Newsflash: Toddlers don't have to be picky. In fact, encouraging your little one to try a variety of foods helps him become a good eater for life. Bring these kid-friendly meals to the table and watch that broccoli—and everything else on their plate—disappear.
44 Meals Your Toddler Will Devour
Updated on Nov. 23, 2023
Beef ‘n’ Rice Enchiladas
With a toddler in the house, I look for foods that are a snap to make. Loaded with beef, cheese and a flavorful rice mix, these enchiladas come together without a fuss. But they’re so good that guests think I spent hours in the kitchen. —Jennifer Smith, Colona, Illinois
1/43
2/43
Veggie Mac and Cheese
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
3/43
Weeknight Skillet Spinach Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love sneaking extra veggies into my kids’ dinners, especially with this skillet spinach pie recipe. Because of this pie's flaky crust and extra cheese, the kids never know they’re eating a vitamin-rich dish. Plus, I’m not hovering over an oven for hours. Put the spinach and phyllo sheets in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning for thawing. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 334 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
4/43
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
5/43
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids and I love mac and cheese. We always get it in the bread bowls when we're at a restaurant, but with three cheeses, these white cheddar shells are filling on their own. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 538 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
6/43
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is a real crowd-pleaser with its smooth sauce, chunks of ham and potato slices. I always enjoyed it when Mother made it for us. I added parsley and thyme, and now my husband and five children request it all the time. —Wendy Rhoades, Yacolt, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 549 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1458mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
7/43
Mini Bagelizzas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic powder gives these speedy mini pizzas extra pizzazz. Not only are they a snap to put together, but best of all, the ingredient list is easy on your pocketbook. My husband loves them. And my toddler will soon enjoy them as an after-school treat. -Stephanie Klos-Kohr, Moline, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 214 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
8/43
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
9/43
Cauliflower Gratin
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
10/43
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 291 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
11/43
Pumpkin Alfredo with Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love pumpkin and my kids love pasta, so this pumpkin Alfredo recipe is a match made in heaven for us. Plus, it's an extra way to get some veggies into their diet. Use dairy-free or gluten-free ingredients if needed. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 631 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 936mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein.
12/43
Sausage Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My muffins are a frequent request from everyone in the family. I usually make them on Sunday nights, so when we're running late on weekday mornings, the kids can grab these to eat on the bus. —Irene Wayman, Grantsville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 238 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
13/43
Pizza in a Bowl
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 495 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1056mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
14/43
Over-the-Top Baked Ziti
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef. The revised recipe was a success not only with my family but at potlucks too. It's so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware Field Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 499 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
15/43
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids and adults alike will dive into this hearty, comforting dish. With a crispy cheese topping on a warm cornbread crust, this recipe is a keeper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 638 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 1518mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
16/43
Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 291 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
17/43
Black Bean Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Black bean soup recipes are among my favorite because they're light and it most of the time don't contain meat. For this recipe, you could add lean beef or chicken for a variation. —Angee Owens, Lufkin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
18/43
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.
19/43
Chocolate-Hazelnut Fruit Pizza
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can prepare this snackable pizza in just 10 minutes! It's a fun way to sneak in those daily servings of fruit. —Dalynn Dowling, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 103 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
20/43
Crispy Sage Chicken Tenders
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
21/43
PBJ on a Stick
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
Take the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 skewers: 415 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
22/43
Slow-Cooker Ranch Chicken
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fabulous slow-cooker ranch chicken recipe that we have passed around to all our friends, especially those who have young children. It's wonderful for a cold winter night or a hot summer day when you don't want to turn on the oven. Serve it as a weeknight family dinner or for a large group. —Sonya Stark, West Jordan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 267 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 776mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
23/43
French Toast Fingers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love anything on a stick. Bite-sized French toast skewers make a fun breakfast for them to munch before heading out the door. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
24/43
Mac and Cheese Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
25/43
Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
26/43
Corned Beef Hash and Eggs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, the kids always rate this No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 442 calories, 30g fat (6g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 895mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
27/43
Lunch Box Pizzas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 94 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
28/43
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken bacon ranch casserole is a dinner that both of my wonderful (but picky!) children will eat. I can easily make it ahead and then bake it right before serving. Sometimes I add 2 cups of cooked veggies, like peas or chopped broccoli, for a complete meal. —Rebekah Schultz, Mantua, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 495 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
29/43
Cheesy Quesadillas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 111 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
30/43
Cowboy Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
11 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this dish back in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Since it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 469 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1256mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 28g protein.
31/43
Roasted Winter Vegetables
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few simple touches and a blast of heat enhance the natural sweetness of fresh veggies. —Donna Lamano, Olathe, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 115 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
32/43
Ravioli Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The whole family will love this yummy dish that tastes like lasagna without all the fuss. Timesaving ingredients like prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to put together. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 518 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1411mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
33/43
Arroz con Pollo
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My children really look forward to dinner when they know I'm serving this, and it's easy to make. —Debbie Harris, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 334 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1055mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
34/43
Parmesan Fish Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
35/43
Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
36/43
Garlic-Cheese Flatbread
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 146 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
37/43
Apple and Peanut Butter Stackers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The best way to get kids interested in cooking and eating right is to let them help. These apple and peanut butter "sandwiches" are one fun way to pique their interest and kitchen creativity. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 110 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
38/43
Pigs in a Pool
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love sausages and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternative. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 mini muffins: 234 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
39/43
Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I'm always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 304 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein.
40/43
Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
41/43
Ham Noodle Dinner
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether I'm cooking for company or my own brood of five children, this delicious casserole is always well-received. —Eileen Nilsson, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 332 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
42/43
Hot Dog Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were small and I was busy trying to get all those extra things done, I would make this quick hot dish. Kids love it! —JoAnn Gunio, Franklin, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 967mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
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