FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
Now that we're all at home, coming up with ideas for dinner that are quick, easy, and cater to everyone can be stressful. Sometimes it’s just not realistic to come up with a new complex recipe for every meal, so here at Kidadl we have come up with a range of quick and easy family meals that only require three (yes, THREE) ingredients! They can all be dressed up or down and adapted to fit your family’s needs. These dinner ideas are designed to be low-stress, low-cost and time-efficient, so you have time to relax post-dinner. For more fun recipe ideas and activities, visit our Food and Cookery page!
This dish is the perfect comfort food and can be stretched to accompany several meals. Why not double up measurements and freeze some for future dinners? Serves 4.
You will need:
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of chopped tomatoes
500g minced beef- can be substituted with Quorn mince for a veggie twist
Method:
This simple dish is one of those meal ideas you just can't go wrong with and is a great warmer for those cool evenings.
Serves 5.
You will need:
100g unsalted butter
1 large onion, roughly chopped
2 cans tomatoes. Whole ones are great, but chopped tomatoes also work.
750ml water or vegetable stock.
Optional extras: Garlic, 2 cloves, roughly chopped
Method:
A quick and easy, toddler-(and grown-up!) friendly meal that comes in its own bowl.
You will need (per person):
1 avocado
2 eggs
Cheese to grate on top (cheddar is perfect).
Optional extras: Chopped spring onion, sea salt.
Method:
Not only can this classic meal be adapted to be veggie and vegan, but it's also suitable for nut and gluten allergies!
You will need (per person):
1 baking potato (this recipe is great if you have a bag of potatoes, as you can use smaller potatoes for the kids and larger ones for the grown-ups)
1tsp olive oil
Salt
Method:
Some easy topping ideas:
We love this indulgent and delicious meal. All the family will adore this pasta dish, and it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare! We've included the measurements per person so you can easily multiply or divide depending on the size of your family. Serves 4.
You will need:
500g gnocchi (125g per person)
4 tbsp pesto (1 tbsp per person)
120g parmesan, grated (around 30g per person)
Method:
It can be difficult to provide quick, healthy meals that are also easy enough to make during the busy week. This surprisingly simple salad is a great tasty gluten-free option, made up of whole foods. There are healthy fats from the fish and protein from the spinach and eggs! Serves 4.
You will need:
4 salmon fillets
4 Eggs
500g bag of fresh spinach
Optional extras: Lemon juice, dill or parsley, salt and pepper, cherry tomatoes, avocado and olive oil.
Method:
As family meals go, you can't beat a cheesy quesadilla to tick all the boxes. Serves 4, but parents might want to double up on their portions.
You will need:
1 can of refried beans
4 tortilla wraps
100g cheddar cheese (grated)
Optional extras: Sliced jalapeño peppers, salsa, guacamole or sour cream.
Method:
Okay, so it's not technically a meal, but we couldn't let you miss out on this recipe for delicious 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies! Makes around 20 cookies.
You will need:
200g peanut butter
170g caster sugar
1 egg
for 25 cookies
Method:
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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