5 Easy Meals Dads Can Cook That Kids Love
Being a dad often means juggling a lot at once — school runs, playtime, tidy-ups, bedtime routines… and somewhere in the middle of all that, dinner needs to appear. But cooking for your children doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. In fact, some of the most loved meals are the simplest ones.
These five dishes are quick, comforting, budget-friendly and child-approved. They’re perfect for dads who want to put good food on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking every day or just looking for new ideas to add to your rotation, these meals are easy wins your kids will enjoy again and again.
🍝 1. Creamy Carbonara
A classic dish that feels special but takes only 15 minutes to make.
Carbonara is one of those meals that looks impressive yet is unbelievably simple. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for those evenings when everyone’s hungry now.
Why it’s great for dads:
- Minimal ingredients
- Ready fast
- Kids love pasta
How it works:
Cook pasta, fry some bacon or pancetta, mix eggs with grated cheese, then toss everything together while it’s still hot. The heat from the pasta creates that silky sauce — no cream needed. Serve immediately for a cosy, comforting bowl.
🍍 2. Sweet and Sour Chicken With Rice
A colourful, tasty dish that feels like a takeaway treat but is healthier and far cheaper.
This meal is brilliant because you can add whatever vegetables you have lying around — peppers, onions, carrots, even pineapple chunks.
Why it’s great for dads:
- Easy to sneak in vegetables
- Flexible ingredients
- Kids enjoy the sweet flavour
How it works:
Fry chicken pieces until golden, add chopped veg, pour over sweet-and-sour sauce, then simmer while you cook your rice. Serve with a good scoop of fluffy rice and you’ve got a bright, delicious dish that tastes like a family favourite.
🍕 3. Homemade Pizza With Chips and Veg
Fun, interactive, and guaranteed to get kids excited for dinner.
Homemade pizza is one of the easiest ways to make mealtimes more enjoyable. Kids love choosing their own toppings, and you can keep it simple with wraps, pitta breads or flatbreads as the base.
Why it’s great for dads:
- Completely customisable
- Quick prep and quick cooking
- Perfect for getting kids involved
How it works:
Spread tomato sauce on your chosen base, sprinkle cheese, add toppings (ham, sweetcorn, mushrooms, peppers — whatever they enjoy), and bake for 8–10 minutes. Serve with oven chips and a side of veg for a balanced, fun meal.
🥘 4. One-Pan Sausage and Veg Traybake
This is the ultimate “dad meal” — throw everything on a tray and let the oven do the work.
Traybakes are lifesavers on busy evenings. There’s almost no prep, barely any washing up, and the flavour is always fantastic.
Why it’s great for dads:
- Zero fuss
- One tray = minimal cleanup
- Works with whatever veg you have
How it works:
Place sausages, potatoes, peppers, onions, and carrots on a baking tray. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle herbs or seasoning, then roast until everything is golden. It’s hearty, simple and incredibly reliable.
🌯 5. Chicken Wraps With Salad and Cheese
Fresh, quick and easy — perfect for lighter evenings or when you want something fuss-free.
Wraps are a brilliant option for dads because the kids can build their own. It becomes half meal, half activity, and that alone helps encourage them to eat.
Why it’s great for dads:
- Fast to prepare
- Customisable
- Great for picky eaters
How it works:
Cook chicken strips, warm the wraps, and lay out salad, cheese and any extras. Let the kids assemble their own — they’ll love the independence and creativity.
🍽️ Simple meals can mean the most
You don’t need complicated recipes or long prep times to cook well for your kids. These five meals are quick, comforting and perfect for busy families. More importantly, they create moments — the smell of dinner cooking, the conversations around the table, the routines that children remember as they grow.
Cooking as a dad isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, creating warmth, and putting something on the table that brings everyone together.