For busy families, having a meal in the freezer is like having money in the bank. If you've got one of these lightened-up picks on hand, the kids can help themselves by tossing them in the microwave straight out of the freezer.
Can you imagine how happy the kids would be to come home to burritos ready to toss in the microwave? Skip the green chiles if the kids don't like spicy foods, but either way these are a winner for busy afternoons.
Since they always beg for these at the mall, they'll be stoked to come home to them ready to pop in the microwave. Try using whole wheat flour to add some extra vitamins and fiber.
Dumplings are great for kids because they can eat them with their hands and they're oh-so-dippable. These ones are stuffed with an edamame mixture, but you could try any softened veggies — they'll never even know they're in there!
It looks like dessert, it tastes like dessert, but it's actually full of good-for-you ingredients like bananas, carrots and orange juice. Tell the kids they can nuke these so they soften up and become the perfect vessel for a pat of butter.
Breakfast for dinner is always a win, but what about breakfast as an afternoon snack? These cheesy sammies are way better than the fast food version and can be fully assembled, waiting in the freezer for the hungry kiddos.
Behold: a way to get the kids to eat squash without a second thought. This lightened-up version of mac and cheese relies on butternut squash and ricotta instead of heavy cream. Put them in a muffin tin for individual servings!
Let's be honest—after-school snacks tend to be more like the first of two dinners. These enchiladas, which can be frozen individually, will satisfy their hunger with chicken, cheese and whatever veggies you've got on hand.
Do kids love anything as much as they love chicken tenders and nuggets? Put a healthy spin on them by baking them instead of frying—you'll make up the flavor with Dijon and some spices.
Stews are a great way to fit in some veggies, and this chili is no exception with tomatoes, celery, carrots and corn. Portion it out in zip-top bags so it's ready when the kids are.
Getting kids to eat their grains just got SO much easier. These muffins are packed with quinoa, but get their amped-up flavor from brown sugar and raisins.
All you have to make ahead for this recipe is the chicken and rice—the rest you can just throw together and freeze. Whenever the kids are ready, they can make their own taco bowl right in the microwave!
Ham, cheese, eggs—what's not to love? Fill this quiche with whatever veggies your kids like and put the mixture into a muffin tin for mini quiches you can keep in the freezer.
Usually fritters are packed with oil from the deep-fryer, but these ones get baked in the oven. Plus, they've got salty parmesan cheese inside, so the kids will never know they're eating carrots and zucchini.
No need for the instant packets that are loaded with sugar. Make up a big batch of these, sweetened with honey and peaches, and have them ready in the freezer.
Whether they're served for dinner or just as a snack, these pizzas pack in a healthy serving of veggies without a side of fat. Make personal-sized pizzas so they heat up evenly in the microwave.
Dessert before dinner is a usually a no-no, but these ones, loaded with quinoa, tahini and honey are actually good for you. Plus, the quinoa has lots of fiber to keep the kids full until dinnertime.
You can feel better about feeding these to the little ones because the dough is made with whole wheat flour and the filling contains bulgur, another healthy grain.
Boring granola bars ain't got nothin' on these oat bars, especially if you heat them up in the microwave until they're soft and warm inside. Add any nuts and fruit you have in the pantry!
You might not be able to get the kids to eat a salad, but these muffins are a sure-fire hit to get those greens in. Plus, they contain cottage cheese instead of oil, so they're guilt-free.
The best part about this stew is that it only has six ingredients, so it's a cinch to make. Use mixed frozen veggies, or try whatever you've got in the fridge.
