14 Cheesy Dinner Recipes Kids Will Actually Eat

Are you tired of throwing away uneaten dinners? Getting your kids to finish their meals can be a big challenge.

You’ve probably tried many different dishes, but nothing seems to work.

Do you want to know the secret to making dinner time a success? Cheesy meals are often a hit with kids, and we’ve got 14 tasty options to share with you.

These yummy dinners might just become your child’s new favorites!

Table of Contents

• Macaroni And Cheese Delight
• Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
• Baked Ziti With Melty Mozzarella
• Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
• Cheesy Taco Casserole
• Homemade Cheese Pizza Night
• Lasagna For Kids
• Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Pasta
• Beef And Cheese Enchiladas
• Cheesy Baked Potato Bar
• Breakfast For Dinner Grilled Cheese
• Cheesy Spinach And Tomato Pasta
• Chicken And Cheese Sliders Casserole
• Conclusion

Macaroni And Cheese Delight

SAVE IT

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
9. Top with additional grated cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

SAVE IT

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas are a kid-friendly twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 4 large tortillas
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cheese, onion, and bell pepper.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a quarter of the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
8. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Baked Ziti With Melty Mozzarella

SAVE IT

A classic Italian dish featuring layers of ziti pasta, rich sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create a thin layer of the marinara sauce.
8. Arrange half of the ziti pasta mixture on top of the sauce.
9. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated parmesan cheese.
10. Repeat the layers, starting with the marinara sauce, then the remaining ziti pasta mixture, and finally the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake

SAVE IT

Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cheese sauce
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large saucepan, steam the broccoli florets until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
6. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cheesy Taco Casserole

SAVE IT

A classic Mexican-inspired casserole with a cheesy twist.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 8-10 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet until browned, then add taco seasoning and stir to combine.
3. In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange 4-5 tortillas in the bottom of the dish.
5. Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the diced tomatoes and half of the black beans.
6. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
7. Repeat the layers, starting with the tortillas, then the ground beef mixture, diced tomatoes, black beans, and finally the remaining cheese.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Homemade Cheese Pizza Night

SAVE IT

A fun and easy homemade cheese pizza night for kids.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of choice

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a circle or rectangle shape.
7. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
9. Add desired toppings.
10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Lasagna For Kids

SAVE IT

Classic Italian dish perfect for kids, layered with pasta and cheese.

Ingredients

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, then add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
6. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
8. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
9. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the parmesan cheese.
10. Repeat the layers, starting with the noodles, then the marinara sauce, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and finally the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Chicken Fajita Casserole

SAVE IT

A flavorful and easy-to-make casserole with chicken, peppers, and onions.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large onion
• 2 large bell peppers
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 packet of fajita seasoning
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 cup of cooked pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the chicken into thin strips and cook in a skillet until browned.
3. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until tender.
4. Add the garlic and fajita seasoning to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
6. Add the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
7. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and a pinch of salt and pepper.
8. Add the milk mixture to the bowl with the pasta and chicken mixture, and stir to combine.
9. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Pasta

SAVE IT

A comforting pasta dish loaded with garlic and cheese.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Mix minced garlic and butter, then spread on toasted bread.
4. In a large skillet, combine marinara sauce and cooked pasta.
5. Combine pasta mixture with garlic bread, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
6. Transfer to baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Beef And Cheese Enchiladas

SAVE IT

Tasty beef and cheese wrapped in tortillas, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 packet of enchilada seasoning
• 8 tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a pan until browned, then add diced onion and cook until softened.
3. Add enchilada seasoning to the beef and onion mixture and stir well.
4. In a separate pan, warm tortillas over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side.
5. Spoon beef mixture onto a tortilla, roll up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Repeat step 5 with remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
7. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
10. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cheesy Baked Potato Bar

SAVE IT

A fun and customizable meal featuring baked potatoes and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup diced bacon
• 1/4 cup diced ham
• 1 tablespoon chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with a little bit of oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
5. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the toppings by cooking the diced bacon and ham in a pan until crispy.
6. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork.
8. Set up a topping bar with the shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon, ham, and chives.
9. Let everyone assemble their own cheesy baked potato with their desired toppings.

Breakfast For Dinner Grilled Cheese

SAVE IT

A twist on the classic grilled cheese, with scrambled eggs and sausage.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese
• 1 sausage patty
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon of butter

Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and scramble them.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the butter.
3. Add the scrambled eggs to the pan and cook until they are set.
4. Add the sausage patty to the pan and cook until it is browned.
5. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
6. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the pan.
7. Place one slice of cheese on top of the bread.
8. Add the cooked sausage and eggs on top of the cheese.
9. Place the second slice of cheese on top of the eggs and sausage.
10. Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese.
11. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
12. Flip the sandwich over and cook until the other side is also golden brown.

Cheesy Spinach And Tomato Pasta

SAVE IT

A creamy and healthy pasta dish packed with spinach and tomato flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomato and spinach mixture, and grated cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

Chicken And Cheese Sliders Casserole

SAVE IT

Tasty chicken and cheese sliders in a casserole form.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup slider buns
• 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the slider buns into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the buns in the oven for 5 minutes to toast them.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, shredded cheese, mozzarella, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and milk.
6. Add the soup mixture to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
7. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the toasted buns in the bottom.
8. Pour the chicken mixture over the buns.
9. Top with the remaining buns.
10. Bake the casserole in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion

You’ll make a million meals with these cheesy kids dinners! They’re ridiculously easy to whip up and will be devoured in seconds. Your kids will thank you a thousand times for these comforting, crazy-delicious dishes that are sure to become family favorites and leave them begging for more.