Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota. Here are our
kid-friendly dinner ideas that will please little ones and parents alike.
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Creamy Noodle CasseroleMy husband, Ronald, works long hours and frequently doesn't arrive home until past 7 p.m. This casserole is ideal for those late nights—it's just as tasty after it's been warmed in the microwave. —Barb Marshall, Pickerington, Ohio
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Tacos on a StickTeens like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational Southwestern flavor of this twist on beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Pork PiperadeI like to spice up my meat dishes with peppers, and this Basque piperade—adapted from a Spanish recipe—is a family favorite. —Hyacinth Rizzo, Buffalo, New York
Beef & Bacon Gnocchi SkilletThis gnocchi dish tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. Go ahead and top it as you would a burger—with ketchup, mustard and pickles. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Pork with Mustard SauceBack when I was a girl, I couldn't wait until I was grown up and could start cooking for my own family! Now that I am, I really enjoy using pork. The tender meat and the rich mustard sauce in this recipe are delectable together. —Irma Pomeroy, Enfield, Connecticut
Quicker Chicken and DumplingsReady in 30 minutes, this easy chicken and dumplings recipe takes advantage of convenience items and uses time-saving, drop-style dumplings. —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa
Fajita Burger WrapsThis combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Grandma's Swedish MeatballsMy mother made these hearty meatballs when we were growing up, and now my kids love them, too. My daughter likes to help shake the meatballs in flour. —Karin Ness, Big Lake, Minnesota
Jiffy Ground Pork SkilletSome people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
Bacon & Swiss Chicken SandwichesI created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Breaded Pork TenderloinMeat is a hard sell with my teenage daughter unless I make it look like a restaurant dish. Drizzle ranch dressing or barbecue sauce on top and it's a home run. —Donna Carney, New Lexington, Ohio
Mozzarella Beef Roll-UpsThe kids will love these pepperoni and beef wraps. They're easy to assemble because each tortilla is simply wrapped around a portion of hearty meat filling with a piece of string cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Meat Loaf MuffinsServe these tangy meat loaf muffins for dinner or slice them up for a take-along sandwich lunch. They're just as flavorful after freezing. —Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia
Chicken & Cheese Tortilla PieTrust me when I say this hearty dish can be assembled in minutes, then devoured even quicker with no leftovers. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Easy Meatball StroganoffThis recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nacho PieIn place of the ground beef and mozzarella cheese, consider topping this zesty pie with lean ground sausage and cheddar cheese. It tastes just as good.—LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota
Honey-Mustard BratsOur honey mustard glaze gives every bite of these brats a sweet and punchy flavor. Everyone who tries them agrees they're delicious. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Waffle-Iron PizzasThese little pizza pockets put together using the waffle maker are a fun mashup. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Cider-Glazed Pork TenderloinThis is a super easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Chicken-Pepper AlfredoWhen I want a lighter dinner, I use lean turkey bacon in this recipe. It gives the pasta that richness you want without all the extra fat. —Courtney Harris, Denton, Texas
Shortcut Sausage JambalayaSecret ingredient alert: A pinch of coffee crystals gives my jambalaya its roasty, toasty flavor. This quick and easy dinner is one of my husband’s top picks. —Betty Henagin, Medford, Oregon
Parmesan Chicken SandwichesCoat tender chicken breasts with seasoned bread crumbs and smother in marinara sauce. Served on a hoagie, it’s a real treat! —Sue Bosek, Whittier, California
White Cheddar Mac & CheeseMy mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Easy Chicken Fried RiceAfter my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Pork & Mango Stir-FryA recipe is special when everyone in your family raves about it. My finicky eaters each give a thumbs-up for this hearty, nutty stir-fry. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
Garlic Toast PizzasBetween working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Steak FajitasZesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Italian Sausage with Bow TiesWe often have our favorite pasta when company comes over, and I’ve shared this Italian sausage recipe several times. Now many of my friends make it for their families, too. —Janelle Moore, Auburn, Washington
Lemon and Rosemary ChickenThis baked rosemary chicken with a tangy lemon sauce is my husband's favorite, and my sister always wants it for her birthday dinner. —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California
Italian Veggie Beef SoupMy sweet father-in-law, Pop Pop, would bring this chunky soup to our house when we were under the weather. We like it so much, we take it to our own friends who need comfort. It always does the trick. —Sue Webb, Reisterstown, Maryland
Flavorful Grilled Pork TenderloinFolks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
Dijon-Crusted FishDijon, Parmesan and a hint of horseradish give this toasty fish lots of flavor. The preparation is so easy, it takes just 5 to 7 minutes to get four servings ready for the oven. —Scott Schmidtke, Chicago, Illinois
Weeknight Pasta SquigglesThis zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this
healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
Chili Dog PizzaMy girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Breaded Mustard & Sage Pork CutletsAfter attending my daughter's back to school night and receiving a complimentary package of instant potatoes, I had to make something with them. I created these pork cutlets and they were fantastic. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Weekday Beef StewBeef stew capped with flaky puff pastry adds comfort to the weeknight menu—my family is always glad to see this meal. Make a salad and call your crowd to the table. —Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli OrzoBroccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Whole Wheat Pasta BakeWith a casserole this rich and saucy, it’s tempting to skip the crunchy topping and dip a fork straight into the skillet. But as one taster noted: “The bread crumbs on top make this one extra special.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Gram's Fried ChickenAs a boy, I wolfed down my grandmother's fried chicken. I never knew how she made it, but my recipe using potato flakes is crispy close. —David Nelson, Lincolnton, North Carolina
Saucy Skillet LasagnaThanks to no-cook noodles, this skillet lasagna makes a fresh, filling, flavorful and fast entree for any Italian meal. —Meghan Crihfield, Ripley, West Virginia
Lemon Chicken and RiceOn our busy ranch, we often need meals we can put on the table in a hurry. This all-in-one chicken dish - with its delicate lemon flavor - fits the bill and it's inexpensive to boot. —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Meatball Submarine CasseroleWe were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a plan B for dinner. I realized that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California
Cheeseburger Skillet DinnerThis skillet dinner is doubly quick. The leftovers-if there are any-can be reheated to make a second meal as tasty as the first. —Karen Grimes, Stephens City, Virginia
Makeover Beef StroganoffI trimmed the calories, fat and sodium in a classic stroganoff, and my comfy, cozy version still tastes like a Russian masterpiece. —Candace Clark, Connell, Washington
Smothered BurritosMy brother-in-law teased that I only knew five
ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
Easy Chicken PaprikashWhen my husband studied Hungarian in the Army, I made him the chicken and onions dish known as paprikash. We serve ours over rice or buttered noodles. —Susan Wildman, Haslett, Michigan
Taco Noodle DishI got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter...and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty casserole. Later, I modified it so it has less fat and fewer calories. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota
Saucy Beef with BroccoliWhen I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Skillet Mac & CheeseThis creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids always go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much.
—Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Favorite Meat Loaf CupsMy family enjoys meat loaf, but sometimes I can't spare the hour or more it takes to bake in the traditional shape. A quick alternative is to divide the meat mixture into muffin cups for individual servings that are ready in less than 30 minutes. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Beef & Pepper SkilletI love Mexican-inspired food. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes like this one and making them healthier—and downright good! —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Quick Tacos al PastorWe loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Rigatoni with Sausage & PeasWith a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Meatball PizzaI always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Tasty BurritosMy cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I’ve watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They’re even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Parmesan Bow Tie Pasta with ChickenOn lazy summer weekends, we like chicken and yellow squash tossed with bow tie pasta. Add extra fresh grated Parmesan for a Sunday touch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
Almond-Crusted Chops with Cider SauceI use finely ground almonds to give pork chops a crunchy crust. The cider sauce makes them tangy, creamy and sweet. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Southwestern GoulashI had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Cheeseburger PizzaMy husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Muffin-Tin LasagnasThis is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
Pork Chops with Creamy Mustard NoodlesA fast, creamy skillet sauce dresses up everyday pork chops and noodles. Chicken also works well with this recipe and the zesty mix of mustards.—Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama
Chicken PizzaMy fun twist on typical pizza is an excellent way to use up leftover pesto. And since it’s loaded with protein-rich chicken and black beans, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Zesty Chicken Soft TacosWe’ve made these tacos with corn and flour tortillas, but naan flatbread is our favorite. Set out toppings and let people make their own. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
Simple Taco SoupWe first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Chicken Enchiladas for FourThese chicken enchiladas put a little zip into any menu. The rolled tortillas are filled with a hearty mixture of cheese, chicken and green chiles, and then topped with a creamy sauce and more cheese. I sometimes use leftover turkey instead of chicken. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Oven-Baked BurgersA crispy coating mix is the secret ingredient that dresses up these baked hamburgers. You bake them in the oven instead of grilling or frying. I like to use a sweet and spicy steak sauce for the best flavor. —Mike Goldman, Arden Hills, Minnesota
Tortellini CarbonaraBacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that's absolutely heavenly. It's a delightful option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
Gluten-Free Chili Beef PastaAfter I got married, my aunt gave me her recipe for skillet spaghetti and told me it was ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Over the years I’ve tinkered with the ingredients and played with the seasonings to make it healthier. It's a dish my family truly loves. —Kristen Killian, Depew, New York
Lemon-Garlic Pork ChopsMy son James created these zesty chops spiced with paprika and cayenne. He keeps the spice rub in a jar to use with chops or chicken. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
Turkey Linguine with Tomato Cream SauceI love an easy weeknight meal! This meal comes together quickly and uses up the half block of cream cheese that always ends up in my fridge. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Creamy Paprika PorkWhen I was little, I would often ask my mom to make "favorite meat." She knew I was requesting this homey pork recipe. It's been in my family for more than 30 years and it's still a favorite! —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Ham Pasta TossThis is my favorite meal to make when I'm short on time. You can also use different meats or vegetables depending on what you have on hand. —Sharon Gerst, North Liberty, Iowa.
Jezebel Chicken ThighsThis easy-to-prepare, sweet and spicy chicken dish is a quick favorite that we make throughout the year. Tender and moist, it's a filling dish for busy weeknights. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisana
Pecan-Crusted Chicken NuggetsI loved chicken nuggets as a child. This baked version is healthier than the original, and it's a great meal for kids. — Haili Carroll, Valencia, California
Italian Steak SandwichesMy sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts