10+ Recipes Kids Love for Fun Family Meals

Finding meals that your kids will enjoy can sometimes feel like a challenge.

Creating fun and delicious recipes that kids love not only encourages them to eat but also makes mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.

In this article, you will discover a variety of recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

From quick dinners to tasty snacks, these ideas will help you keep your little ones happy at the dinner table.

Enjoy exploring these kid-friendly options that make cooking a fun experience!

1) Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets are a fun and tasty meal that kids love. They are easy to make and can even involve your little chefs in the kitchen.

You can customize them with different seasonings to suit your family’s taste.

For crispy nuggets, you can bake them or use an air fryer.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking. If you prefer air frying, cook at the same temperature for about 12 minutes.

These nuggets freeze well, making them great for busy nights. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer whenever you’re ready for a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In one bowl, beat the egg.
3. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

2) Cheeseburger Cups

Cheeseburger Cups are a fun and easy recipe your kids will love. These tasty treats turn a classic burger into a bite-sized meal. With gooey cheese and seasoned beef, they’re perfect for any mealtime.

You can use refrigerated biscuits or wonton wrappers as the base. This keeps the preparation quick and simple. Just fill them with your favorite burger toppings!

Ready to make these delicious Cheeseburger Cups? Let’s gather the ingredients and get cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or Velveeta)
• 1 can refrigerated biscuits or wonton wrappers
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Optional: diced pickles, onions, or other toppings

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat.
3. Stir in ketchup and mustard.
4. Place the biscuits or wrappers in muffin tins.
5. Fill each with the beef mixture and top with cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

3) Mini Pizzas

Mini pizzas are fun and easy to make, perfect for kids. You can customize them with your favorite toppings. Whether it’s for lunch or a quick snack, they are always a hit.

To start, you’ll need some pizza dough. You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own if you prefer.

Top them with pizza sauce, cheese, and any toppings you like. Kids love cheese and pepperoni, but feel free to add veggies for a healthier twist!

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Mini pepperoni or other favorite toppings

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small circles.
3. Place the dough on a baking sheet.
4. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each piece.
5. Sprinkle cheese and add toppings.
6. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

4) Ravioli Casserole

Ravioli casserole is a delicious dish that kids love. It combines cheesy ravioli, savory sauce, and gooey cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser at dinner time. You can easily prepare it with a few simple steps.

To make this meal, layer frozen ravioli in a baking dish. Pour your favorite pasta sauce over the ravioli and add plenty of cheese on top. Bake it in the oven until bubbly and golden. The smell will have everyone excited to eat!

This dish is quick to prepare and is sure to be a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your choice of extra ingredients!

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen ravioli
• 2 cups pasta sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)
• Optional: cooked ground beef or vegetables

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread a layer of frozen ravioli in a baking dish.
3. Pour pasta sauce over the ravioli.
4. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Enjoy!

5) Sheet-Pan Bibimbap

Sheet-Pan Bibimbap is a fun and easy dish that kids will love. This recipe allows each person to create their own colorful bowl filled with healthy ingredients. You can mix and match veggies and protein to keep it exciting.

Start by roasting vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, red onion, and kale on a large sheet pan. This method not only saves time but also keeps cleanup simple.

Pair your roasted veggies with rice and a protein like beef or chicken for a complete meal. The quick cooking time means you can have dinner ready in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup sweet potato, cubed
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 cups kale
• 1 pound beef or chicken, cooked
• Soy sauce, to taste
• Sesame oil, for drizzling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange the vegetables on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with oil and add salt and pepper.
4. Roast for about 20 minutes until tender.
5. Serve with rice and protein, and add soy sauce if desired.

6) Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake

This Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake is a warm and comforting dish that kids are sure to love. It’s packed with flavor and simple to make. You can whip this up using canned white beans and fresh ingredients.

The baked cheesy topping adds a fun twist that makes it appealing to little eaters. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe, which makes for easy clean-up. You can serve it with a side of bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add white beans and fire-roasted tomatoes. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7) Veggie Quesadillas

Veggie quesadillas are a tasty and easy meal that kids love. You can use any vegetables you have at home, making them super flexible. They are also quick to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.

Start by cooking some chopped bell peppers, onions, and spinach in a pan. Mix in black beans for added protein.

Next, layer your veggie mix and cheese between two tortillas. Cook them in a skillet until golden brown on both sides. Cut them into wedges, and serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, onions, spinach)
• 1 cup black beans (canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Optional: salsa or guacamole for dipping

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Sauté the mixed veggies for 3-4 minutes.
3. Mix in the black beans and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Layer veggies and cheese between tortillas.
5. Cook quesadillas for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cheese is melted.
6. Cut into wedges and serve with a dip.

8) Turkey Meatball Subs

Turkey meatball subs are a fun and delicious choice that kids will love. These sandwiches are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings too!

To start, you’ll need tender turkey meatballs. They work great with marinara sauce and plenty of melted cheese. Serve them on a warm sub roll for the perfect meal.

You can even add extra veggies, like bell peppers or onions, for added taste and nutrition. Kids will enjoy helping you assemble their own subs.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes.
5. Heat the marinara sauce in a pan.
6. Place meatballs in the sauce, then fill the sub rolls.
7. Top with cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

9) Chicken and Cheese Taquitos

Chicken and cheese taquitos are a fun and easy meal that kids love. These crispy treats are made with shredded chicken and melted cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla. You can bake them for a healthier option or fry them for extra crunch.

They are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weekdays. Plus, kids can help with rolling the tortillas, turning dinner into a fun activity. Serve them with salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 8 small tortillas
• Cooking spray or oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking.
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa.
3. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto each tortilla.
4. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
5. Spray them with cooking spray or brush with oil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown or fry in hot oil until crispy.

10) Loaded Mac n Cheese

Loaded Mac n Cheese is a fun and creamy dish that kids love. It’s quick to make and perfect for dinner. You can add lots of tasty ingredients, making it even more delicious.

This recipe combines cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon. You can also top it with potato chips for a crunchy surprise. It’s a great way to turn a simple meal into something special.

You’ll find that this dish can be made in about 30 minutes. It’s simple enough for even the busiest nights.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup potato chips, crushed
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, cheese, sour cream, bacon, milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Top with crushed potato chips.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
7. Enjoy!