30 Days of Dinner Ideas Kids Will Actually Eat

"What's for dinner tonight, Mom?" It’s the question every parent dreads. Preparing meals for kids can be a challenge—one day they love what you make, the next day, they refuse to touch it. But when your kids rave about a meal, you know it’s a keeper. To make life easier, we’ve rounded up a full month’s worth of kid-approved recipes. These simple, tasty dishes are easy enough for your little ones to help you prepare, making dinner time even more fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Kid-Friendly Pasta Favorites

1. Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Muffin Bites

Fan Feedback: "My kids absolutely love these! I used mini meatballs from Whole Foods, and my daughter even asked for them again as her birthday dinner." — kotoba

2. Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells

What Parents Are Saying: "These were a hit! A quick and simple meal, and my kids actually ate spinach without complaining!" — Rae

3. Classic Baked Ziti

Parent Feedback: "This dish was easy to make and tasted great, just like lasagna! Even my 3-year-old enjoyed it!" — CHINDERS

4. Traditional Mac and Cheese

What Parents Are Saying: "This is the ultimate macaroni and cheese recipe. The kids will absolutely love it!" — JAYDE175. Watch the video to see the magic happen.

5. Ham and Cheese Bowtie Pasta

Parent Review: "This dish was a hit with the whole family (three kids) and they even asked for seconds... which is rare around here!" — MOMTOKTL

6. Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Parent Review: "My 4-year-old helped prepare this dish and had so much fun. It was incredibly easy to make." — Heather

Hearty Meat Dishes

7. Mini Meatloaves

Parent Feedback: "Such a creative recipe that everyone loved! The kids enjoyed having their own individual meatloaf, and my husband even preferred the mini versions over one big loaf." — Peripheree

8. Family-Style Sicilian Sauce and Meatballs

Parent Review: "This dish was incredible – it made us feel like we were dining at a top Italian restaurant. The recipe is easy to follow and will definitely impress. My kids keep telling me how delicious it was." — Christi

9. Lasagna Cupcakes

What Parents Are Saying: "A huge hit with my family! I used a seasoned turkey and beef mixture, and blended the cheeses and ricotta just like the video showed. My son said it tasted just like pizza!" — Samedar Kosmides

10. Sweet Glazed Meatloaf

What Parents Are Saying: "This meatloaf was amazing! When I asked my boyfriend and his son what they thought, they both said it ‘Tastes like More!’ I followed the recipe exactly and it was a huge hit with the family!" — N

11. Meatloaf Patties

Parent Review: "These mini-meatloaf patties were a hit and totally kid-approved!" — courtneynjones

12. Uglies

What Parents Are Saying: "Perfect for kids! My four little ones absolutely loved them." — MANDY5473

13. Easy Beef Pot Roast

Parent Review: "The presentation and flavor were a huge hit! I got so many requests for the recipe, and I was almost embarrassed to admit how simple it was to prepare. My kids give this dish 5 1/2 stars!" — Kerry-Lynn

14. Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy

What Parents Are Saying: "This was a big hit! My kids—ages 10, 8, and 2—devoured it and even asked for seconds." — Erika D. Melrose

15. Turkey Sloppy Joes

Parent Review: "This was delicious! My picky granddaughter loved it!" — Jack Schmidt

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

16. Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

What Parents Are Saying: "My whole family adored this recipe—even my super-picky little boy! It was so easy to make, used ingredients I always have in the pantry, and tasted amazing with no need for adjustments!" — IgetPaidToDrinkCoffee

17. Crispy Breaded Chicken Fingers

Parent Review: "My kids absolutely loved these! I baked them instead of frying, and they turned out perfectly crispy." — JENNIBG

18. Simple Shake and Bake Chicken

What Parents Are Saying: "The chicken was juicy and so tasty! All the kids raved about it. Super quick and easy to make. Definitely making it again!" — Momof3

19. Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Parent Review: "My five-year-old devoured this dish! I loved it too. We’ll definitely be making it again soon!" — Kerry

20. Flavorful Chicken Enchiladas

What Parents Are Saying: "The whole family, even the picky eaters, loved these enchiladas. I wouldn’t change a thing!" — Allyson

21. Herbed Chicken Nuggets

Parent Review: "My 2-year-old LOVES these! Definitely a keeper!" — DAYDREAMFREAK

Yay Veggies

22. Disney’s Ratatouille

Parent Review: "I absolutely loved this! My 6-year-old daughter couldn’t get enough of it." — halfnotes

23. Quick Beef Stir Fry

Parent Review: "Super easy and delicious! And my kids actually ate their veggies!" — Stephanie Ann Bovee

24. Kids' Favorite Cauliflower

Parent Review: "I have to admit, this was really good. My granddaughter loved it." — bd.weld

25. Homemade Tater Tots

Parent Review: "I’ll never buy frozen Tater Tots® again! This recipe is a healthier option that both kids and adults will love, bringing back that childhood favorite." — Shaysfoodjourney

26. Tater Tot Casserole

Parent Review: "This recipe was fantastic! So easy to make, and even my 14-month-old loved it!" — MORGMOM

Perfect Pizza

27. Veggie Pizza

Parent Review: "The 'no-veggies' kids fought over the last piece!" — COLDSOUP

28. Pizza Casserole

Parent Review: "My family went crazy for this dish! I have two very picky teenagers, so if they liked it, that's impressive!" — OperaFan

29. Bubble Pizza

Parent Review: "This is my granddaughter's favorite dish. It's the first thing she asks for when she visits!" — NEUJERZE

Easy Pork

30. Sweet and Spicy Grilled Pork Chops

Parent Review: "This was so simple to make, and the glaze on the pork chops was fantastic! My kids loved the sweetness of the sauce and devoured the pork." — jkhuff

31. Classic Pigs in a Blanket

Parent Review: "These are a hit every time! My mom used to make them for us, and now I’m passing down the tradition to my son, who’s a huge fan of hotdogs." — Momof2