7 Winter Home Meals The Kids Will Get On Board With

Hot chocolates, cosy jumpers, movie nights with the family...what’s not to love about winter? The biggest perk is all the delicious comfort foods! From succulent stews to mouth-watering roasts, there are so many tasty dishes to warm you up from the inside out.

That said, if you have kids, it can sometimes be a little tricky to get them to eat some of these heartier dishes — especially if they’re quite different from what you normally serve throughout the rest of the year.

The good news is, there are some kid-friendly winter meals that even the pickiest eaters will love! Not only are they delicious, but they’re quick and easy to prepare. Read on for 7 winter home meals the kids will get on board with.

1. Baked macaroni and cheese

Mac and cheese is already a foolproof recipe for kids, but this baked dish takes it to the next level! Gooey on the inside, crispy on the outside and all-round delicious — what’s not to love? To make it, boil the macaroni in a pot. Meanwhile, mix flour, cheese and milk and cook in a pan until smooth. Once booked, add the pasta to the mixture and bake in a tray for 20 to 25 minutes or until crispy and golden.

Bonus tip: Blitz some cauliflower in a food processor and add to the mix for some added nutritional goodness the kids won’t even notice!

2. Mexican beef nachos

It’s hard to go wrong with nachos. Not only are they delicious, but they’re fun to eat and make! In fact, this is a great recipe to get the kids involved in the kitchen if you could use some little helping hands.

To make it, cook the mince in a pan with Mexican spices like paprika, turmeric and cumin. Then, once cooked, distribute the mince (as well as shredded cheese and diced tomato and onion) throughout layers of tortilla or corn chips in an oven-safe tray. To make it even heartier, you can also mix in some kidney or cannellini beans. Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chips appear golden, and serve with sour cream and guacamole or avocado dip. The result is a dinner dish the kids will go crazy for!

Mexican beef nachos

3. Fancy toasties

Toasties are often thought of as a lazy, fall-back dinner for when you’ve run out of other food. However, with a few gourmet tweaks, they can be anything but boring! Consider experimenting with some more out-of-the-box combinations, like brie cheese, cranberry or turkey or a Reuben sandwich — corned beef, swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Leftover bolognese or slow cooked shredded beef can also make an excellent jaffle when paired with cheese. These toasties are simple enough for kids, filling enough for adults and perfect to enjoy at any time of day!

Toastie

4. Slow cooked chicken drumsticks

Drumsticks are always a winner for kids, because they’re so easy to eat with their hands! To give this classic dish a heartier, winter makeover, why not marinate the drumsticks in the slow cooker? There’s a wide array of different flavour combinations you can try. For a Southern-style dish, coat them with BBQ sauce and spice mix. Or, for a more Oriental twist, try Thai chili sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar. The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is. Just coat with your ingredients, slow cook for 3 to 4 hours (depending on the recipe) and voila, dinner is served!

5. Lamb and apple curry

Curry doesn’t just have to be a meal that mum and dad eat after the kids have gone to bed. By opting for a milder recipe, you can create a dish the whole family will love! With just the right mix of sweet and savoury, this is a great introductory curry for kids.

To make it, sear lamb shoulder in a saucepan until browned. Then, remove, and cook onion, garlic, ginger and spices. Return the lamb to the saucepan, and add yoghurt, apple slices. Stir until it thickens up and serve with basmati and naan bread. You can also make this one in a slow cooker, if you have one!

Lamb and apple curry

6. Chicken noodle casserole

This crowd-pleasing dish combines the comfort factor of chicken noodle soup with the creaminess of a casserole. Not only is it very palatable even for young children, but it’s also incredibly easy to hide veggies in!

To make it, you’ll first need to cook up a simple mushroom or creamy soup, or grab a canned version. You will also need cooked, skinless chicken breast, cut up into small pieces. Then, mix the soup, chicken, noodles, Parmesan cheese, black pepper and fresh or frozen vegetables in a casserole dish. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. For extra crispiness, you can also add some more shredded cheese on the top and bake for a few extra minutes. So easy, yet so delicious!

7. Creamed rice pudding

Winter isn’t just all about the savoury foods! Creamed rice pudding is a warming dessert that will hit the right spot on chilly nights. It’s also a great way to use up some leftover rice from dinner! To make it, combine cooked rice with some milk and sugar in a saucepan and stir for 15 to 20 minutes or until thick and creamy. To add some extra sweetness, drizzle it with some honey and add some fresh fruit like strawberries and raspberries!

Rice pudding