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Kid-Friendly Recipes That Are Quick and Easy

Kid-Friendly Recipes That Are Quick and Easy

Are you a busy parent looking for quick and easy meal ideas that your kids will love? Look no further! In this article, I’ve compiled a collection of kid-friendly recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From one-pot meals and casseroles to sheet pan dinners and energy bites, these recipes are not only easy to prepare, but also delicious and nutritious. Say goodbye to mealtime stress and hello to happy, satisfied tummies!

One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

One-Pot-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs-Image
One-Pot-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs-Image

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 egg
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 a stick of butter
Salt and pepper
1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
2 cups water
8 oz spaghetti noodles
8 – 12oz fresh or frozen mixed vegetable
Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
  • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • In a large pot, combine the spaghetti sauce, water, and meatballs. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, add the vegetable and the spaghetti noodles, breaking them in half to fit into the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, add the butter, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the spaghetti noodles are cooked to your liking and the meatballs are cooked through.
  • If desired, top with shredded mozzarella cheese before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Suggested serving size: 4-6 servings.

Energy Bites

Energy Bites Image

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until well combined.
  • Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Place the energy bites on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
  • Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Suggested serving size: 2-3 energy bites per serving, depending on appetite and nutritional needs.

You will want to keep making these so grab your own reusable cupcake liners here.

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole Image

Ingredients:

8 slices white / wheat bread, cubed
2 cups cooked ham, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 stick butter
8 -12oz fresh or frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, ham, vegetables, and shredded cheese.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir to combine.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cut the butter into thin slices, and place on top of the mixture.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Suggested serving size: 4-6 servings, depending on appetite and nutritional needs.

Need a Casserole Dish? Grab yours here.

Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast Burritos Image

Ingredients:

6 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked crumbled sausage or diced ham (optional)

Preparation and cooking Instructions:

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the egg mixture and cook, occasionally stirring, until the eggs are scrambled and cooked through.
  • Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.
  • Spoon the scrambled eggs onto the center of each tortilla.
  • If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese and cooked crumbled sausage or diced ham on top of the eggs.
  • Roll up the tortillas, tucking in the sides as you go.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Suggested serving size: 2 breakfast burritos per serving, depending on appetite and nutritional needs.

This one is my favorite kid-friendly recipe. We make it all of the time especially when we wake up late and don’t have time for a sit-down meal. It is easy to just foil-wrap them and take them along.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Image

A pound to 1 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
One red bell pepper, sliced
One yellow bell pepper, sliced
One green bell pepper, sliced
One large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Flour tortillas, for serving
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro

Preparation and Cooking Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Arrange the chicken strips, sliced bell peppers, and sliced onion on a sheet pan.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the top and toss to coat.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and vegetables, and toss to coat.
  • Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  • Serve the fajita mixture with warmed flour tortillas and optional toppings, as desired.

Suggested serving size: 4-6 servings, depending on appetite and nutritional needs.

Take your cooking to the next level with these very easy and quick kid-friendly meal recipes.

For more information on kid-friendly recipes and meals, check out this article.

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