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A vibrant plate featuring colorful kid-friendly dinners with smiling children in the background, showcasing plates of pasta, small sandwiches, and vegetable sides on a cheerful table.

46 Quick & Kid-Friendly Weeknight Dinners

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Discover 46 quick and kid-friendly weeknight dinners that are easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for busy families. These recipes are designed to be ready in under 30 minutes, making weeknight meal planning stress-free and enjoyable. Ideal for satisfying even the pickiest eaters, these family dinner ideas incorporate wholesome ingredients and simple steps to create delicious meals every night of the week.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Protein options like chicken breasts, ground beef, or tofu
  • Fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or spinach
  • Grains like rice, pasta, or tortillas
  • Cheese, herbs, and spices for flavor
  • Basic pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and salt

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Set aside.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in chopped vegetables. Cook for another 5-8 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  4. Season with soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
  5. Brown ground beef in a skillet, add taco seasoning, and cook until fully done.
  6. Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Crumble cheese and set out salsa and sour cream.
  7. Fill tortillas with beef and toppings. Serve instantly with a side of delicious desserts.
  8. Boil your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  9. In a pan, sauté garlic and mixed vegetables in olive oil until tender.
  10. Mix with pasta, sprinkle with cheese, and enjoy.

Notes

  • Pre-cut vegetables and proteins on weekends to save time during busy nights.
  • Use a slow cooker for recipes like slow-cooked chicken that’s ready when you walk in the door.
  • Batch cook grains and store them for quick assembly.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Weeknight Meals, Family Recipes
  • Method: Stir-fry, Saute, Boil, Bake
  • Cuisine: American, International, Family-Friendly
  • Diet: Nut-Free, Vegetarian options available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg