Dinner Ideas for Your Picky Eater: 10 Simple Options

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Finding easy recipes for picky eaters can be a real challenge. Parents often struggle to get their children to eat a balanced diet, but with the right strategies and recipes, you can ensure your kids are well-fed and happy. Here, we provide some easy dinner ideas for picky eaters that are both delicious and simple to prepare.

Why Are Some Kids Picky?

Picky eating is common among children and can be caused by various factors:

  • Developmental Stage: Children naturally develop food neophobia, or fear of new foods, as a survival mechanism. This usually peaks between the ages of 2 and 6. During this time, kids might reject foods they once enjoyed or refuse to try anything new.
  • Parental Influence: Children often mimic their parents’ eating habits. If parents are picky or demonstrate negative attitudes towards certain foods, children may adopt similar behaviors. Encouraging a positive eating environment can make a significant difference.
  • Sensory Sensitivity: Some kids are more sensitive to the texture, taste, or smell of certain foods, which can lead to aversion. For example, a child might dislike the mushy texture of cooked vegetables or the strong smell of certain cheeses.
  • Medical Issues: Gastrointestinal discomfort or allergies can also make children reluctant to eat certain foods. It’s important to rule out any medical reasons if your child is extremely picky.

Understanding why your child is a picky eater can help you approach mealtimes with more patience and strategies that work.

Recipes That Will Ensure Your Kids are Well-Fed

Here are some good meals for picky eaters that are easy to make and will ensure your kids are getting the nutrition they need. These recipes are designed to appeal to picky eaters with their simple flavors and familiar ingredients.

Tater Tot Casserole with Green Beans

This easy dinner for picky eaters combines crispy tater tots with savory ground beef and green beans. It’s a one-pan dish that’s both tasty and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • 1 can green beans, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

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  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
  3. Mix the beef with the cream of mushroom soup and green beans, then spread into a baking dish.
  4. Top with tater tots and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown.

Simple Meatball Recipe

Meatballs are a great, cheap meal for picky eaters that can be paired with pasta or served on their own. They are easy to make and can be customized with different sauces.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  3. Form into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy

This dish is an excellent easy dinner for picky eaters that requires minimal preparation and results in tender, flavorful chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 packet chicken gravy mix
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
  2. Mix the soup, gravy mix, and water together, then pour over the chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender.

Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

A classic comfort food, this mac and cheese is perfect for picky eaters and is made in a Dutch oven for a creamy, cheesy delight.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
  2. In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. Add milk and cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.
  4. Mix in the cooked macaroni and season with salt and pepper.

Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (“Chinese Noodles”)

This flavorful and fun dish is a hit among kids and makes a great easy dinner for picky eaters. It’s a simple way to introduce some Asian flavors to your child’s diet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced thin
  • 1 pack lo mein noodles
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions.
  2. In a large skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink.
  3. Add carrots, broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
  4. Stir in the cooked noodles and mix well.

The Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

This homemade spaghetti sauce is sure to be a favorite easy recipe for picky eaters and can be used in various pasta dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet.
  2. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Crisp and Juicy Dutch Oven Chicken

A simple yet delicious easy dinner for picky eaters that delivers a moist and flavorful chicken every time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place in a Dutch oven and roast for 1.5-2 hours, until juices run clear.

Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe

A fun and messy meal, perfect for picky eaters that enjoy a little bit of excitement with their food.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hamburger buns

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain fat.
  2. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Serve on hamburger buns.

Chicken Lo Mein Recipe (“Chinese Noodles”)

Another take on this favorite dish that’s sure to please. It’s a slightly different recipe to keep things interesting for your child.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced thin
  • 1 pack lo mein noodles
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions.
  2. In a large skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink.
  3. Add carrots, broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
  4. Stir in the cooked noodles and mix well.

Easy Meals for Picky Eaters to Keep Them Healthy and Happy

Feeding a picky eater doesn’t have to be a battle. Using easy recipes for picky eaters allows you to provide nutritious and delicious meals that your kids will love. Remember to be patient and persistent, and soon, you’ll find that mealtime is a pleasant experience for everyone.

These recipes are not only tasty but also simple and budget-friendly, making them ideal for busy parents looking for cheap meals for picky eaters. With these ideas, you’ll have a repertoire of good meals for picky eaters that will keep your kids happy and healthy.