45 Easy Recipes Kids Love

Toddlers can be very picky and give you a hard time about what to prepare for dinner. Getting approval from your little one is not as easy as you think.

Forcing a child to eat something they dislike can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Instead, encourage their independence by making mealtime fun and introducing new foods in a way that sparks their curiosity.

To make things easier, I’ve put together a list of kid-friendly recipes that toddlers love. These meals are nutritious, delicious, and perfect for the whole family. Instead of searching through Pinterest for ideas, you’ll find a curated list right here to help simplify meal planning. Now, you can prepare meals that your kids will enjoy—without the stress of catering to a picky eater!

Here are 45 toddlers approved recipes for your family!

1. Taco Salad in a Jar

Here’s an easy and delicious taco salad in a jar that toddlers and the whole family will love! This quick 20-minute recipe is perfect for busy days and makes mealtime fun. Since kids love tacos, this layered salad is a great way to serve a healthy twist on a favorite dish.

To make it, start by cooking the meat and prepping the cheese and veggies. You can do this ahead of time while the kids are at school. When it’s time to eat, simply layer everything in a jar for a fresh, flavorful, and mess-free meal. Perfect for dinner or on-the-go lunches!

2. Super Healthy Salmon Burgers

Kids love burgers, and these healthy salmon burgers will take their love for burgers to the next level! This lighter, Oriental-style burger is a great alternative to the heavier, potato-packed fishcakes. If you have leftover lightly smoked salmon from the day before, you can use it to save on ingredients. Salmon is a heart-healthy choice for burgers, making this meal a healthier option compared to traditional red meat. Not only will you enjoy a nutritious dish, but these delicious and addictive salmon burgers will make dinner even more enjoyable.

In just 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a meal ready in 30 minutes. Healthy, tasty, and loved by both kids and adults, this is a meal your family will want to enjoy every day!

3. Spaghetti Pie

Who doesn’t love spaghetti? It’s a classic dish that kids love, and this recipe takes it to the next level with a cheesy baked twist! This Spaghetti Pie is sure to become a family favorite, even for picky eaters. With a delicious mix of ground pork and three types of cheese—mozzarella, parmesan, and cottage cheese—it’s a hearty and flavorful meal that works for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this comforting dish is perfect for feeding the whole family. Don’t miss out on adding this tasty spaghetti pie to your recipe list!

4. Cheesy Tuna Pasta

Cheesy tuna pasta is a kid-friendly comfort food that kids will love! This quick and easy recipe uses just six simple ingredients: cheddar cheese, onion, tuna, condensed celery soup, and a few pantry staples. It’s the perfect dish for busy nights when you want to please the whole family.

For the best results, use freshly grated mature cheddar cheese, as pre-grated cheese contains starch that can affect how it melts.

Make this delicious cheesy tuna pasta for a dinner your kids will ask for again and again!

5. Baked Chicken Nuggets

No one can resist chicken nuggets, especially picky eaters! This easy and healthy recipe uses boneless chicken breasts or thighs, coated with crispy Panko bread crumbs. It’s the perfect meal for lunch or dinner that the whole family will love. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have delicious baked chicken nuggets ready in only 35 minutes. These homemade nuggets are way better than fast food, and the best part is you know exactly what’s in your food. To make them, simply cut the chicken into uniform pieces, brown the bread crumbs first, and bake them on a greased rack. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

6. Ground Beef Taquitos

Ground Beef Taquitos are a delicious, crispy, and crunchy dish that’s perfect for picky toddlers! This easy recipe uses just five ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite. Taquitos are a traditional Mexican dish, fried to a golden brown for that perfect crunch. The recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and 22 minutes to cook, for a total of 47 minutes. You’ll get 16 servings, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner. For a complete, flavorful Mexican meal, serve these taquitos with Cilantro Lime Rice, Mexican Street Corn Casserole, and Guacamole.

7. Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make chicken salad sandwich? This recipe is perfect for everyone, even picky eaters! Packed with crunchy celery, salted cashews, juicy red grapes, and a flavorful mix of seasonings, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Whether for lunch or dinner, this chicken salad sandwich is a family favorite. It’s seasoned to perfection, making it the best chicken salad you’ll ever taste. Plus, it’s simple to prepare in just four easy steps! If you have leftover chicken from last night’s dinner, this is a great way to use it up. Feel free to customize your sandwich with any extras you like to make it even more delicious!

8. Classic & Basil Humus with Veggies or Pita Chips

Looking for a healthy meal for your toddler? Try Classic and Basil Hummus with Veggies or Pita Chips! This simple dish is perfect for picky eaters and only requires a few ingredients. Your kids will love the delicious taste and colorful presentation, making it a fun and nutritious snack they’ll enjoy all day long. The recipe is quick and easy to prepare, so you can serve a tasty meal without any hassle.

9. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe is simple to prepare, and your kids can even join in the cooking process. It’s a great way to boost their confidence and allow them to get involved in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, this mayo Parmesan chicken recipe is both flavorful and crispy.

In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy—10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. Chicken tenders are ideal for this recipe because they offer smaller portions, making it a great choice for kids, even picky eaters! Your toddler will love the crispy, tasty coating of mayo and Parmesan.

10. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole is a delicious and healthy dish made with natural ingredients. Using Basmati white rice, which cooks perfectly with the ideal rice-to-liquid ratio, ensures a fluffy texture. The recipe starts by cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts in coconut oil for a healthier option. The simple steps make this dish easy to prepare, with just 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking. In no time, you’ll have a tasty, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

11. Alphabet Vegetable Soup

Try this fun and healthy alphabet vegetable soup that your kids will love! Perfect for picky eaters, this nutritious soup is sure to win over both children and adults. It’s a great way to stay warm on chilly days, and you can easily make a big batch for a crowd or a smaller portion for your family. If you don’t finish it all, no worries—you can freeze it for up to 3 months and defrost it whenever you’re ready. With a delicious, nutrient-packed meal ready in just 40 minutes, this soup is a quick and easy choice for any family!

12. Grilled zucchini quesadillas

Grilled Zucchini Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that’s both healthy and delicious. With just six ingredients, this flavorful dish is packed with nutrients and supports healthy digestion. The creamy, nutty flavor of Gruyère cheese adds a rich twist to every bite. Feel free to customize your quesadillas by adding extra veggies or your favorite toppings. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a nutritious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!

13. Broccoli Nuggets

Looking for a simple and healthy way to get your toddler to eat more green vegetables? Try these Broccoli Nuggets! They’re low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, keto, grain-free, and Trim Healthy Mama approved. With just 5 ingredients and ready in only 25 minutes, this easy side dish is perfect for any mealtime. You can even use leftover cooked vegetables to make these nuggets, turning mealtime into a quick and nutritious treat. Add this recipe to your list of go-to meals!

14. Keto Almond Cookies

These Keto Almond Cookies are a delicious, low-carb treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt. Each cookie contains just one net carb, making it a great option for those following a keto diet. The cookies are soft, tender, and packed with a rich almond flavor.

For added variety, you can mix in sugar-free chocolate chips or nuts to enhance the flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can have a batch of these flavorful, guilt-free cookies ready to enjoy!

15. Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole

This easy and delicious casserole is sure to be a hit with kids! It’s made with Kraft macaroni and cheese, ham, sour cream, cheddar cheese, peas, corn, and a crunchy topping of corn flakes. With only 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, you can have a creamy, flavorful casserole ready in just 40 minutes.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding any ingredients your kids love. This casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Give it a try tonight!

16. 5-Minute Air Fryer Pita Bread Pizza (Vegetarian)

Looking for a quick and easy pizza option? This 5-minute air fryer pita bread pizza is perfect for busy days! With just three simple ingredients, you can make a crispy, cheesy pizza in no time. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crisp pita bread crust, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying bite. This vegetarian recipe is a healthy choice, making it ideal for a fast breakfast, lunch, or weeknight dinner. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal in just 5 minutes!

17. Chicken Schnitzel

Try this simple and delicious Chicken Schnitzel recipe! Made with chicken tenderloins, it’s a lighter, healthier version of the classic German dish. The chicken is coated in flour, breadcrumbs, and egg, then fried to crispy perfection. This quick and easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare and is perfect for serving with traditional German side dishes. Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, this Chicken Schnitzel is sure to become a favorite meal.

18. Slow Cooker Cauliflower Soup

Looking for a way to get your kids to eat more vegetables? Try this Slow Cooker Cauliflower Soup! In just 4 hours, you’ll have a creamy, healthy soup made with nutritious vegetables and a cup of shredded cheese for extra creaminess. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping, making it a delicious and easy meal. Give this Crockpot Cauliflower Soup a try and enjoy a tasty, nutritious dish the whole family will love!

19. Turkey Veggie Meatloaf Muffins

These gluten-free Turkey Veggie Meatloaf Muffins are a healthy and delicious option for kids. Made with lean ground turkey, packed with vegetables, and full of flavor, they are a quick and nutritious meal. This easy-to-make recipe requires just a few ingredients and takes only 30 minutes to prepare. Ground turkey is a great alternative to traditional ground beef, offering a lighter option. Adding a little extra fat helps the meatloaf hold together better and boosts flavor. For a healthier twist, use whole grains instead of breadcrumbs, and season with a mix of carrot, celery, and garlic for a tasty and satisfying meal.

20. Easy Shrimp Guacamole Bites

Enjoy a simple yet flavorful appetizer with these Easy Shrimp Guacamole Bites! With just 4 ingredients, this dish is quick to make and perfect for any occasion. Juicy shrimp, creamy guacamole, and crispy chips come together for a bite-sized treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party, family gathering, or tailgate, these shrimp guacamole bites are an irresistible option. Preparation takes only 10 minutes, with another 10 minutes for cooking, totaling just 20 minutes. Don’t miss out on adding this delicious recipe to your collection!

21. Instant Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

If your toddler loves meaty, carb-filled dishes, this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a must-try! It’s a delicious, homemade version of hamburger helper that your whole family will enjoy. With just 15 minutes of prep and 3 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in only 18 minutes. This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a healthy, tasty meal that kids will love. 

22. Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli

Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli is a delicious and nutritious meal that both kids and adults will love. In just a few minutes, you can create a tender, juicy dish that’s perfect for busy families. This easy recipe involves sautéing a few ingredients, adding the sauce, and letting the Instant Pot do the rest.

This meal is not only simple to make, but it’s also healthy, so you can feel confident about what you’re serving your family. For added convenience, you can prepare it ahead of time in 2 ways:

Meal Prep: Store the cooked beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Cool the dish, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze it. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up before serving.

23. Delicious Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a quick and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hearty beef stew ready in just 45 minutes. Using the Instant Pot makes the cooking process faster and easier than traditional stovetop methods. Perfect for a delicious, healthy weeknight dinner that will leave kids asking for more!

24. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Looking for a quick and easy meal after a long day? This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect! Made with brown rice, vegetables, and tender chicken breast, this dish offers a complete and satisfying meal in no time. With the Instant Pot doing most of the work, you can enjoy a healthy and flavorful dinner or lunch in about 65 minutes.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving for a delicious meal anytime!

25. Turkey Cheese Apple Sandwiches

Take your sandwich game to the next level with Turkey, Cheese, and Apple Sandwiches! This gluten-free snack combines the savory flavors of turkey and cheese with the crisp sweetness of apple for a delicious and healthy treat. Perfect for school or home, it’s a quick and easy option that kids will love. Make it ahead of time—up to 12 hours in advance—and use a crisp apple, like a Pink Lady, to keep the sandwich fresh and crunchy. Enjoy this simple and tasty snack that’s sure to satisfy!

26. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Warm up on chilly days with this delicious and hearty Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. Made with a rich chicken stock base, tender chicken thighs and breasts, fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and garlic, plus aromatic herbs and spices, this soup is packed with flavor. Ready in just one hour, it’s the perfect quick meal for busy days. This recipe is full of taste and will become your go-to soup this season!

27. Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This low-carb, keto, and paleo-friendly dish is made with simple ingredients and can easily be served with a bowl of regular rice. For an extra boost of nutrition, you can add more veggies to make it even healthier. It’s a tasty alternative to traditional egg rolls, and the whole family will love it. Add this easy one-pan recipe to your go-to meal list!

28. Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup (Vegetarian)

This creamy, healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup is quick to make, taking just 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Made with all-natural ingredients, it’s a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for any time of day. The rich, cheesy flavor makes this soup a tasty way to enjoy broccoli. Cooking from scratch brings out the best in every bite, and the thicker, cheesier texture makes it even better.

29. 30-Minute One-Pot Creamy Crab Soup

This creamy crab soup is made with tender lump crab meat, diced potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth—perfect for warming up on cold days. To make the soup extra creamy, simply blend half or all of the soup using an immersion blender or high-speed blender before adding the crab. You can also prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers in the fridge. 

30. Crispy Salmon Bites for Babies and Toddlers

These crispy salmon bites are the perfect finger food for babies and toddlers! Easy to make and ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is a hit with little ones. Salmon is coated with crispy breadcrumbs and seasoned with flavorful herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Pair it with steamed veggies for a healthy, delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite. This recipe is ideal for the baby-led weaning stage, offering a nutritious, tasty option your little one will love.

31. Pesto Rainbow Pizza

This colorful Pesto Rainbow Pizza is a fun and delicious way to get kids to enjoy their veggies. With vibrant toppings, it grabs attention and makes eating healthy feel exciting. The recipe is quick and easy, taking just 15 minutes to prepare, and it’s packed with nutritious ingredients. This pizza is a tasty and healthy option for busy days, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it makes 4 servings, making it perfect for a simple meal that everyone will love. Turn a classic pizza into a kid-friendly dish that’s both fun and nutritious!

32. Salmon Fish Sticks with Zucchini Chips

Add some excitement to your regular fish dinner with these crispy Salmon Fish Sticks and Zucchini Chips! This quick and easy recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The salmon sticks are perfectly crispy, and the zucchini chips are a healthy, flavorful side. Pair them with a delicious tomato dipping sauce for extra flavor. Prep time is just 5 minutes, and cooking takes 35 minutes, totaling only 40 minutes.

33. Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

This Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great option for a satisfying meal. Serve it over rice for a complete dish, and feel free to add extra vegetables to make it even healthier. This dish is sure to become a favorite, offering a tasty combination of tangy and sweet in every bite!

34. Cornflake-Crusted Baked Cod

This cornflake-crusted baked cod is a delicious twist on the classic fish stick, offering a crisp, flavorful coating and a satisfying texture. It’s easy to prepare with just two simple stations: one for the cornflake mixture and one for the egg mixture. Dip the fillets in each station, then place them on a baking sheet. In just 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a golden, crispy dish ready to serve. This quick and tasty meal is perfect for busy weeknights!

35. Baked Tilapia With Buttery Crumb Topping

This Baked Tilapia with Buttery Crumb Topping is a quick and delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. The crispy, buttery topping makes the tilapia irresistible. It’s simple to prepare, taking just 10 minutes to get ready and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of 25 minutes. For extra flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top of the breadcrumbs. Serve it with roasted or baked potatoes, and add a side of broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded, nutritious meal. 

36. Mini Cheeseburger Pies

These Mini Cheeseburger Pies are a tasty and simple dish to prepare in just 55 minutes, making six servings. With a cheesy, flavorful filling, this recipe is sure to please everyone. For best results, cover the pies and refrigerate them for 24 hours before baking. Note that baking time may be slightly longer if starting from a chilled pie. These savory mini pies are perfect for a special dinner or any occasion. Give this easy and delicious beef pie recipe a try – it’s sure to be a hit!

37. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake

Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight side dish? This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake is a tasty and easy option! With its rich blend of cheese, rice, and broccoli, it’s sure to be a hit. You can even prepare it ahead of time for convenience. Ready in just 50 minutes, this flavorful casserole makes a perfect addition to any meal.

38. Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes

Here’s a recipe for your potato lover! Baked potatoes are stuffed with a flavorful mix of broccoli florets, lean ground pork, Cheddar cheese, and low-fat sour cream. This wholesome dish is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients while being gluten-free, low in fat, and low in added sugar. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe makes four servings—perfect for a satisfying meal.

39. Swiss Chicken Sliders

These Swiss Chicken Sliders are cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with just 6 ingredients. In just 25 minutes, you can prepare six delicious sliders—perfect for a quick lunch or snack. The combination of melted Swiss cheese, tender chicken, and soft buns creates a tasty meal that kids will love. Whether packing it for school or serving it at home, these sliders are a simple and satisfying choice!

40. One-Pot Meaty Spaghetti

Who doesn’t enjoy a good plate of spaghetti? This meaty pasta is sure to become a favorite. You can even let your kids help with making the pasta for a fun bonding experience. This recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and parties.

41. Peanut Butter Penguins

These adorable peanut butter penguin cookies are a fun and tasty treat! With just 6 simple ingredients, you can make 32 cookies in about an hour. The recipe is easy to follow—just microwave the candy coating and stir until smooth. Dip each cookie in the chocolate, letting the excess drip off, then place it on wax paper. Add two candy eyes, a white coating disk for the belly, chocolate for the beak, and two chocolate pieces for the feet. Repeat the process until all the cookies are decorated. These penguin cookies are not only cute but also delicious and enjoyable to make!

42. Salmon pesto traybake with baby roast potatoes

Salmon pesto traybake with baby roast potatoes is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal. This dish is quick to prepare, taking just 5 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to cook. The salmon provides a healthy dose of omega-3, and you can add extra veggies for even more nutrition. It’s the perfect recipe for a meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe serves 2 adults and 2 children.

43. Courgette, potato & cheddar soup

This warm courgette, potato, and cheddar soup is perfect for chilly weather. It’s a quick and easy meal to prepare, taking just 30 minutes to make. For added flavor, you can include one clove of garlic and extra cheese. This healthy soup is also freezer-friendly—store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

44. Lemon Pepper Roasted Broccoli

Kids often avoid broccoli, but lemon pepper roasted broccoli is a great way to change that. Roasting fresh broccoli with pepper and lemon juice creates a healthy, tangy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any mealtime. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe makes 8 servings—ideal for a quick, nutritious dinner. Give this fresh and savory dish a try for your next weeknight meal!

45. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges

Looking for a healthy and tasty snack for your kids? Try these grilled sweet potato wedges! This recipe is a great choice for a nutritious and delicious treat. The potatoes are perfectly seasoned, offering a flavorful bite that everyone will enjoy. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can make 8 servings—ideal for a quick snack or a simple side dish. Serve with a dipping sauce for an extra touch, and watch them go back for more!

These 45 toddler-approved recipes will help you, as a mom, cook delicious and healthy meals for your picky eater. While it’s true that kids often prefer sweets over veggies, you’ll find recipes here that they’ll actually enjoy. Each recipe is tasty, hearty, and nutritious – perfect for your little ones and the whole family.

You can even involve your kids in the cooking process, letting them feel proud of their creations. This encourages them to develop healthy eating habits. Let your kids have fun in the kitchen while enjoying the meals they’ve helped make! If you have other toddler-friendly recipes, feel free to share them in the comments!

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