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    MJ & Hungryman ยป Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes ยป 50 + Quick Healthy Kid-Friendly Recipes

    50 + Quick Healthy Kid-Friendly Recipes

    By Min On December 23, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    A four image collage showing 4 recipes each plated for adult, toddler, and baby.

    Here are some easy family dinner ideas that will get healthy meals on the table fast with minimal effort. Packed with flavor, these are all baby and kid-friendly recipes that will help get you out of the dinner time rut.

    A four image collage showing 4 recipes each plated for adult, toddler, and baby.

    Easy Kid-friendly Dinner Ideas

    Dinner time is often times the hardest, especially if you have little kids attached to your hip. Everyone's feeling exhausted and hangry and the last thing you want to do is cook dinner. 

    And truly there's nothing wrong with getting takeouts (bless them!) on nights when you just...can't! But if you have the desire to make home cooked meals for your family, here are some easy-to-follow recipes to try!

    They are all made with simple ingredients and pantry staples and packs a lot of flavor without the fuss. 

    So bookmark any of these kid-friendly meals so that you can get nourishing dinner on that table fast even on your busiest weeknights. Less time in the kitchen, more time with family is what I want to gift you!

    Also, if mornings are also a struggle, here are some easy meal prep breakfast ideas. Not sure what to pack for kids school lunch? Check out these preschool lunch ideas and lunch box ideas for kindergarten and beyond.

    Jump to:
    • Easy Kid-friendly Dinner Ideas
    • One Pot Meals
    • Pasta
    • Casseroles
    • Soups
    • Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Breakfast for Dinner
    • Snack Dinner

    One Pot Meals

    These meals are the easiest to whip up and can be on your table in 30 minutes or less - perfect for busy weeknights! Simply dump all the ingredients into a pot and be prepared to be amazed by how all the ingredients meld together and become super flavorful and satisfying!

    And the best part is the leftovers taste even better! So double the recipe if you'd like and freeze any extra for another quick meal down the road.

    Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes
    Made with lean beef, vegetables, and a super easy homemade sauce with pumpkin, this quick and easy meal can be on your table in 30 minutes!ย 
    Get the recipe
    Turkey Sloppy Joes plated three ways - for an adult, toddler, and baby.
    Creamy Broccoli Pasta
    In need of an easy weeknight dinner? 15 minutes is all it takes to make this healthy one pot creamy broccoli pasta
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of scooped broccoli pasta.
    One Pot Cabbage Lasagna
    EASY and healthy no noodle lasagna made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes! This cabbage lasagna is a hearty, oh so comforting meal that the whole family, including your baby, can enjoy together.ย 
    Get the recipe
    lasagna served three ways - for mom, toddler, and baby
    One Pot Vegetarian Mexican Lentils
    Made with pantry staples like lentils, black beans, and sweet potatoes, this one pot vegetarian mexican lentils is the perfect busy weeknight meal.
    Get the recipe
    A close up look at the Mexican lentils in a skillet
    One Pot Parmesan Pumpkin Quinoa
    This fall inspired ultimate comfort meal, one pot parmesan pumpkin quinoa, is super easy to make, healthy, and delicious! Itโ€™s vegetarian, naturally gluten free and makes for a perfect weekday meal.
    Get the recipe
    one pot parmesan pumpkin quinoa - mjandhungryman
    One Pot Curried Chicken and Carrot Couscous
    This easy one pot curried chicken and carrot couscous is the perfect baby and kid-friendly 30 minute meal. Made with simple pantry staples, enjoy as a main or side dish.
    Get the recipe
    a close up shot of the cooked curried chicken couscous scooped with a large spoon
    Butternut Squash Curry with chickpeas
    Bursting with flavor, this creamy butternut squash curry with chickpeas is the ultimate comfort food. It's seriously the perfect one pot weeknight meal.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of cooked curry with a wooden spoon.
    Pumpkin Risotto
    Cozy up with a bowl of this warm and creamy pumpkin risotto. While it may seem "fancy," It requires minimal stirring so you can get this fall comfort meal onto the dinner tableย even on the busiest of weeknights.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of plated risotto with parsley, pecans, and parmesan.
    Poached cod with creamy orzo
    Poached cod with creamy orzo is an easy, 30 minute one pot recipe! Itโ€™s a delicious fish and pasta dish for babies, kids, and adults.
    Get the recipe
    overhead shot of poached cod with creamy orzo in a deep skillet garnished with green onion
    Healthy Sweet and Sour Meatball Stir-Fry
    A healthy, Asian family-friendly meal that you can get on the table in 30 minutes or less! This easy one-pot sweet and sour meatball stir-fry is baby and kid-friendly!
    Get the recipe
    cooked sweet and sour meatballs with vegetables and farro in a white bowl
    Vegan African Peanut Stew
    This vegan African peanut stew is rich and flavorful and uses staple pantry ingredients. Made in one pot, requires minimal prep work, loaded with nutrition - It's an easy family meal!ย 
    Get the recipe
    cooked peanut stew in a Dutch oven with a large spoon

    Pasta

    I don't know about yours but pasta always delivers at my house. And with so many fun and healthy options available at the stores today, like those made from chickpeas, beans, and lentils, you can easily invite variety and nutrition into your family meals!

    Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
    This fresh butternut squash pasta sauce recipe is so easy to make and with simple ingredients. It is creamy, flavorful, and the perfect fall comfort food.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of cooked sauce tossed with pasta.
    Iron-rich baby pasta
    A baby pasta recipe that is loaded with iron and vegetables!
    Get the recipe
    a small portion of pasta with blended sauce in a white bowl on the left and pasta with chunky sauce on the right with a toddler's hands grabbing the bowl
    Green pasta sauce with spinach
    All you need are a handful of ingredients, one pot, and a blender to make this 20 minute green pasta sauce. It will get your child eating spinach and lots of it too!ย 
    Get the recipe
    Green pasta plated for mom, toddler, and baby.
    Lemon Garlic Ricotta Pasta with Spinach
    So simple, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this 20-minute lemon garlic ricotta pasta is an effortless weeknight dinner.
    Get the recipe
    An overhead shot of ricotta pasta in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.
    Vegetarian Pumpkin and Kale Pasta Bake
    This pumpkin pasta bake is a lighter vegetarian comfort dish perfect for the fall season! Pumpkin and kale are mixed with pasta and cheese then baked to golden perfection.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of the baked pumpkin pasta.
    Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta
    Made with simple pantry ingredients, this vegan creamy tomato pasta is perfect for babies and kids with a dairy allergy.ย It is super versatile and easy to make!
    Get the recipe
    an overhead shot of the cooked vegan tomato pasta in a black pan with cashews in the background
    Beetroot Pesto Pasta Sauce
    Madeย with simple, wholesome ingredients, this beetroot pesto comes together in minutes and makes for the perfect pasta sauce for babies, kids, and adults!
    Get the recipe
    a close up shot of pesto with a spoon
    Low Sodium Baked Spaghetti Pie
    Baked spaghetti pie with ricotta that's healthy and easy to whip up. It's the perfect comfort food recipe for the entire family!
    Get the recipe
    Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta
    Here's a super creamy mushroom pasta made with coconut milk instead of heavy cream! This healthy baby and toddler pasta sauce is made with simple ingredients and will be ready in 30 minutes or less.
    Get the recipe
    cooked creamy mushroom pasta in a large skillet with an orange spatula
    Creamy Sweet Potato Sauce
    This baby and kid-friendly sweet potato sauce is EASY to whip up and can be enjoyed with pasta, grains, or as a dip for crackers and vegetables. It's great alternative to tomato-based sauces.
    Get the recipe
    a close up shot of sweet potato sauce tossed with pasta and spinach
    Thai Red Curry Pasta
    20 minutes and a handful of pantry items are all you need to whip up this super easy vegetarian Thai red curry pasta with vegetables.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of cooked pasta twirled around a fork.
    Easy Stuffed Shells with Meat
    These stuffed shells with ground beef and vegetables are a hearty make ahead dinner or freezer meal for the whole family to enjoy!
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of baked shells with fresh basil.
    Easy Miso Pasta
    In need of a quick, no-fuss, delicious meal? This miso pasta is made with just a handful of ingredients and can be on your table in 20 minutes or less!
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of miso pasta with a pair of chopsticks.
    Easy Bolognese with Vegetables
    This kid-friendly veggie-loaded meat sauce with ground beef and medley of vegetables is hearty, filling, and nutritious!ย 
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of cooked bolognese with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Macaroni Carbonara
    In 30 minutes, you can enjoy this silky, creamy macaroni carbonara! It is lighter than the traditional version with a secret ingredient that you're going to love.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of cooked macaroni.
    Zucchini Pesto Pasta
    Upgrade pasta with this simple and healthy zucchini pesto. It is light and creamy and can be ready in 15 minutes!
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of pesto in a white bowl.

    Casseroles

    Cozy up with comforting casseroles! And if youโ€™ve always associated them with lots of unhealthy ingredients, be prepared to be amazed.

    Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with flavors and textures that will pique the interest of even the pickiest eaters. Like the slow cooker recipes, prepare them beforehand and bake when you are ready to enjoy!

    Pizza Casserole with Couscous
    this pizza casserole is not only quick and easy to make but also nutritious, with ingredients like chicken, whole wheat couscous, and spinach!
    Get the recipe
    Chicken Spinach Pizza Couscous Casserole
    Chicken Spinach Quinoa Casserole
    A baby and kid-friendly comfort meal you don't want to miss! This chicken spinach quinoa casserole with black beans is super easy to make and loaded with iron and protein.
    Get the recipe
    a close up shot of chicken quinoa spinach casserole.
    Mexican Lentil and Chard Breakfast Casserole
    Get the recipe
    Mexican Lentil and chard breakfast casserole
    Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
    This cheesy spaghetti squash lasagna is loaded with protein and vegetables and made with just 10 simple ingredients.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of a square piece scooped from the pan.
    Tex-Mex Moussaka
    Layered with flavor-packed meat and veggie sauce, corn tortilla, and Greek yogurt sauce, this casserole is sure to become your go-to, quick and easy meal!
    Get the recipe
    a close up shot of a cut up slice of moussaka
    Vegetarian Sweet Potato Lasagna with Quinoa
    This vegetarian sweet potato lasagna with quinoa requires no boiling of noodles andย assembly couldn't be easier!
    Get the recipe
    a close up shot of cooked lasagna in the baking pan with fresh basil.

    Soups

    A hearty meal that will warm you and your family up on the chilliest of days and nights. These are easy and nourishing, especially when feeling under the weather.

    Carrot and Lentil Soup
    This carrot and lentil soup tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but only takes 30 minutes to make! It's hearty, nutritious, and super flavorful.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of pureed carrot lentil soup with yogurt fresh parsley and crusty bread slice.
    Vitamix Tomato Soup
    Packed with fresh ingredients, this easy Vitamix tomato soup with basil is made without added sodium, sugar, or cream!ย Simply roast the vegetables, blend them up, and enjoy hot or cold.
    Get the recipe
    A small portion of tomato soup with sliced grilled cheese, cauliflower, and one basil.
    Vegan Chickpea Cauliflower Soup
    Super EASY to make using pantry ingredients, this creamy chickpea soup with cauliflower is the perfect soup for babies and kids.
    Get the recipe
    thick and creamy cauliflower chickpea soup in a blue soup bowl with one piece of roasted cauliflower and chopped cilantro with a gold spoon
    Korean radish soup
    A healthy and easy to digest soup for your baby! This Korean radish soup is especially great to serve during times of illness, teething and constipation.
    Get the recipe
    a bowl of Korean radish soup placed on a wooden board
    Vegetable Beef Soup with Cabbage
    This vegetable beef soup with cabbage is a healthy comfort meal and makes for a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your baby or kidโ€™s diet.
    Get the recipe
    vegetable beef soup served in a white spoon with a spoon and a side of buttered toast
    Non-Spicy Korean Tofu Soup
    This non-spicy Korean tofu soup, or sundubu jjigae, is warm and comforting, and perfect for the entire family to enjoy, especially babies and toddlers.
    Get the recipe
    Korean tofu soup in a claypot with a soup

    Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Recipes

    On those busy nights when you need to throw everything together and forget about it, these meals come to the rescue in a pinch. These tools, along with these easy recipes, help to provide a wholesome meal when short on time.

    Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
    This Instant Pot chicken and noodles dish is your solution to a busy weeknight dinner! Minimal prep work and ready in 30 minutes!
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of the dish.
    Instant Pot Korean Chicken and Potatoes
    If you're in need of a quick and easy weeknight family meal, here's an Instant Pot Korean chicken and potatoes recipe that everyone, including babies, will enjoy!
    Get the recipe
    cooked chicken, carrots, potatoes with green onion inside an instant pot
    Pressure Cooker Steak Fajitas
    Super juicy and flavorful, this pressure cooker steak fajitas recipe for babies and kids is perfect for busy weeknights.
    Get the recipe
    steak fajitas served family-style with an assortment of toppings and toddler, baby, and adult's plate with tortilla.
    Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    This instant pot mashed sweet potatoes will make for an EASY side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any meal! It's also a healthy baby food.
    Get the recipe
    three different versions of mashed sweet potatoes in separate glass bowls. One with black beans and broccoli, second one with chicken and avocado, and third one with yogurt, hemp seeds, and turmeric
    Instant Pot Peanut Chicken and Broccoli
    Another EASY, 30 minute weeknight meal you can enjoy with your baby and kids! This Instant pot chicken and broccoli is also a great way to continue exposing your child to one of the top food allergens, peanuts.
    Get the recipe
    peanut chicken and broccoli served with barley on a blue plate with a a fork
    Instant Pot Korean Multigrain Rice
    Instant Pot Korean multigrain rice, or japgokbap, is a healthy accompaniment to any main dishes. It is so easy to make and comes out perfectly every time!ย 
    a collage with eight images of baby friendly asian recipes mentioned in this post
    Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Lentil Curry
    A cozy, hearty meal is what I promise with this Thai chicken and lentil curry recipe! Made with a few kitchen staples, it's a healthy and EASY dinner perfect for the whole family.
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of cooked curry with coconut milk.
    slow cooker sesame orange chicken
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Sesame Orange Chicken
    Slow Cooker Lentil Chili with Chickpeas
    Thick and hearty, this vegetarian slow cooker chickpea lentil chili is sure to keep your baby and child happy and nourished. It's also an incredibly iron-rich meal!
    Get the recipe
    a bowl of slow cooker chickpea lentil chili with diced avocado and cilantro
    Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
    Get the recipe
    Slow Cooker Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Casserole-3

    Breakfast for Dinner

    Running out of ideas for an exciting dinner meal? Say hello to Breakfast for Dinner. Every kidโ€™s dream. Dinner doesnโ€™t always have to be fancy and time consuming. Try these almost effortless and delicious breakfast recipes. Your kids will thank you. 

    Sheet Pan Eggs
    Whether you're feeding a large crowd or want to meal prep for breakfast, this sheet pan eggs recipe is going to save you so much time!
    Get the recipe
    A close up shot of baked sheet pan eggs with slices taken out.
    Omelette Pizza
    Pizza eggs - your favorite pizza toppings, flavorful sauce, protein-rich eggs, and cheese all cooked to perfection in one pan. Enjoy for breakfast or any time of the day!
    Get the recipe
    Toddler's hand grabbing a slice of pizza eggs.
    Easy Croffles
    These croffles, or croissant waffles, are so easy to make and so satisfying! There are endless ways to customize them for a nutritious breakfast or snack
    Get the recipe
    Two croffles on a blue plate.
    Salmon Quiche - Baby Led Weaning
    Healthy crustless salmon quiche that the whole family can enjoy, including babies 6 months and older! Perfect for breakfast, snack, and lunchboxes.
    Get the recipe
    cooked salmon quiche in a white oval plate with a toddler hand
    Vegetable Waffles with Peanut Butter
    EASY to make, healthy peanut butter vegetable waffles for babies and kids! A great way to enjoy more protein, fat, and veggies for breakfast.
    Get the recipe
    three stacked peanut butter waffles topped with banana and raspberries
    Baked Breakfast Quinoa with Zucchini
    This vegan quinoa bake with zucchini is a delicious way to serve quinoa to babies and kids. It's also an easy opportunity to add variety to their breakfast or snack!
    Get the recipe
    A slice of breakfast bake with yogurt, banana, and raspberry.
    Savory Baked Oatmeal with Vegetables
    This savory baked oatmeal is so easy to make and a great way to enjoy vegetables for breakfast! Perfect for baby led weaning and lunchboxes.
    Get the recipe
    three sliced baked oatmeal stacked on top of each other
    Tofu Veggie Scramble
    Vegetarian breakfast of champions - tofu veggie scramble! It's a hearty and delicious plant-based alternative to scrambled eggs that your family can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
    Get the recipe
    a big plate of tofu veggie scramble with toasted bagel and cream cheese spread
    Healthy Baked Strawberry Oatmeal
    Super easy to make, this healthy baked oatmeal recipe with juicy strawberries and bananas is the perfect make ahead breakfast or snack for the whole family!
    Get the recipe
    Baked oatmeal served in a white bowl with milk, sliced almonds, and peanut butter.
    Scrambled Egg Sandwich
    Making a scrambled egg sandwich isn't hard. But here are some simple tips to take this iconic breakfast to the next level!
    Get the recipe
    A toddler holding a mini bagel scrambled egg sandwich.

    Snack Dinner

    A four image collage showing unique snack trays.

    Feeling burnt out from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Use what you might have on hand for an uncomplicated, easy weeknight dinner for the entire family. Fussy eaters will love the variety of options to choose from while still being nutritious and enjoyable. 

    Here's the Ultimate Snack Try Ideas that are sure to be a big hit!

    « Easy Miso Pasta
    How to Freeze Bananas »

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, Iโ€™m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope youโ€™ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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