10 Easy One-Pan Dinners That Kids Will Love!

10 Easy One-Pan Dinners That Kids Will Love!

Getting kids to eat dinner can often feel like a monumental task. To make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for the whole family, one-pan dinners can be a game-changer—fewer dishes to wash and less fuss in the kitchen! Here’s a selection of 10 easy, delicious, and kid-friendly one-pan meals that will have your little ones asking for seconds.

1. Cheesy Chicken and Rice

This comforting meal combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese in a single skillet.

Ingredients:

    • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
    • 1 cup uncooked rice
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup frozen peas
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

    1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the cubed chicken.
    1. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
    1. Add the rice and chicken broth, bringing it to a boil.
    1. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
    1. Stir in frozen peas and cheese until melted. Serve warm.

2. One-Pan Taco Pasta

This recipe combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience of pasta, making it a winner for kids!

Ingredients:

    • 8 ounces penne pasta
    • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
    • 1 packet taco seasoning
    • 1 can diced tomatoes
    • 2 cups beef broth
    • 1 cup shredded cheese
    • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

    1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
    1. Add taco seasoning and toss well.
    1. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
    1. Cover and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 12 minutes.
    1. Sprinkle cheese on top and garnish with cilantro before serving.

3. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

These flavorful chicken fajitas are easy to prepare and perfect for wrapping in tortillas!

Ingredients:

    • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 onion, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Tortillas for serving

Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    1. On a sheet pan, mix chicken, peppers, onion, olive oil, and spices.
    1. Spread out evenly and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
    1. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings, like sour cream and avocado.

4. One-Pan BBQ Meatballs and Veggies

These meatballs are juicy and flavorful, paired with delicious roasted veggies for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

    • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
    1. Form into meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
    1. Add mixed veggies and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
    1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and veggies are tender.

5. One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This creamy pasta dish is sure to delight, with fresh flavors and a delightful sauce!

Ingredients:

    • 8 ounces spaghetti
    • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • Fresh basil for garnish
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

    1. In a large pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
    1. Add crushed tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil.
    1. Stir in spaghetti and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
    1. For the final touch, stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
    1. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

6. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

This vibrant dish is packed with protein and greens, perfect for a quick dinner!

Ingredients:

    • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

    1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    1. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
    1. Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
    1. Add shrimp, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink, about 3-5 minutes.
    1. Serve warm, drizzling with additional lemon juice if desired.

7. One-Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes

With delicious Mediterranean flavors, this dish is both hearty and wholesome!

Ingredients:

    • 1 pound chicken thighs
    • 4-5 small potatoes, cut into wedges
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon oregano
    • 1 lemon, sliced
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    1. In a baking dish, toss chicken and potatoes with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    1. Add lemon slices on top and roast for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
    1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

8. One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Bake

This dish is a combination of savory sausage and colorful vegetables, making it a feast for the eyes and palate!

Ingredients:

    • 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
    • 1 zucchini, sliced
    • 1 bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 onion, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    1. Place sliced sausage and veggies on a baking sheet.
    1. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
    1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until sausage is cooked and veggies are tender.
    1. Serve warm, enjoying the delightful flavors!

9. One-Pan Veggie Fried Rice

A quick and easy meal that kids can customize with their favorite veggies and proteins!

Ingredients:

    • 2 cups cooked rice
    • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
    • 2 eggs, beaten
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • Green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

    1. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
    1. Add mixed vegetables and sauté until soft.
    1. Push veggies to one side, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble.
    1. Add cooked rice and soy sauce; mix everything together and cook for a few minutes.
    1. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions.

10. One-Pan Easiest Salmon and Broccoli

This nutritious dish is super easy to prepare and packed with omega-3s!

Ingredients:

    • 4 salmon fillets
    • 2 cups broccoli florets
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 lemon, sliced
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    1. On a baking sheet, place salmon fillets and surrounding broccoli.
    1. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and add lemon slices on top.
    1. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until salmon is cooked through and broccoli is tender.
    1. Serve warm and enjoy a healthy dinner!

Conclusion

Preparing meals for kids can often be challenging, but with these easy one-pan dinners, mealtime can be both enjoyable and hassle-free. Each recipe incorporates flavors that appeal to young taste buds while ensuring a balanced meal for the family. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze with only one pan to wash! Try out these recipes and watch your kids fall in love with dinner time again!

FAQs

1. Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap proteins, veggies, or spices to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.

2. Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Most of these recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Allow leftovers to cool, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

4. Can these dishes be frozen?

Yes! Most of these one-pan recipes freeze well. Just make sure to store them in freezer-safe containers.

5. How can I make these meals even healthier?

You can opt for whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and lean proteins, along with plenty of fresh vegetables to boost the nutritional value of each meal.

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