17 Hidden Veggie Dinner Recipes for Picky Toddlers

Serving healthy meals to your toddler is a great way to ensure they have a strong and healthy future. When you give them nutritious food, they will grow up big and strong. This is where hidden veggie dinner recipes come in, making mealtime easier and fun for them.

You are about to discover 17 yummy dinner recipes that your picky toddler will love.

These recipes are special because they hide veggies in a way that kids won’t even notice they’re eating them.

By trying these recipes, you’ll be giving your toddler the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Sneaky Spinach Recipes

Sneaky spinach recipes hide nutrients in tasty meals.

Ingredients

• 1 package of pasta
• 1 cup of spinach
• 1 cup of tomato sauce
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
3. Blend the spinach into the tomato sauce until well combined.
4. Mix the cooked pasta with the spinach-infused tomato sauce.
5. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Carrot Loaded Meals

Carrot loaded meals are a tasty way to get toddlers to eat vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 medium carrots
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Peel and grate the carrots.
3. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
4. In a bowl, combine ground beef, grated carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
5. Add cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg to the bowl and mix well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Shape into patties or meatballs and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Zucchini Based Dishes

Delicious zucchini boats filled with cheese and breadcrumbs for a healthy toddler meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cheese, breadcrumbs, and parsley.
4. Fill the zucchinis with the cheese mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake the zucchinis for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Hidden Broccoli Ideas

Delicious broccoli is hidden in a cheesy pasta bake.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup pasta
• 2 cups cheese sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
3. Steam the broccoli florets until tender.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Quick and Easy Veggie Pasta

Quick and easy pasta dish with hidden veggies for picky toddlers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pasta
• 1 cup mixed veggies
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Steam the mixed veggies until they are tender.
3. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the steamed veggies.
4. Blend the veggies into the tomato sauce to create a hidden veggie sauce.
5. Combine the cooked pasta and veggie sauce, and season with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

Meatballs With a Secret Ingredient

Meatballs packed with hidden veggies for a healthy twist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped carrots, zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, onion, and garlic.
3. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite sauce or sides.

Veggie Stuffed Burgers

Tasty veggie stuffed burgers for toddlers, packed with hidden veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, cheese, and tomato for toppings

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mash the black beans using a fork or a potato masher.
3. Add the chopped carrots, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, and minced garlic to the bowl with the mashed black beans.
4. Mix well to combine the veggies.
5. Add the ground beef or turkey to the bowl and mix until just combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape into patties.
8. Brush the patties with olive oil and grill for 5-6 minutes per side.
9. Serve the burgers on hamburger buns with lettuce, cheese, and tomato.

Cauliflower in Disguise

Cauliflower in a cheesy sauce helps picky toddlers eat their veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Steam the cauliflower until tender.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour and whisk to make a roux.
4. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Combine the cheese sauce with the steamed cauliflower and serve.

Healthy Chicken Nuggets

Bite-sized healthy chicken nuggets for picky toddlers made easy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken into small nugget-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, cheese, and chopped vegetables.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
5. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place the coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Baked Goods With a Twist

Sneaky veggie muffins packed with hidden nutrients for picky toddlers.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine grated carrots, zucchini, milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly into 12 muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow muffins to cool completely before serving.

Pureed Vegetable Soups

Creamy and comforting pureed vegetable soups for toddlers.

Ingredients

• 2 carrots
• 1 celery stalk
• 2 potatoes
• 1 onion
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until tender.
3. Add the potatoes, vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let simmer until the potatoes are tender.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the milk and serve warm.

Mashed Potato Surprises

Mashed potatoes with hidden veggies for picky toddlers.

Ingredients

• 3-4 large potatoes
• 1/2 cup broccoli
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes and broccoli until tender.
2. Mash the potatoes with butter and milk.
3. Blend the cooked broccoli and carrot into the mashed potatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy.

Grilled Cheese With a Hidden Veggie

A twist on the classic grilled cheese with a hidden veggie surprise.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 1 slice of cheese
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped spinach
• 1 tablespoon of butter

Instructions

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter side down, in a pan over medium heat.
3. Top with a slice of cheese and a sprinkle of chopped spinach.
4. Place the second slice of bread, butter side up, on top of the cheese.
5. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook the other side until also golden brown.

Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas

Delicious roasted vegetables inside a crispy quesadilla perfect for picky toddlers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
• 2 whole wheat tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tortillas on a flat surface and sprinkle shredded cheese on half of each tortilla.
3. Add the roasted vegetables on top of the cheese.
4. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
5. Brush the outside of the tortillas with olive oil.
6. Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Breakfast for Dinner With a Twist

Scrambled eggs and pancakes get a veggie boost in this fun twist on breakfast for dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
• 1 cup pancake mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the mixed veggies.
3. Cook the veggies until they are tender, then add the eggs and scramble them together.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the pancake mix and milk to create the batter.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter.
6. Pour the pancake batter onto the skillet or griddle and cook until bubbles appear.
7. Flip the pancakes and cook for another minute.
8. Serve the scrambled eggs and veggies with the pancakes and top with shredded cheese.

Slow Cooker Recipes With Hidden Veggies

Delicious slow cooker chili with hidden veggies for picky toddlers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a pan and drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until softened.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, shredded carrots, and shredded zucchini.
4. Stir in chili powder and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Mac and Cheese With a Nutritious Boost

A classic mac and cheese with added nutrients for picky toddlers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup macaroni
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 2 cups grated cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. Steam the mixed vegetables until tender.
4. In a saucepan, combine the grated cheese and milk, stirring until smooth.
5. Combine the cooked macaroni, steamed vegetables, and cheese sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

You’re the master chef, serving up a nutritious rainbow, symbolizing a healthy future for your little ones. With these 17 hidden veggie recipes, you’re sowing seeds of wellness, nurturing a lifelong love for wholesome food, and cultivating a strong foundation for your toddler’s growth, one delicious, veggie-packed meal at a time, opening a world of possibilities.