If you’ve got a toddler like my Finley (or Finn, as we call him most of the time), then you’ll know how meal times can go. One day they’ll eat everything in sight, and the next, they’re acting like you’ve served them boiled shoe leather. Trust me, I’ve been there—and I’ve got the ketchup stains in my carpet to prove it!
But here’s the thing: feeding a toddler doesn’t have to take up half your day. These five quick and easy meals are my go-to solutions for keeping Finn happy while keeping my sanity intact. They’re all ready in 20 minutes or less and packed with toddler-approved flavours (and maybe a sneaky veggie or two!).
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If you need even more quick meal ideas, here are 10 genius meal prep hacks that will save you time and money every week.
1. Cheesy Veggie Quesadilla
Perfect for: Sneaking in those veggies without the battle.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tortilla
- Shredded cheese
- Finely diced veggies (Finn loves it when I use bell peppers, grated carrot, and spinach)
How to Make It:
- Heat a pan and place the tortilla flat.
- Sprinkle cheese and veggies on one half, fold it over, and cook until it’s golden and melty.
- Slice into toddler-friendly triangles.
It’s finger food heaven, and Finn loves dipping his into a little pot of salsa. (Pro tip: less spicy salsa, fewer tears!)
Side note: When I’m serving these Finn always eats from these plates: suction cup toddler plates. I absolutely love them! They stick to the table so he’s not chucking his dinner all over the floor, and they go in the dishwasher! Winner winner chicken dinner!
Feeling stuck on what to feed your toddler?
I get it. That’s why I put together this free One-Week Toddler Meal Ideas Guide—it includes 3 easy meals for each of the 7 days, so you’ll never be scrambling for ideas again.
These are real meals I serve to my own family—simple, affordable, and toddler-approved (with tips for grown-up versions too!).
👉 Grab your free guide below and make mealtimes easy!
2. Mini Pasta Bowls
Perfect for: The pasta-obsessed toddlers (and honestly, who isn’t?).
What You’ll Need:
- Small pasta shapes (think mini shells or bow ties)
- Tomato sauce
- Optional: shredded chicken or soft veggies (like peas or finely chopped zucchini)
How to Make It:
- Boil the pasta while warming up your sauce in a separate pan.
- Stir in the chicken or veggies to the sauce.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve it in a small bowl for easy scooping.
Finn usually ends up with sauce all over his face, but he’s happy, so I’ll take it.
Struggling to get organised? Here’s my full guide on how to start meal planning when you’re overwhelmed.
3. Scrambled Egg Muffins
Perfect for: A protein-packed snack or breakfast on the go.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 eggs
- Diced ham
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped veggies (like peppers or spinach)
How to Make It:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a muffin tin.
- Whisk the eggs, stir in the ham, cheese, and veggies, and pour the mix into the tin.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes or until set.
These are great for batch cooking, and Finn loves carrying one around like a snackable treasure.
When making stuff like this – I use my silicone muffin tin. This is awesome because it’s also small and you can flash freeze your muffins before chucking them in a freezer bag, to stop them sticking together.
4. Toddler-Friendly Stir Fry
Perfect for: Using up leftovers while keeping things fun.
What You’ll Need:
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Diced chicken or tofu
- Soft veggies like peas, carrots, or broccoli florets
- A splash of low-sodium soy sauce or sesame oil
How to Make It:
- Toss the chicken or tofu and veggies into a pan, cooking until heated through.
- Add the rice or noodles and a splash of soy sauce. Stir until everything’s combined and warmed.
It’s colourful, tasty, and Finn loves picking out the peas one by one.
5. Fruit & Yoghurt Parfait
Perfect for: A quick snack or breakfast that feels fancy.
Bonus: This recipe is Mummy’s favourite and we always enjoy it together.
What You’ll Need:
- Greek yoghurt (or any yoghurt your toddler likes)
- Chopped soft fruits (think bananas, berries, or mango)
- A sprinkle of granola (optional)
How to Make It:
- Layer yoghurt, fruit, and granola in a small cup or jar.
- Serve with a toddler spoon for maximum excitement.
Finn likes to “help” me assemble these, which usually involves sneaking half the fruit into his mouth first.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—five easy toddler meals that won’t leave you feeling like you’ve run a marathon just to get lunch on the table. These are some of the meals that save my sanity and keep Finn’s tummy happy.
I’d love to hear what your go-to toddler meals are! Let me know in the comments or send me a message on Pinterest! Happy cooking 🍳❤️
