Quick dinner ideas for kids adults will want to eat that you can make in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep.
from votes
If you’re wondering what to make for dinner -again- you’re not alone. Many of us have stood in front of the refrigerator staring into an abyss wondering what is a quick dinner idea the kids will actually eat?
First, check out this quick video with some visuals -think of them as the photos in a restaurant menu.
Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas
If any of those recipes jumped out, hurray! Options. As a mom to 3 kids, I often wonder what I can make that the kids will eat and that I’ll actually want to eat.
Because frozen chicken nuggets are not adult food -unless they are my epic chicken tenders but I digress.
Let’s talk about making super-fast dinners with ingredients that you might have on hand.
15 Minutes or Less
Yes, you read that right! You can make a delicious dinner for your kids in under 15 minutes! Try one of these recipes when you’re pressed for time.
Bell Pepper Pizzas from votes
Bell Pepper Pizza: A fun way to make grain-free pizzas and use up extra veggies in the fridge. Plus, this is a keto-friendly pizza recipe that the whole family can enjoy together.Total time: 15 minutes Make This Recipe
Pineapple Shrimp Tacos from votes
No grill? No problem. Make these quick and easy indoor shrimp tacos without having to fire up the BBQ!Total time: 10 minutes Make This Recipe
Quick BLT Salad from votes
Everyone’s favorite sandwich, deconstructed into a filling low-carb salad recipe you can prep.Total time: 10 minutes Make This Recipe
Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Wraps from votes
A fast meatless meal you can whip up with just a few simple ingredients, and that the whole family can enjoy!Total time: 15 minutes Make This Recipe
Authentic New Orleans Muffuletta from votes
This step-by-step recipe will show you how to make a delicious New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich at home.Total time: 10 minutes Make This Recipe
Baked Nachos from votes
When you’re craving tacos, but you have no time, these baked nachos are for you! Total time: 10 minutes Make This Recipe
Caprese Salad with Avocado from votes
This Chicken Caprese Salad is another filling salad you can serve for a quick weeknight meal! Total time: 5 minutes Make This Recipe
Spanish Air Fryer Salmon from votes
Make this Spanish air fryer salmon recipe and have a healthy and delicious meal ready in no time. Total time: 13 minutes Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Falafels from votes
This air fryer falafel recipe makes it a healthy option that pairs great with your Mediterranean-inspired meals. Total time: 15 minutes Make This Recipe30 Minutes or Less
You don’t have to spend an hour in the kitchen to pull off a satisfying and healthy meal. Many quick and easy dinner ideas start with basic ingredients, like pasta or chicken, and then we grab a few others and boom, dinner in less than 30!
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta from votes
The flavor of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta proves that simple recipes can taste amazing! Enjoy this easy chicken dish. Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Turkey Burgers from votes
Everything you need to know to make your healthy turkey burger come out juicy and full of flavor every time -bun optional. Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Healthy Jambalaya from votes
This healthy jambalaya is made with cauliflower rice, veggies, chicken, and sausage for the ultimate feel-good comfort food! Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Shakshuka from votes
Shakshuka is a simple meal that yields delicious results. Serve it with rice, roasted potatoes, or warm, crusty bread- you won’t regret anything. Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole from votes
If you love the classic crispy, au-gratin crusted chicken then you’re going to fall for this baked, cheesy pasta version with a golden, brown crust. Make this meal by using precooked or leftover chicken and storebought or homemade Alfredo sauce.Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Healthy Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps from votes
Love Asian-inspired dishes but want a healthier version than take-out? These Honey Chicken Recipe served in lettuce cups is one you’ll love! Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe from votes
A quick and easy comfort food recipe that comes together in one skillet! Total time: 25 minutes Make This Recipe
Pork and Pineapple Stir-fry from votes
A little sweet, a little spicy, this Jamaican-inspired dinner is budget-friendly and a fast mid-week meal option. Total time: 25 minutes Make This Recipe
Butternut Squash and Chorizo Hash from votes
The perfect breakfast-for-dinner option that will fill you up!Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Chicken and Broccoli Teriyaki from votes
Enjoy the flavors of take-out at home, in less time than it would take you to pick it up. Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Instant Pot Chili Mac from votes
Delicious and hearty, this Instant Pot Chili Mac recipe is a perfect quick and easy mid-week meal! Total time: 23 minutes Make This Recipe
Creamy Spinach Tortellini in a Skillet from votes
Spinach, tomato, and tortellini with cream sauce, this easy skillet meal is mega-delicious and comes together super fast! Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Greek Pizza Recipe from votes
Greek pizza is perfectly cheesy, crispy and has all the Mediterranean flavors you love. Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta from votes
Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta is a one-skillet meal with a smoky kick from salsa verde. It’s cheesy, delicious, and a family favorite! Total time: 25 minutes Make This Recipe
Skillet Beef Tacos from votes
When you run out of tortillas but still want tacos, these skillet beef tacos are the perfect solution and involve minimal cleanup! Serve it family-style with tortilla chips or over a bed of lettuce for an epic taco salad. Total time: 15 minutes Make This Recipe
Chopped Panzanella Salad from votes
An epic chopped salad with croutons loaded with fresh veggies, protein, and a delicious Dijon dressing. Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas from votes
You know them, you love them, and I’m about to show you how to make restaurant-style shrimp fajitas the easy way at home! Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Easy Taco Soup Recipe from votes
Easy taco soup in minutes, and it’s loaded with all our favorite taco flavors and toppings! Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes from votes
Whether you use homemade pesto or storebought, this simple pasta is easy to pull off and quickly goes from stove to table. Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice from votes
A delicious, low-carb meal you can whip up in a flash. Total time: 25 minutes Make This Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup from votes
Tender chicken and veggies in a taco-seasoned broth and finished off with sour cream and avocado. Total time: 28 minutes Make This Recipe
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta from votes
Creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken pasta made in one skillet for a delicious, quick, and EASY weeknight dinner. Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Baked Tacos from votes
Hands down the easiest taco night EVER! Enjoy nice, warm tacos that are ready to serve. Total time: 22 minutes Make This Recipe
Thai Pasta Salad with Chicken and Peanut Dressing from votes
If you love a good pasta salad full of fresh ingredients and homemade dressing, this Thai Chicken Salad is going to blow you away. Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Red Chicken Chili Recipe from votes
This Paleo Chicken Chili recipe is bean-free and full of delicious flavors. Hands down a keeper! Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Avocado Salmon Bowls with Spicy Mayo from votes
These avocado salmon bowls drizzled with spicy mayo are everything you love about eating out but made healthy at home. Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Baked Sausage and Peppers from votes
Make this easy sheet pan recipe for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and delicious. Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Bell Pepper Nachos from votes
Low carb and delish, these bell pepper nachos are everything you want from the classic appetizer without the guilt! Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Maple Miso Glazed Salmon from votes
A delicious and simple recipe that will get you to eat more salmon! Tastes gourmet, easy to make at home. Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa from votes
Juicy Cilantro Lime Avocado Chicken is a fresh and simple recipe you’ll be making on repeat with the BEST marinade ever! Total time: 30 minutes Make This Recipe
Quick Salmon Pesto Pasta from votes
Everyone in the family is going to love the flavor of this easy pasta recipe. Total time: 25 minutes Make This Recipe
Baked Salmon in Foil from votes
A simple recipe that yields perfectly tender, flaky salmon coated with delicious garlic-herb sauce. Total time: 20 minutes Make This Recipe
Avocado and Shrimp Salad from votes
Light, refreshing, and a super quick-to-make meal is what you get with this salad! Total time: 16 minutes Make This Recipe
No-Bake Lasagna All the flavors and ingredients of lasagna but deconstructed into an easy and EPIC dinner. Instead of layering and baking the noodles in the oven, you layer them directly on the plate, topping them with sauce, cheese, and other delicious lasagna toppings. Total time: 25 minutes Make This RecipeWhat is the easiest thing to make for dinner?
These are all realistic ideas for a fast dinner, but the quickest and easiest meal is one that is pre-prepped.
It’s a concept I talk about often, and for a good reason, by pre-chopping ingredients and doing recipe steps ahead of time, you can make incredible meals in less than 30 minutes, even on the busiest of nights!
And if you are just getting started and feeling overwhelmed by trying new recipes or prepping ahead, my dinner meal plans can help you simplify the “what’s for dinner tonight” with family-friendly recipes that can be cooked fast with minimal prep-ahead.
Inside the weekly plan, you’ll find a meal-prep guide to help you save time when it comes to making dinner. I mean, why not chop two onions instead of one and save the second for another meal? It’s as simple as that and my job is to remind you to do that.
Check out how you can conquer mealtimes by downloading a sample family-weekly meal plan.
How Meal Prep Saves Time
While pre-chopping veggies and taking care of small tasks seem insignificant, these steps can go a long way to save you big time on a busy weeknight.
Here’s a quick summary on how to meal plan and prep for the week:
Start at 2 to 3 recipes to try and move up from there. It’s better to start small than not at all!
And write down the ones you need. Tip: eliminate waste and try to create a menu of ingredients you already have available.
The list makes this much easier and more cost-effective.
Break each recipe down into small tasks such as boiling pasta, cooking rice, cleaning, chopping, and marinating your meats. These are all things that can easily be done days ahead and refrigerated for when ready to use.
Optional, but cooking 1 to 2 recipes like soups, chilis, or casseroles entirely ahead of time is a game-changer.
More Easy Dinner Ideas
Once you’ve cooked through these recipes, here are some more quick and easy meals to keep your family excited about dinner each night.
Want to try a people-please recipe tonight? The skillet beef tacos below are fast to make -even if you decide like right now to pull frozen beef out of the freezer. Let’s do it!
Quick Dinner Ideas for the Whole Family + Easy Skillet Tacos
Quick dinner ideas for kids adults will want to eat that you can make in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep.
from votes
Servings 6
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 bell peppers, any color, diced
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups fresh salsa
- 3 cups baby spinach, pre-washed and coarsely chopped
- 1 ½ cup shredded Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- Shredded romaine lettuce
Toppings
- Corn Tortilla chips
- Avocado
- sour cream
- salsa
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat warm up oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft. Add the ground meat, diced bell peppers and taco seasonig and cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks, for about 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through.
Add fresh salsa and spinach, stir to combine, and heat through. Turn off heat, sprinkle shredded cheese and black olives over meat mixture. Cover, and gather remaining garnishing ingredients.
Create a bed of shredded Romaine lettuce on a plate, scoop a serving of the mixture, top with desired toppings, and serve.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 25gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 984mgPotassium: 654mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3286IUVitamin C: 58mgCalcium: 375mgIron: 3mg
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