18 Kid-Friendly Dinners for Busy School Nights

By Jenn Segal

From spaghetti and meatballs to buttermilk fried chicken tenders, these kid-friendly dinners will have everyone leaving the table happy and full. Don’t expect an after-dinner snack request for at least an hour. 😉

Spaghetti and Meatballs

This spaghetti and meatball recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight – and it’s a family favorite, too!
Classic Tomato Soup

You’ll likely have all the ingredients for this tomato soup on hand. It comes together quickly and is perfect for pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are not just for kids! This all-time family favorite — chicken tenders fried to crispy, crunchy perfection — are wonderful on their own or served on top of greens.
Mac and Cheese

Elevate your mac and cheese by topping it with a mixture of herbs and crispy panko.
Easy Chicken Parmesan

This weeknight-friendly chicken parm is much quicker to make than a traditional version, but no less satisfying or authentic-tasting. You’ll be converted!
Breakfast Burritos

A hit any time of day, these breakfast burritos are stuffed with eggs, sausage, cheese, and a fresh avocado salsa — yum!
Beef and Broccoli

With tender steak and fresh broccoli, this dish is perfect when you’re craving Chinese food but don’t want to go out.
Turkey Burgers

The addition of turkey sausage in these burgers helps to make them moist and tender.
Chicken Nachos

These chicken nachos are a fun way to feed your crew at dinner time. They are topped with shredded rotisserie chicken and LOTS of cheese.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Chockful of flavorful sausage and sauteed broccoli, this pasta is a departure from your same ol’ pasta and it’s guaranteed to please both kids and adults.
Sloppy Joes

No need for canned sauce or mystery seasoning packets, these sloppy Joes will take you back to your childhood and make an easy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Chili Mac

Just because you’re an adult, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy chili mac!
Chicken Fajitas

These chicken fajitas have the smoky flavor you’ll love — and much of the prep can be done ahead.
30-Minute Hoisin Beef Bowls

Tasty, easy, and quick, these Asian beef bowls will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s fun for everyone to customize their toppings.
Baked Penne with Spinach, Ricotta & Fontina

Penne tossed with a rich, creamy sauce enhanced with spinach is baked until golden and will make your house smell wonderful.
Chicken Meatballs with Tomato-Balsamic Glaze

These easy chicken meatballs are brushed with a flavorful tomato-balsamic glaze. Your family will gobble them up in a snap!
Thai-Style Pork Fried Rice

You’ll love that this pork fried rice can be made all in one pan. It’s full of flavor and (dare I say) better than what you’d get delivered.
Ham and Cheese Sliders

These ham and cheese sliders may sound run of the mill, but they make a super-tasty and fun dinner that can be thrown together in just a few minutes. They’re great for parties, too!