8 Dinner Recipes for Picky Eaters

With layers of corn tortillas, spicy ground beef, roasted tomato salsa, and cheese, this dish is a cross between traditional rolled enchiladas and lasagna — yet easier to make than both.

These smoky, spicy Sloppy Joes ― or “Sloppy Jenns” as we call them at my house ― are made entirely from scratch (read: no ketchup or mystery seasoning packets) and they’re not sweet.

These chicken tenders — marinated in seasoned buttermilk and pan-fried to crispy, crunchy perfection — are delicious plain, dipped in honey mustard sauce, or perched on top of a salad. And they’re not just for picky kids: everyone loves them.

This is my take on Pollo a la Brasa, the delicious spit-roasted chicken made popular by so many Peruvian restaurants. The chicken is marinated then roasted until tender, juicy and crisp-skinned. And the green sauce is downright addictive.

In this dish, shrimp are nestled in a Greek-spiced tomato sauce, topped with chunks of feta, and then baked. Before serving, you flash the pan under the broiler to brown the cheese and sprinkle the whole lovely dish with fresh mint.

This pasta dish is adapted from Lidia’s Italian Table by Lidia Bastianich. Not only is it quick and easy to make — 25 minutes tops — the whole family gobbles it up, broccoli and all.

These drip-down-your-chin sliders are jazzed up with smoky Southwestern spices, jalapeno pepper and Jack cheese. They are phenomenal topped with my Roasted Tomato Peach Jam (which is more of a relish than a true jam), but ketchup and salsa work too.