To the relief of many parents, family-friendly dinners that cater to the pickiest eaters do exist. A combination of flavor-rich meals and expansive ingredients can turn a fuss into an enjoyable dining experience for the whole family. That being said, trying to figure out a meal plan for picky eaters can be an intimidating task. To make the task easier, here are 7 family-friendly dinners that have been tested and enjoyed by even the pickiest eaters.
Vegetable Stir Fry
Stir fry has a way of pleasing almost everyone.Creating a meal with several vegetables, some flour, eggs, oil and a flavor-packed sauce is a delicious and easy meal. It is great for the family that is looking for something quick and easy. Other ingredients like: beef, pork or chicken broth can be added depending on what the family prefers.
Substituting the beef, pork or chicken broth can be a better choice for the vegetarian household. To make the vegetable stir fry healthier, try replacing the oil with broth or adding nice, dark leafy greens like: spinach, kale or Swiss chard. Additional spices are another way to incorporate a zesty kick and add more flavor to the meal.
Ingredients For Vegetable Stir Fry:
-1 tablespoon of oil
-1 diced onion
-2 cloves of minced garlic
-1 cup of carrots
-1 cup of broccoli
-1 red bell pepper
-1 cup of mushrooms
-1/4 cup of soy sauce
-3 tablespoons of flour
-2 tablespoons of brown sugar
-2 eggs
Taco Skillet
Taco skillets are a huge hit in many households. Taco skillets are a lifesaver to those looking for a quick and easy dinner when time is not on their side. Taco skillets can be customized with whatever vegetables or meats you prefer or whatever your family likes. They also use minimal ingredients, making them an inexpensive meal as well.
Ingredients For Taco Skillet:
-1 pound of ground beef
-1 package of taco seasoning
-1 cup of diced onion
-2 cloves of minced garlic
-1 can of diced tomatoes
-1 can of black beans
-1 can of corn
-1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
-1 cup of cooked rice
-1/2 cup of salsa
Veggie Burger
Veggie burgers provide variety to any family’s weekly meal plan and can accommodate to the preferences of picky eaters. Veggie burgers are a great alternative to store-bought beef burgers, as they
are packed with tons of flavor, contain high amounts of minerals and vitamins and are entirely vegetarian friendly.
Ingredients For Veggie Burger:
-1 can of black beans
-1 small carrot
-1/4 cup onion
-1/4 cup bread crumbs
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-2 cloves of garlic
-1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
-1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
-1/4 teaspoon of cumin
-Salt and pepper to taste
-Lettuce, tomato, avocado and your favorite condiments
Alfredo Tortellini
Alfredo tortellini is one of the most popular comfort foods that have been around for quite some time and typically satisfies even the pickiest eaters. It’s truly an unbeatable combination of noodles, cheese, creamy sauce and bits of bacon. Adding broccoli, mushrooms or diced bell peppers can be a great way to incorporate some extra nutrients for a healthier dinner.
Ingredients For Alfredo Tortellini:
-1 package of cheese tortellini
-1 small onion
-3 cloves of garlic
-1/2 of diced bell pepper
-2 tablespoons of butter
-3 tablespoons of flour
-2 cups of milk
-1 tso of Worcestershire sauce
-1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
-Salt and pepper to taste
-1/2 cup of cooked bacon
Cheesy Baked Potatoes
Cheesy, baked potatoes are an enjoyable dinner for all ages. Potatoes are a vegetable that an entire family can enjoy and they provide essential vitamins and minerals. They are a great meal to assemble with the family and have some fun while cooking. To make cheesy baked potatoes, top with a combination of cheese, sour cream, chives and bacon.
Ingredients For Cheesy Baked Potatoes:
-6 potatoes
-3 tablespoons of olive oil
-1 teaspoon of garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
-Salt and pepper to taste
-6 tablespoons of butter
-3/4 cup of sour cream
-3/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
-1/4 cup of diced chives
-1/4 cup of diced cooked bacon
Easy Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is an iconic dinner that everyone can enjoy. Making it from scratch is an easier task that most think, plus it is a great way to save money since the ingredients can be bought in bulk. Cheese sauce can be made with any combination of cheese and spices, so this dinner can be tailored to the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients For Easy Mac and Cheese:
-1 pound of elbow macaroni
-3 tablespoons of butter
-3 tablespoons ofall-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon of salt
-2 cups of milk
-1/2 cup of grated white cheddar cheese
-1/2 cup of grated Muenster cheese
-1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
-1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
Chicken Parmesan
Enjoyed by picky eaters, chicken parmesan is a classic dinner that many parents turn to in hopes to make the whole family satisfied. For chicken parmesan, invest in thicker cutlets to keep them from drying out. Also, top with plenty of cheese and serve with grilled vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes.
Ingredients For Chicken Parmesan:
-4 chicken breast cutlets
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-2 eggs
-1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
-1/2 cup of bread crumbs
-1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
-1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
-3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
-Salt and pepper to taste
-3 tablespoons of tomato sauce
-1/4 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
There are plenty of family-friendly dinners that can be created for even the pickiest eaters. Many recipes provide the flexibility for different ingredients and spices depending on the family’s diet and preferences. Some of the most popular family-friendly dinners include vegetable stir fry, taco skillet, veggie burger, Alfredo tortellini, cheesy baked potatoes, easy mac and cheese and chicken parmesan. Some additional ingredients and spices can extend the deliciousness of some of these meals, bringing an appetizing ending to an enjoyable dinner.
