This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Feeding a family is a big task, but it doesn’t have to be stressful! This list of kid-friendly dinner ideas will please both big and little tastebuds!
As with most recipes here at Spend with Pennies, these crowd pleasers are easy to make with everyday ingredients. Of course, I’ve included all our favorites, like mac and cheese and chicken tenders, but I’ve also added some new favorites to ensure you’ve got happy bellies and clean plates all around!
Family Favorite Skillet Dinners
These kid friendly favorites come together in one skillet or pan. Happy bellies and fewer dishes to wash!
- Enchilada Skillet – One-pan Tex-Mex dinner with ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese.
- Turkey Sloppy Joes – Sweet and tangy sauce over lean ground turkey, piled on buns.
- Hamburger Helper – Creamy, cheesy skillet pasta with seasoned ground beef.
- Ground Beef Tacos – Classic taco night staple with seasoned beef and your favorite toppings.
- Cheeseburger Macaroni – Hearty stovetop dish with beef, pasta, and a cheesy sauce.
- Ravioli with Tomato Cream Sauce – Soft ravioli in a rich, creamy tomato sauce—easy and comforting.
Hand-helds and Sandwiches
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: The easiest way to make a classic, beautifully browned on the outside and perfectly melty inside.
- Ham and Cheese Sliders: Soft rolls filled with gooey cheese and ham, baked until golden.
- Sloppy Joe Recipe: Sweet, tangy, and packed with saucy beef—it comes together in minutes.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: A summertime favorite the whole family will love.
- Pizza Sliders: These cheesy, saucy sliders have all the flavor of pizza in a handheld favorite.
- Grilled Cheese Roll Ups: Rolled, toasted, and easy to dip—these are a fun twist on a classic grilled cheese.
Take-Out Fake Outs
- Smash Burgers – Crispy edges and tons of flavor, these are cooked hot and fast, and are easy to make.
- Oven Baked Fries – Golden and crispy with barely any oil—the perfect kid friendly side for every meal.
- French Bread Pizza – Cheesy and easy, this pizza has a garlic butter base and can be topped with your favorite toppings.
- Fried Rice – My daughter’s personal favorite, I have made this 100s of times. It’s a great way to use leftovers and sneak in some extra veggies.
- Crunchwrap Supreme – Move over Taco Bell, these wraps have layers of beef, cheese, and are even better made at home.
- Chicken Tenders – Hand-breaded chicken strips fried to crispy perfection. Drive-through doesn’t stand a chance next to these favorites.
