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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Kid-Approved Recipes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep

    Published: May 26, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding meals that kids will actually eat can be a challenge, especially when trying to prepare ahead of time. These 19 kid-approved recipes are not only easy to make but also perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious options ready for busy days. From grilled chicken to hearty pastas, these dishes will keep everyone happy and satisfied.

    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is quick to whip up using simple and healthy ingredients. Perfect for grilling, pan frying, or baking, it keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor with olive oil, lemon, and basil.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a delicious twist on carbonara that packs in even more flavor than the traditional version. It's a great option for easy meal prep, making dinner simple and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with hearty vegetables is always a comforting meal. This easy Crockpot Chuck Roast recipe only takes 5 minutes to prepare, and the slow cooking makes the meat tender and delicious.

    Get the Recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is simple to prepare using rotisserie chicken and is full of fresh lemon and rosemary flavors. It's a great option for a cozy dinner that doesn't require much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This dish combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the heartiness of broccoli and chicken alfredo. It's a simple and satisfying meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Chili Mac

    Macaroni and cheese in a chili sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish combines the warmth of macaroni and cheese with the heartiness of classic chili, resulting in a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something comforting and easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

    Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Peanut Chicken is a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner. With just 5 minutes of prep and a flavorful Thai-inspired peanut sauce, this dish is full of protein and easy to prepare.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken features a sweet and tangy sauce with onion and green bell pepper. This dish is perfect served over brown rice and paired with steamed green vegetables.

    Get the Recipe

    Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

    Teroyaki chicken and broccoli.
    Photo credit: Fit As A Mama Bear.

    This chicken teriyaki broccoli skillet features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a simple, gluten-free teriyaki sauce. It's a great dinner option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This slow cooker chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole is a simple and satisfying meal. It's a fun take on the classic tater tot casserole that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for easy weeknight meals. With just a little chopping to begin, everything cooks together with chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This turkey burger is unlike any other you'll find. It's a simple and tasty option that's perfect for easy meal prep.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

    Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Salisbury steak cooked in the crock pot turns out really tender and is covered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and is bound to be a hit with the family.

    Get the Recipe

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    Lamb meatballs.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Lamb meatballs are easy to make and full of fresh lemon and cilantro flavor. They pair well with mashed potatoes or can be served as appetizers at gatherings, and they've been a hit in my home for years.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a rich and hearty meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

    Chicken and mushroom stroganoff with sour cream in a sour cream sauce.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a creamy, savory, luxurious dinner inspired by delicious Eastern European cuisine, and all ready to eat in just half an hour! You simply can't beat this easy stroganoff recipe when you're looking for a satisfying, comforting meal that doesn't involve slaving in the kitchen all afternoon.

    Get the recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant moussaka.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a simple dinner packed with vegetables, ground beef or lamb, and plenty of cheese on top. This version skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead, creating a healthy and tasty Mediterranean meal.

    Get the recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are easy to make and can be done in less than an hour. You can prepare them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, and they'll turn out juicy and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. It's loaded with veggies and flavor, and you can enjoy it hot or cold, whether you use homemade or store-bought pesto.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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