This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
I know how hectic life can be with work, friends, and adult responsibilities. When you have kids, especially with school starting soon, finding time to make tasty and healthy meals can feel impossible. The last thing we need is the extra stress of meal planning and cooking when we’re already so busy. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!
I’ve put together a list of 21 simple meal ideas that kids will love and are perfect for busy school days. These are simple to prepare and will undoubtedly become favorites with the younger crowd. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these recipes are quick, straightforward, and tasty. The best part is that they make use of common items that you can readily acquire at the grocery store or that you most likely already have at home.
So, let’s dive into these 21 meal ideas that will make your back-to-school season a little less hectic and a lot more delicious.
TERIYAKI CHICKEN RICE BOWL
This recipe, which combines fluffy rice with juicy teriyaki chicken, is a tasty and easy choice. Toss with some steamed vegetables for extra nutrition, then serve the chicken over rice after it has been cooked in teriyaki sauce. It’s a tasty, well-balanced, and simple dish to make.
BAKED MAC & CHEESE BITES
These deliciously cheesy bite-sized treats are a playful take on classic mac & cheese. Simply combine cooked macaroni and cheese, then bake in a muffin tray until golden brown. It’s that simple to make. Children adore their tiny size, while parents value the portion control and ease of use.
MINI CHICKEN QUESADILLAS
These small quesadillas have a lot of cheese and tender chicken within. Just put cheese and chicken onto little tortillas, roll them over, and fry until crispy. They are simple to manage and may be tailored to include your children’s preferred components, such as cheeses or vegetables.
FRUIT & YOGURT PARFAIT
These parfaits, which combine creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, and crunchy granola, are a nutritious and delightful choice. They offer a balanced intake of vitamins, fiber, and protein. They are also really simple to put together and can be customized to incorporate the fruits that your children want.
TURKEY & CHEESE PINWHEELS
Simply spread mayonnaise or cream cheese on a tortilla, top with turkey slices and cheese, roll it up, then cut it into pinwheel shapes to create these fun pinwheels. They’re a terrific addition to a lunchbox because they’re tasty, manageable for small hands, and bite-sized.
VEGGIE-PACKED PASTA SALAD
This vibrant and nourishing pasta salad has a lot of fresh vegetables mixed up with a simple vinaigrette. After cooking the pasta, toss it with sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, and drizzle it with a light vinaigrette. It’s a fantastic method to fit in more vegetables.
HOMEMADE PIZZA BAGELS
Does anyone not adore pizza? It’s simple to personalize these little pizza bagels with your kids’ preferred toppings. Just put pizza sauce over both bagel halves, top with cheese and other toppings, then bake until bubbling. They provide an engaging mealtime experience that kids may participate in preparing.
TACO CUPS
Made with wonton wrappers, these bite-sized taco cups are loaded with cheese, seasoned meat, and your preferred taco toppings. They’re simple to put together and bake, making them ideal for Taco Tuesday. Little ones adore these, and they’re excellent for regulating portion sizes. For added taste, serve with guacamole or salsa on the side.
HAM & CHEESE SLIDERS
Warm, melted sliders are a guaranteed hit with guests. To assemble these, arrange ham and cheese on little slider buns, cover with a mustard glaze infused with butter, and bake until brown. They make easy meal prep because they can be prepared in bulk and are ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. For a well-balanced supper, serve with a side of fruit or vegetables.
CHICKEN TENDERS WITH HONEY MUSTARD
These chicken tenders are great dipped in homemade honey mustard; they are crispy on the exterior and tender on the inside. Breadcrumb-coated chicken pieces are baked till golden brown. Made simply with honey and mustard, the honey mustard sauce is a delightful and healthful substitute for store-bought varieties.
MINI MEATBALL SUBS
These little subs are the perfect option for a filling supper because they are loaded with tasty meatballs and oozy cheese. Place cooked meatballs and marinara sauce inside mini buns; cover with cheese and bake until melted. Dinnertime is made enjoyable and delectable with them as they’re lightweight and ideal for small hands.
PANCAKE MINI MUFFINS
These pancake muffins are great for a quick breakfast and may be personalized with your own toppings, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries. Just mix up the pancake batter, transfer it into a muffin tray, top it with your preferred mix-ins, and bake. They’re easy to carry around, create little mess, and make a wonderful morning ritual.
EGG MUFFINS
These egg muffins are simple to make and full of veggies and protein. Combine eggs, cheese, and diced vegetables; transfer to a muffin tin and bake. Mornings might be easier when they are prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for a grab-and-go alternative.
CHICKEN AND VEGGIE SKEWERS
Getting your kids to eat their vegetables may be made enjoyable and healthful with these skewers. Just skewer chicken pieces and other veggies, then bake or grill them. They may be tailored to include your children’s favorite vegetables and are tasty and vibrant. For a full dinner, serve with rice on the side or with a dipping sauce.
SHEET PAN CHICKEN
This flavorful and simple-to-make sheet pan chicken is a one-pan marvel. Place your preferred vegetables and chicken breasts onto a baking sheet, season, and roast until everything is thoroughly done. It’s an easy dish that requires little cleaning, making it ideal for hectic weeknights and guaranteeing a healthy, balanced supper.
BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN
Tender chicken pieces cooked in a delicious black pepper sauce make for a simple yet delicious dish known as black pepper chicken. The chicken is then stir-fried till golden brown, at which point it is combined with onions, bell peppers, and a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a generous amount of black pepper. It’s a terrific supper for hectic nights because it’s easy to make and tastes great served over rice.
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This dish is a beloved comfort food that never fails to please children. Cook the pasta and serve it with marinara sauce-simmered meatballs, either handmade or purchased. It’s a simple dish to prepare and goes well with garlic bread or a simple salad.
VEGETABLE FRIED RICE
This fried rice with lots of veggies is a terrific way to sneak in some extra nourishment. Cook the rice and add it to a stir-fry along with some vegetables, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce.
BAKED ZITI
The whole family will love baked ziti since it’s soothing and cheesy. Cooked ziti should be layered with heaps of cheese and marinara sauce, then baked until bubbling.
RASPBERRY FRUIT LEATHER
Handmade fruit leather is a fun and healthful snack that’s ideal for lunchbox packing. Puree the raspberries; spread the puree thinly on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature until the raspberries dry out. Sliced into strips, these make a far healthier, portable sweet treat than ones you can buy at the supermarket.
LEMON BLUEBERRY BREAD
This bread is a fantastic breakfast or snack because of its sweet and acidic flavor. Stir the lemon zest and fresh blueberries into a basic bread mixture and bake until golden. It’s a delicious way to use up fresh blueberries and gives both toddlers and adults a taste explosion.
1 thought on “21 Kid-Approved Back-to-School Meal Ideas”