Stay Ahead of Your Teen’s Appetite With These 15 Meals They’ll Love

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Stay Ahead of Your Teen’s Appetite With These 15 Meals They’ll Love

Keeping up with your teen’s bottomless pit of an appetite is no small feat, but we’ve got you covered with 15 meals they’ll love. These recipes are a slam dunk for those ravenous moments when it seems like they could eat a horse. We’re talking about hearty, no-nonsense dishes that are as easy to make as they are great for a hungry teenager on the go. So, when your kitchen turns into a 24/7 diner, these meals are your secret to keep those hangry teen moments at bay.

Broccoli casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are super quick to whip up, taking just 20 minutes. They’re perfect for those evenings when everyone’s running on different schedules but still needs a solid meal. Made simply with chicken, garlic, and butter and finished with parsley, they’re easy enough to involve your teens in the cooking process. Serve them with some veggies or a salad, and you’ve got a great meal on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your go-to for a no-stress dinner. They’re ready in 25 minutes and involve simple steps. Coat the pork chops lightly in mayonnaise to keep them juicy and help the seasoned breadcrumbs stick to them. Once coated, bake the chops until they achieve a crunchy exterior and a tender interior. This recipe is a solid pick for nights when you need something quick but still want to impress your teens with a crispy, delicious dinner. Serve them up with whatever sides you have on hand, and watch them disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up these Canned Chicken Patties when you’re short on time but need a dinner that packs a punch. These patties are made with canned chicken and mixed with eggs, grated Parmesan, and either ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour, along with various spices. They’re cooked until they’re golden and crispy, creating a great crispy texture that’s crispy. Your teens will dig the crispy outside and soft inside, and you’ll like how easy and affordable they are.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a hearty dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s loaded with frozen broccoli and cauliflower blended with savory bacon and a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling. Using simple, easily accessible ingredients, this dish makes the casserole an easy sell on busy nights. It’s also great for freezing and reheating, so you can have a quick fix ready whenever you need it. This one’s a crowd-pleaser and helps get those veggies in.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is all about convenience. With only 15 minutes of prep and some baking time, it’s a lifesaver on hectic evenings. It features wide egg noodles, canned tuna, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese, all baked in a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. It’s topped with more cheddar and breadcrumbs, which give it a pleasing crunchy texture when baked until golden brown. It’s a hit with the kids and saves you money. You can also swap canned tuna for canned chicken or salmon.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is just what you need for a lively family dinner. It takes 30 minutes and features canned chicken mixed with eggs, grated Parmesan, ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour, and various spices. They’re all cooked together until they’re golden and crispy. It’s super easy to prepare, and you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a full meal. The creamy, spicy flavors are a great way to wrap up a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is straightforward and filling, ready in 50 minutes. It’s a great dish for those nights when you need something both simple and hearty. The casserole consists of fresh broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, sour cream or Greek yogurt, dried minced onion, salt, pepper, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It’s topped with crushed buttery crackers mixed with melted butter, adding a delicious crunch. It’s great on its own or with a side salad. With its combination of creamy texture and crispy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with adults and teens alike.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re up against your teen’s non-stop hunger, Baked Ravioli is a lifesaver. This dish is super easy to make, using layers of frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses seasoned with dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for a little spice. To assemble, start with a layer of sauce at the bottom of a baking dish, add a layer of ravioli, top with more sauce, and sprinkle the cheeses and herbs on top. Repeat these steps to create more layers. Pop it in the oven, and you’re done. It’s a great way to whip up a filling dinner fast on those hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is perfect when time is tight and you need to feed hungry teenagers. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, and it’s all made in one skillet — less mess, less stress. This dish combines ground beef and cauliflower rice with mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce made from beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and tomato paste. It’s topped with shredded cheddar cheese, which is broiled to a delicious golden brown. This recipe is a top pick for a quick, hearty dinner. You can even save the leftovers for an easy meal the next day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Speed through dinner prep with the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s as simple as throwing sausages and veggies in a pan and baking them. It features cooked sausage with zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers, all spiced up with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of ground ginger. This meal is perfect for those nights when you need something quick and filling without spending too much time cooking. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is quick to prepare and sure to keep your teen full. With just 10 minutes of prep and a cooking time of 35 minutes, it’s a practical choice for a busy evening. It’s a straightforward dish that mixes ground meat, chopped onion and bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and rice into one delicious casserole. Top with cheese and then broil until cheese is golden and bubbling. This casserole can be made ahead, perfect for reheating on those super busy days.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute casserole is perfect for busy nights, combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese into a great meal that can keep up with your teen’s appetite. It’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, so you can have it ready to go during the week. Just cook the cauliflower rice, sauté the beef with onions and spices, wilt the spinach, and combine in a casserole dish with sour cream before baking. It’s a filling dish that remains flavorful even as leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this hearty dish in about 30 minutes. It mixes soft chicken thighs that are seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and other spices, then oven-baked with layers of cream cheese and spinach, topped off with gooey mozzarella cheese., creating a quick dinner option for nights when you’re rushing from one activity to the next. It’s easy to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more with your family. For a change, add sundried tomatoes or bacon crumbles. Serve it with veggies or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get all the great flavors of a chicken pot pie in this soup, ready in just an hour. This soup features chunks of chicken breast or thighs, along with a nutritious mix of diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Seasonings like dried thyme, parsley, garlic powder, and paprika add depth and warmth to the flavor profile. It’s a filling meal that will keep your teens full and happy. Easy to store and reheat, this soup is also perfect for chilly evenings. Add a side of salad for extra satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish is a lifesaver on busy school nights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s quick, easy, and sure to be a hit. It features seared chicken breasts enveloped in a thick, creamy sauce crafted from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and plenty of garlic. The dish features a comforting mix of flavors with a creamy texture that goes beautifully with the tender chicken. If your teens enjoy a little spice, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. Any leftovers are great the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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