Some days, chasing your little one around leaves you completely drained. Enter these easy, low-prep, and flavorful toddler dinner recipes that both of you will happily devour.

Once your toddler starts eating real food, you’ll add “quick meal prep” to your (already long) list of parenting duties. But preparing a separate meal for your little one to satisfy their tiny palate, and then cooking another for the rest of the family, can take away precious quality time—and leave you feeling exhausted.

You don’t need to play the role of a short-order chef with this toddler-friendly meal planner. Here are easy, healthy meal ideas for toddlers that the whole family will enjoy.

Homemade Pizza

Pizza is a fantastic option for toddlers who may have more gums than teeth. Opt for refrigerated whole-grain pizza dough for a healthier base. Enlist your little sous chef with a mini rolling pin, then spread tomato sauce, sprinkle low-fat mozzarella cheese (avoid fat-free cheese, as it tends to become rubbery instead of melting nicely), and get creative with toppings.

Since toddlers can be notoriously picky, keep half the pizza plain with just cheese. On the other half, introduce small pieces (about ¼ inch) of pineapple, turkey sausage, or sautéed mushrooms—safe and tasty for little eaters.

Pop the pizza into the oven, and in about 20 minutes, you’ll have a warm homemade pie. Just make sure to cool it before serving to avoid burns.

Butternut Squash Soup

Even if your toddler is new to solid foods, they’ll love the smooth texture, crayon-perfect color, and natural sweetness of this comforting soup. Packed with nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and beta-carotene, it’s also a win for your peace of mind.

Save time by purchasing pre-packaged butternut squash that’s already peeled and cubed. Roast it with chunks of onion and tart apple for extra flavor. Blend it all with low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, a splash of half-and-half, and some shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, belly-warming puree.

Pair the soup with whole-grain crackers or bread for a complete meal your toddler will love.

Fruit-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

If you’re tired of chicken breasts, drumsticks might be the perfect alternative. Toddlers love the independence of holding their own chicken leg. Make sure your child has developed molars and is comfortable with chewing meat (usually around 19 months).

For a sweet and toddler-approved glaze, coat the drumsticks with apricot jam or orange marmalade before roasting them for about 30 minutes. Use non-stick foil to prevent sticking.

To make this meal even more nutritious, roast sweet potato wedges alongside the chicken. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper for a healthy, delicious side.

Turkey Meatballs with Fun Pasta

This toddler-friendly dinner comes together in about 30 minutes. Use lean ground turkey and mix in grated zucchini or carrot to keep the meatballs moist while sneaking in extra vitamins. Sear the meatballs, then simmer them in jarred or homemade tomato sauce.

Make the dish fun for your toddler by using whole-grain pasta in playful shapes like bow ties (farfalle) or curly rotini. For extra veggies, toss in chopped broccoli florets during the last few minutes of pasta boiling.

If your toddler isn’t ready for whole meatballs or large pasta pieces, cut them into smaller, bite-sized portions. Bonus: leftover meatballs make an easy lunch the next day!

Soft Tilapia Tacos

Your toddler can enjoy fish beyond frozen fish sticks if you choose the right type. Tilapia is a mild, non-fishy option packed with protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins.

To prepare, warm a soft tortilla and spread vegetarian refried beans as a base. Add ripe avocado slices, a sprinkle of light shredded cheese, and flaky pieces of grilled or baked tilapia (check for bones first). If your toddler can handle it, a bit of mild salsa can add flavor.

Blueberry Pancakes for Dinner

Turn breakfast into dinner for an instant mood booster. Use whole-wheat pancake mix (healthier than white flour) and sprinkle fresh blueberries into the batter. If using frozen berries, add them after the pancakes start cooking to avoid blue-tinted batter.

For extra fun, use cookie cutters to create shapes like hearts, cars, or even Mickey Mouse. Serve with plain yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, or fruit preserves for dipping. Pair the pancakes with turkey bacon or veggie sausage patties for a quick and nutritious meal.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a favorite among kids, but fast-food versions can be loaded with fat and calories. Homemade nuggets are healthier and easier to make than you think.

Cut skinless, boneless chicken breasts into thin strips or small squares. Dip them in skim milk, then coat with whole-grain breadcrumbs seasoned with your favorite herbs. Sauté the chicken in olive oil until golden, then bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until fully cooked.

Serve with low-fat ketchup or your toddler’s favorite dipping sauce, along with steamed veggies like peas and carrots.

Split Pea or Lentil Soup

Beans and lentils are protein-packed, fiber-rich meat alternatives loaded with folate and iron. If you don’t have time to simmer a pot for hours, opt for low-sodium, low-fat canned varieties.

Serve the soup in a cup topped with whole-grain croutons for a snack, or pair it with whole-grain crackers or toast for a satisfying meal.

Bean and Guacamole Nachos

This tasty and healthy snack doubles as a quick meal. Start with a layer of fat-free refried beans for fiber, followed by a sprinkle of low-fat cheese. Bake until the cheese is gooey, then top with guacamole (avocados are full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats) and mild salsa.

For healthier tortilla chips, make your own: spray whole-wheat tortillas with olive oil, slice them into triangles, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 350°F for 10 minutes or until crisp.

Whole-Wheat Pita with Hummus

Hummus is a protein- and vitamin-rich dish made from fiber-packed chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, tahini, and lemon juice. It’s simple to prepare: blend 1 can (15 oz) of drained, rinsed chickpeas with 2 garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons of tahini, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a food processor.

Toddlers love dipping! Serve the hummus with whole-wheat pita triangles, steamed baby carrots, or broccoli florets for a fun and healthy snack or meal.