70 Dinners to Make for Your Picky Eater
Updated: May 20, 2024
From chicken strips and pasta to creative takes on pizza and tacos, these dinner ideas for picky eaters are a huge hit with kiddos and adults!
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Favorite Baked Spaghetti
This baked spaghetti is my grandchildren’s most-loved dish. It feels like such a special dinner and is so cozy for winter. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
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Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
I developed this recipe to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. I knew I had a winner the first time I made them because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to add some sweetness. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia
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Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
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The Best Ever Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Hot Dog Sliders
An American favorite, hot dogs, turn into a fun treat that’s great for a laid-back party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Ravioli Casserole
The whole family will love the fun, cheesy flavor of this ravioli casserole. It’s like lasagna—without all the fuss! Timesaving ingredients such as prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to fix. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas
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Burger Sliders with Secret Sauce
These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a hit! I love that they are “fast food” without our having to go to a restaurant. Take them to a party, make them for dinner or serve them on game day. The meat can also be made ahead of time in preparation for your gathering. —April Lee Wiencek, Chicago, Illinois
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White Cheddar Mac & Cheese
My 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
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Beef Quesadillas
Quick-cooking ground beef is the perfect ingredient for on-the-run cooks. Try this beef quesadilla recipe with your favorite taco toppings.
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Pizza Noodle Bake
Here’s a family-pleasing casserole that comes together in a snap, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Double the recipe and freeze one for later! —Bernice Knutson, Soldier, Iowa
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Cheesy Fiesta Beef Casserole
Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a wonderful, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos, if you prefer a little more heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Cheeseburger Cups
This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio
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Burritos
Packed with beans, your choice of protein and a myriad of other potential fillings, this easy burrito recipe is your launchpad to unlimited flavor combinations.
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Crockpot Mac and Cheese
This Crockpot mac and cheese recipe is the perfect no-fuss recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks and holiday gatherings. It contains a few secret ingredients to make an effortless cheese sauce that's incredibly rich and creamy.
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Walking Tacos
When sitting down to tacos isn't an option, walking tacos are the answer. These self-contained mini-meals are just the thing for eating on the go or around a campfire.
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Fried Cheese Ravioli
Be sure to make enough of these crispy fried cheese ravioli. They’re bound to be the hit of your party. The golden-brown pillows are easy to pick up and dip in tomato sauce. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California
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Easy Stuffed Shells
I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Kids and dads alike will dive right into this hearty, comforting dish. With a crispy cheese topping on a warm corn bread crust, this chili dog casserole recipe is a keeper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich recipe? This super decadent version comes fully loaded with pepperoni and five types of cheese!—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Loaded Tater Tots
Playing with food is loads of fun when you have loaded Tater Tots. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota
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Creamy Pizza Soup
This Creamy Pizza Soup is like eating supreme pizza with a spoon! You can add your own favorite pizza toppings as long as you include the ooey-gooey melty cheese on top. If you can’t find the tomato and sweet basil bisque soup, try using canned tomato bisque soup and adding Italian seasoning. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
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Spanish Noodles & Ground Beef
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
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Cast-Iron Favorite Pizza
Cast-iron skillets are the perfect vessel for a crisp, deep-dish pizza without needing any extra cookware. Our team developed this meaty pizza that is fabulous for any time of year. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sloppy Joe Pasta
Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
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Chili Dog Baked Potatoes
These chili dogs are nestled in baked potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal. They’re perfect for a barbecue, but they’re just as tasty any time of year! —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
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Taco-Filled Pasta Shells
I've been stuffing pasta shells with different fillings for years, but my family enjoys this version with taco-seasoned meat the most. The frozen shells are so convenient, because you can take out only the number you need for a single-serving lunch or family dinner. Just add zippy taco sauce and bake. —Marge Hodel, Roanoke, Illinois
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Bacon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes
Turkey and bacon give the classic sloppy joe a frightfully tasty new spin. Freddy Krueger may invite himself to dinner! —Janine Smith, Columbia, South Carolina
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Corn Dogs
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you’d get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
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Skillet Beef and Macaroni
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
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Ham and Cheese Pockets
These unique sandwich pockets are filled with ingredients both kids and adults enjoy. —Callie Myers, Rockport, Texas
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Skillet Mac and Cheese
This skillet mac and cheese takes a few more minutes than the boxed stuff, but we promise the final result is worth it. A thick and creamy cheese sauce is stirred together with perfectly cooked pasta, then topped with whatever you like.
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Stovetop Beef and Shells
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
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Hot Dog Casserole
When our children were small and I was super busy, I would make this quick hot dog casserole. Kids love it. —JoAnn Gunio, Franklin, North Carolina
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Frito Pie
Crunchy, salty Fritos corn chips are the star ingredient of Frito pie. Make this cheesy Tex-Mex favorite for dinner or game day.
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Cornflake Chicken
I took a recipe off a box of baking mix and altered it to make the prep easier. The result was this moist oven-fried cornflake chicken with a thick golden coating that’s a lot crisper than the original. —Angela Capettini, Boynton Beach, Florida
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Southern Mac and Cheese
No down-home meal is complete without Southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana
My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants. Then I found this recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making the beloved dish at home. After more than 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy preparing his favorite recipes. —Iola Butler, Sun City, California
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Ham Noodle Dinner
Whether I'm cooking for company or my own brood of five children, this delicious casserole is always well-received. —Eileen Nilsson, Plymouth, Massachusetts
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Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
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Homemade Fish Sticks
I am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are amazing with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
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Ham Ravioli Bake
I based this recipe on a dish my husband likes to order when we go out for Italian food. Not only does he love it, my one-year-old daughter does, too. She’ll grab a whole ravioli and eat it! —Jennifer Berger, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
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Santa Fe Skillet
As a mother who works full-time, I’m always looking for quick, easy meals to prepare. This is a timeless recipe. —Lorie VanHorn, Waddell, Arizona
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Smothered Burritos
My 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
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New York-Style Pizza
This New York-style pizza recipe makes a no-nonsense pie. Since the crust is pliable enough to fold, cut the pizza into larger pieces if you want to eat your slices in the traditional New York way. Who says pizza isn’t portable? —Mariam Ishaq, Buffalo, New York
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Chicken and Bows
I first made this chicken bow tie pasta when I was a professional nanny. It comes together quickly at dinnertime when the kids are hungry. —Danette Forbes, Overland Park, Kansas
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Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs
A mashup of two favorite recipes, these sloppy joe meatball subs are certainly unique. I love to make them on a lazy afternoon and freeze leftovers for an easy weeknight meal. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
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Makeover Tater-Topped Casserole
I love Tater Tot casserole, but wanted a lighter version of the recipe. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen slashed the fat in this classic dish, while keeping all the Tots my family loves. Who know you could have healthy Tater Tots?! —Scott Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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Cast-Iron Pizza Pie
I love shortcuts, so I created this cast-iron pizza using the convenience of frozen bread dough. It’s versatile, so pile on your family’s favorite pizza toppings. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
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Double-Crust Pizza Casserole
After my husband and I got married, this biscuit pizza solved the what’s-for-dinner problem. As our family grew, I just made bigger and bigger batches. It never disappoints! —Pat Crane, Pine City, New York
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Beefy Swiss Bundles
Kids and adults alike will devour these comforting, yet special, pockets. With creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese and flavorful seasonings, what’s not to love? Simple & Delicious. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cheese-Stuffed Shells
When I was living in California, I tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I’m happy to share it with you. —Lori Mecca, Grants Pass, Oregon
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Cheesy Hamburger Supper
I have good memories of eating this all-in-one meal often while growing up. We all loved the flavor and seldom had leftovers. Instead of sprinkling it with cheddar, I sometimes create a cheese sauce using American cheese and milk. It makes it so cheesy! —Andrea Brandt, Newton, Kansas
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Biscuit Turkey Bake
As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here’s one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends’ birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
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Loaded Spaghetti Bake
Make this loaded pasta recipe your own, everyone loves it! It’s also great made with leftover chicken from the previous night’s dinner. You might prefer another hard cheese for the Parmesan…or just go with the cheddar and cornflake crumbs. —Marian Pappas, Lake Stevens, Washington
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Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole
Every time I serve this creamy chicken ranch casserole, it gets rave reviews. The recipe was passed down to me and is so good! It's really easy to make, freezes well and has just a touch of heat. If your family likes more, add some jalapenos! —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri
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One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
When the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas
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Ham and Cheese Puffs
These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa
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Muffin-Cup Cheddar Beef Pies
My kids love these beef rolls so much. I always make extra since they heat up so quickly. I give the kids their choice of dipping sauces—spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing are the top picks. —Kimberly Farmer, Wichita, Kansas
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Italian Pasta Bake
I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that’s missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles. —Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
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Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
Stuffed with a pizza-style filling, these special sandwiches surprise you with a burst of flavor in every bite. They were popular with the preschool set at our son’s dinosaur-theme birthday party…but you can be sure adults will love them, too! —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington
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Chili-ghetti
I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York
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Waffle-Iron Pizzas
These 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
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Mama Mia Meatball Taquitos
We love lasagna, but it takes too long on weeknights. My solution: meatball taquitos. My kids get the flavors they want, and I get a meal on the table in a hurry. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
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Nutty Chicken Fingers
Please both your adult palate and your inner kid with homemade chicken strips. A crunchy pecan coating makes them stand out and doesn't require a lot of ingredients. Keep things easy by using prepared sauces for dipping—or have fun creating your own! —Beba Cates, Pearland, Texas
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Fair-Favorite Corn Dogs
Bring the county fair home to your kitchen with these corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter into a tall Mason jar and dunk your dogs for an even all-over coating. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Game-Night Nacho Pizza
Some like it hot with jalapenos; others like it cool with a dollop of sour cream. But one thing’s for sure: This is “nacho” ordinary pizza night. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
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Chili Chicken Strips
Instead of ordinary bread crumbs, seasoned crushed corn chips coat these slightly crunchy chicken fingers. If your family likes food with some heat, use the full 1-1/2 teaspoons of chili powder. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cheeseburger Crescent Ring
This is an easy entree that can be put together quickly after a long day at work. I guarantee that adults will enjoy it as much as kids do. —Stephanie Hurd, Oxford, Alabama
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Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
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
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Taco Pockets
Indulge in the deliciousness of taco pockets made with crescent dough. Packed with seasoned chicken and ooey-gooey cheese, they're a crispy and flavorful treat.Originally Published: September 18, 2019
