Finding quick dinners that my picky kids will actually eat is always a challenge, but these seven recipes have been game-changers for our family. They’re simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please even the fussiest eaters!
1. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 large tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half with cheese, then add chicken and more cheese.
- Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Info
Approx. 450 calories per serving
2. Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
- Divide the mixture into a greased muffin tin.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through.
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Info
Approx. 300 calories per serving
3. Pesto Pasta with Peas
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (any shape)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; add peas in the last 2 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot. Stir in pesto until fully coated.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Info
Approx. 350 calories per serving
4. Sloppy Joe Sliders
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 slider buns
- Pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.
- Spoon the mixture onto slider buns and top with pickles if desired.
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Info
Approx. 400 calories per serving
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 8 corn tortillas
- Avocado and lime for serving
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
- Drain and mash with cumin, then mix in black beans.
- Serve in corn tortillas topped with avocado and a squeeze of lime.
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Info
Approx. 350 calories per serving
6. Egg Fried Rice
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil and scramble the eggs.
- Add rice and mixed vegetables; stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and stir until heated through.
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Info
Approx. 300 calories per serving
7. Baked Fish Sticks
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound white fish fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Tartar sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut fish into strips, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Info
Approx. 250 calories per serving
Final Thoughts
These seven recipes have transformed our dinner time into a stress-free experience. I hope they bring joy and ease to your table as well. Happy cooking!