If you have picky eaters at home, getting them to eat a nutritious and balanced meal can be a real challenge. However, the good news is that casseroles are an excellent way to sneak in some much-needed veggies and ensure that your little ones get a well-rounded meal. Here are some family-friendly favorites, kid-approved casserole recipes that your picky eaters will love.
1. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole:
This recipe is a winning combination of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and gooey melted cheese. Start by cooking chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred them. Steam some broccoli until it is al dente. In a casserole dish, layer the shredded chicken and broccoli. Top it off with a mixture of cream of chicken soup, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake it in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
2. Taco Casserole:
Kids love tacos, so why not make a casserole version that will have them asking for seconds? Brown ground beef, then add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. In a separate pot, cook macaroni until al dente. In a casserole dish, layer the cooked macaroni, the ground beef mixture, and shredded cheese. Bake it until the cheese melts and turns golden. Serve it up with a dollop of sour cream and some extra taco toppings like shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
3. Veggie and Beef Hashbrown Casserole:
This hearty casserole is packed with flavorful beef and colorful veggies. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic, then drain the excess fat. Add diced carrots, bell peppers, and peas to the beef mixture. In a separate bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. In a casserole dish, layer frozen hashbrowns, the beef and veggie mixture, and pour the soup mixture on top. Bake it until the hashbrowns are crispy and golden.
4. Pizza Casserole:
Pizza is always a hit with kids, so why not make a casserole version that includes all their favorite toppings? Start by cooking your choice of pasta until al dente. In a casserole dish, layer the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and all the pizza toppings your child loves – pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and olives. Top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kids will gobble it up, and you’ll feel good about sneaking in some veggies.
5. Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Chicken and rice is a classic combination that kids enjoy. In a casserole dish, combine cooked rice with cooked chicken breast chunks. Add a mixture of cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and seasonings to the rice and chicken. Top it off with shredded cheddar cheese, cover it with foil, and bake it until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
These kid-approved casserole recipes are not only delicious but also a great way to introduce new flavors and ingredients to your picky eaters. With the right combination of wholesome ingredients and tasty flavors, these casseroles are sure to become family favorites. So, give them a try and watch your picky eaters clean their plates with satisfaction.
