Coming up with dinner ideas that kids love is challenging on its own. Working around a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance makes it even harder, but we’ve got you covered with these dairy-free dinner recipes.
28 Dairy-Free Recipes for Toddlers and Kids
Updated on May 13, 2024
1/27
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
2/27
My Favorite Chili Dogs
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The very thought of a hot dog dressed in chili makes me giddy. To get that straight-from-the-ballpark taste, I combine ketchup, mustard, chili and pepper sauce. —Patricia Pauling, Adams, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog: 427 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1195mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
3/27
Spanish Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon adds crunch to this comforting stovetop supper my mom used to make when I was a kid. Now I prepare it for my own family. —Kelli Jones, Perris, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 409 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
4/27
Chicken and Rice Dinner
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The chicken in this recipe bakes up to a beautiful golden brown while the moist rice is packed with flavor. The taste is simply unbeatable! —Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken with 3/4 cup rice: 604 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 519mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 44g protein.
5/27
Beef and Shells
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 344 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
6/27
Tasty Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A taco seasoning made from scratch with pantry staples deliciously jazzes up ground beef, turning Tuesday night into an all-out fiesta. Add your favorite toppings, and dinner is served! —Rebecca Levesque, St. George, New Brunswick
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without optional toppings): 306 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
7/27
Tender Beef over Noodles
Total Time
5 hours 45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I dress up stew meat with noodles and a slightly sweet red sauce for this satisfying main dish. It goes terrific with a salad and garlic bread. —Olivia Gust, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup cooked noodles: 385 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
8/27
Mini Meat Loaf Sheet-Pan Meal
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up with this meat loaf recipe, but I adapted it to mini meat loaves so that it would bake quicker. The sauce topping is always a hit. I added the potatoes and asparagus to make the meal complete. —Deanne Johnson, Reading, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 460 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
9/27
Pizza-Flavored Pasta Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been cooking since I was 6 years old and I’m always watching for recipes my friends and family will love. So when I tasted an unforgettable spaghetti sauce at a local restaurant, I just had to make my own version. —Angelina Falzarano, Midlothian, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without pasta): 200 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 934mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
10/27
Southwestern Goulash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 224 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
11/27
Quick Beef Vegetable Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings (1-3/4 quart)
From the Recipe Creator:
At the end of a long day, you want to put something quick, warm and substantial on the table for your family. This hefty vegetable soup delivers. It will have you out of the kitchen in no time flat! —D.M. Hillock, Hartford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 318 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
12/27
Italian Beef and Shells
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A veggie and pasta combo makes a hearty entree that comes together easily. Wine lends an extra touch of flavor to the sauce and makes this main dish a winner. —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 396 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
13/27
Cashew Chicken with Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 638 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
14/27
Root Beer Glazed Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband made some tweaks from the original recipe to suit our tastes and it was fabulous. Our 18 month-old son even loves this chicken recipe! It's the perfect way for me to get out of cooking for a night. —Stacy Kolojay, Streator, Illinois
15/27
Dinner in a Bag
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 289 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 858mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
16/27
Italian Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With only a few ingredients, this roast beef is a snap to throw together. And after cooking all day, the meat is wonderfully tender. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
17/27
Spanish Rice with Ground Beef
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 408 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
18/27
Taco Chili
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
19/27
Macaroni and Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this simple skillet recipe many years ago on a can label. I made some tweaks, and my family loved it. Because it's so easy to put together, it's a real timesaver for people with super busy schedules. —Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 317 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
20/27
Polynesian Pulled Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the aroma of pork as it cooks but don't eat pork, so I make a pulled chicken with coconut and pineapple for a Polynesian twist. —Becky Walch, Manteca, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 523 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1431mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
21/27
One-Pot Beef & Pepper Stew
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings. (3 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love most things made with green peppers, tomatoes or green chiles. I wanted to prepare a quick and satisfying dish one evening and came up with this recipe with things I had on hand. —Sandra Clark, Sierra Vista, BC
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 244 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
22/27
Chip-Crusted Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dijon-mayo and BBQ potato chips might sound strange together, but the flavors combine beautifully in this entree. And really, could it be any easier? —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 397 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
23/27
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 308 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
24/27
Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 431 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
25/27
Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 220 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
26/27
Slow-Cooked Meatball Stew
Total Time
9 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this hearty meal-in-one as another way to use frozen meatballs. It's quick to put together in the morning and ready when my husband gets home in the evening. —Iris Schultz, Miamisburg, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 291 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1400mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
27/27
Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture, which is especially good for children who don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away and let the slow cooker do all the work. Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 275 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
