20 kid-friendly dinner ideas that everyone will love

PRETZEL-CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERS

Trade your regular breadcrumb coating for a crunchy, salty alternative.

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RAINBOW VEGGIE PIZZAS

Challenge your children to eat every colour of the rainbow by offering vegetables for every arc (except maybe blue!).

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NOT-SO-SLOPPY JOES

This tidy version of a sloppy joe is perfect for small hands. Serve the extra sauce on the side for dipping. Kids with bigger appetites will want to eat two!

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Ultimate Macaroni & Cheese

If comfort food is what you're after, nothing beats a generous helping of creamy, oozy mac and cheese. This recipe is the yummiest version – and the only one you'll ever need.

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One-Pan Crispy Chicken With Roasted Veggies

Fresh herbs, lemon and a hint of cayenne transform simple cauliflower and inexpensive drumsticks into an elegant meal. Keep a close eye on the chicken once you set the broiler; it can quickly go from perfectly golden to burned if you aren't careful.

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Classic Toasted Western Sandwiches

This diner classic is ideal for those nights when you don't know what to eat and don't really feel like cooking. It cooks in minutes and is incredibly versatile—the sky's the limit when it comes to the fillings you can add.

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Honey & Lime Chicken

This sweet and savoury recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner idea.

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The Ultimate Lasagna

Layer after scrumptious layer of rich meat sauce, tender pasta and creamy cheese make this lasagna the best you'll ever have. The family-friendly classic is just as good when you make it ahead, so it's a Monday night lifesaver.

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Skillet Chicken & Rice Recipe

This chicken and rice recipe is flavourful and will fill your home with comforting aromas.

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CHICKEN, BROCCOLI AND BOCCONCINI PASTA SALAD

Make this pasta salad for the whole family—the kids will love the mild dressing and round bocconcini cheese, while the adults will appreciate it as a light alternative to a sandwich. Serve with sweet red and yellow pepper strips and some fruit.

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Classic Scalloped Potatoes

With a nice hint of garlic, these potatoes are a delicious addition to any meal and are much lighter than those with a cream-laden gratin. To slice them easily, cut a little piece off the bottom of each potato to stabilize it on the cutting board. Serve with your favourite baked fish or chicken.

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Tomato & Basil Spaghetti Frittata

Frittatas aren't only for breakfast.

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Bacon, Broccoli & Four Cheese Macaroni Bake

This macaroni bake will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

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Simple Broccoli & Sausage Pasta

This recipe is a great way to incorporate veggies into your child's meal.

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Lazy Veggie Skillet Lasagna

Think it's impossible to make lasagna on a weeknight? This dynamic mix of veggies and pasta still delivers comforting flavour but comes together quickly because there's no fussy layering.

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Lightened-Up Chicken Parmigiana With Garlicky Veggies

Ask your butcher to cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally, or simply do it yourself: With the knife blade parallel to the cutting board and your opposite hand on top of chicken, slice horizontally completely through the breast, keeping your knife parallel to the board to ensure an even cut.

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Zucchini & Chicken Alfredo

This pasta dinner is a fast treat for cool or rainy summer nights.  The rich, creamy sauce is lightened up with loads of lemon, thyme and zucchini.

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Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Comfort food at its best, this vegetarian take on classic shepherd's pie has a sweet potato topping and flavourful lentil filling that is sure to satisfy even the most devout meat eater.

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Spaghetti & Bacon Meatballs

You can’t go wrong with a dinner classic like spaghetti and meatballs, especially if the recipe calls for bacon. See our tip below to ensure you form the most tender and juiciest meatballs. 

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Veggie-Stuffed Squash Bowls

Savour sweet roasted butternut squash in a veggie-packed "bowl." Use the leftover squash to make a comforting pie and squash waffles.

Get the recipe here.