Easy Dinner Recipes for Picky Eaters | Delicious and Simple Ideas

Introduction

Finding easy dinner recipes for picky eaters can be a challenge. It can be frustrating to come up with meal ideas that everyone will enjoy, especially if you have diverse tastes and dietary restrictions to consider. In this article, we will provide you with a variety of delicious and simple recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. From kid-friendly favorites to flavorful dishes that adults will love, we have something for everyone. So let's dive in and discover some fantastic options for easy dinner recipes!

H2: Slow Cooker Recipes

H3: Set It and Forget It

Cooking dinner after a long day can be a daunting task. That's why slow cooker recipes are a lifesaver for busy families. Simply load up your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you'll have a delicious meal waiting for you. Here are a few easy slow cooker recipes that picky eaters will love.

• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
• Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

H3: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

One of the easiest and most satisfying slow cooker recipes is pulled pork sandwiches. They require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. To make this dish, you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper and place it in the slow cooker.
2. Top the pork with the sliced onion.
3. In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the pork.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the pork is tender and falling apart.
5. Using two forks, shred the pork in the slow cooker.
6. Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.

H3: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos are a crowd-pleaser, and this slow cooker version makes them even easier to prepare. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• Flour tortillas
• Taco toppings of your choice (e.g., shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.
3. Pour the salsa over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
5. Shred the chicken using two forks.
6. Serve the shredded chicken in warm flour tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.

H3: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that kids and adults alike enjoy. With a slow cooker, you can make a creamy and delicious mac and cheese with little effort. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions and drain.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until well combined.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
5. Serve the mac and cheese as a main dish or as a side.

H2: One-Pot Recipes

H3: Easy Cleanup

One-pot recipes are a busy cook's dream come true. With minimal dishes to wash and all the ingredients cooking together, these recipes are a great option for busy weeknights. Here are a few tasty one-pot recipes that picky eaters will enjoy.

• One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
• One-Pot Chicken and Rice
• One-Pot Vegetable Stir Fry

H3: One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that many people love. This one-pot recipe makes it even easier to prepare without sacrificing flavor. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and broken spaghetti.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the spaghetti is cooked to your liking, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve the spaghetti Bolognese with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

H3: One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is a comforting and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare in just one pot. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. In the same pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
5. Stir in the white rice and chicken broth.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through.
8. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

H3: One-Pot Vegetable Stir Fry

A vegetable stir fry is a versatile and healthy dinner option that is perfect for picky eaters. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
3. Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snap peas to the skillet and stir fry for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve the vegetable stir fry over cooked rice.

H2: Sheet Pan Recipes

H3: Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

Sheet pan recipes are perfect for picky eaters because they allow you to combine different ingredients and flavors on one pan. Plus, they require minimal effort and cleanup. Here are a few delicious sheet pan recipes to try:

• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
• Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
• Sheet Pan Nachos

H3: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a tasty and customizable option that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Flour tortillas
• Fajita toppings of your choice (e.g., shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts, onion, and bell peppers with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a sheet pan.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve the chicken fajitas in warm flour tortillas with your favorite fajita toppings.

H3: Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Salmon is a healthy and delicious choice for dinner, and this sheet pan recipe makes it even easier to prepare. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets and asparagus on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss everything together until the salmon and asparagus are evenly coated.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your liking and the asparagus is tender.
6. Serve the salmon and asparagus with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

H3: Sheet Pan Nachos

Nachos are a fun and easy dinner option that everyone loves. With this sheet pan recipe, you can throw together a delicious nacho spread in no time. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• Tortilla chips
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, sour cream, guacamole)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on a sheet pan.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Spread the seasoned ground meat evenly over the tortilla chips.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
7. Add your desired toppings to the sheet pan.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve the sheet pan nachos immediately.

H2: Conclusion

With these easy dinner recipes for picky eaters, you no longer have to stress about mealtime. Whether you prefer slow cooker recipes, one-pot meals, or sheet pan dinners, there is something here for everyone. Remember to always customize the recipes to suit your family's preferences and dietary needs. So go ahead and give these recipes a try, and enjoy simple and delicious dinners with your picky eaters!