20 Yummy Toddler Dinner Ideas

Dinner Ideas for Toddlers They’ll Love!

Providing nourishment for your toddler may seem daunting, but we’ve got 20 toddler dinner ideas that will take the stress out of dinner time!

No matter what your evenings are like, nobody has time to make more than one meal!  Introducing your toddler to the foods and flavors that you eat is a huge step to achieve that goal!  

Planning dinners for your whole family can be a bit daunting…toddlers can love a food one day and hate it the next, and the food waste can drive a parent crazy!

It is important to let your toddler explore and experience their food.  Do not force them into eating.  It’s a parent’s job to provide healthy and balanced meals but let your toddler lead in what and how much they eat of any given food.

That said, deciding what to make for dinner is always a challenge, and adding in an opinionated little person just might challenge an already overloaded parent.  

That’s exactly why we’ve gathered up 20 toddler approved dinner ideas that will be sure to be hits in your household, all while meeting those nutritional benchmarks that will make you smile!

We know that you are a busy parent, so we’ve kept it quick and simple for you to throw together a balanced beautiful meal with mega toddler appeal!

Family Favorites:

Taco Tuesdays:  

Toddlers love to get a say in what they eat, so tacos are a perfect fit!   Bonus: You can have this meal on the table in less than 30 minutes! 

Prep some taco meat (beef, chicken, or pork), beans (black, pinto, or refried), shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and chips. Serve on soft or hard shells, chips or rice!  To challenge their taste buds, consider chopped onions, olives, corn, and diced sweet peppers!   

Spaghetti

All shapes and styles of pasta are always a hit with toddlers!  Mix the pasta with a red sauce, or serve plain and let your toddler decide if they want red sauce, butter noodles, or some parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.  Serve with some steamed broccoli, some meatballs (frozen meatballs are super easy, and toddlers love to eat them with toothpicks).

Pizza

Lots of families make a tradition of pizza on Friday nights.  Find your favorite frozen, take out, or try out a Sheet-Pan Pizza recipe by The Baker Mama and serve with cut up veggies and hummus for a toddler favorite.  Many toddlers like their pizza cut into bite sized pieces so they can practice their fork skills!

Hamburgers

Hamburgers are often a hit with kids everywhere, and they’re really simple to make.  Take ground beef (or turkey) form into patties, season, and cook in a pan over medium-high heat with a little olive oil for 5 minutes on each side.  Serve on a bun with all the fixings, a side of baked beans, corn, cucumber slices, and red peppers!

Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are always a hit for toddlers!  Frozen chicken nuggets will do in a pinch, but consider trying your hand at homemade.  They’ll be healthier, and they’re really pretty simple!  Check out this recipe for Chicken Nuggets by Kid Spot!  Serve with some cut veggies and some roasted potatoes… and don’t forget the dunkers… BBQ sauce, honey, ranch, or ketchup!

Pork Chops

Pork chops are quick and easy, and deliver big results.  Try this recipe for Simple Skillet Pork Chops by Barefeet in the Kitchen. Serve with a side of rice pilaf and green beans.  Pork naturally tastes great with apples, so consider adding a side of applesauce or sauteed apples, too!

Sheet Pan Meals:

It’s easy to see why sheet pan meals are a go-to for busy families.  They come together in minutes, are simple, delicious, and nutritious.  Serve with a side salad or veggie sticks for some fresh veggies!

Salmon

Fish is very healthy and should be a regular part of your diet, but most people don’t get enough.  This Salmon Sheet Pan Meal by Number 2 Pencil is a must try.  This meal comes together in 30 minutes!

Chicken

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner by Lemons and Zest is certain to be a hit with your crew!  The moist chicken breast takes a little under an hour to cook up, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the meal can come together and how simple clean-up is! 

Teriyaki Chicken

This Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables recipe by The Recipe Critic is a delicious way to introduce a little Asian flair to your dinner repertoire.  Serve with a side of steamed rice.

Fajitas

Fajitas are super simple to make and boast a variety of flavors for your toddler to try.  They’re beautiful, colorful, delicious, and nutritious.  This Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Recipe by I Heart Naptime is a perfect, quick and easy recipe to get started!

Meatloaf

Once you’ve got the hang of sheet pan meals, try the Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf by The Toasty Kitchen.  This delicious classic meal is easy, healthy, and oh so tasty.  Toddler Tip: Serve with a ketchup cup for dipping!

Soups

Toddlers love soups, chunks or runny, it doesn’t matter!  Serve them with dippers, cups, straws, or bendy spoons (we love these Silicone Spoons for extra grip and sensory experience)!

Chicken Soup

This simple staple is a favorite amongst toddlers.  Check out this simple instant pot Homemade Chicken Soup recipe by Kristine’s Kitchen.  Serve with crusty bread for dipping or some crackers!

Chili

Chili is a simple dump recipe that can sit in the crock all day and just gets better tasting!  Toddlers love the variety of flavors!  Check out this Kid Friendly Chili recipe by Simply Full of Delight.  Toddlers love mixing sour cream and shredded cheese into their chili.  Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips!

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

Toddlers love dipping things, and the classic grilled cheese with tomato soup is no exception.  Grill up some sandwiches, cut in wedges, halves, or strips, and serve with a cup of tomato soup.  Celery and carrots both dip well in tomato soup as well!

Keeping it Simple

Providing a great meal for your family doesn’t have to be complicated!  Here are some meal ideas that are super simple, quick, healthy, and delicious!

Rotisserie Chicken

Cube up rotisserie chicken, serve with mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Beef Pasta

Cook up any type of pasta, serve with ground beef, cut up tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.  Add in some sauteed zucchini, onions, or other veggies for added color and flavor!

Charcuterie

Served sliced meats, cheeses, veggies, crackers, fruits, etc… use toothpicks for an added layer of fun!

Drumsticks

Bake chicken drumsticks, serve with roasted zucchini cubes, sliced tomatoes, and baked potato.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This Pulled Pork Sandwich with Apple Slaw recipe by Baby Foodie is an absolutely delicious kid friendly dinner!  Serve deconstructed for those who don’t want their foods touching!

Chicken Pasta Salad

Toddlers are sure to love this bow tie Chicken Pasta Salad by Cooking Classy!  Grapes, chicken, and bow tie noodles… oh my! 

Conclusion

We’re here to help, so for more inspiration, check out our 20+ Toddler Lunch Ideas for Daycare! And if you’re challenged by picky eaters, check out our guide “Veggies: How to get a Special Needs Child to Eat Them!”