When it comes to feeding kids, it’s a bit like trying to catch a butterfly with a spoon—sometimes you get lucky, and sometimes you just end up chasing your own shadow. But fear not! These simple dinner recipes are like finding the secret passage in a video game (think Mario Kart shortcuts) that lead straight to clean plates and happy faces. From gooey mac to crispy nuggets, you’ll find something here that might just make dinnertime a win instead of a battle.
Steps
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo: Place chicken and jarred Alfredo sauce in a slow cooker. Cook until the chicken is tender, then serve over pasta.
- Dump-and-Bake Creamy Tomato Pasta with Turkey Meatballs: Mix uncooked pasta, tomato sauce, and turkey meatballs in a baking dish. Bake until pasta is cooked and everything is heated through.
- Slow Cooker Orange Chicken and Broccoli: Combine chicken, orange sauce, and broccoli in a Crock Pot. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.
- Amish Chicken and Corn Casserole: Layer chicken, corn, and a creamy sauce in a casserole dish. Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
- Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans: Layer tater tots, green beans, corn, ground beef, and cheese. Bake until the top is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy: Place chicken and gravy mix in a slow cooker. Cook until the chicken is tender, then shred and serve with your choice of sides.
- Sticky Chicken: Stir-fry chicken in a honey sauce until sticky and cooked through. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.
- Hot Dog Casserole: Mix uncooked pasta, hot dogs, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake until the pasta is cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe: Place chicken and ranch seasoning in a slow cooker. Cook until the chicken is tender, then shred and use in wraps or salads.
- Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese: Cook pasta and cheese sauce in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Serve immediately as a side or main dish.
- Easy Ground Beef Noodle Casserole: Combine ground beef, noodles, vegetables, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Bake chicken with teriyaki sauce, broccoli, and peppers. Serve when the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole: Mix pasta, Alfredo sauce, and chicken in a baking dish. Bake until the pasta is cooked and everything is heated through.
- Creamy Tomato Soup with Ground Beef and Noodles: Simmer tomato soup with ground beef and noodles. Serve hot with bread or a side salad.
- Chicken Lo Mein Recipe: Stir-fry chicken and vegetables, then toss with noodles and a simple sauce. Serve hot for a quick meal.
- Ham and Cheese Sliders: Assemble ham and cheese on slider buns, then bake. Serve warm as a quick meal or snack.
- Homemade Nachos with Ground Beef: Layer chips, cheese, and cooked ground beef on a baking sheet. Bake until the cheese is melted, then add toppings.
- Cast Iron Skillet Burgers: Cook burgers in a cast iron skillet until browned and cooked through. Serve with your favorite sides.
- Dump-and-Bake Sesame Chicken Noodles: Combine noodles, chicken, and sesame sauce in a baking dish. Bake until everything is cooked through.
- 5-Ingredient Crescent Roll Chicken Casserole: Stuff crescent rolls with chicken and cheese, then bake. Serve with veggies or a salad.
Ingredients
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Optional: Pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
FAQ
- What are some easy dinner ideas for picky eaters?
- The article offers a variety of quick and simple dinner ideas that can satisfy picky eaters. Some options include Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo, Dump-and-Bake Creamy Tomato Pasta with Turkey Meatballs, and Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans. These meals typically require minimal preparation and use common ingredients found in most kitchens.
- Can I find recipes that don’t require pre-cooking the pasta?
- Yes, several recipes in the article feature a “dump-and-bake” method, where you don’t need to pre-cook the pasta. For instance, the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole and the Dump-and-Bake Sesame Chicken Noodles both allow you to cook everything in one dish, saving time and effort.
- Are there any dinner ideas that can be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely, recipes like Ham and Cheese Sliders and Chicken Tetrazzini can be prepped ahead of time. This is particularly helpful for busy weeknights, as you can assemble the dish in advance and bake it when needed.
- What are some quick dinner options that take less than 30 minutes to prepare?
- The article suggests several quick and easy meals, such as Honey Garlic Shrimp, One Pan Homemade Hamburger Helper, and Orange Salmon. These recipes are designed to be ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings.
- How can I make a classic comfort food meal for my family?
- The article includes classic comfort food recipes like Southern Meatloaf, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, and Creamy Beef and Shells. These meals combine familiar flavors with easy preparation, ensuring a satisfying and cozy dinner for the whole family.
Tips
- Plan Ahead for Efficiency: To minimize stress on busy nights, take advantage of recipes that require minimal prep time. Consider dishes like dump-and-bake casseroles or Crock Pot meals, which allow you to combine ingredients and let them cook with little supervision.
- Embrace Versatility: Opt for recipes that offer flexibility in serving options. For instance, ranch chicken cooked in a Crock Pot can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or even salads, making it a versatile choice that can be adapted to different tastes.
- Use Store-Bought Shortcuts: Save time by incorporating store-bought ingredients like jarred sauces or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. These can significantly cut down on preparation time while still delivering delicious results.
- Personalize Meals for Picky Eaters: Customize dishes to cater to specific preferences. Recipes like crescent roll pizza pockets or pizza quesadillas can be tailored with various fillings and toppings, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters find something they enjoy.
Equipment
- Crock Pot/Slow Cooker – Many recipes like Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo, Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, and Crock Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken require a slow cooker.
- Dutch Oven – Used for recipes such as Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese and One-Pot Easy Chicken Bog.
- Cast Iron Skillet – Essential for Cast Iron Skillet Burgers and other skillet-focused recipes.
- Food Processor – Useful for making sauces from scratch or processing ingredients quickly.
- Electric Griddle – Helpful for recipes like Baked Pancakes with Pancake Mix and Chicken and Waffles that require uniform cooking surface.
- Deep Fat Fryer – For achieving the perfect crispy texture in Fried Chicken Tenders or Southern Fried Catfish.
- Instant Pot – For quick pressure cooking of meats and soups, if recipes can be adapted.
- Mandoline Slicer – Useful for quickly and uniformly slicing vegetables for various recipes.
