Easy Meals for Kids in Under 20 Minutes

March 29th, 2016 by

Quick & Easy Meals

Now that the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, it’s time to capitalize on time in the sunshine—and that means it’s time to spend a little less time in the kitchen. Of course, no good nanny or parent wants to sacrifice their children’s health for quick-fix microwave meals. We’ve scoured the Internet to find these great options for healthy and fast breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, so you can focus on spending quality time with the kids, whether it’s out in the sunshine or in the comfort of your home.

20-Minute Breakfasts

  • Baked Eggs in Avocados are the newest trend in breakfast foods. They’re like Eggs in a Hole, but instead of bread, crack the egg into the space where the avocado seed would go. Then, bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with sea salt, cracked pepper, chives, or whatever you know the kids will like.
  • Smoothie bowls are great because they’re totally customizable. Think of it as a thicker version of a smoothie—you eat it with a spoon. Pro tip: freeze the bananas, and it’ll have the consistency of ice cream. Top with fresh berries, coconut, or granola; the kids will feel like they’re getting dessert for breakfast!
  • In a similar vein, this Blueberry Pie Oatmeal is a delicious and sneaky way to get kids to eat a healthy breakfast. The sweetness comes from the frozen blueberries and a tablespoon of honey, so it doesn’t even have any processed sugars or cream. As a bonus, you can top it with whatever you like!

20-Minute Lunches

  • These Black Bean Corn Quesadillas can be made in 10 minutes, and they’ll be a guaranteed hit for either lunch or dinner. You can even make the filling in bulk ahead of time—then all you have to do is assemble, heat in a skillet, and serve.
  • This tasty Tomato Basil Soup is great for picky eaters and foodies alike. It only takes 20 minutes and the secret ingredient is a can of fire-roasted tomatoes; low-fat cream cheese makes the soup delightfully creamy. Pair it with half a grilled cheese or toasted garlic bread.
  • This Turkey, Apple, and Swiss Melt is a classic healthy lunch for kids and adults. The slices of apple provide a great crunch and pop of sweetness (and can be substituted for pear, if the kids prefer)

20-Minute Dinners

  • For a hearty (but still healthy) dinner, try this 20-Minute Turkey Chili. The turkey is leaner than beef, and the black beans are high in dietary fibers. Best part? You can freeze leftovers in individual servings for an easy reheated lunch.
  • This easy Beef and Broccoli Bowl is great for picky little ones because it’s not too spicy. Plus, you can add any other veggies you want to the stir fry—so it’s infinitely customizable.
  • We know what you’re thinking—how can a 15-Minute Lasagna ever be considered healthy? The trick with this recipe is to replace the lasagna noodles with thin slices of zucchini. You can also use half mozzarella, half ricotta cheese as a healthier option.

For more quick healthy recipes, as well as crafts, games, and more, check out our Pinterest page!