If anyone knows how to cook for a growing family, it's Ree Drummond. She has five kids of her own and a lot of cowboys to feed. And even though her kids have all officially left the nest, Ree's experience with whipping up family meals is years in the making! So, if you're looking for kid-friendly recipes, you've come to the right place. Here, we've rounded up some of the best Pioneer Woman dishes for kids of any age. Whether you've got little ones running around, hungry teenagers, or even just a partner who's a kid at heart (we're looking at you, Ladd), this list is full of recipes that anyone would gobble right up.
Of course, cooking for kids is never easy so we've made sure to include plenty of quick dinner ideas for back-to-school season. That means you'll find slow cooker recipes, easy chicken dinners, and tons of 30-minute meals. Looking to get your kids to eat healthier? This list also includes a few sneaky ways to get veggies on the table. But don't worry, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds! Just try Ree's French bread pizzas, the chicken empanadas, or the broccoli cheddar soup and you'll see what we mean. Once you've figured out dinner, check out our list of after-school snacks and bake sale treats that will encourage your kids to help out in the kitchen!
1
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Making chicken tenders in your air fryer gets them extra-crispy. Plus, it's a slightly healthier twist on a kid-friendly classic. Serve them up with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch for dipping!
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.
2
French Bread Pizza
This is a fun new way to serve pizzas to a crowd. Get your kids to help put the toppings on and make them personalized to their preferences.
Get Ree's French Bread Pizza recipe.
3
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate for breakfast? Yes, please! Your kids will be singing your praises with this scrumptious baking project.
Get the Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe.
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4
Broccoli-Cheese Soup
This might just be the best way to get your kids to eat their broccoli, especially served in a bread bowl. The creamy, cheesy soup is a comfort food favorite.
Get Ree's Broccoli-Cheese Soup recipe.
5
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Skip the boxed mac and cheese and make this incredibly cheesy homemade version instead. It couldn't be easier thanks to the Instant Pot.
Get the Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
6
Cheeseburger Sliders
The trick to making cheeseburgers for a crew of hungry teenagers is using this method that ditches the patties. Instead, the ground beef is piled high onto slider buns.
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
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7
Chicken Empanadas
This recipe uses two supermarket shortcuts: frozen empanada wrappers and rotisserie chicken! It couldn't be easier. Just make sure you serve it up with the bright herb sauce for dipping.
Get the Chicken Empanadas recipe.
8
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Layered with melty cheese, sauce, and pepperoni, these pizza rolls are hard to resist. They would be just as delicious for a Friday Night Lights tailgate as they would for a family movie night.
Get Ree's Pepperoni Pizza Rolls recipe.
9
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
You might remember these cookies from when you were a kid yourself! They have the same warm flavor and chewy texture you know and love.
Get the Iced Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
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10
Chicken Spaghetti
There's a reason this casserole dish has been a Drummond family favorite for as long as we can remember—it’s the perfect combination of spaghetti, chicken, and creamy sauce.
Get Ree's Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
11
Individual Sausage Casseroles
A muffin tin makes these sausage and egg bites even easier to grab on the go. It's perfect for those busy kids who never seem to have time for the kitchen table.
Get Ree's Individual Sausage Casseroles recipe.
12
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These warm, spiced muffins topped with cream cheese frosting just scream back-to-school season! We can practically smell them baking right now.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Muffins recipe.
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13
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Thanks to the creamy sauce, hearty chicken, and buttery cracker topping, your kids won't even realize their also easting peas and carrots! It's a one-dish wonder if we've ever seen one.
Get the Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe.
14
Homemade Hamburger Helper
For a fresh twist on a childhood classic, check out the recipe for homemade Hamburger Helper. It starts with ground beef, bacon, and lots of cheese.
Get the Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
15
S'mores Bars
This dessert is sure to put a smile on your kids' faces. It's an ooey-gooey year-round treat that doesn't even require a camp fire!
Get the S'mores Bars recipe.
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16
Baked Ravioli
Just like lasagna (but even easier), this recipe is layered with sauce, cheese, and pasta—in the form of ravioli! Once you try it, you'll never look back.
Get the Baked Ravioli recipe.
17
Pumpkin Smoothie
Ree admits that she had her doubts about pumpkin smoothies, but the combination of pumpkin pie filling, vanilla yogurt, and graham cracker crumbs is just too good to pass up.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Smoothie recipe.
18
Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Broccoli
Crushed pretzels make a surprisingly crunchy crust for these chicken cutlets. The broccoli is a quick addition but you can also serve it up with any vegetable side dish you like.
Get Ree's Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Broccoli recipe.
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19
Peanut Butter Brownies
If your kid has a sweet tooth (and let's be honest, who doesn't?), then you can't go wrong with brownies for dessert. For a fun twist, this version is layered with a creamy peanut butter filling.
Get the Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
20
Pizza Casserole
This pizza-inspired pasta dish is loaded with fun toppings. Choose anything from pepperoni to black olives to pickled banana peppers.
Get the Pizza Casserole recipe.
