Dinner Ideas for Teens That they will Crave

We all know how fussy toddlers can be with what they eat, but teenagers can be much the same. They quickly tire of the same old same old and want something new and exciting for dinner. When you are looking for family dinner ideas that will satisfy a teen’s taste preference it can be difficult. Not only that, but, with the amount of hunger the average teenager experiences every day they require food that will keep them full longer. This is where these dinner ideas for teens will come in handy. 

While it can seem difficult to find delicious dinner ideas that will satisfy your teen, there are many out there to choose from. Whether you decide to go with a delicious take on chicken tenders, beef burritos or even a spicy sandwich, there are teen dinner ideas for everyone. 

My Buffalo Chicken Taquitos is a fun teen friendly dinner idea!

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15 Fun Dinner Ideas for Teens Find Craveable

No matter what your teenager’s palate prefers, choosing a fun meal for them to eat can be easy with the right ideas. When it comes to feeding your teen, always remember to get creative, the sky is the limit. 

Easy Doritos^® Chicken Tenders from Dancing Through the Rain

Teens love that cheesy flavor iconic to the Doritos^® chips! So using them as the coating for crispy chicken tenders is a great idea that your whole family will eat up. Keep plenty of napkins on-hand to wipe up the cheesy fingertips.

Smoky Beef Burritos from Daises and Pie 

You don’t need a taco seasoning packet to make marvelous Mexican flavors. This Smoky Beef Burritos recipe is so simple you can have your teens make dinner tonight. And, you can serve it on tortillas or make over lettuce for a burrito salad.

Easy Supreme French Bread Pizza – The Kitchen is my Playground

We all know that pizza is a teenage favorite food, right? But, with everyone trying to stay at home these days, you may not want to go out for pick-up or even delivery. That doesn’t mean you can’t have excellent pizza flavors at home! This French bread pizza is topped with all the favorite toppings that teens crave.

Buffalo Chicken Burrito Bowls – Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks

The Buffalo flavor in this burrito bowl brings a succulent warmth with a bit of heat to the dinner table. But, because it’s paired with veggies and rice the heat isn’t overpowering. It’s actually a well-balanced, healthy meal that could become a your got-to favorite family dinner idea.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese – Eating on a Dime

Mac and cheese is a classic teen favorite meal so you know your teens are gonna love it. You will love the ease of prep and cooking in a crock pot! Pair it with cornbread and a side salad for a complete dinner. Or, pair it with those Doritos^® Chicken Tenders mentioned above! Yum!

Philly Cheese Steak Nachos – Sassy Southern Yankee

Philly cheese steak plus nachos equals an amazing combination of two teen favorites! Those crispy chips combined with the luscious flavors of steak, onion, peppers and cheese are a cravable dinner idea that anyone will love.

One Skillet Cheesy Hamburger Pasta – A Cedar Spoon

If your teen is like mine with a seemingly bottomless stomach you are always trying to find a dinner idea that will fill them up. This fun take on cheesy hamburger and pasta will fill your teens belly for sure!

Bacon-Wrapped Sonoran Hot Dogs – Everyday Southwest

I mean, bacon and hot dogs together in one amazing entree, need I say more? Ok, I will. The salsa, crema, and pico de gallo will add a fresh flavor. The recipe calls for avocado, which my family prefers to leave off. But, I’m sure if you are a fan — you’ll love it!

Crock Pot Cheesy Salsa Sloppy Joes – Flour on My Face

Sloppy Joes are an excellent teen dinner idea because you can make a large batch easily, which means you’ll have plenty for the hungry teens in your life. Since this one is made in a crock pot you can whip it up and forget about it until time to serve.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole – Crafty Morning

Tater tot casserole has been a family staple for years. Combine it with another favorite of chicken bacon ranch and you can’t go wrong. You won’t have leftovers with this one.

Sloppy Jo Twice Baked Potato – Parenting Chaos

As I said above teens and sloppy joes are a great idea for teens. This one combines that classic sloppy joe flavor with a twice baked potato. That means you’ll have a simple meal that is perfect for a Saturday night dinner idea or even a mid-week lunch.

Crock Pot BBQ Ribs – The Rising Spoon

Since my family moved to Kansas City a few years back, we’ve sort of become BBQ snobs. Don’t get me wrong we’ve always enjoyed BBQ. We’ve eaten ribs in a variety of locales around the country. But… we didn’t know excellent BBQ until we moved here. My teen in particular has grown to appreciate amazing BBQ ribs. This recipe, while not true BBQ cooked over a low-temp smoke is a wonderful alternative that anyone can make at home.

Cheeseburger Casserole – Thrifty Frugal Mom

I don’t know about your teen, but mine could eat a cheeseburger every single day. But, I don’t necessarily want to cook cheeseburgers every single day. This casserole is a great alternative to the traditional cheeseburger without losing any of the classic flavors.

Easy Lasagna Casserole – Spaceships and Laser Beams

Lasagna is filling! There’s no doubt about that. So, if I can put together a filling lasagna in a casserole form that is so much easier to put together than a traditional lasagna… you can bet that I’m all in. And, any teen will love the savory goodness of pasta, meat in red sauce, and cheese.

Chicken Salad Sandwich (Chick-Fil-A Copycat) – Life with Joanne

You can’t go wrong with chicken salad. And, when it tastes like the one at a favorite national restaurant it’s even better! You can make this at home with ease and ingredient you likely have on-hand.

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It is time to stop stressing about what your teen will want for dinner. With these delicious dinner ideas for teens to choose from, you are sure to find a few to add to your weekly meal rotation. 

What’s your family’s favorite dinner idea for teens? Share your faves in the comments below.

Get even more family dinner ideas.

• Family Dinner Idea for a Pork Tenderloin
• Family Dinner Ideas for a Busy Weeknight
• 40 + Easy Recipes for Crazy Busy Moms