Getting kids to eat dinner happily is a win, but finding meals they love that don’t leave adults eyeing the takeout menu? That’s the real challenge. This list will save your weeknights with dinners that are both kid friendly and good enough for grown-ups, too. Each of these dishes brings plenty of flavor without trying too hard, and sneaks in a few veggies without setting off any alarms. No more short order cooking for the family.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. You’ll get a sweet and garlicky chicken that’s better than takeout and healthier too. It’s a stress-free dinner option that everyone in the family will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
This honey orange sesame chicken is as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s sticky, sweet, and comes together in minutes, perfect for a busy night when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Sausage Mac and Cheese
Dive into this creamy, cheesy homemade mac and cheese that includes sausage for an extra flavor kick. It’s easy, quick, and a guaranteed hit with the kids, making dinner time a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese
Cream Cheese Chicken
Spice up your dinner with this cream cheese chicken coated in a rich, flavorful spice blend. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s ready in no time, making it a great weeknight staple for both kids and parents.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Quick and hearty, this ground beef stir fry mixes fresh veggies and a homemade sauce that beats any takeout. It’s a practical meal that cooks in one pan and will keep everyone at the table happy and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
Who says you can’t make a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s also good for you? This spaghetti alfredo throws broccoli into the mix for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is easy to prepare. A sure hit for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
Burger Bowls
This recipe deconstructs a classic burger into a bowl with all the great toppings but in a healthier form. It’s simple to make and both kids and parents will love the familiar flavors and quick cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Healthier Sloppy Joes
These are not your average Sloppy Joes. Made with lean beef and lower-sugar ingredients, they’re a healthier take on the messy favorite that kids can’t get enough of. Plus, they’re easy for parents to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Salsa Chicken
This salsa chicken is as easy as laying chicken breasts in a dish, topping them with salsa and cheese, and baking. You’ll get a juicy, flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a last-minute dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Packed with white beans and kale, these quesadillas are a tasty way to sneak in some nutrition. They’re cheesy, creamy, and quick to make—perfect for a no-fuss dinner that kids and parents will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Cheddar Chicken Bake
Use leftover chicken to whip up this simple and hearty quinoa bake. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s not only packed with flavor but also has everything you want to feed a hungry family on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Imagine a skillet of bubbly mac and cheese but with turkey, spinach, and peppers—all cooked in one pot. It’s a perfect pick for a filling meal that brings a smile to kids’ faces and leaves parents feeling good about the ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Give mac and cheese a superfood upgrade with this sweet potato version. It’s creamy, cheesy, and sneakily nutritious with added spinach. A comforting meal that’s quick to make and sure to please both kids and parents.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
