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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Kid-Approved Meal Prep Dinners We Can’t Stop Making

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 8, 2025, updated August 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding meals that kids love can be a challenge, especially when trying to keep things healthy and easy to prepare. These 19 meal prep dinners are not only kid-approved but also simple enough for busy weeknights. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, these recipes will make mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    These Lamb Meatballs are simple to prepare and packed with fresh lemon and cilantro flavor. They pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, but also work great as a snack or part of a larger spread. I've been making these for years, and they always hit the spot.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

    Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This dish features tender and tasty shredded chicken that's perfect for quick tacos on a hectic day. It's really flexible and can be used in many different Mexican meals.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi is a hidden gem that really outshines the boiled version. When you cook it this way, it gets a nice crispy texture that adds a lot to the dish. Adding bacon and mushrooms brings in a rich flavor that makes this meal even more enjoyable.

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    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a hit with everyone, from kids to food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are full of flavor. They come together in just 20 minutes and are really simple to prepare.

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    Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Beef and broccoli stir fry.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a delicious and satisfying dish that's packed with good ingredients. It's a family favorite that works well for busy weeknights, providing a hearty meal that will keep everyone feeling full. This dish combines tender beef with fresh broccoli, making it a great choice for a quick and nutritious dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Chicken breasts are cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey, then shredded and topped with the flavorful sauce. This dish is served over rice, making it a simple and satisfying dinner option. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    Dijon sheet pan chicken.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Sheet pan meals are a real lifesaver on busy nights, and this maple Dijon chicken dish is a perfect example. With simple preparation, delicious flavors, and minimal cleanup, it checks all the boxes. The combination of seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and roasted vegetables is satisfying and makes for a comforting dinner when you want something hearty without much effort.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are simple to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, giving you plenty of options. The result is a juicy and flavorful meatball that everyone will enjoy.

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    Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken patties are simple to prepare and come together in no time. With just a few easy steps and only 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can have a delicious meal ready. There's no need for chopping, as powdered seasonings do all the work, and a splash of fresh lemon juice keeps them juicy.

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    Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole

    Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cupcakes and Kale Chips.

    This casserole features ground beef mixed with a creamy tomato sauce, all cooked in one skillet. It's topped with plenty of cheddar cheese and a generous layer of crispy tater tots. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella

    Sundried tomato pasta with chicken and mozzarella.
    Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

    This pasta dish features chewy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy chicken, and plenty of baby spinach. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With its rich and hearty flavors, it's a wonderful option for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Ground Turkey Soup

    Ground Turkey Soup
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    This soup combines ground turkey with hearty potatoes and fresh vegetables, creating a dish that's both satisfying and light. It's a great option for a cozy dinner, offering a nice mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting without too much effort.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak is quick and easy to prepare, taking only 8-10 minutes to cook. The marinade adds great flavor and helps to make the meat tender, resulting in a juicy steak that's ready in no time. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This authentic Massaman Chicken Curry (Gaeng Massaman Gai) is made in one pot in just 45 minutes, using store-bought curry paste. With coconut milk, chicken, potatoes and peanuts it's super creamy, subtly sweet and not so spicy.

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    Air Fryer Kielbasa & Potatoes

    Kielbasa cooked in an air fryer.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    A quick and easy weeknight dinner can be made with kielbasa, potatoes, and peppers. This dish comes together in under 15 minutes and only requires four simple ingredients. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

    Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Dinner can be ready in just 30 minutes with this simple baked pesto mozzarella chicken. It's low in carbs, gluten-free, and uses easy-to-find ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: State of Dinner.

    This casserole brings all the great flavors of a Mexican chicken dinner together in one dish. It's cheesy and creamy, with layers that give you the deliciousness of enchiladas without the fuss of rolling tortillas. Perfect for a satisfying meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    One Pan Chicken and Noodles

    Chicken and Noodles on a round dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken noodles dish is perfect for a busy weeknight, ready in just 30 minutes and made all in one pot. It's a simple meal that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal cleanup and straightforward steps, it's a great option for those evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Peach Barbecue Glaze

    Chicken with sweet barbecue glaze served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Modern Honey.

    This simple main dish features chicken covered in a deliciously sweet peach barbecue sauce. With just five ingredients, it's a breeze to prepare. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is both satisfying and quick to make.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Easy Casseroles That Are Perfect for Busy Families

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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