Recipe Round-Up: 10 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinners

What mom doesn’t need new dinner ideas? I certainly do. That’s why I searched some of my favorite food and mom blogs to find quick, easy, delicious recipes that will inspire both you and your kids to venture outside your food comfort zone. I’m guessing these will quickly become family favorites. Enjoy!

Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl – The best part about this dish is that it’s made from leftover Chicken Fajitas, and can be turned into yet another dinner tomorrow – so you get 3 meals for the work of one. It’s also quick, appeals to kids, and can be altered to accommodate your family’s unique taste preferences.

Chickpea & Avocado Sandwiches – Who says you can’t have sandwiches for dinner? Serve these delicious heart-healthy, sandwiches alongside some fresh fruit and you’ll please everyone’s palate without having to cook a thing.

Egg and Bacon Muffin Cups - Bacon and eggs might not be the first thing you think of as the dinner hour approaches,  but this combination can be a fun surprise for kids, and the muffin-cup format is especially appealing. Serve these with marinara sauce or salsa for dipping, and offer a veggie on the side.

Quinoa Spinach Mac and Cheese - This Mac and Cheese has no “mac,” but I guarantee you won’t miss it. This unique, higher protein twist on a classic dish will have everyone coming back for more. If you cook the quinoa in advance (which you can sprinkle on salads, turn into hot breakfast cereal, or mix with beans and salsa for a quick lunch), this recipe can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

Black Bean and Mango Tostadas – Dinner doesn’t get any easier than this. Heat a can of black beans, cut up a mango (you could also use pineapple, papaya, or peach), toast a tortilla, then have everyone top their tostadas with cilantro, red onion, salsa, guacamole, and/or a big dollop of Greek yogurt.

Angel Hair with Tomatoes and Basil - Add a can of diced or whole tomatoes to a blender along with a clove of garlic and a handful each of fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until smooth, then pour over hot angel hair pasta (which cooks in 3-4 minutes) and toss. This meal can be on the table in under 10 minutes!

Quinoa Black Bean Burgers - Whether you slather these with sauce and put between a fresh bun, or serve them atop a green salad or next to some roasted veggies, you will love the result! These are a staple in our house and I think always will be.

Sesame Maple Roasted Tofu - This recipe might look like it involves a lot, but even  if you leave out some of the ingredients or swap them for stuff you already have, then roast everything at the same time, the dish still turns out delicious. You just need a nut butter of some sort, something sweet (maple syrup, honey, or agave), something sour (any kind of vinegar or citrus juice), and a few dashes of soy sauce. Green beans, asparagus, thinly sliced carrots, and snow peas also work great here.

Shrimp with Roasted Peppers and Feta – If your kids will eat seafood, this dish is your new best friend. You can make it ahead and freeze it all – or single portions – in zippered baggies. When you’re ready for dinner, empty the bag contents into a baking dish and in 20 minutes, dinner is done.

Individual Breakfast Pizzas - Kids love pizza. And a little pizza that’s just for them? Heaven. Get creative with these breakfast pizzas: add any chopped veggie or type of cheese you like. Your kids will also probably get a kick out of seeing an egg bake away in the oven!