10+ Recipes Kids Love for Fun Family Meals

Finding meals that your kids will love can be a challenge, especially with all the different tastes and preferences.

This article will share a variety of recipes that are not only delicious but also simple to make, ensuring that mealtime can be enjoyable for both you and your children.

From fun pasta dishes to healthy snacks, these recipes aim to please picky eaters and make cooking a fun experience.

You’ll discover how easy it can be to whip up meals that your kids will ask for again and again.

1) Cheeseburger Cups

Cheeseburger cups are a fun and easy meal that kids love. They mix all the tasty parts of a cheeseburger into a small, bite-sized treat.

You can make them quickly, so they’re great for busy nights.

To prepare, you’ll need ground beef, cheese, and some pastry dough. Kids enjoy helping you fill and shape them.

Customize with their favorite toppings or sauces for extra flavor.

These cups are a perfect way to bring excitement to dinner. Your family will love these tasty little bites!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese
• 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough
• Optional: ketchup, mustard, pickles

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Roll out the biscuit dough and cut into circles.
4. Place dough circles in a muffin tin.
5. Fill with beef and cheese.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
7. Serve warm with optional toppings.

2) Mini Lasagnas

Mini lasagnas are a fun twist on the classic dish. Kids will love these bite-sized portions that are easy to make and perfect for little hands.

You can use muffin tins to create layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese.

These mini meals can be customized with your child’s favorite ingredients. Try adding vegetables, different types of cheese, or even some meat.

This makes them not only delicious but also healthy!

Mini lasagnas are great for parties or as a quick dinner option. They can be made ahead of time and frozen, which makes meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning.
4. In a muffin tin, layer sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

3) Pizza Casserole

Pizza casserole is a fun dish that kids usually love. It combines all the tasty flavors of pizza in a warm, baked dish.

You can make it quickly for a weeknight meal.

To prepare this casserole, you will mix cooked ground beef with cooked macaroni, pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings. Add cheese and pepperoni on top for that classic pizza flavor.

Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your family will enjoy this easy and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (200 g) cooked macaroni
• 1 cup (240 ml) pizza sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (75 g) sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) sliced pepperoni

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
3. In a large bowl, mix beef, macaroni, pizza sauce, and tomato sauce.
4. Layer half the mixture in a baking dish.
5. Add mushrooms, if desired, and top with cheese and pepperoni.
6. Add the remaining macaroni mixture and top with more cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted.

4) Taco Casserole

Taco casserole is a fun and easy meal that kids love. It combines all the best taco flavors in one dish.

You’ll find ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and crunchy chips, making it a hit at the dinner table.

This dish is simple to prepare. You can layer tortillas or corn chips with seasoned meat and beans, then top it with lots of cheese. Bake it until it’s warm and gooey.

You can also customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try adding corn or salsa for extra flavor. Your family will enjoy this comforting meal together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained
• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheese
• 3 cups (75 g) tortilla chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and black beans.
4. In a baking dish, layer tortilla chips, beef mixture, and salsa.
5. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, until heated through. Enjoy!

5) Zucchini Tots

Zucchini tots are a fun and healthy snack your kids will love. They are a great way to sneak in some vegetables. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for dipping!

You can bake them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer. Either way, they turn out crispy and delicious. Serve them with ketchup, salsa, or your favorite dip.

These tots are also gluten-free, making them a good option for many diets. Give this recipe a try for a tasty treat that keeps everyone happy!

Ingredients

• 1 packed cup grated zucchini
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 medium onion, minced
• 1/4 cup grated reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix grated zucchini, egg, onion, and cheese.
3. Form small tots with your hands.
4. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
5. Spray with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!

6) Chicken Strips

Chicken strips are a favorite for many kids. They are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can easily make them at home for a tasty meal.

To start, you will need some chicken breast and breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or try panko for extra crunch. Season them with your favorite spices to add flavor.

Make sure to bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This keeps them crispy without using too much oil. Your kids will love these delicious chicken strips!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each chicken strip in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place strips on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

7) Ravioli Casserole

Ravioli casserole is a quick and tasty meal that kids often love. You can make it with simple ingredients and it’s easy to prepare.

Just layer some frozen ravioli, your favorite pasta sauce, and lots of cheese.

This dish is perfect for busy nights. It can bake while you get everyone settled. The gooey cheese and flavorful sauce will make it a family favorite.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, layer half the ravioli.
3. Spread half the pasta sauce over the ravioli.
4. Sprinkle one cup of cheese on top.
5. Repeat the layers.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

8) Mac n Cheese Night

Mac n Cheese Night is a fun and easy meal that kids love. You can make classic mac and cheese or try new twists. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Choose small shapes like elbows or shells.

Next, make a creamy cheese sauce. You can use cheddar for a classic taste. Add milk, butter, and a little flour to thicken it up.

For a healthy option, mix in some veggies like peas or broccoli. This adds nutrition and color to the dish.

Let your kids help by stirring or choosing toppings. You can use breadcrumbs, extra cheese, or even bacon bits.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp (28 g) butter
• 2 tbsp (16 g) flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: veggies or toppings

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly.
5. Once thickened, remove from heat and add cheese.
6. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. Mix in pasta and any veggies.
8. Serve with desired toppings.

9) Chinese Pork Fried Rice

Chinese Pork Fried Rice is a favorite among kids and adults alike. It’s simple to make and delicious, especially if you have leftover pork.

The soft rice pairs well with juicy pork, colorful vegetables, and eggs.

To start, gather your ingredients. You can use carrots, peas, and even green onions to add flavor and nutrition.

This dish cooks quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 10 ounces lean pork loin, diced
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced carrots

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the white beans and cherry tomatoes, cooking until heated through.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and let it melt.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm!

10) Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake

This Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake is a dish kids will love. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s comforting and warm, perfect for any family dinner.

Start by using canned white beans and mix them with fire-roasted tomatoes for extra taste. You can add garlic for flavor and some cheese for a gooey topping that kids find irresistible.

This recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some veggies. Try adding kale or spinach to boost the nutrition.

Enjoy serving this one-pot meal with your family!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans
• 1 cup cherry 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 fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste, beans, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.