67 kid-friendly meals for cold weather (Winter Family Meal Ideas!)
It can be difficult to cook when you have children at home, but today we are sharing a variety of kid-friendly meal ideas and recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious, and perfect for cold winter weather.
It’s time to break out the winter clothes, pull out the snow boots and bundle up with your family for some delicious cold-weather comfort food. From soups to casseroles to taco pockets we’ve got you covered for at least a portion of the winter!
One of the best parts about the winter season is all of the cozy time spent with family. It’s that time of year, where we bundle up during the day and cozy down with our kids to watch family-friendly movies and eat some delicious meals together at night. Getting to spend quality time together during these cold winter months is a perk of the season, but it can also be… trying to say the least. Especially when you’re a parent with kids at home.
Winter means less outside time and more inside time for your kiddos, which often involves lots of chaos, noise, and added mess to clean up. On top of the extra work, you also have to contend with icky runny noses and sore throats.
That’s why it’s important to find ways to keep everyone happy and entertained! One way that you can do this is by cooking up some delicious kid-friendly meals that will take the cold out and bring the warmth in with your kids. (Come spring you’ll be handing off dinner duty after they’ve developed pro-level chef skills cooking with you all winter!)
While we already have a post that has over 45 recipes perfect for cold winter weather, we wanted to expand on it and do one that focuses on kid-friendly meals. Why? Because we know it can be difficult to get your children to eat at times, but with these deliciously quick, and easy family dinner recipes, that were handpicked just for families with kids we know that even the pickiest eaters will struggle to say no at dinner time. Are you still not convinced? Look through this list and choose one to try. We are sure your children will beg for seconds! The best part is that these kid-friendly cold-weather recipes are also simple and quick to make; some dishes take only 10 to 15 minutes to prepare! We have classic favorites as well as new, kid-friendly pasta and casseroles.
With 67 winter family dinner ideas to choose from you’re bound to find something, your child will love!
What is the best winter food for kids?
There is a long list of kid-friendly recipes for this cold weather but some of the favorite ones are:
1. Soups and Casseroles
2. Oven friendly meals such as pasta and lasagnas
3. Meals that include some delicious vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli
67 Kid-Friendly Meals For Cold Weather (Winter Family Meal Ideas!)
1. Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
Pizza, pasta, and kids? What could go better? This Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe is an easy way to get your kids to eat and enjoy their meals. It’s also warming and filling, making it perfect for cold weather!
Check out this recipe
2. Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
This potato cheese soup recipe is simple to make, very indulgent, and tastes exactly like the restaurant version. If you enjoy making recipes at home, you must try this soup and enjoy a winter family dinner.
Check out this recipe
3. Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This traditional Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese is a quick 30-minute meal that everyone in the family will enjoy! It’s the best winter family dinner recipe for a hectic week, and it’s simple to adapt with different cheeses.
Check out this recipe
4. Skillet Butter Bean Recipe with Pizza Cheese & Spinach
This simple butter bean recipe is full of protein and made to mimic pizza! It’s cheesy and has baby spinach, tomato, and garlic. It is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve with garlic bread and salad on the side.
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5. Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Discover how to make super crispy chicken wings in an air fryer! This simple recipe for kid-friendly chicken wings includes tips for extra crispy skin, seasoning ideas, and even instructions for air-frying frozen wings. Sometimes the most comforting winter foods are those you tend to eat in the summer months.
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6. Tagliolini au gratin with ham and cream.
Based on a dish from Cipriani in Venice, this tagliolini au gratin recipe is a real gem. All you need is pasta, eggs, ham, cheese, and cream. Easy, quick, and delicious kid-friendly meal perfect for cold winter nights.
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7. The Best Kid Friendly Chili Recipe
A kid-friendly chili recipe that is quick, easy, and delicious for a cold-weather meal! Real families tried and tested it. This chili is a favorite for children.
Check out this recipe
8. Chili Cheese Fries
Do you enjoy french fries? Crispy french fries are topped with homemade beef chili and cheese before being baked until melted. Even better, on these cold days at home, this meal is definitely kid-friendly.
Check out this recipe
9. Vegan Red Panda Carrot Soup
Organic vegan carrot miso soup decorated to look like a cute red panda it’s sure to become a favorite for your kids and will warm them during the cold season. Try it today!
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10. Microwave Sweet Potato Gratin
While technically this is a side, we couldn’t leave it off! This microwave sweet potato gratin is amazing and truly embodies what comfort food is! Pair it with a simple baked chicken breast and your child’s favorite veggie!
Check out this recipe
11. Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Is the best oragne chicken dinner recipe you’ve ever had. You’ll never waste money on takeout again, and it’ll be a favorite for a winter family meal at home.
Check out this recipe
11. Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe for chicken spaghetti in the Instant Pot is quick and simple. This creamy pasta and cheese dish is a family favorite for dinner, and kids love it!
Check out this recipe
12. Taco Pockets
Taco Tuesday is fun, but have you ever tried taco pockets instead of the traditional tortillas or shells? These Taco Pockets are filled with the same meat and veggie mixture you’ve been making for years, but they’re presented in the most carb-a-licious way possible, so you and your family will be hooked! This is a cozy winter meal to enjoy at home during the cold weather.
Check out this recipe
13. Easy Baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets
For a kid, what more comforting food is there than chicken nuggets. No matter the season, they are always a hit! These Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, but they’re ready in minutes. They’re grain and egg-free, and they make a great family meal. This winter dinner is a crowd-pleaser and a must-try.
Check out this recipe
14. Healthy Turkey Enchiladas
Healthy Turkey Enchiladas are packed with vegetables and make an excellent family meal. Make them for dinner tonight or as meal prep for the week!
Check out this recipe
15. Homemade Sloppy Joes
You’ll never use a can of sloppy joe seasoning again after trying these Homemade Sloppy Joes! The tomato sauce is the ideal combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This 30-minute meal will be requested by your family every week!
Check out this recipe
16. Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup
So, what exactly is grilled cheese tomato soup? Everyone will love this new twist on a classic tomato soup, topped with crunchy croutons and molten gooey cheese. This soup is kid-friendly and a great idea to try during soup season!
Check out this recipe
17. Chicken and Ham Pie
This easy creamy chicken and ham pie recipe with crispy golden pastry is a family favorite and the ultimate in comfort food! Talk about belly warming!
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18. Tater Tot Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole is traditional comfort food. It has a layer of ground beef mixed with a creamy veggie sauce and is topped with potato chips and cheddar cheese. The ideal winter family meal – I’ve yet to hear of a kid that didn’t love tater tot casserole!
Check out this recipe
19. Fish Sticks with Sweet Mayo
If you want to make fish sticks at home without the additives, we have a fantastic kid-friendly recipe for you. There’s even a tangy dipping sauce to go with it!
Check out this recipe
20. Creamy Burrito Casserole
This warm meal and this creamy burrito casserole, with its mild peppers, cheese, and ground beef, are exactly what your family needs for tonight’s dinner.
Check out this recipe
21. Mini Pot Pies
These mini pot pies are adorable and, more importantly, delicious! Cubed tofu replaces the chicken, and the dish is topped with a rich vegan gravy. Ideal for a light dinner at home.
Check out this recipe
22. Best Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
In just over an hour, lasagna roll-ups are baked and ready. Individual portions make for easy serving and use the same traditional ingredients as a traditional lasagna! On cold days, your kids will enjoy this new way of eating delicious lasagna.
Check out this recipe
23. Easy Pasta Skillet with Meatballs
This kid-friendly Pasta Skillet with Meatballs is a quick dinner that comes together in 30 minutes. You only need the ingredients, a pan, and a stove!
Check out this recipe
25. Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake
Who doesn’t enjoy pizza? This cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole is a quick and hearty weeknight dinner that is sure to please the whole family! Ready to serve and enjoy as a winter family dinner in 30 minutes (or less!).
Check out this recipe
26. Sopa de Letras
Sopa de Letras (Mexican Alphabet Soup) is a popular dish among children. This Mexican food classic is comforting and delicious for a family dinner at home during the cold weather. Toddlers and younger elementary aged children are sure to love this soup!
Check out this recipe
27. Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Are you looking for a kid-friendly winter recipe? Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a hearty and comforting Taco Tuesday favorite. It’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners with the family.
Check out this recipe
28. Mini Meatloaves: Vegan Meatloaf Muffins (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)
Mini Meatloaves! These gluten-free, allergy-free Vegan Meatloaf Muffins make an excellent kid-friendly dinner! Individual lentil loaves that are healthy and meatless!
Check out this recipe
29. Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Vegetable Creamy Gnocchi Soup is a velvety creamy broth with soft pillowy gnocchi, colorful vegetables, and a velvety creamy broth. This filling one-pot dinner soup is vegan.
Check out this recipe
30. Simple Shepherd’s Pie
This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also traditional British comfort food. Try it; it’s a crowd pleaser as well as a kid-friendly meal.
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31. Braided Calzone Pizza with Pillsbury Pizza Dough
Make this simple braided calzone pizza with Pillsbury Pizza Dough. This is a simple recipe that kids can make on their own, as well as a meal that everyone will enjoy on a cold day.
Check out this recipe
32. Cheesy Potato Soup
This simple Cheesy Potato Soup recipe is full of delicious flavor combinations like caramelized onions, creamy mashed potatoes, and a three-cheese blend! It’s simple to make and the perfect family winter meal idea to enjoy at home.
Check out this recipe
33. Air Fryer Pizza Fries
Pizza Fries Cooked in the Air Fryer If you like loaded fries, try our air-fried pizza fries. Delicious air fryer French fries with cheese, chorizo, and oregano. Try it today and enjoy a new way to eat pizza + fries.
Check out this recipe
34. Kid-Friendly Soup with Potatoes and Sausages
Simple kid-friendly soup, perfect for cold winter weather. With potato, carrots, and sausage, you can’t go wrong serving this up for dinner! Serve with a crusty hunk of bread for soaking up the broth!
Check out this recipe
35. Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas
If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, try these Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas. Picky eaters will love it, and it only has four ingredients!
Check out this recipe
36. Sausage Stroganoff
Here’s another quick and easy dinner recipe that’s a big hit with my family. If you’re looking for a winter family meal idea, try this one. It’s something different yet familiar at the same time!
Check out this recipe
37. Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie
This easy Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie uses canned biscuits, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked chicken to make classic comfort food. This is also a kid-friendly meal that they will enjoy during the winter season.
Check out this recipe
38. Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
The ultimate comfort food is Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. This mouthwatering soup, made with ground beef or turkey and three different types of cheese, is a crowd pleaser!
Check out this recipe
39. Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
A creamy, delicious, and comforting vegan mushroom stroganoff recipe! It’s an ideal weeknight winter dinner at home, ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for sharing with the family.
Check out this recipe
40. Easy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
This is a tried-and-true recipe that everyone will love. Tender vegetables, juicy chicken, and white (or brown) rice make up this easy chicken and rice soup. A simple, hearty soup recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Check out this recipe
41. Chicken Chow Mein
With this simple Chinese fakeaway recipe, you can make chicken chow mein that tastes as it came from a restaurant. Everyone in the family enjoys this flavor.
Check out this recipe
42. Fiesta Instant Pot Nacho Soup Recipe!
This spicy and flavorful Instant Pot nacho soup with beef recipe is quick and easy to make! If you like nachos, this pressure cooker cheesy soup is a must-try for dinner.
Check out this recipe
43. Sopa de Fideo | Mexican Noodle Soup
Here’s a quick and simple recipe for Sopa de fideo, it’s a noodle based soup with veggies thrown in and makes for a great kid-friendly winter meal. Have them help cut up the veggies to get them excited to eat it!
Check out this recipe
44. Crockpot Chicken Potato Chowder
Do you want to prepare a winter meal for your family? This crockpot chicken potato chowder is a quick weeknight meal that transforms leftover rotisserie chicken into hearty comfort food.
Check out this recipe
45. One-Pot Potato and Cream Cheese Soup
Combine potatoes and cream cheese with seasonings and broth to make a delicious soup that’s ideal for a kid-friendly cold-weather meal. This soup may seem simple, but it is packed with flavor!
Check out this recipe
46. Easy Peanut Sauce Baked Chicken
A fantastic meal to share with your family! It couldn’t be easier to make this quick and delicious peanut sauce-baked chicken. Make the quick and delicious sauce, then pour it over the chicken, bake it, and serve!
Check out this recipe
47. Easy Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
This quick and easy lazy cabbage roll casserole recipe without rice is made with common ingredients. Cauliflower rice makes it nutritious, low-carb, and delicious. It’s the best cabbage roll casserole you’ve ever had!
Check out this recipe
48. Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
This slow cooker minestrone soup recipe is full of pasta, beans, and zucchini for a delicious winter family dinner idea. Canned minestrone soup can’t hold a torch to this!
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49. Chicken Zucchini Enchiladas
These low-carb chicken zucchini enchiladas are a delicious low-carb take on a Mexican cuisine classic. Wrapped in thin zucchini strips, a seasoned ground chicken filling is topped with enchilada sauce and cheese and baked until melty and bubbly.
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50. Crock Pot Tortellini Chicken Soup
This crock pot tortellini soup recipe is a winter family favorite! Slow cooker Tortellini Chicken Soup made with simple, easy ingredients. Dinner idea for a busy weeknight.
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51. Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel (Keto, Low Carb)
Is it possible to air fry chicken schnitzel? Yes! This keto, low carb, and gluten-free air fryer chicken schnitzel recipe use pork panko! Ideal for a cozy winter meal that kids and keto Moms will both love!
Check out this recipe
52. Easy Ravioli with Tomato Cream Sauce
Cheese ravioli is tossed with smoked sausage, pasta sauce, and cream before simmering in a skillet and being topped with fresh Parmesan cheese! This is a delicious kid-friendly meal for the cold weather.
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53. Easy Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe in Slow Cooker
Do you want something hearty, warming, and quick to make? Learn how to make this simple vegetable beef soup from a Filipino recipe. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner at home in the winter.
Check out this recipe
54. Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Sausage
This is a kid-friendly, healthy, and delicious meal that you can prepare at home for your children. This broccoli cauliflower cheese soup is loaded with chunky add-ins and uses a few different types of sausage as well as bacon, which amps up the flavor!
Check out this recipe
55. Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a cozy winter meal that combines seasoned chicken, peppers, onions, and cheese into a delicious prep-ahead dish in less than 30 minutes.
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56. Bisquick Chicken Alfredo Casserole
This Bisquick Chicken Alfredo Casserole with tomatoes and spinach is the ideal weeknight family meal! It’s made with simple ingredients and takes less than an hour to prepare. This is a favorite quick, kid-friendly meal for the cold weather.
Check out this recipe
57. Creamy Sausage and Potatoes
Looking for a kid-friendly dinner idea? You can have this Creamy Sausage and Potatoes on the table in 30 minutes! It’s the ideal quick dinner recipe!
Check out this recipe
58. Easy 30 Minute Southwest Beef Skillet
One-pot Southwest skillet that’s so good you may end up hogging all the leftovers for yourself. It’s perfect for when you’re craving Mexican but want something heartier.
Check out this recipe
59. Easy Kidney beans soup with vegetables
Make this simple yet nutritious vegan kidney bean soup for dinner. You can make this healthy soup at home with just a few ingredients that your kids will enjoy.
Check out this recipe
60. Creamy Tomato, Chicken & Rice Soup
This Creamy Tomato, Chicken, and Rice Soup is one of the most versatile recipes you can keep on hand. It’s made with leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or chicken from your own kitchen, and it’s especially kid-friendly for these cold days.
Check out this recipe
61. Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
This creamy pesto gnocchi is a simple solution to the question, “What’s for dinner?” In only 15 minutes, you can have a kid-friendly meal ready! On these cold days, it’s ideal for a winter family dinner at home.
Check out this recipe
62. Baked Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
These baked teriyaki chicken meatballs are packed full of flavor with carrots, green onion, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and honey. A winter family meal that everyone will enjoy.
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63. Slow Cooker Applesauce Chicken
This quick and easy recipe uses only two simple ingredients that are infused together with the help and convenience of a slow cooker. This applesauce chicken is savory and sweet, and it will quickly become a family favorite for cold days.
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64. Gluten-Free Vegan Baked Ziti
This famous comfort food recipe, remade, will become a favorite for a winter family dinner at home! This Gluten-Free Vegan Baked Ziti, made without dairy but with only 5 ingredients, is a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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65. Brunswick Stew Recipe
This is a classic Brunswick stew recipe made with leftover pulled pork and shredded chicken. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner at home to warm up on these cold days. Try it today!
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66. Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Do you have a craving for some homemade soup? If you enjoy soups as much as you enjoy winter, this recipe is a winning combination of the two. This soup is a great kid-friendly meal to make at home. This Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a must-try!
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67. Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe for instant pot chicken spaghetti is simple and delicious. The creamy wine and cream cheese sauce makes this pasta dish irresistible. It’s a great dinner for busy families, and it’s also great for kids; everyone will enjoy it!
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