Cooking for the whole family can be a challenge, especially when you have picky eaters or kids who don't like to try new things. It's often difficult to find meals that everyone enjoys and that are nutritious enough to meet your standards. But with just a few simple tricks, it doesn't have to be so hard!
In this article, we share 8 great ideas for kid-friendly meals. Each recipe is designed around one key ingredient - easy ingredients already in most kitchens - and packed with flavour sure to please even the pickiest palate. We also include nutrition tips so parents can rest assured they're providing wholesome fuel while still making mealtime fun and tasty! Feeding kids can sometimes feel overwhelming; there's no need to make it harder on yourself than necessary!
Keep reading for our favourite recipes for quick dinners your family will love - without all the fuss of complicated dishes or lengthy grocery lists. From tacos with homemade slaw topping (using cabbage from the fridge) to cheesy rice casserole (with leftover cheese scattered over top), these delicious recipes are surefire hits at meal time...and beyond!
For a delicious and kid-friendly meal, try making Thai Fried Rice with Ground Beef. This easy dish requires only a few ingredients and is packed with flavour. Start by lightly sauteing some onions, garlic, and ground beef in a pan. Add in some cooked rice and seasonings and then stir to combine. Finally, top with some chopped cilantro for an extra bit of flavour. Serve with your favourite Asian-inspired sides for a complete meal that your kids will love.
For a kid-friendly meal that's easy to make, try Pork Wraps with Cabbage Slaw. This delicious meal is made with ground pork and seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The cabbage slaw adds a crunchy and tangy flavour that the kids will love. Serve the wraps with a side of chips or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Shrimp and Egg Scramble is a great kid-friendly meal that everyone in the family can enjoy. It's simple to make, and you can customize it with your favourite seasonings and vegetables to suit everyone's preferences. Start by sauteing the shrimp in a pan with some oil, then add eggs and scramble them together until they're cooked. Next, combine your chosen vegetables and seasonings with the shrimp and egg mixture and cook until everything is warmed through. Serve with warm toast or over a bed of rice for a full meal.
Tuna Melt Sandwiches are a great kid-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy. Start by mixing canned tuna with mayonnaise and a bit of mustard, then spread the mixture onto slices of bread. Place one or two slices of cheese on top, and then close the sandwich and toast it in a hot skillet or on a griddle until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve these delicious sandwiches with a side of chips or some fresh vegetables for a nutritious and tasty meal.
If you're looking for a kid-friendly meal that's both nutritious and delicious, why not try Collard Wraps with Ground Beef and Kimchi? This easy dish combines savoury ground beef with zesty Kimchi, all wrapped up in a tender Collard leaf. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or brown rice for a balanced meal. You can also add other vegetables of your choice to customize the dish. Kids will love the exciting flavours and textures, plus they'll be getting plenty of vitamins and minerals!
Creamy Pasta Bake with Spicy Meat Sauce is a great kid-friendly meal. It is quick and easy to prepare, and the ingredients are healthy and flavorful. The perfect blend of creamy cheese and spicy meat sauce layered over pasta will make any child's mouth water. This dish is also an excellent option for a hearty family meal that can be easily adapted to any dietary restrictions. You can customize the dish with additional seasonings or vegetables to make it, even more, flavorful and nutritious.
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a great kid-friendly meal idea. This flavorful meal combines ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a savoury broth that kids will love. Serve with a side of garlic bread or cheesy toast for a complete meal. It's a great way to use up any extra bell peppers you have on hand and makes an easy, hearty dinner that the whole family will love.
Taco Salad is an easy and delicious meal that kids of all ages can enjoy. This dish consists of chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, black olives, and taco-seasoned ground beef served on a bed of tortilla chips. For an extra touch of flavour and crunch, top your salad with some freshly-grated cheese and/or diced avocado. Make it even more interesting by adding colourful diced strawberries and a dollop of sour cream. The combination of flavours and textures make this one of the most kid-friendly meals around!
