11 Kid-Approved Thermos Meals for School Lunches

25

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial Policy | Disclosure Policy

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add garlic and diced chicken, cooking until the chicken is browned.
3. Pour in chicken broth, stir in rice and thyme, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

2. Cheesy Vegetable Pasta

Cheesy Vegetable Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the goodness of pasta with an array of colorful vegetables, all brought together with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a fantastic meal for busy school nights and is sure to please picky eaters, making it a perfect choice for parents looking to pack nutrition into a kid-approved dinner.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add garlic, broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini, sautéing until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Vegetable Pasta!

3. Savory Beef and Bean Chili

Savory Beef and Bean Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that packs a punch of flavor while being nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings after a long day at school, this chili combines tender ground beef, protein-rich beans, and a mix of spices, making it a family-friendly meal that kids will love.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and ground beef; cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
4. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and both types of beans, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and let chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as cheese or sour cream. Enjoy your Savory Beef and Bean Chili!

4. Mini Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

Mini Turkey and Spinach Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious dish that kids will love! These bite-sized meatballs are packed with protein and veggies, making them a great back-to-school meal option. They are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, serving alongside pasta, or enjoying on their own as a nutritious snack.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in size) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs for added moisture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
6. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your Mini Turkey and Spinach Meatballs!

5. Veggie-Packed Lentil Stew

Veggie-Packed Lentil Stew is a wholesome and hearty dish that’s perfect for back-to-school meals! Bursting with flavors and loaded with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich lentils, it’s a comforting bowl of goodness that kids will love. This stew is easy to prepare and can be made in batches for leftovers, making it a fantastic option on busy weeknights.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
5. Remove the bay leaf and serve warm. Enjoy your Veggie-Packed Lentil Stew!

6. Tomato Basil Soup With Grilled Cheese Dippers

Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Dippers is a classic comfort food that kids adore! This rich and creamy soup pairs perfectly with crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches cut into fun dippers. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy school nights.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
2. Add the canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir in fresh basil and heavy cream (if using), and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
4. For the grilled cheese, butter one side of each bread slice, layer with cheese, and grill until golden brown on both sides.
5. Cut the grilled cheese into strips and serve alongside the warm Tomato Basil Soup for dipping. Enjoy!

7. Breakfast Burrito Bowl

Breakfast Burrito Bowl is a fun and customizable dish that combines all your favorite breakfast ingredients in one flavorful bowl. Perfect for busy mornings, this dish allows kids to mix and match toppings according to their taste, making breakfast a delightful experience to kick off the day.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a skillet, scramble the eggs over medium heat with salt and pepper until fully cooked.
2. In serving bowls, layer the cooked breakfast sausage, diced potatoes, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese.
3. Top with salsa, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro if desired.
4. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch. Enjoy your customizable Breakfast Burrito Bowl!

8. Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken

Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and sweet-savory dish that’s sure to please kids and adults alike. This easy-to-make meal features tender chicken coated in a flavorful honey garlic teriyaki sauce, making it not only tasty but perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or along with steamed veggies for a complete meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 hours in the refrigerator).
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. If using, sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken during the last few minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. Once cooked, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken!

9. Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that is beloved by kids and adults alike. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is easy to make and can be customized with different cheeses, veggies, or proteins for a fun twist. Perfectly cheesy and downright delicious, it’s a surefire winner for back-to-school meals!

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until melted and smooth.
5. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
6. For an optional baked version, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese!

10. Quinoa Fried Rice

Quinoa Fried Rice is a nutritious twist on the classic fried rice dish, combining fluffy quinoa with colorful vegetables and savory seasonings. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only kid-approved but also a fantastic way to sneak in some healthy ingredients for a delicious back-to-school meal that is quick and easy to prepare.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water, then combine with water or vegetable broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced carrots, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in peas and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and crack in the eggs, scrambling until cooked through.
5. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet, pouring in soy sauce, and mixing everything together. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your nutritious quinoa fried rice!

11. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Shells are a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that kids will love! These large pasta shells are filled with a cheesy spinach mixture and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your child’s diet while offering a comforting and tasty meal that is perfect for back-to-school nights.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked spinach, feta, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Spoon the cheese and spinach mixture into each cooked pasta shell and place them in a baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Enjoy your flavorful Spinach and Feta Stuffed Shells!