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Any parent knows that cooking for kids isn't exactly easy. You’re constantly dealing with picky eaters, differing opinions, and hungry teenagers who never seem to get full. So, having a few kid-friendly recipes in your arsenal isn't just a helpful parenting tip, it's practically a necessity. Luckily, you've got The Pioneer Woman by your side! Ree Drummond has had a lot of mouths to feed over the years—she has five kids and a crew of cowboys.
But even though her little ones are not quite little anymore (they've all officially left the nest), she's had plenty of experience making breakfast, lunch, and dinner for kids of all ages. It's no wonder she says, "We keep it really family-friendly around here!" That means classic dishes like chicken spaghetti, pepperoni pizza rolls, and mac and cheese. But she also has ways to have fun with your food by whipping up pretzel-crusted chicken and rainbow fruit skewers.
Of course, this list also includes plenty of quick dinner ideas for back-to-school season. That means you'll find slow cooker recipes, easy ground beef dinners, and tons of 30-minute meals. Looking to get your kids to eat healthier? This list even features a few sneaky ways to get veggies on the table. But don't worry, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. Just try Ree's French bread pizzas, the chicken empanadas, or the broccoli cheddar soup, and you'll agree. Once you've figured out dinner, check out some after-school snacks and bake sale treats that will encourage your kids to help out in the kitchen, too!
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
This creamy, comforting dish features tender chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a rich parmesan sauce—all made hands-off in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy nights, it's easy to prepare and irresistibly kid-friendly.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe.
Air-Fryer Taquitos
Looking for a crispy meal that the kiddos will love? This game-changing recipe gives you perfectly crunchy beef taquitos that are packed with bold flavors without the hassle of deep frying. Serve with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Get the Air-Fryer Taquitos recipe.
Chili Dogs
Here's the ultimate comfort food for little ones. These loaded hot dogs feature a bold and slightly spicy homemade bean-free chili with a hearty topping of cheddar cheese and diced onions. They're both customizable and easy to prepare.
Get Ree's Chili Dogs recipe.
Pizza Bagels
Ready in just 15 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners. The customizable bagels start with a base of asiago or any savory bagel, topped with marinara, melty mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni. For an elevated twist, try prosciutto with fig preserves and balsamic glaze.
Get the Pizza Bagels recipe.
Cheeseburger Bowls
Switch up burger night with this delightful recipe that replaces buns with a base of crispy seasoned fries, topped with juicy cheeseburger patties, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and all your favorite toppings. They're just right for family dinners!
Get Ree's Cheeseburger Bowls recipe.
Homemade Dunkaroos
A classic lunchbox treat reimagined for at-home family fun, these bite-sized shortbread cookies are crafted with honey, cinnamon, and whole wheat flour for a graham-cracker-inspired taste. Pair them with fluffy marshmallow frosting infused with rainbow sprinkles for a deliciously fun dipping experience.
Get the Homemade Dunkaroos recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Dinners will be easy and delicious thanks to tender chicken breast slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, ensuring juicy results every time. With options to serve as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, or even nacho toppings, it's a versatile option for any kid to enjoy.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe.
Pretzel Dogs
Wrapped in chewy homemade pretzel dough sprinkled with sesame seeds, these franks are perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat. Customize with toppings like mustard, relish, or chili.
Get the Pretzel Dogs recipe.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Transform zucchini into a pizza-inspired snack with these tender, golden slices that get topped with marinara, mozzarella, parmesan, and mini pepperoni, then broiled to cheesy perfection. You can even add more toppings like sausage, onions, or basil.
Get the Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
A summer favorite the whole family will enjoy, this flavorful pasta is packed with bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of spicy red pepper flakes. It's all topped with fresh basil, creamy ricotta, and parmesan.
Get the Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Make hot dogs all year-round with this simple method for cooking them in an air fryer. The outside gets nice and crisp whether you use standard ballpark franks or even turkey dogs. Let your kids add their own toppings.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Your whole family will be in paradise with this twist on a classic cheeseburger. It's just like a gooey mac and cheese but with the hearty addition of ground beef.
Get the Cheeseburger Casserole recipe.
Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread
You can feel good about serving up this chocolatey treat to your kids. That's because there's a healthy dose of zucchini hidden inside. The veggie helps keep the bread nice and moist, but your family won't suspect a thing.
Peanut Noodles
If your kids love peanut butter, then give this easy weeknight dinner a try. The simple noodles can be served hot or cold and they can even be topped with shredded rotisserie chicken for something heartier.
Get the Peanut Noodles recipe.
Watermelon Smoothie
Sweet, colorful, and perfectly refreshing—this smoothie is a hit with both kids and adults. It's also a healthy way to incorporate fruit and protein-packed Greek yogurt into your day.
Get the Watermelon Smoothie recipe.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Skip the freezer aisle variety and try making your own mozzarella sticks at home instead. They're made with string cheese sticks so they couldn't be easier.
Get the Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
If there's one thing that'll put a smile on anyone's face, it's a rainbow! Serve up these cute fruit skewers with a sweet yogurt dip and a surprise donut hole on the end.
Get the Rainbow Fruit Skewers recipe.
Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken is the ultimate finger food. The crunchy bites are incredibly versatile. You can serve them up with ranch dressing for dipping or toss them in buffalo sauce and butter for a fun game day snack.
Get the Popcorn Chicken recipe.
Shirley Temple
Ree Drummond used to drink this mocktail as a kid, and it's still just as popular with little ones today! The sweet and bubbly drink will make any meal feel special.
Get the Shirley Temple recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Making chicken tenders in your air fryer gets them extra-crispy. Plus, it's a slightly healthier twist on a kid-friendly classic. Serve them up with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch for dipping.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.
Cauliflower Soup
Easy Foil Packet Recipes for a Grill or Campfire
The Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Sandwich
Dinner Ideas to Get You Through Back-to-School
