30 easy dinner ideas for kids

Get your little ones their 5-a-day with our easy ideas to pack in more veggies, including hidden veg sauces and healthy recipes.

See our easy 7-day family meal plan to organise for the whole week or get kids involved in the kitchen with our kids’ cooking recipes.

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Plus, let the little ones get stuck into our healthy snacks for kids and kids’ lunchbox recipes for portable packed treats.

Top kids’ dinner ideas

1) Chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets on white dish and dipping sauce

Classic chicken nuggets are always a winning option for little ones. This easy recipe takes just 30 minutes to make and the chicken can be oven baked or pan-fried.

2) Easy salmon curry

This simple salmon curry has been adapted for toddlers, ideal for weaning from eight months onwards. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to new tastes and textures.

3) Swedish meatball burgers

Meatball burger on blue wooden chopping board

Transform classic Swedish meatballs into a simple cheeseburger for kids. Use beef or pork mince and top with sliced cheese, lettuce, sliced tomato and lingonberry sauce.

4) Healthy beef stew with veggie mash

This tasty balsamic beef stew provides kids all five of their 5-a-day. It’s perfect for chilly winter nights and served with a comforting veggie mash.

5) Chicken pasta bake

This top-rated pasta bake is the perfect weeknight dinner to feed the whole family. Serve with a side of green veggies or a fresh salad.

6) Homemade fish fingers

Fish fingers with purple slaw and sweet potato wedges

Serve this budget family meal with crunchy slaw and sweet potato wedges. This easy, crowd pleasing recipe is low-fat and full of fresh flavours.

7) Air-fryer jacket potatoes

Baked potatoes with beans and cheese on grey plate

Jacket potatoes are a budget-friendly option that kids are sure to love. This easy version is made in air fryer for a crispy result. Try topping with cheesy beans, tuna mayo and more.

8) Creamy chicken stew

Chicken stew in black pot with gold ladle

Tuck into this cosy chicken stew on a chilly winter night with the whole family. It’s an easy one-pot dish filled with peas and leeks and served with mini jacket potatoes.

9) Veggie toad-in-the-hole

Make a classic toad-in-the-hole veggie-friendly with our easy weeknight dinner. This simple, budget-friendly recipe only calls for five ingredients.

10) Honey chicken

Rustle up this family-friendly honey chicken, flavoured with garlic, soy sauce, lemon and ginger, in 30 minutes. Serve with rice and broccoli for a filling meal.

11) Fish pie mac ’n’ cheese

Fish pie mac and cheese in white tray on wooden chopping board

Combine fish pie with mac ‘n’ cheese to make this crowd-pleasing dinner. The dish freezes well, so you can make ahead if you like for busy weeknights.

12) Sausage & mushroom ragu

Sausage & mushroom ragu on grey tablecloth

This veggie-packed ragu is a versatile dish that can be served with everything from pasta to potatoes and more.

13) One-pot garlic chicken

Garlic Chicken in pan with pink background

Save on the washing-up with this easy one-pot garlic chicken. Creamy and comforting, you can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your own tastes.

14) Healthy lasagne

Lasagne is a great dish to fill up the whole family and even freeze for later. This healthy version is loaded with veggies.

15) Pasta with salmon & peas

Make this salmon pasta in under 20 minutes for a dinner the whole family can enjoy. Kids will love the fun-shaped pasta while packing in fibre and omega-3.

16) Easy vegetarian chilli

Vegetarian Chilli in pan on pink background

Try batch-cooking this vegetarian chilli, you can easily double it if you have a pan big enough and freeze the rest. Our healthy recipe is packed with veggies and protein-filled beans.

17) 3-veg mac ‘n’ cheese

Sneak vegetables into macaroni cheese, a classic family dinner that becomes even more nourishing for kids with the addition of butternut squash, leeks and peas.

18) Salmon pesto traybake with baby roast potatoes

Salmon traybake with potatoes on baking sheet

Keep little kids happy at the family dinner table with this colourful salmon traybake that’s delicious and healthy, with a good hit of omega-3 from the fish.

19) Butternut squash & chickpea tagine

This healthy tagine is full of hearty veggies, plus it’s low fat and vegan. Try making a big batch and freezing for another busy weeknight.

20) Pizza with homemade sauce

Make your favourite takeaway dinner at home with this top-rated pizza recipe, complete with homemade sauce. It’s easy to make and a great budget option.

21) Fish finger hot dogs

Fish finger hot dogs on blue chopping board

Try this twist on a classic sandwich with homemade fish fingers. Use small brioche buns and fill with iceberg lettuce, tangy gherkin mayo and crispy breaded cod.

22) Sticky pork lettuce wraps

Lettuce wraps with pork and dipping sauce

Little ones will love building their own lettuce wraps, filled with sticky pork and veggies. Any leftovers can be used for a light lunch later in the week.

23) Tofu stir-fry

Get children to help you chop the vegetables and make the sauce for this colourful, simple tofu stir-fry. It’s perfect when you need a quick and easy family meal.

24) Pull-apart meatball sliders

These comforting meatball sliders are great for serving the whole family with a side of veggies or fresh salad. Use a batch of rolls that are baked together, so they’re still attached to one another.

25) One-pan piri piri chicken dinner

Try this one-pan piri piri chicken for a family dinner and adjust the chilli levels to suit your family’s tolerance. This top-rated recipe is gluten-free and easy to make.

Hidden with veggies to nourish fussy eaters, this slow cooker number is a valuable addition to your repertoire. It’s also great for batch-cooking and freezing for future dinners when you’re pushed for time.

27) Chicken skewers with tzatziki

Chicken and vegetables on open tortilla wraps

Kids will love this chicken and tzatziki combo, packed into wraps with green salad to make a fun and simple dinner. To make them suitable for those on a gluten-free diet, omit the wraps and serve skewered.

28) Chickpea fritters

Plate of three chickpea fritters with a dip and some pepper and cucumber.

Pack in the veggies easily with these chickpea fritters, served with a simple three-ingredient tzatziki. Full of healthy goodness, they’re also freezable so are ideal for making ahead. They can be ready on the table in just 20 minutes, too.

29) Sausage & white bean casserole

Sausages, veggies and beans in an oven proof dish

When you’re stumped on what to make for dinner, this easy one-pan casserole is always a reliable option. Layered with sausage, beans and roasted veg, and served with potatoes, pasta or rice, it makes a healthy, flavour-packed meal that will keep tummies full. It offers four of your five-a-day, too.

30) Chicken, sweet potato & pea curry

A bowl of chicken, sweet potato & pea curry next to a bowl of rice

This easy chicken curry will be loved by everyone around the table, making a solid Friday night dinner option. It’s tasty and healthy, containing four of your five-a-day. Add extra korma paste for added spice.