Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 30-Day Mediterranean Diet Challenge

      Try one of the world's healthiest ways of eating: the Mediterranean Diet. Read More Next
    • These Are the Best and Worst Diets of 2021

      We took a look at the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report to see which diets ranked at the top and bottom of their lists. Read More Next
    • Simple 30-Day Weight-Loss Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories

      A full month of easy-to-make recipes and helpful meal-prep tips, this healthy meal plan sets you up for weight-loss success. Read More Next
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See all Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See all Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See all Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See all Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See all Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See all Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See all Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See all Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Healthy Mealtime Recipes Chevron Right
  4. Healthy Dinner Recipes Chevron Right
  5. Healthy Family & Kids Dinner Recipes Chevron Right
  6. Cheap Healthy Dinner Ideas for Kids

Cheap Healthy Dinner Ideas for Kids

August 27, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Even when you’re on a budget, you can cook up a healthy dinner the whole family will love. Look to these recipes for inspiration featuring cheap, healthy staples like canned beans, frozen vegetables and whole grains.
Start Slideshow

1 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

American Goulash

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

American goulash, also known as old-fashioned goulash, is the perfect economical family meal. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so this satisfying dish can cook in just one pot.

  • Watch Video

1 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Alphabet Soup

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Recite your ABC's while you enjoy this kid-friendly soup that you can feel good about serving--it's packed with healthy vegetables. If you can't find alphabet noodles, any small pasta (like orzo) will work.

2 of 24

3 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Two-Ingredient-Dough Margherita Pizza

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You won't believe how quick and easy it is to make this healthy pizza. Thanks to a two-ingredient dough that combines self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, there is no need for a rise time. Just roll, top and bake, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in under half an hour.

3 of 24

Advertisement

4 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Cordon Bleu

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic chicken recipe for crispy chicken breasts filled with ham and melty cheese is baked, instead of fried, for a lightened-up, delicious dinner.

4 of 24

5 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Healthy Oven-Fried Pork Chops

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These whole-wheat panko breadcrumb-coated pork chops get just as crispy as fried chops, but they're healthier. Oven-frying saves you fat and calories while producing chops that are crispy on the outside, yet juicy inside. Serve with steamed broccoli and baked sweet potato for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

5 of 24

6 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chili-Cheese Nachos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make nachos a healthy dinner when you top them with an easy 30-minute chili. Serve this healthy recipe with sliced scallions, avocado, fresh tomatoes and sour cream, if desired.

6 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tortilla Pepperoni Pizza

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy pizza takes only 15 minutes from start to finish and uses simple ingredients you could find in your pantry. Tomato paste adds flavor without sogging out the crust. Skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian-friendly version, or add your own favorite toppings.

7 of 24

8 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Black Bean Tacos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mixing mashed canned beans with whole beans and seasonings makes an incredibly simple taco filling from your pantry. Top these speedy 5-ingredient tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa or any of your favorite taco toppings.

8 of 24

9 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pineapple-Teriyaki Chicken

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Grilled teriyaki chicken with pineapple can be made with just a few pantry staples. Although it's delicious when made with canned pineapple, fresh pineapple and its juice can easily be used in its place. Serve with brown rice and snow peas.

9 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Oven-Fried Beef Taquitos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy beef taquitos recipe calls for baking instead of deep-frying, making the taquitos substantially healthier than what you'd get at a restaurant. One order of these little deep-fried, rolled-up tacos at a restaurant can set you back almost 1,000 calories and 60 grams of fat! Don't worry if some of the taquitos crack open while baking--they're still crispy and delicious. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole and reduced-fat sour cream.

10 of 24

11 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Quick Roast Chicken & Root Vegetables

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasted chicken in 45 minutes? No problem. This technique of starting bone-in chicken breasts on the stovetop and finishing them in a hot oven with vegetables gets a hearty dinner on the table in a hurry. While everything roasts, you still have time to make a quick pan sauce with shallot and Dijon mustard. Serve with a spinach salad.

11 of 24

12 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Half-Hour Chili

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This truly tasty half-hour vegetarian chili is made possible by using convenient canned beans and tomatoes (no pantry should be without them). Whole-grain bulgur adds another layer of toothsome texture and nutritional heft. This chili is relatively mild, so it's a good crowd-pleaser. If you like it spicy, add extra chili powder or serve with hot sauce.

12 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Potatoes are one of the great comfort foods, especially when stuffed with a satisfying mixture of lean ground beef and broccoli florets plus reduced-fat sour cream and Cheddar cheese. Add a tossed salad and you have a healthy and hearty meal that will leave you feeling good.

13 of 24

14 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Oven-Barbecued Pork Chops

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Need a little summertime flavor? Try this swift recipe and enjoy a “barbecue” indoors. Make it a meal: Serve with coleslaw and cornbread.

14 of 24

15 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tofu Parmigiana

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Instead of having a greasy, battered coating, the tofu “steaks” in our revamped Parmigiana are breaded and lightly pan-fried in just a small amount of oil then topped with part-skim mozzarella, fresh basil and your favorite marinara sauce. This Italian classic will please even those who are tofu-phobic.

15 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This ooey-gooey pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike--think rich and creamy macaroni-and-cheese tossed with cauliflower and chicken. Serve with a spinach salad.

16 of 24

17 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

BBQ Chicken Tenders

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These crispy chicken “wings,” made with boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, stay crispy with only a light coating of oil--no deep-frying needed. Serve as an appetizer or try them for dinner with crunchy vegetables and dip on the side.

17 of 24

18 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Two of our favorite comfort-food sandwiches join forces in these family-friendly dinner sandwiches. We found that softer buns make this easier to eat, and it's all the better when wrapped takeout-style in a sheet of foil.

18 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These 15-minute quesadillas are a notch above basic with the addition of sautéed peppers and onions. Let the kiddos load them up with the toppings at the table.

19 of 24

20 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

One-Pot Greek Pasta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A little bit of Sunday meal prep goes a long way in this one-dish Mediterranean pasta recipe. The pasta is cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge to use for meals all week, but any leftover cooked pasta you have on hand will do. Chicken sausage with feta is especially good in this recipe.

20 of 24

21 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Casseroles make perfect meal-prep dinners--this enchilada version is so easy to prep ahead. The whole casserole can be built and left to hang out in the refrigerator for up to three days. Then all you have to do is bake it off on a busy night and you have a healthy dinner on the table in a jiff. The quick homemade enchilada sauce in this recipe is great when you don't have any of the canned sauce on hand--just season crushed tomatoes with spices and salt for an instant enchilada sauce.

21 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Skillet Chicken Parm

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We skipped breading in this healthy one-dish chicken Parm recipe to save time. There's still plenty of gooey cheese, and the garlic, pepper flakes and oregano lend big flavor. Serve with pasta or in a hoagie roll with the sauce (there's lots of it) spooned on top. In sandwich form, it's easily wrapped in foil and eaten on the go. Excerpted from The Dinner Plan by Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion, published by ABRAMS © 2017.

  • Watch Video

22 of 24

23 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mexican Skillet Lasagna

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy Mexican-inspired lasagna recipe replaces the noodles with tortilla strips that become like tender ribbons in the cayenne- and cumin-spiked tomato sauce. Topped with Cheddar and cream cheese, the lasagna is just as soulful as its Italian cousin and can be made on a busy weeknight in about 30 minutes using a single skillet. Excerpted from The Dinner Plan by Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion, published by ABRAMS © 2017.

23 of 24

24 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Freezer Bean & Cheese Burritos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This copycat version of store-bought frozen burritos is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch to store in the freezer for healthy packable lunches or a quick campsite meal.

  • Watch Video

24 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 24 American Goulash
2 of 24 Alphabet Soup
3 of 24 Two-Ingredient-Dough Margherita Pizza
4 of 24 Chicken Cordon Bleu
5 of 24 Healthy Oven-Fried Pork Chops
6 of 24 Chili-Cheese Nachos
7 of 24 Tortilla Pepperoni Pizza
8 of 24 Black Bean Tacos
9 of 24 Pineapple-Teriyaki Chicken
10 of 24 Oven-Fried Beef Taquitos
11 of 24 Quick Roast Chicken & Root Vegetables
12 of 24 Half-Hour Chili
13 of 24 Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes
14 of 24 Oven-Barbecued Pork Chops
15 of 24 Tofu Parmigiana
16 of 24 Cheesy Chicken Pasta
17 of 24 BBQ Chicken Tenders
18 of 24 Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
19 of 24 Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions
20 of 24 One-Pot Greek Pasta
21 of 24 Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
22 of 24 Skillet Chicken Parm
23 of 24 Mexican Skillet Lasagna
24 of 24 Freezer Bean & Cheese Burritos

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
EatingWell

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • Recipe Index
  • Jobs

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
© 2021 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from http://www.eatingwell.com

View image

Cheap Healthy Dinner Ideas for Kids
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.