can make them appreciate the effort behind a well-rounded dish.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Brisket Fried Rice
Brisket Fried Rice turns leftover brisket into something new and exciting. It’s a great lesson in resourcefulness, showing kids how to reuse ingredients in tasty ways. They can help by adding the rice and mixing in the brisket. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to make dinner interesting and new.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Turkey à la King
Turkey à la King is a creamy, comforting dish that’s sure to draw the family together. Kids can help stir the sauce or layer the ingredients before serving. It’s a great dish for teaching them about balancing flavors and textures. Plus, there’s something special about enjoying a warm meal that they helped to create.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
If your kids are curious about foods from different cultures, preparing Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp can be an enlightening experience. They can help skewer the shrimp and season them. It’s a fun way to introduce them to new flavors while getting them involved in the cooking process. Plus, grilling can be an exciting activity for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Beefy John Wayne Casserole
For a dinner that feels like an adventure, Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a hearty option that invites kids to layer and build the dish alongside you. Watches as they enjoy spreading layers and sprinkling seasoning, making them feel like little chefs. This casserole is not just filling; it’s a chance to bond over creating something delicious. Plus, it’s sure to become a requested favorite at your family table.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a dish that lets kids experience cooking Italian-style. They can help by sautéing the sausage and tossing the gnocchi in the skillet. It’s a great opportunity to teach them about heat control and timing in the kitchen. Plus, the quick cooking time keeps them engaged without losing interest.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Transform your kitchen into a lively cooking session with Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Kids can take charge by assembling the quesadillas and watching them cook to perfection. It’s a fun way to let them play with combining flavors and learning about Mexican cuisine. The best part is biting into their creations, making cooking a rewarding game.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a versatile dish that offers layers of flavor and the opportunity for kids to experiment with seasonings. They can stir the beef as it browns and jump in with their ideas for spices. It’s a dish that empowers them to take ownership of the meal they’re making. Plus, it’s a perfect filling for tacos, making dinner both fun and interactive.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef