What to Feed a Picky Toddler for Lunch

75 Dinners to Make for Your Picky Eater

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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2 / 75

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

3 / 75

Air-Fryer Nacho Hot Dogs

Adults and kids alike will love these Southwest-inspired air-fryer hot dogs. This meal is not only budget-friendly, but it's hot, cheesy and delicious, too. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

4 / 75

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

5 / 75

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

6 / 75

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

7 / 75

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

8 / 75

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

9 / 75

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

10 / 75

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.

11 / 75

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

12 / 75

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

13 / 75

Cheeseburger Cups

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 absolutely crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio

14 / 75

Tasty Burritos

My cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I've watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They're even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee

15 / 75

Makeover Li'l Cheddar Meat Loaves

My husband loves my mini meat loaves, but this family-favorite recipe wasn't very healthy when I first received it. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen experts slashed the calories and fat while keeping the original's tender and delicious qualities. —Jodie Mitchell, Denver, Pennsylvania

16 / 75

Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese

This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina

17 / 75

Walking Tacos

These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington

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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

19 / 75

Pizza Meat Loaf Cups

Fix and freeze these moist little meat loaves packed with pizza flavor. They're great to reheat for an after-school snack or quick dinner on soccer night. My family likes to drizzle extra pizza sauce on top. —Susan Wollin, Marshall, Wisconsin

20 / 75

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

21 / 75

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

22 / 75

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

23 / 75

Tater Tot-chos

Playing with food is loads of fun when you have Tater Tots and taco toppings. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota

24 / 75

Air-Fryer Pigs in a Poncho

For pigs in a blanket Mexican style, we add refried beans and green chiles. Spice it up even more with pepper jack, jalapenos and guacamole. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa

25 / 75

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

26 / 75

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

27 / 75

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

29 / 75

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

30 / 75

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

31 / 75

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

32 / 75

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

33 / 75

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

34 / 75

Ham and Cheese Pockets

These unique sandwich pockets are filled with ingredients both kids and adults enjoy. —Callie Myers, Rockport, Texas

35 / 75

Skillet Mac & Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it's almost too easy! Kids always go for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an adult who didn't love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

36 / 75

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

37 / 75

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

38 / 75

Frito Pie

Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here's my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico

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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

40 / 75

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

41 / 75

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

42 / 75

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

43 / 75

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

44 / 75

Homemade Fish Sticks

I am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these fish sticks are great with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

45 / 75

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

46 / 75

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

48 / 75

Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

I fix this saucy skillet dish often, especially when I'm running late, because it's easy and it takes so little time to prepare. The recipe won first prize in our local paper some years back. —Emma Magielda, Amsterdam, New York

49 / 75

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

50 / 75

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

51 / 75

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

52 / 75

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

53 / 75

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

54 / 75

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

55 / 75

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

57 / 75

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

58 / 75

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

59 / 75

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

60 / 75

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

61 / 75

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

63 / 75

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

64 / 75

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

65 / 75

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

66 / 75

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

67 / 75

Waffle-Iron Pizzas

These little pizza pockets are a fun mashup using a waffle iron. Try adding your favorite toppings or even a few breakfast fillings, such as ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

68 / 75

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

69 / 75

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

70 / 75

Fair-Favorite Corn Dogs

Bring the county fair home to your kitchen with these summer-ready corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter in a tall Mason jar and dunk the dogs to create an even coating all around. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

71 / 75

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

72 / 75

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

73 / 75

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

74 / 75

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

75 / 75

Chicken Taco Pockets

We love these taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick, easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

Originally Published: September 18, 2019

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/kid-friendly-meals-for-picky-eaters/