20 Easy Dinner Recipes for Picky Eaters

1. Classic Homemade Mac and Cheese

The combination of mashed potatoes, cheese, and eggs is a creamy and rich treat. In this recipe, real cheese is utilized so everyone gets to enjoy it.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
5. Cook until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
7. Add cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

These homemade chicken tenders are healthier than fast food but just as tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up three shallow dishes: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with seasonings in the third.
3. Dip each tender in flour, then egg, then panko mixture.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet.
5. Spray with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

3. Simple Cheese Pizza

A foolproof homemade pizza that’s customizable for each family member.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional toppings of choice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
3. Transfer to a pizza pan or stone.
4. Brush the crust with olive oil.
5. Spread sauce evenly.
6. Top with cheese and desired toppings.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden.

4. Mild Turkey Tacos

A kid-friendly version of tacos that’s not too spicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 packet of mild taco seasoning
• 8 soft taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Diced tomatoes (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown turkey in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water according to package directions.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Warm taco shells.
5. Let everyone build their own tacos with desired toppings.

5. Buttery Pasta with Parmesan

A simple pasta dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
3. Return pasta to pot.
4. Add butter and stir until melted.
5. Add Parmesan and enough pasta water to create a light sauce.
6. Season with salt and optional pepper.

6. Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Individual-sized meatloaves that are fun to eat and perfect for portion control.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Divide the mixture into a greased muffin tin.
4. Top each with a dollop of ketchup.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

7. Creamy Chicken and Rice

A comforting one-pot meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté chicken in butter until golden.
2. Add rice and garlic powder.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
5. Add peas and cook 5 more minutes.
6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

8. Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Crowd-pleasing meatballs with a mild, sweet sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup grape jelly
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
2. Form into small meatballs.
3. Brown meatballs in a skillet.
4. Mix ketchup, jelly, and soy sauce in a slow cooker.
5. Add meatballs and cook on a low fire

9. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

A classic comfort food combo that’s always a hit.

Ingredients:
For the sandwich:

• 8 slices bread
• 8 slices American cheese
• 4 tbsp butter
  For the soup:
• 2 cans of tomato soup
• 2 cups milk
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare soup according to can directions, using milk instead of water.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place cheese between unbuttered sides.
4. Grill sandwiches until golden and the cheese melts.
5. Serve with warm soup.

10. Honey Garlic Chicken Strips

Sweet and savory chicken strips that aren’t spicy.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
2. Coat chicken in cornstarch.
3. Pan-fry until golden.
4. Add sauce and simmer until thickened.
5. Serve over rice.

11. Easy Beef and Broccoli

A mild version of the takeout favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Stir-fry beef until browned.
3. Remove beef, and cook broccoli.
4. Return beef, and add sauce.
5. Cook until thickened.

12. Baked Ranch Chicken

Simple chicken with familiar ranch flavoring.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix ranch and breadcrumbs.
3. Dip chicken in butter, then coat.
4. Place on baking sheet.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes.

13. Spaghetti and Meatballs

A family favorite with mild sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt.
2. Form meatballs.
3. Brown meatballs.
4. Add sauce, simmer 20 minutes.
5. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

14. Cheesy Quesadillas

Simple but satisfying quesadillas.

Ingredients:

• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 2 cups cooked chicken (optional)
• Butter for cooking
• Sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Layer cheese and chicken between tortillas.
2. Cook in buttered skillet until golden.
3. Cut into wedges.
4. Serve with sour cream.

15. Sweet BBQ Pulled Chicken

Mild BBQ chicken is perfect for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in slow cooker.
2. Mix BBQ sauce, sugar, and water.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. Cook on a low fire.
5. Shred and serve on buns.

16. Creamy Alfredo Pasta

A simple white sauce pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. Melt butter with garlic.
3. Add cream, and simmer.
4. Stir in cheese until melted.
5. Toss with pasta.

17. Cornflake Chicken

Crunchy baked chicken with a fun coating.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 3 cups crushed cornflakes
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt to taste
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix eggs and milk.
3. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then cornflakes.
4. Place on baking sheet.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes.

18. Pizza Pasta

Combines two kid favorites in one dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pepperoni, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. Mix with sauce and pepperoni.
3. Top with cheese.
4. Bake at 350°F until cheese melts.

19. Cheesy Rice and Chicken Casserole

A comforting one-dish meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups cooked, diced chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Pour into baking dish.
3. Top with extra cheese.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

20. Simple Hamburger Sliders

Mini burgers are perfect for small hands.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 slider buns
• 6 slices American cheese, halved
• Salt and pepper
• Condiments of choice

Instructions:

1. Form 12 small patties.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook in a skillet or grill.
4. Top with cheese.
5. Serve on slider buns.

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