Cooking for kids can feel like an uphill battle. One child wants pasta, the other asks for chicken nuggets, and everyone seems to turn up their nose at vegetables. Add in the dishes that pile up afterward, and it’s no wonder many dads dread weeknight dinners.
But here’s the secret: one-pan meals. They’re simple, fast, and best of all, cleanup is a breeze. With just a single skillet, sheet pan, or pot, you can make meals that the kids actually eat—and that you’ll enjoy too. Here are five one-pan recipes that save time, impress the kids, and keep your sink from overflowing.
1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Ingredients: Chicken breast strips, sliced bell peppers, onions, olive oil, and fajita seasoning.
- How to Make: Toss everything with oil and seasoning, spread it on a sheet pan, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Why Kids Love It: It’s colorful, customizable, and interactive. Set out tortillas, shredded cheese, and salsa so kids can build their own fajitas.
2. One-Pot Mac and Cheese With Hidden Veggies
- Ingredients: Pasta, milk, shredded cheese, and pureed veggies (like carrots, cauliflower, or butternut squash).
- How to Make: Cook pasta in milk until tender, stir in cheese, and sneak in the pureed veggies. The sauce turns creamy and flavorful, with nutrients hidden inside.
- Why Kids Love It: It tastes just like classic mac and cheese. They won’t even notice the veggies.
3. Skillet Pizza Quesadillas
- Ingredients: Tortillas, shredded mozzarella, marinara sauce, pepperoni or cooked chicken, and any favorite toppings.
- How to Make: Layer cheese, sauce, and toppings between two tortillas. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and melty. Slice into wedges.
- Why Kids Love It: It’s pizza in disguise! Plus, they can help assemble their own with toppings of their choice.
4. Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
- Ingredients: Salmon fillets, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and lemon slices.
- How to Make: Arrange salmon and veggies on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil and garlic, and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Why Kids Love It: The mild, buttery taste of salmon pairs perfectly with roasted veggies. Bonus: add a side of rice or noodles for picky eaters.
5. One-Pot Breakfast-for-Dinner Scramble
- Ingredients: Eggs, diced potatoes (or frozen hash browns), cheese, ham or bacon, and spinach.
- How to Make: Cook potatoes in a skillet, add ham/bacon, then stir in eggs and spinach. Sprinkle cheese on top before serving.
- Why Kids Love It: Breakfast for dinner feels like breaking the rules. Kids love the novelty, and dads love the simplicity.
Dad Hacks to Make One-Pan Meals Even Easier
- Use Foil or Parchment Paper: Lining sheet pans means zero scrubbing.
- Double Up: Make extra and pack leftovers for school lunches or your own workday.
- Get the Kids Involved: Let them wash veggies, sprinkle cheese, or stir sauces. Cooking together turns dinner into a bonding activity.
- Keep Staples on Hand: Frozen veggies, shredded cheese, tortillas, and pasta make it easy to whip up one-pan meals in minutes.
One-pan meals are a game-changer for busy dads. They cut down on stress, save time, and reduce cleanup while still delivering family-friendly dinners. Whether it’s customizable fajitas, veggie-packed mac and cheese, or breakfast-for-dinner fun, these dishes prove that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.
So the next time dinner duty rolls around, don’t overthink it. Grab one pan, throw in some simple ingredients, and impress the kids without spending hours in the kitchen—or at the sink.
Unlock Full Article
Watch a quick video to get instant access.