The Kid-Approved Meal Plan

We get it, weekdays can be busy. Especially when you have a family to feed. And it can be tough catering different tastes and preferences. This collection is aimed to please everyone, but especially the critics you want to win over the most - your kids!

Meatballs are classics for a reason. They’re versatile, easy to make, and delicious. Kids can even help in the kitchen by rolling their own, which is messy for sure, but worth it to see them engaging with their food. Serve them on top of a heap spaghetti, in a bowl of polenta, or topped with tomato sauce alongside a simple salad.

Quick to cook and easy to assemble, quesadillas lend themselves to all kinds of fillings and can be adapted to different tastes, meaning your kids can have them as they prefer and so can you! This recipe is inspired by Mexican street corn and uses protein-packed chicken thighs. If your kids don’t like things too spicy, go easy on the Ancho chile, but save a bit for yourself.

There are few foods as satisfying as a crispy fish stick, and that’s true for adults as much as kids. This recipe uses cod and includes directions for making your own tartar sauce. To make things healthier, these fish sticks are baked, not fried, but don’t lose out on any of the crunch or flavor.

This is one for the grill, where pork chops and pineapple can both shine. Thick-cut pork chops work best here and can be flavored with your favorite spice rub. Each one is topped with a char-grilled round of pineapple that adds a playful splash of color and sweetness. Keep the salsa on the side if your kids don’t like things a little spicy.

Grilled cheese might not be the healthiest option on the meal plan, but the tomato soup here plays that role well enough. Besides, it’s Friday! This recipe takes a classic mix of cheddar and swiss, adds a layer of ham, and finishes things off with just a bit of cayenne pepper. Encourage your kids to dip theirs right in the soup!