These kids' meal recipes are all about making something yummy that children will love. From tasty snacks to full meals, every recipe is made to bring joy and smiles at the dining table.
Easy Kids Meal Ideas
I have carefully picked each recipe to make sure they are not only delicious but also fun to eat. You'll find meals that are perfect for any time of the day and easy enough to make yourself.
Whether you're looking for something new to try or just want to make mealtime more exciting, these recipes are here to help. Let's dive into the delightful world of cooking for kids and make every bite count!
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
This Bubble Up Pizza Casserole recipe is a game changer for family dinners! With just six ingredients, it transforms simple biscuits and classic pizza toppings into a fluffy, cheesy delight that everyone will gather around the table for. It's a brilliant mix of soft, buttery biscuit texture with the beloved flavors of pepperoni pizza. Easy to make and fun to eat, it's a dish that promises smiles and happy tummies.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 tube (16.3 oz) Grands! Flaky Layer Biscuits
- 1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 slices pepperoni (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
One Pot Taco Spaghetti
Make this One Pot Taco Spaghetti dish that cleverly merges the zest of tacos with the comforting grip of spaghetti in a single pot wonder that makes mealtime a breeze.
The seamless integration of sizzling spices, juicy meats, and hearty pasta ensures this meal is a cheerful triumph for both the cook and the eager diners alike. Simplicity meets zest here, where one pot brims with enough flavor to turn any evening into a festive feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey, ground beef, or chicken
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2-3 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup taco seasoning
- 2 cups salsa
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn (canned, fresh, or frozen & thawed)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup green onions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Pepperoni Pizza Pocket Recipe
These Pepperoni Pizza Pockets are a tasty treat, wrapping up gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni in a crispy, golden crust. They're like mini pizzas you can hold in your hand. Ideal for quick snacks or fun meals, they make eating just as enjoyable as it is delicious. Each bite is filled with all the classic pizza flavors you love!
Ingredients:
- 1 piece pizza crust *See Notes
- All-purpose flour (to dust and roll out)
Filling:
- 1 large fresh mozzarella ball
- ⅓ cup tomato sauce (unseasoned)
- 1 tablespoon oregano OR pizza seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 48 slices pepperoni sausage
Grinder Sandwich Recipe
Follow this Grinder Sandwich recipe that wraps all the delight of an Italian deli into one crusty, mouth-watering package! With layers of savory meats, melty cheese, and a fresh, tangy salad nestled in a hearty roll, it's a deliciously easy meal that's sure to be a hit any day of the week.
Whether you prefer it hot or cold, this sandwich combines the best of both worlds, making every bite a celebration of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Grinder Salad:
- ⅓ head iceberg lettuce (6½ ounces or 184g)
- 2 tablespoons red onion
- 2 pepperoncini peppers
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes or black pepper (optional)
For the Grinder Sandwich:
- 4 pieces grinder bread (Italian bread sub rolls, focaccia, etc.)
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 2 ounces sliced deli turkey (57g)
- 2 ounces sliced deli ham (57g)
- 2 ounces salami (57g)
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced)
Chicken Rigatoni
This Chicken Rigatoni recipe is a delightful feast, blending tender chicken and rich, creamy tomato sauce with hearty rigatoni pasta. Each forkful offers a comforting taste of home, complete with a sprinkle of Parmesan that truly brings the flavors to life. It's a perfect pick for those busy weeknights, promising a delicious dinner on the table in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry rigatoni noodles (1 box)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces (1 brick)
- ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (1 jar)
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Try the Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a fun twist on two favorites! It mixes spicy taco fillings with melty cheese inside crispy bread. This sandwich is a tasty, easy choice for lunch or dinner, sure to please everyone at the table with its familiar yet exciting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning (1 oz/35g package)
- 8 slices white bread
- 4 tablespoon salted butter, softened
- ½ cup iceberg lettuce, sliced thin
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salsa, guacamole, sour cream (for dipping)
Chicken Taco Pizza
Sink your teeth into the Chicken Taco Pizza, a mouthwatering combo that brings the zap of taco flavor atop a crunchy pizza base. It’s a creative mix that delivers every bit of the chicken taco's zestiness with the added delight of cheesy pizza. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, marrying two beloved meals into one extraordinary feast.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 8 ounces taco sauce
- 16 ounces pizza dough
- 16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup sliced olives
- 2 scallions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro and sour cream for garnish
Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Enjoy the easy magic of Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe lets you whip up a creamy, satisfying meal without any stress. With just a few simple steps, your crock pot does all the work, blending garlic, parmesan, and chicken into pasta that's perfectly rich and wonderfully tasty. It's a cozy, delightful dish that everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bottle garlic parmesan wing sauce
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 16 oz box rotini pasta
- Garnish: parsley, red pepper flake
Texas Toast Pizza
Whip up a batch of Texas Toast Pizza to turn any moment into a fun pizza party! This simple, yet genius recipe takes the golden crunch of garlic toast and tops it with gooey cheese and zesty pepperoni. Perfect for busy nights or sleepover snacks, it's a tasty twist that's as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients
- 8 slices Texas toast
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup pizza sauce (more or less, depending on your preference)
- 24 pepperonis (more or less, depending on your preference)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Dinner dreams come true with the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe! Getting a meal on the table feels almost effortless, turning chicken into golden, crispy strips of joy. This go-to recipe keeps things light and tasty, perfect for pairing with your favorite dips. Ideal for any day of the week, it's a hit that brings smiles all around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts or 12 chicken tenderloins
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Italian Style breadcrumbs
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon thyme or oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Olive oil spray