Struggling to please picky eaters at mealtime? These 17 simple, kid-approved recipes make mealtime a breeze. Designed to be both effortless and delicious, they ensure everyone leaves the table happy. Perfect for busy parents, these meals are a great way to ensure your kids eat well without any fuss.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
If you’re aiming for a quick but impressive dinner, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a solid choice. This recipe combines chicken, ham, and cheese in a simple meal that cooks in minutes in the air fryer. It’s effortless to prepare, and even the pickiest eaters usually enjoy the familiar flavors. Serve this with a light salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
When simplicity meets flavor, Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter is the result. Grill the steaks to your preferred doneness and top them with a flavorful butter that melts deliciously into the meat. This dish doesn’t just cook up fast – it leaves everyone impressed! Pair it with baked potatoes and greens for a classic meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is a refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad. With the addition of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, it offers a new texture and flavor profile that kids and adults alike will appreciate. This salad is versatile enough for sandwiches or atop a bed of fresh greens. It’s a smart option for those busy weekday lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Baja Fish Tacos
Bring a piece of the seaside directly to your dinner table with Baja Fish Tacos. Quick to prepare, these tacos feature flaky fish with a cabbage slaw and a creamy dressing. They’re fun to eat and bring a burst of flavor that encourages even the young ones to enjoy their meal. Wrap up your evening with this light and fresh dinner that everyone can get excited about.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Chicken Tinga
For a dish with a little more vibrant, try Chicken Tinga at your next family dinner. This recipe is known for its robust flavor from the smoky chipotle peppers and the succulent, shredded chicken. It’s straightforward to prepare, often leaving you with extra time to focus on the sides. Spoon it into tortillas or over rice for an easy meal solution.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Wild Rice Salad
Full of texture and flavor, Wild Rice Salad is a hearty choice. It combines wild rice with a mix of nuts, dried fruits, and a tangy dressing, making it appealing to those who are usually hesitant about salads. Serve it as a side or a light main dish for a nutrient-packed option in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips are an easy way to bring the restaurant favorite into your kitchen. With tender beef in a rich gravy, this dish promises to be a hit among those who crave hearty meals. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. It’s both fulfilling and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Ideal for a light meal, Mediterranean Chopped Salad combines crisp vegetables, feta cheese, and olives, all tossed with a vibrant dressing. It’s quick to assemble, nutritious, and vibrant enough to catch the eye of anyone at the table. This salad can easily accompany any main dish or stand alone for a refreshing lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Bringing the essence of your favorite takeout to your dining table, Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is both spicy and fulfilling. It mixes juicy chicken pieces with crunchy veggies and peanuts in a bold sauce. Quick to stir up, this dish is a favorite among those who enjoy a little heat. Serve it over steamed rice for a simple yet scrumptious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Ground Beef Fried Rice
Try Ground Beef Fried Rice for a versatile and filling dish. This one-pan meal combines ground beef, vegetables, and rice into an all-in-one dish that’s flavorful and easy to make. It’s the perfect solution for leftover rice and those nights when you need a quick dinner option. Change up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge for endless variety.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Enjoy the sweet and crunchy Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. This dish features succulent shrimp coated in a creamy honey sauce and topped with candied walnuts for crunch. It’s surprisingly simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table. Try pairing it with mild sides like white rice or light noodles to balance out the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is deliciously simple and fresh. This dish uses ripe cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil to create a light sauce that clings to your favorite pasta. It’s an ideal meal for those warmer months when you crave something lighter yet still filling. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Bring a touch of Italian flare to your kitchen with Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. This creamy pasta dish blends tomatoes, vodka, and cream for a rich and comforting meal. It’s straightforward enough to prepare on a busy evening and sure to be a favorite for its smooth, flavorful sauce. Top with basil and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Classic and cozy, Diner Style Salisbury Steak offers a taste of nostalgia with every bite. This recipe involves ground beef patties cooked in a flavorful mushroom gravy. It’s both simple to make and delicious, making it a great choice for a homestyle meal. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional dinner meal right at home.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes
For a unique dinner idea, Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes are a must-try. These small but mighty croquettes are crunchy outside, tender, and flavorful inside. They cook quickly and make a fun hands-on meal for kids and adults alike. Serve with a side salad or dipping sauces to keep everyone dipping back in for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes
Brisket Fried Rice
Transform leftover brisket into the flavorful Brisket Fried Rice. This hearty dish combines chopped brisket, vegetables, and rice in a flavorful, one-pan meal that maximizes flavor while minimizing cleanup. It’s an effective, flavorful way to use leftovers and provide a satisfying meal at the same time. Try adding your favorite veggies for a custom twist.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
For casual dining nights, Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots are a fun and flavorful choice. This recipe tops crispy tots with steak, peppers, onions, and plenty of cheese. It creates a deliciously indulgent meal that’s sure to please anyone craving comfort food with a creative twist. These are great for a family movie night or as a weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots