I am not a mom, but this was a requested post from my friend who actually has 2 children.
I understand that we have fallen on hard times, and it’s not always easy to cook meals for kids (especially if they’re fussy eaters) so I’m including some simple recipes that you can make without having to spend a ton on them.
I’m trying to include ingredients that you already have in the house like bread, frozen peas etc. So I hope you find this helpful.
Also, check out my post on 12 Quick and Easy Recipes for Fussy Eaters
1. One-Pot Cheesy Rice and Beans
This is a good recipe to make if you want your kid to have some protein. The cheese is helpful because most kids will scarf down anything if it’s covered in cheese. It’s easy to make as well.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
Cook the rice according to package instructions. In a large skillet, combine the cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and cover until melted.
Tips
- Add frozen corn for extra texture and sweetness.
- Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for more flavor. I love adding coriander leaves or cilantro to my dishes.
- Use brown rice for a healthier twist.
2. Garlic Butter Pasta with Peas
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add peas and let cook for 2 minutes. Toss in the drained pasta, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Use any pasta shape you have on hand.
- Stir in cooked chicken or canned tuna for extra protein.
- A splash of lemon juice adds a fresh touch.
3. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 6 slider buns
- ½ cup coleslaw mix
Instructions:
Boil the chicken breasts for 15 minutes, then shred them with two forks. Toss with BBQ sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes. Serve on slider buns with coleslaw.
Tips:
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to make this even faster.
- Add pickles for extra crunch.
- Swap the buns for tortillas and make BBQ chicken wraps.
4. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Poke holes in potatoes and bake for 45 minutes or until soft. Slice open, fluff the insides, and top with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Tips:
- Microwave the potatoes for 8 minutes to speed things up.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Add leftover taco meat or chili for a heartier meal.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
My mum would make this all the time, you can also throw in some chicken sausages (sliced) if your family wants some meat in their meals. I understand having kids who hate veggies can be tricky to cook for.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
Heat sesame oil in a skillet and sauté frozen vegetables until tender. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Cook for another 3 minutes.
Tips:
- Add scrambled eggs for extra protein.
- Use whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.
- Serve with tofu, chicken, or shrimp if you want to add protein.
6. Chili Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 can chili beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in chili beans, diced tomatoes, and chili powder. Mix well, then top with cheese and cover until melted.
Tips:
- Swap elbow macaroni for any pasta shape you have.
- Add ground beef or turkey for a meatier version.
- Stir in a little sour cream for extra creaminess.
7. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Try my oven roast sausage potato recipe here if your family loves sausage recipes. Or my quick 1-pot smoked sausage rice recipe here.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 package smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups chopped potatoes
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the sausage, potatoes, and bell peppers with olive oil and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes.
Tips:
- Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
- Use any vegetables you have on hand.
- Serve with rice for a fuller meal.
8. Egg and Cheese Quesadillas
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
Scramble the eggs in a skillet, then set aside. Melt butter and place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle cheese and scrambled eggs on half the tortilla, then fold it over and cook until crispy. Flip and cook the other side.
Tips:
- Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier version.
- Serve with salsa or sour cream.
9. Tuna Pasta Salad
My mom made me fall in love with tuna. She used to buy a lot of canned food. And when I was craving a snack (I was very hungry as a child), she’d make me a tuna sandwich. But if your kid is very hungry, I suggest making this tuna pasta salad.
It’s yummy!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 can tuna, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, tuna, mayonnaise, peas, and salt. Stir well and serve chilled.
Tips
- Add chopped celery for extra crunch.
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt.
- Use canned chicken instead of tuna.
10. Homemade Ramen with Egg
It’s super simple but it hits the spot. And you can definitely do this once a week .
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 packs of instant ramen
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
Cook ramen according to package instructions. In the last minute, crack eggs into the pot and let them poach. Or just add boiled eggs to them later if your kids don’t like poached eggs. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil before serving. My partner likes his egg fried.
Tips:
- Add spinach or bok choy for extra veggies.
- Top with green onions for freshness.
- Use low-sodium ramen for a healthier version.
These meals prove that budget-friendly can still be delicious!
I genuinely hope you loved this article. And if you have any more ideas, please list them in the comments below.
