The question I dread the most in my house is, "What's for dinner?" Confession time, I'm not a great cook. I am the person who usually brings store bought things to a potluck or party. (Insert - We listen, and we don't judge here.) Mostly because I don't have a passion for it and always think food tastes better when someone else cooks it. But eating out too often gets old and expensive. My husband is a pretty good cook however, his palate is more limited than most kids. So, we must compromise in our house, and find ways to decrease stress when it comes to deciding, "What's for dinner?"
Being a busy parent means juggling a million things at once, and dinnertime often becomes the biggest challenge of the day. With school, work, and extracurricular activities, it can be tough to find time to make a meal that everyone will enjoy. But don't worry—quick, easy, and kid-approved meals are totally achievable! Here are a few delicious and fast dinner ideas that your kids will love and that won’t leave you stressed out.
Side note: If you have a quick, easy, and kid approved recipe - please send it to me at CheriK@macaronikid.com. We'd love to highlight your family favorites in an upcoming edition.
Here are few to get you started.
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
This classic favorite is quick to make and always a hit with kids.
Ingredients:
2 flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cooked chicken (optional)
1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese (add chicken if using).
Top with the second tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
Remove from the pan, cut into wedges, and serve with salsa or sour cream.
Why it's great for busy families: This meal can be made in under 10 minutes and is fully customizable based on what your kids like!
Mini Pizzas
Who doesn’t love pizza? These mini pizzas are not only easy to make but also fun for kids to personalize.
Ingredients:
English muffins or pita bread
Pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Favorite toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Split the English muffins in half and spread pizza sauce on each half.
Add cheese and your favorite toppings.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Why it's great for busy families: Mini pizzas are customizable, so you can cater to picky eaters, and they cook fast—perfect for busy nights!
One-Pan Baked Chicken Tenders
These crispy chicken tenders are a family favorite and require just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs (beaten)
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Dip chicken tenders in beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Why it's great for busy families: These chicken tenders are oven-baked, which means you can prep them quickly, and they require little attention while cooking.
Taco Salad
Taco night doesn’t have to be complicated! A taco salad is a simple, quick, and fun meal your kids can help put together.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
Chopped lettuce
Shredded cheese
Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole (optional)
Tortilla chips for crunch
Instructions:
Cook the ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning.
In a large bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, cooked meat, and shredded cheese.
Add salsa, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Why it's great for busy families: This one-bowl meal is easy to assemble, and you can make it as healthy as you want. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen!
Pasta with Marinara Sauce and Meatballs
This comforting meal is quick, filling, and always a hit with kids.
Ingredients:
1 lb pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
1 jar marinara sauce
Frozen meatballs (or homemade)
Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Heat the marinara sauce and meatballs in a pan or microwave.
Serve the pasta topped with the sauce and meatballs, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Why it's great for busy families: This meal is a one-pot wonder if you use frozen meatballs, and it’s ready in 20 minutes—perfect for hectic evenings.
Busy families don’t have to settle for unhealthy takeout or stressful dinner prep. These quick, easy, and kid-approved recipes are not only fast to make but also enjoyable for everyone at the table. With a little creativity and a few go-to ingredients, you can make mealtime easier and more fun, no matter how hectic your day is. So, get your kids involved, and enjoy a simple, satisfying meal together!
Now that I've shared these with you, I have to ask. What's for dinner tonight?
