70 Fun 30-Minute Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas

If you have a little munchkin in the house, you might always be searching for fun kid-friendly dinner ideas. Planning a dinner can be daunting at the end of a busy work day. Add to that the stress of coming home to picky eaters who always need something fancy.

To solve this problem, I have a list of 30-minute kid-friendly dinner ideas to make your life easy. These dinner ideas won’t only ensure your kids eat what you make, but they also keep the health factor in check.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a variety of yummy and nutritious meal options that your whole family will love? Well then, take a look at some kid-friendly dinner options from around the world. These include baked chicken parmesan, cheesy avocado quesadilla, fettuccine alfredo, and Asian fish tacos.

Try them out and make your kids happy!

30-Minute Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas

Make dinner time a lot more fun and fuss-free for your kids by trying out some delicious dinner ideas below. These recipes come together quickly and feature ingredients that are loved by kids. Take a look at them and click the link provided under each recipe to find the full ingredients list and instructions.

1. Steakhouse Burgers

McDonald’s has made burgers a beloved meal for kids. Now you can bring smiles to your own dining table with these delicious steakhouse burgers that only take 30 minutes to prepare.

Steakhouse burgers feature a juicy and flavorful ground beef patty and toppings of your choice. The burger patties are prepared with ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, scallions, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. They are then grilled to perfection. 

Finally, the burger buns are toasted and lined with these gorgeous patties. From here on, you are free to add toppings of your choice. Some of my favorite toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard sauce, and cheese. I recommend serving them with french fries.

Is there anything here that your kids won’t love?

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

2. Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Kids love to eat tasty and convenient food that can be savored even while playing. To accommodate this factor, baked chicken chimichangas can answer your “What’s for dinner?” because they are easy-to-eat wraps holding a mouthwatering filling inside them.

Made with only 7 simple ingredients – shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, cumin, oregano, and green onions – baked chicken chimichangas are easy to prepare. Simply toss the ingredients in a bowl, spread them on tortillas, fold them like a burrito, and bake for 15 minutes until crispy.

Baked chicken chimichangas are not just great for preparing kids-friendly meals; all age groups love them. So next time you’re wondering what’s for dinner, try baked chicken chimichangas.

Get The Recipe From Here: The Girl Who Ate Everything

3. Baked Chicken Parmesan

Cheese and parmesan are a match made in heaven. It is a delicious and healthy food that hardly takes any time to cook. Best of all, it can be served with pasta! 

To prepare this chicken meal for your kid, slice the chicken breasts horizontally to get four thin chicken cutlets. 

Add flour, egg, water, and Italian-seasoned bread crumbs mixed with parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in three separate bowls. Coat the chicken first with flour, then egg, and lastly, the breadcrumb mixture. 

Place them on a baking sheet or dish and bake for 12-15 minutes until almost cooked through. Add two tablespoons of marinara sauce over each chicken piece, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for a few more minutes. Serve the chicken with pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.

Get The Recipe From Here: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

4. Veggie Pizza

Kids love pizza just as much as they love burgers. So, make them a simple and flavorful ranch cream cheese vegetable pizza with a handful of ingredients.

Preheat the oven, press your crescent dough into the pan, bake for 10 minutes, and let it cool completely. Combine the sour cream, cream cheese, and ranch in a medium-sized bowl and spread this mixture on top of the cooled crust. 

Top with radish, pepper, broccoli, carrots, or any vegetable you choose. Sprinkle with dill and chives. Cover the pizza and let it chill before cutting it into squares and serving.

Get The Recipe From Here: Small Town Woman

5. Cheesy Avocado Quesadilla

Cheesy avocado quesadillas are a yummy and no-fuss meal. A ground beef filling sits on a layer of creamy refried beans and avocado, sandwiched between two tortillas and baked to crisp perfection. Doesn’t that sound delicious? Check out the recipe.

Ground beef is cooked with taco seasoning and green chilies. Then tortillas are spread with refried beans, ground beef mixture, avocado, and mozzarella and topped with another tortilla. They go in the oven for baking, and your cheesy dinner is ready.

Get The Recipe From Here: Damn Delicious

6. Baked Chicken Tenders

No kid’s meal is complete without crispy chicken tender served with a dipping sauce. This recipe uses panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to give you that extra crunch. 

To make baked chicken tenders, begin by filling three bowls with flour, egg mixed with water and seasonings, and panko. Coat the chicken in the flour, followed by the egg mixture, and finally in the panko. Place the chicken on a prepared baking pan and bake it until fully cooked. 

Serve the chicken tenders with your choice of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup. 

Get The Recipe From Here: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

7. Cordon Bleu Dogs 

Cordon Bleu dogs are not a fancy dish, but it is certainly a yummy treat featuring hot dogs wrapped in ham and topped with a creamy Dijon cheese sauce. Moreover, it is a super quick meal to prepare.

To make the cheese sauce, whisk flour and butter together, then add mustard, milk, and cheese. Grill the ham-wrapped hot dog and place it in a bun before topping it with the cheese sauce. 

Your kids are sure to love these hot dogs, and you’ll appreciate how easy they are to prepare. Pair these hot dogs with some chips and sodas.

Get The Recipe From Here: Taste And Tell Blog

8. Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy and cheesy pasta is love at first sight. Make it for your kids and family, and watch it wiped out within minutes. This recipe is tasty and time-tested, so you can be sure of cooking a fabulous meal.

Fettuccine alfredo is prepared by cooking the pasta al dente. Then a cheese sauce is prepared by heating butter in a pan. Saute minced garlic in butter and add heavy cream making. Finally add parmesan cheese and some water reserved pasta water. Toss in the pasta and enjoy.

Get The Recipe From Here: Modern Honey

9. Thai-Inspired Chicken & Rice Noodle Soup

Every child may not like soup, but get ready to surprise your child with noodles. Thai-inspired chicken and rice noodle soup is a slurpy and fragrant soup. It combines Thai-pantry staples such as green curry paste, fish sauce, coconut milk, and fresh ginger that get ready in 30 minutes.

To make this soup, cook ginger and shallots and add curry paste with chicken broth, coconut milk, and maple syrup. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add marinated chicken and cook the noodles. Pour the broth over noodles and garnish with cilantro and scallions. You can also serve this delicious bowl with Sriracha sauce and lime wedges.

Get The Recipe From Here: Minimalist Baker 

10. Chicken And Broccoli Fritters

Many kids are not fascinated with broccoli. But to feed them the necessary greens, these fritters can do wonders. They are great for any meal and come together in no time.

Steam the broccoli florets or boil them to make chicken and broccoli fritters. Mix cheese, egg, milk, and chives in a bowl and add chopped broccoli, flour, salt, and pepper. Heat a non-stick pan and spoon the fritter mixture into the pan. Fry on low heat and serve immediately. 

Chicken and broccoli fritters can be eaten on their own, or they can be sandwiched between a bun to make a delicious burger. You can also chop them into small pieces and make a taco out of them. Try it!

Get The Recipe From Here: My Fussy Eater

11. Asian Fish Tacos 

If your family enjoys eating fish, treat them with Asian fish tacos featuring baked seasoned fish, fresh slaw, and a creamy chipotle sauce. These tacos are creamy, crunchy, flavorful, and all things good.

Asian fish tacos are prepared with any white fish seasoned with a dry rub made of lime zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together.

The fish is baked in the oven. Meanwhile, coleslaw is prepared with cabbage, onions, and cilantro with salt, lime juice, and olive oil.  

Then a chipotle topping is prepared by combining chipotle sauce with mayo, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. When all these three elements are ready, the tortillas are toasted in a skillet.

Finally, the tacos are assembled by placing the fish on top of the tortillas, topped with slaw and chipotle sauce. Your delicious fish dinner is ready.

Get The Recipe From Here: A Mind Full Mom

12. Parmesan Chicken Sandwich

Sandwiches are the quickest meal to prepare. When they come with chicken and cheese, everyone wants them. So, indulge in a parmesan chicken sandwich, served on a bun, featuring a rich, tangy marinara sauce.

The parmesan chicken sandwich is prepared by dredging the chicken breast in a breadcrumb, garlic powder, onion powder, and parmesan cheese mixture. The chicken is cooked until golden brown in a skillet and served in bun with marinara sauce topped with cheese.

Get The Recipe From Here: Easy Chicken Recipes

13. Avocado Basil Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Avocado basil pesto zucchini noodles are a delicious and healthy dinner option that makes mama and kids happy. This dish combines earthy pesto flavors with the savory taste profile of cheese, resulting in a mouthwatering feast.

Using a julienne peeler, cut zucchini into noodle shapes for this dish. The pesto is then created by blending basil, avocado, pine nuts, garlic, and lime juice. Finally, the pesto-tossed zucchini noodles are topped with tomatoes.

Get The Recipe From Here: Ambitious Kitchen

14. Sesame Chicken

Sweet and savory, sesame chicken is a great option to prepare dinner in flat 30 minutes. Tender chicken pieces are tossed in sesame sauce and served with steamed rice or noodles. Take a look at how to prepare this dish.

Combine soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and cornstarch to make the sauce.

Coat small chicken pieces in eggs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, and cook the chicken in a skillet until it is browned. Pour the sauce into the pan to thicken, then toss in the chicken to coat. 

Get The Recipe From Here: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

15. Creamy Sausage Pasta With Corn And Basil

Say hello to another pasta dish that is always welcome. It’s colorful and flavorful and brings a delicious combination of ingredients together. This recipe has become so famous at my house that it is often served at parties too!

Making creamy sausage pasta with corn and basil is a simple process. To begin, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

In a skillet, brown the sausage with the onion and corn, then add the mascarpone cheese, chili paste, hot penne, and some reserved starchy water.

Toss everything together until the Parmesan cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. Enjoy with some chopped basil!

Get The Recipe From Here: Dash Of Sanity

16. Crispy Baked Salmon Nuggets

Nuggets are loved by all age groups. When they are made of salmon, you can be assured that you provide a nutritious meal for your family. So, check out the crispy baked salmon nuggets that will have even the pickiest eaters sitting at the table. Most importantly, they are extremely simple to make.

Cut the salmon into bite-sized chunks and coat them in flour, egg, and panko crumbs mixed with herbs, salt, and pepper. Grease a baking dish and place the nuggets to bake until done. Serve the nuggets with a dipping sauce such as tartar sauce, mayonnaise, or ketchup.

Get The Recipe From Here: My Fussy Eater

17. One Pot Of Spaghetti And Meatballs

It’s impossible to go wrong with succulent meatballs and spaghetti. And when everything comes together in one pot, it’s a winner dish all the way.

Begin by combining minced beef, finely diced onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper and shaping it into balls. Brown the meatballs in a large pot before adding the passata, water, and thyme and bringing them to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in the pan until it is tender.

Get The Recipe From Here: Kids Eat By Shanai

18. Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Sundried Tomato Pesto

If your child’s first love is a hot and crispy pizza, make them a grilled cheese sandwich with sundried tomato pesto. This sandwich consists of sun-dried tomato pesto-flavored Italian-style grilled cheese sandwiches. They are suitable not just for supper but also as a school snack.

To prepare this decadent sandwich, combine sun-dried tomatoes with garlic, oil, salt, red pepper flakes, sugar, basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan in a food processor. Apply butter on one side of each slice of bread and pesto on the opposite side of each slice.

Place the butter-side-down bread in a large nonstick skillet. Distribute the cheese equally over the bread and top with the remaining bread.

Cook the sandwich from both sides until golden brown. Slice the sandwich from the center and serve with a salad.

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

19. Caprese Pasta

Make the best use of summer produce by making a caprese pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and pasta. It is a light and fun pasta that comes together in less than 30 minutes and tastes no less than a restaurant-style meal.

To prepare caprese pasta, begin by boiling the elbow pasta al dente. Meanwhile, cook tomatoes in olive oil with garlic. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with some reserved pasta water.

Season with salt and pepper and stir in grated Parmesan and fresh mozzarella. Remove the pasta from the heat and garnish with basil.

Get The Recipe From Here: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

20. Leftover Chicken Tacos Baked In The Oven

Make the most of any leftover chicken in your refrigerator by baking leftover chicken tacos. This simple and scrumptious recipe involves only a few steps to prepare a delicious dinner.

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to hold the tacos. Fill the tacos with shredded chicken, chopped tomatoes, tomato salsa, and grated mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Your delicious chicken supper is ready to serve. 

Get The Recipe From Here: Kid’s Eat By Shanai

21. Feta And Spinach Turkey Burgers

Dinner with a turkey burger sounds appealing, doesn’t it? Then try this dish to please your family and make the best use of turkey. This 30-minute recipe has the heart of every turkey lover!

In a mixing bowl, combine turkey mince, feta cheese, egg, spring onion, garlic, salt & pepper, and spinach. Make patties out of the mixture and coat with flour.

In a frying pan, cook the burger patties and lay them between burger buns. Serve with your preferred sauces and greens, such as lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.

Get The Recipe From Here: My Fussy Eater

22. Honey Sriracha Chicken Rice Noodle Bowl

Chicken and noodles are the ideal ingredients for making your weeknights special. This recipe calls for chicken and stir-fried vegetables to be smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce and served over a bed of rice noodles! 

To make the sauce, combine soy sauce, olive oil, hot sesame oil, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, water, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken in half a cup of this sauce overnight or for at least 1 hour. Then, in a skillet, sauté the chicken and vegetables. 

Cook until the remaining sauce has thickened in the skillet. Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to the package directions. Garnish with cilantro and green onions, and serve the chicken and vegetables over rice noodles.

Get The Recipe From Here: With Salt And Wit

23. Cuban Sliders

Cuban sliders are always a hit and super easy to prepare. This dish requires only a handful of ingredients to prepare dinner within 30 minutes. I love these sliders because they also make for a perfect picnic and school-box snack.

Preheat the oven and butter a baking tray for the Cuban sliders. Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half and lay the bottoms in the baking pan. Top the roll with a layer of meat, cheese, and pickles, and cover with the upper half of the bun.

Then, mix together the butter and Dijon mustard and add minced onions to make the Dijon spread. Pour the spread over the top of the rolls and bake the sliders for 15 minutes, covered in foil.

Get The Recipe From Here: House Of Yumm

24. Mushroom And Tofu Stir-Fry

Stir fries are a life savior on weeknights when hunger strikes and you are short on time. But they come tossed in a flavorful sauce; your day is made.

The mushroom and tofu stir fry is packed with healthy ingredients smothered in teriyaki sauce. It can be served with noodles or steamed rice.

To make mushroom and tofu stir fry, mushrooms and bell peppers are cooked in a skillet with scallions, ginger, and garlic. The veggies are tossed out of the pan, and the tofu is browned in oil.

The vegetables are put back in the pan with oyster sauce. Delicious and quick mushrooms and tofu stir fry are ready to be devoured.

Get The Recipe From Here: Eating Well

25. Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

With only six ingredients, bacon cheeseburger pasta is a kid-friendly supper. This 30-minute recipe is ideal for weeknight meals and celebrations and features penne pasta, ground beef, bacon, cheese, and tomato. Take a look at how it’s prepared.

To make bacon cheeseburger pasta, cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook the ground beef and bacon in a large skillet one at a time and set aside.

Then add the pasta, tomato soup, beef, bacon, and water to the same skillet. Remove from the heat and top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Get The Recipe From Here: Taste Of Home

26. Benihana Fried Rice

Benihana fried rice is a Tappanyaki-style Japanese restaurant dish loaded with vegetables and scrambled eggs. It is also a dish that can be customized by adding chicken, shrimp, or steak.

I love this dish because it is made with simple ingredients that taste extraordinary. Check out how it’s prepared.

To make this dish, begin by scrambling an egg and setting it aside. Stir fry carrots and onions with green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.

Add cooked rice and garlic butter, then toss in the scrambled eggs. Finish off the dish with a generous splash of soy sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy your dinner!

Get The Recipe From Here: Izzy Cooking

27. Mozzarella, Tomato, & Basil Pesto Chicken

A mozzarella, tomato, and basil pesto topping is commonly found as a topping for bruschetta. To make a protein-packed supper, these toppings are layered on top of the chicken to give a unique twist.

You must try this recipe, not only for its exquisite flavors but also for the fact that it only takes 5 minutes to assemble this dish, and your oven does the rest of the job.

Preheat the oven and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish to cook. Cover the chicken with a spoonful of pesto, topped with sliced tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the chicken for about 30 minutes before serving.

Making this dish is really that simple. You can pair it up with some toasted bread, a side salad, and a drink.

Get The Recipe From Here: My Fussy Eater

28. Fajita Burger Wraps

Turn your regular fajita wraps into fajita burger wraps by making a combo full of flavor. This dinner option features ground beef patties wrapped in crispy tortillas with veggies and cheese. How can anyone resist such a combination?

To make this delectable dinner, mix ground beef with fajita seasoning and shape it into thick patties. Cook them in some oil and remove them from the pan. Saute onion and peppers until browned. 

Place the burger patty, pepper mixture, and cheese in the center of a tortilla and fold the bottom and top. Crisp the wraps on a warm skillet and bite into your delicious dinner.

Get The Recipe From Here: Taste of Home

29. Thai Peanut Chicken And Noodles

Thai peanut chicken and noodles is a version of chicken pad Thai that makes for a quick and sumptuous dinner. It’s prepared with rice noodles tossed in a Thai sauce with chicken.

This dish is prepared by whisking a Thai sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, minced garlic, sriracha chili sauce, sesame oil, molasses, and water. The noodles are cooked in boiling water, and the chicken is cooked in peanut oil. 

Finally, the onions are sauteed in a pan, and the sauce is stirred in, followed by the noodles and the chicken. All the ingredients are tossed to combine to form Thai peanut chicken and noodles.

Get The Recipe From Here: Taste of Home

30. Vegetarian Chili Mac

Including vegetables in your child’s diet can be difficult, but getting them to eat mac and cheese requires little supervision. To fix the problem, prepare a cheesy, hearty, healthful vegetarian chili mac to fix the problem. 

This dish incorporates macaroni pasta with vegetables, beans, and cheese. The best part about this recipe is that the pasta absorbs the exquisite flavors of the vegetables and seasonings.

Begin by sautéing onion, bell pepper, and carrots in olive oil for the vegetarian chili mac. Mix in the garlic and spices.

Combine the tomatoes, pasta, beans, and water in a mixing bowl. Cook over low heat until the pasta is tender. Finally, add the cheese and serve the meal!

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

31. Nacho Pie

Nachos are a tasty snack to munch on with a side of creamy dip. But you can create a filling dish out of it by preparing a nacho pie with ground beef, chili beans, and mozzarella. Isn’t your mouth watering already?

To make nacho pie, spread nachos in a pie dish. Cook the ground beef with onions and spoon over the chips. Top them with chili beans, tomato sauce, and grated mozzarella cheese. Bake the dish until the cheese melts.

Get The Recipe From Here: Taste Of Home

32. Zucchini Quiche

Make a healthy zucchini quiche for your family with simple ingredients to make a fun dinner that no one can say no to. The dish involves making the quiche base and filling it with a mixture of eggs, onions, feta, parsley, and roasted zucchini. Take a look at how it’s made.

To make zucchini quiche, combine linseed, sunflower seed, and almond mix with pepitas, sunflower seeds, salt, egg, and oil. Press the mixture over the base of a greased dish. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. 

For the topping, beat the eggs in a bowl and pour on top of the base. Scatter over the onion, feta, and parsley, and arrange roasted zucchini slices on top. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes and enjoy your dinner.

Get The Recipe From Here: Kids Spot

33. Air Fryer Corn Dogs

Air fryer corn dogs are a hit among kids and adults. They make for a great snack and quick dinner. Moreover, the fact that they are air-fried makes them healthy.

To make air-fried corn dogs, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk and eggs. Combine the buttermilk and egg mixture with the dry ingredients and transfer the batter to a tall glass.

Cut the hot dogs into half, and skewer them onto wooden sticks. Coat the hot dogs in flour and dip the floured hot dogs into the batter.

Coat the battered hot dogs with breadcrumbs and press them with your hands gently. Place the hot dogs in the air fryer and cook for about 8 minutes.

Get The Recipe From Here: Izzy Cooking

34. Honey Garlic Salmon

If you want to have salmon for dinner, try the honey garlic salmon with a sweet and tangy flavor profile that is appreciated by all. This quick recipe requires a hand full of ingredients that adds umami flavors to the dish. It is cooked with potatoes and green beans.

To make honey garlic salmon, whisk the sauce by combining olive oil, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, and black pepper. Toss the potatoes and green beans in olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

Place the salmon filets in the center of the baking tray and the veggies on the edge. Top the salmon with honey garlic sauce and bake until cooked.

This recipe is totally customizable, and you can add veggies of your choice. 

Get The Recipe From Here: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

35. Chicken-Pepper Alfredo

Chicken pepper alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta that brings umami flavor to the table. The fact that it is made with noodle-shaped linguine pasta makes it attractive to kids.

This pasta is prepared by boiling the pasta until al dente. Chicken, mushrooms, onion, bacon, and garlic are cooked in a skillet. The pasta is tossed in with alfredo sauce and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. 

Get The Recipe From Here: Taste of Home

36. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Air fryer pizza rolls are a fun take on pizza that looks attractive and holds the goodness of a pizza. They are stuffed with pepperoni and mozzarella, the two best toppings that a pizza can have.

The process of making them is super and involves ingredients like store-bought or homemade pizza dough, pepperoni, mozzarella, and pizza sauce. To make pizza rolls for dinner, we begin by rolling the dough into a rectangular shape and brushing the surface with olive oil. 

The dough is topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese and is rolled into a log and cut into 1-inch slices. The slices are placed in the air fryer basket and cooked for about 8 minutes. It’s that easy!

Get The Recipe From Here: Izzy Cooking

37. Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is an easy supper that makes everyone happy. Crispy chicken cutlets are served with a lemony butter and caper sauce that goes well with a variety of dishes. My husband discovered this dish, and we love making it all the time.

Simply pound the chicken breasts and cover them in flour, salt, and pepper to make the chicken. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, followed by bread crumbs, and fry the chicken till golden brown. 

Make a capers sauce by heating stock, lemon juice, and capers in a saucepan and swirling in butter. Season with parsley and serve. Serve the sauce over the chicken and enjoy a delightful dinner.

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

38. Leek Asparagus Soup With Goat Cheese

Let’s admit that making anyone eat asparagus on its own is not the easiest job in the world. But the results are quite surprising when it comes in the form of soup. Say hello to the leek asparagus soup garnished with goat cheese that makes for a delicious and healthy supper.

To make leek asparagus soup, chop asparagus, leeks, garlic, onions, and parsley and cook them in a pan. Add stock, chickpeas, parsley, and spices.

Puree the ingredients and add lemon juice, pine nuts, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with goat cheese. 

Get The Recipe From Here: Picky Eater Blog

39. Baked Broccoli Mac And Cheese

A bowl of mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It is one of those items that are hard to resist and comes together quickly. So, including it on your weeknight dinner makes perfect sense.

However, this recipe has a unique ingredient – broccoli, which some people enjoy while others dislike. This recipe tastes so good that it is ideal for feeding picky eaters. Take a look at how it’s prepared.

To make baked broccoli mac and cheese, cook the broccoli and pasta in the same pot. Meanwhile, make a roux and mix in milk, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard to make the cheese sauce. The broccoli and pasta are then combined with the cheese sauce and placed into a casserole dish. 

It is sprinkled with breadcrumbs and melted butter and baked until golden brown.

Get The Recipe From Here: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

40. Crazy-Crust Sausage Pizza

You must have eaten thin-crust, hand-tossed, or deep-dish pizza. But have you tried pizza with a crepe-like crust? No? Then check out this pizza recipe, which is done in 30 minutes and tastes fantastic.

The crazy-crust sausage pizza is made with a liquid batter and baked immediately. Brown the sausage, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat.

Then prepare the pizza dough by combining flour, milk, eggs, and salt and pour it into the pizza pan. Top the batter with the sausage mixture and season it with oregano and pepper.

Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes and top it with pizza sauce and cheese. Place it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes and get ready to bite into your delicious pizza dinner.

Get The Recipe From Here: Taste of Home

41. Thai-Style Red Chicken Curry

Make a one-pan dish in 30 minutes by preparing Thai red curry chicken for dinner tonight. This recipe is comfort food at its finest, and the aroma is intoxicating.

It features tender chicken breasts cooked in a thick, red curry made with coconut milk sauce. It is served with Jasmine or steamed rice.

To prepare this dish, cook garlic, scallions, and jalapeño in a pan, and stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, red curry paste, and brown sugar. Bring the curry to a boil and simmer until thickened.

Toss in the chicken and simmer to cook. Finish off the dish by stirring in dark scallion greens, cilantro, and lime juice. If required, adjust the seasoning with extra lime.

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

42. Pita Pizza

If you have leftover pita but no hummus to prepare a Mediterranean supper, make pita pizza. This dinner combines pizza flavors wrapped in pita pockets, which I think is brilliant. 

Begin by heating the baby spinach, garlic, onion powder, and oregano for the pita pizza. Fill the pita pockets with spinach, sliced roasted bell peppers, mozzarella, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Warm a pan and crisp the stuffed pita pockets on both sides.

Get The Recipe From Here: Picky Eater Blog

43. Avocado Pasta

Avocado Pasta is a classy vegetarian dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavors. The best part about it is that it’s made with a handful of ingredients.

To make avocado pasta, cook the spaghetti in boiling water. Blend avocado, garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves, salt, and pepper into a food processor until you get a smooth sauce. Drizzle some olive oil in the sauce and toss in the pasta with tomatoes. 

Get The Recipe From Here: Tip Buzz

44. BLT Pasta Salad

If you have a pasta salad kind of dinner, try the colorful and flavorful BLT Pasta salad, perfect for summertime or parties. This salad actually comes together in 15 minutes with a delicious ranch and mayonnaise dressing.

To make BLT pasta salad, cook farfalle pasta. Combine diced tomatoes, onions, bacon, and lettuce in a large bowl. Next, prepare the dressing by mixing ranch, yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, and pepper. Toss the cooked pasta and dressing with bacon and veggies and dig in!

Get The Recipe From Here: Izzy Cooking

45. 3-Ingredient Refried Bean & Pico De Gallo Tostadas

Tostadas make for a delicious meal, and this recipe is super duper easy as it requires only 3 ingredients! Apart from its delicious taste, I love the texture of cream beans, chunky pico de gallo, and crispy tostadas. Here’s how you make it.

Place ready-made tortillas on a baking sheet, lightly brushed with oil. Sprinkle with salt and bake for 5 minutes. Spread warmed refried beans over the tortillas evenly and topped them up with pico de gallo. And you’re done!

Get The Recipe From Here: Eating Well

46. Ginger Sesame Noodles

Ginger sesame noodles is an Asian-inspired dinner that features chickpeas, veggies, and the quintessential Asian flavors. It is yet another quick and stress-free meal to make on a weeknight. It can be customized by adding tofu or chicken to increase your protein content or veggies.

To make ginger sesame noodles, begin by making the stir fry sauce by combining tamari, maple syrup, water, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. 

Then cook the rice noodles in boiling water and cook red peppers, carrots, snow peas, and sliced purple cabbage. Add the noodles to the pan with chickpeas and sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro, and dig in.

Get The Recipe From Here: She Likes Food

47. Roasted Tomato And Feta Frittata

A frittata is one of the most healthy options to have at any time of the day. But when it is made with a delicious roasted tomato & feta filling, it makes for a sumptuous meal.

This recipe is delicious on its own, but you can add your favorite veggies, too, or swap feta for cheddar cheese. Take a look at the recipe.

Begin by roasting tomatoes in an oven for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and add spinach, red pepper, spring onion, oregano, cheddar, and feta.

Season with salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture on top of the tomatoes and give everything a good stir. Place it back in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Allow the frittata to cook and slice to serve.

Get The Recipe From Here: My Fussy Eater

48. Ham And Cheese Waffle Sandwiches

Crispy and fluffy waffles are always welcome; the day is made when they come with a mouthwatering filling. So, skip a rice or noodles dinner for homemade ham and cheese waffle sandwiches. They are truly a delight!

Making homemade waffles is super easy, but if you want to use store-bought waffles, suit yourself. Preheat your waffle iron and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl to make the waffles.

Then fold in milk, half cream, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the batter into the waffle iron, cook, and set aside to cool.

To assemble the sandwich, carefully separate each waffle into 4 triangles. Place the ham, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, and mustard on one waffle and sandwich it with another. Your sandwiches are ready to bite in. Serve them with assorted chips and a side salad.

You can also customize this sandwich by switching up your deli meat, cheese, veggies, and sauces. Try out this sandwich recipe, and thank me later!

Get The Recipe From Here: Frugal Mom Eh!

49. Cream Of Mushroom Pork Chops

Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops is a dish made with tender and juicy pork chops smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom soup that gets ready in 30 minutes. It is a skillet full of umami flavors and a lusciously creamy texture. 

To make cream of mushroom pork chops, season the pork chops with salt and pepper and cook them in a skillet until browned. Set it aside and melt the butter and cook mushrooms with minced garlic.

Let the mushrooms cook for 5 minutes, and add chicken broth, heavy cream, and flour. Let the sauce thicken, and add the pork chops. Your pork chop dinner is ready to be served!

Get The Recipe From Here: Tip Buzz

50. Black Bean Soup

If you wish to have soup, salad, and bread kinda dinner, the black bean soup is a wonderful protein-rich vegetarian option. This Southwestern black bean soup is creamy, tasty, and simple to make.

To make black bean soup for dinner, cook onions, carrots, and garlic in olive oil. Stir in the beans, spices, and chicken broth, and cover and simmer the soup for 15 minutes.

Purée the soup with a hand-held immersion blender. Stir some fresh lime juice and add a dollop of sour cream before serving the soup.

You can serve this soup with tortilla chips, some toasted bread, a salad, or even a simple aglio olio spaghetti pasta.

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

51. Bisquick Chicken And Dumplings Soup

Bisquick chicken and dumplings soup is hearty and needs nothing else on the side. It makes for a delicious and filling soup that all age groups love. 

To make this soup, we cook the broth for the soup by sauteing onions, carrots, and celery in a Dutch oven. Then add chicken broth and bay leaves and bring everything to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and move on to make the dumplings. 

In a large mixing bowl, knead Bisquick mix and milk to get a sticky and soft dough. Spoon out a piece of Bisquick dumpling dough and drop it into the soup.

Simmer the soup until the dumplings are cooked through. Add shredded chicken into the broth, and cook for about 3 minutes or until heated through.

Get The Recipe From Here: Izzy Cooking

52. Vegetable Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce

One thing that every mom wants is for their family and kids to eat all the greens. I’ve you’ve been struggling to manage this, colorful and tasty vegetable spring rolls with peanut sauce can be your answer.

These spring rolls are crunchy, healthy, and so flavorful that your family will love you for making them. Moreover, you will love making them because they need no cooking. Take a look at how they are made.

In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger to make your peanut sauce. Next, make the spring rolls by wetting the rice paper and laying lettuce, basil, mint, and cilantro in the center of each wrap.

Season with salt and pepper and top with carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, cucumber, and avocado. Wrap the vegetables tightly and neatly in rice paper and serve with peanut sauce.

Get The Recipe From Here: Damn Delicious

53. Portobello And Avocado Quesadilla With Green Sauce

Quesadillas are a sumptuous treat that is great for lunch or dinner. But this recipe brings together some extraordinary ingredients to make a fabulous meal.

Sweet and sticky mushrooms, mashed avocado, cheese, beans, and a yogurt coating fill these quesadillas. They are served with a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce to make them more exceptional.

The sauce is prepared by blending avocado, jalapeño slices, capers, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, maple syrup, and sea salt. The filling for the quesadilla is prepared by browning the mushrooms and flavoring them with soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, and salt.

Moving on, the avocados and beans are mashed in a bowl and spread over warm tortillas along with the mushrooms. They are topped with lime juice, cheese, and yogurt and folded. Finally, the quesadilla is warmed on a skillet and sliced. 

Get The Recipe From Here: Pure Wow

54. Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

If you want to introduce shrimps to your child, make them sheet-pan garlic butter shrimps that take just 20 minutes to prepare. It is a lovely dish to serve over pasta or paired with toast bread.

To prepare sheet-pan garlic butter shrimp for supper, begin by tossing deveined shrimp in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for eight minutes, until the shrimps turn pink.

Add the butter to the hot baking sheet and toss with the shrimp until melted. Sprinkle the shrimp with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

55. Chicken And Carrot Cups

Chicken and carrot cups are great items for fussy eaters. They are easy to eat, taste good, and hardly take any time to cook. Moreover, they mix healthy ingredients to ensure your kids are eating right.

To make chicken and carrot cups combine the grated carrot, almond flour, cheese, parsley, egg, chicken, garlic, and season with salt and pepper in a bowl. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners and scoop the mixture into them. Bake them for 20 minutes, until golden brown. Serve them with ketchup, mustard sauce, or ranch.

Get The Recipe From Here: Inspiralized

56. Beef And Spinach Lo Mein

Beef and spinach lo mein is a tasty stir fry that is a great option to make on weeknights. This recipe has received 5 stars from readers and is worth praise. It features beef and spinach tossed in noodles and a gorgeous sauce that is the star ingredient of this dish. Take a sneak peek into how it’s prepared.

To make beef and spinach lo mein, prepare the sauce by mixing hoisin sauce, soy sauce, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Cook the spaghetti in boiling water and keep it aside. Cook the beef in a skillet. Then stir-fry water chestnuts and green onions. Stir in spinach and sauce and cook until spinach is wilted. Toss in spaghetti and beef, and dig in!

Get The Recipe From Here: Taste of Home

57. Barbecue Chicken Ramen Bowl

Ramen bowls are a hit amongst all age groups because they are yummy and come together easily. True to its reputation, this ramen bowl brings together a delicious mix of ingredients flavored with barbecue sauce. 

To make a barbecue chicken ramen bowl, saute onions and garlic in a heavy-bottomed pan and stir in tomatoes, corn, chicken, broth, and barbecue sauce.

Bring the broth to a boil, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Add ramen noodles and let them sit in the hot broth for 3-4 minutes. Serve the noodles with shredded cheese and green onions.

Get The Recipe From Here: The Seasoned Mom

58. Veggie Panini

Sandwiches are the most loved and convenient foods around the world. They are easy to make and eat and are pretty much a canvas to let your creativity flow. Thus, a good sandwich recipe like this one always comes in handy. 

The veggies panini is prepared with sourdough bread, but you can also choose any other bread of your choice. It is layered with cheese and veggies and grilled to perfection. 

To make this sandwich, slice tomatoes and avocados. Butter your bread on each side and line it up with mayonnaise, spinach, tomatoes, and cheese. Toast it in a hot skillet until golden brown. Serve with ketchup and a cool drink.

Get The Recipe From Here: Lil Luna

59. Loaded Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad

Loaded with protein and veggies, the Greek pasta salad that comes with refreshing flavors can be eaten for dinner. It’s a colorful salad that can be made in less than 30 minutes. Try this salad to whip up a quick and colorful meal.

Dice cucumber, red, and yellow peppers to make this salad, and slice cherry tomatoes in half. Mix them in a bowl with boiled chickpeas, feta, and parsley. Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle dressing over the veggies and toss to mix.

Get The Recipe From Here: She Likes Food

60. Vietnamese Shredded Chicken Salad

If you enjoy bright, spicy Southeast Asian flavor, the Vietnamese shredded chicken salad can be a great weeknight meal. Making this colorful salad gets even more fun and easy when you have pre-chopped veggies at hand. Take a look at how it’s prepared.

To make Vietnamese shredded chicken salad, combine shredded napa cabbage, sliced scallions, grated or matchstick carrots, sliced red bell pepper, roughly chopped fresh mint and cilantro, and shredded chicken.

Prepare the dressing by combining lime juice, Sriracha sauce, minced garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and oil. Toss the dressing with the salad and garnish with the peanuts. This salad is best eaten cold.

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

61. Classic Tuna Macaroni Salad

Kids love macaroni salads. Therefore, when you can think of nothing else, end a busy day with classic tuna macaroni salad. It is indeed the best way to fill up healthy plates on the tables.

To make this dish, a combination of sweet relish and small dill pickles are used with plenty of fresh dill and parsley. And it’s all tossed in mayo to make it creamy and delicious.

All you have to do is boil the macaroni and combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, cornichons, scallions, pickle relish, mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and dill in a bowl. Toss the macaroni in and season it with salt and pepper.

Get The Recipe From Here: Country Living

62. Tuna Melt

If you are not in the mood for a tuna salad, you can also try a tuna melt that really qualifies for a fun dinner. Crunchy bread is layered with the same tuna salad mentioned above minus the macaroni and is layered with lots of grated Cheddar on top.

So, make the tuna salad by mixing tuna with dill, scallions, celery, parsley, lemon juice, cornichons, pickle relish, mayonnaise, and mustard in a bowl. Season the salad with salt and pepper.

Slather two slices of bread with mayonnaise and top with tuna salad and grated cheese. Crisp the sandwich over medium heat in a non-stick skillet until it turns golden brown and the cheese is melted. This cheesy melt can be served with chips and a cool drink.

Get The Recipe From Here: Country Living

63. Crispy Potato Tacos

Crispy potatoes are my favorite go-to snack at any time of the day. That’s why when I came across this recipe, there was no way I could not try it. And boy! I loved it and how!

This dinner is a great vegetarian/vegan taco option with just one main ingredient. And when only a single ingredient can get you a good night’s sleep, what else do you want?

So, let’s check out how you can make crispy potato tacos for a kid-friendly dinner. Russet potatoes are diced and brought to a boil to make these tacos. They are cooked in a skillet with olive oil and spices like ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until crispy.

Finally, they sit in between warmed tortillas and are topped with lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. You can serve them with a chipotle or mustard dipping sauce or have them with ketchup.

Get The Recipe From Here: She Likes Food

64. Smoky Homemade Veggie Dogs

Sausage hot dogs are amazing, but if you are looking for a vegetarian option, try the smoky homemade veggie dogs that are no less.

These hot dogs feature marinated tofu and colorful slaw between the buns that taste delicious. I tried them and my family loved them!

To make smoky veggie hot dogs marinate strips of tofu in a mix of tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Then cook the tofu on each side in a pan until browned.

Prepare the slaw with chopped purple cabbage, sliced red pepper, and carrots in the oil, vinegar, maple syrup, and salt. Place the tofu in between the bun and top it with slaw. Pair this dinner with some French fries or soup, and have fun!

Get The Recipe From Here: She Likes Food

65. Quick Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pies are cheesy deliciousness that is a hit among kids. This recipe caught my attention because of a nice little twist that I found elevates the whole experience of eating a pot pie. This pot pie is free from pie, so you bake the pastry separately from the filling and pop it on top before serving. 

The beauty of this trick is that the pie doesn’t become a soggy and crumbly mess, and it looks quite neat. So, take a look at how to make a quick chicken pot pie in 20 straight minutes.

Begin by baking the puff pastry in the oven or use store-bought pastry. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan, add onion, garlic, bacon, and chicken, and cook through.

Add marsala, dry sherry, or white wine. Then add broccoli, peas, corn, and carrots and stir to combine. Stir in the flour, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens and remove from the heat. Your chicken pot pie is ready to be served with puff pastry.

Get The Recipe From Here: Recipetin Eats

66. Greek-Style Lamb Burgers

If you and your family enjoy Greek food, you will love these Greek-style lamb burgers featuring tzatziki, feta, tomatoes, and red onions.

This recipe is a total hit because of the juicy and tender burgers, thanks to a secret step involved in its making. Take a look at how it’s made.

In a bowl, combine bread pieces and milk with a fork to form a paste, and add shallots, garlic, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb and form the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties. Grill the patties, and set aside.

Finally, warm your pita bread and add the toppings like shredded ice-burger lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, crumbled feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.

Get The Recipe From Here: Once Upon A Chef

67. Ground Chicken Noodles Casserole

If you want to see your family, especially kids, wipe off their plates, then try the ground chicken noodles casserole recipe. This dish has some of the best ingredients combined to make a cheesy dinner pot.

To make ground chicken noodles casserole, we butter a baking dish and cook the noodles al dente. Combine panko, oil, and 1/4 cup Cheddar in a bowl. Then cook the veggies like carrots, pepper, mushrooms, lima beans, onion, garlic, and chicken in a skillet seasoned with salt, pepper, and thyme. 

Then add flour, stock, and cream and simmer to thicken. Finally, combine the noodles with the chicken mixture and transfer to the baking dish. Top with panko mixture and bake until golden brown. Serve this delicious casserole with some garlic bread.

Get The Recipe From Here: Country Living

68. Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

One more casserole that you can try is the Mexican ground beef casserole. I tried this recipe just recently and was blown away by the flavors. This dish combines ground beef with veggies, rice, and lots of cheese. Aren’t you hungry already? Take a sneak peek.

To make this casserole, you have to cook ground beef in a skillet with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and taco seasoning.

Then pour the mixture into a baking dish with rice, beans, tomatoes, corn, broth, and cheese. Place the dish in the oven to bake. Voila! Your delicious Mexican casserole is ready to be served.

Get The Recipe From Here: Frugal Mom Eh!

69. Tofu And Chickpea BBQ Sandwich

If you are looking for a protein-rich sandwich, then you must try the tofu and chickpea BBQ sandwich. These sandwiches are perfect for any meal and also parties. It’s a one-of-a-kind sandwich that can impress anyone.

A tofu and chickpea BBQ sandwich is prepared by cooking small chunks of tofu with spices. Then make the BBQ sauce by sauteeing garlic and shallots.

Add tomato sauce, ketchup, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, tamari, smoked paprika, mustard powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked tofu and the chickpeas back into the sauce. Spoon the mixture over a bun and take a bite.

Get The Recipe From Here: She Likes Food

70. Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Take a spicy take on creamy pasta with cajun chicken alfredo pasta, which is truly wonderful. My family fell in love with this pasta, which was whipped out in a few minutes. Take my word and check out the recipe.

We begin by cooking bow-shaped pasta to al dente. Season chicken with cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook in a skillet. Add the onion, sausage, peppers, and garlic to the pan and cook until softened. Finally, add some butter, cream, and pasta. Finish off with parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Get The Recipe From Here: Frugal Mom Eh!

Printable Version

Conclusion 

Finding delicious and easy-to-make weeknight dinner ideas can get boring, but ensuring your kid enjoys eating them can be a bigger task. To solve this problem, the above-mentioned 30-minute dinner ideas can save you time and bring smiles to your table. 

Try out these dinner ideas and tell me how your family found it in the comments below. For many such delicious and intelligent dinner ideas, check out our website. 

Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)