Mratless low-meat options of picky children?

[Anonymous]

I know this comes up periodically as people try to be more earth friendly; current supply chain issues make it even more worthwhile to have some recipes that don’t require fresh meat.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, accidentally clicked submit. I am looking for recipes, preferably with some protein, that I can get into my meat and potatoes kids. Right now, the only vegetarian thing that flies in my house is pizza. Anyone have creative ideas using legumes that slip by them? Patties or ‘meatballs’ What is a lake would probably go over better than stews / blends.

[Anonymous]

My kid and I both like Trader Joe’s beefless beef crumbles. It looks like ground beef but it’s not. Actually using it tonight to make tacos. I add a can of black beans and mild seasoning mix. I’ve also used it to add into Marinara sauce and make baked ziti or spaghetti bolognaise.

[Anonymous]

Assuming that your kids are somewhat picky, here are some ideas.

You could try something along the lines of a Chipotle burrito bowl - rice, beans, whatever toppings your kids want (lettuce, corn, avocado, cheese, etc.

Or bean and cheese burritos or quesadillas.

Homemade “meatballs” are a lot of work, but you could try them. Check cookie and Kate’s lentil meatballs.

Or do breakfast for dinner - eggs with sautéed potatoes, onions and peppers.

[Anonymous]

Black been burgers that you make, or any veggie burger that you buy

Falafel (made with chick peas)

Quesadilla that you make with refried beans

Hummus with dippers (carrots, snow peas, pita...)

Peanut butter - on apple slices, on toast

Mac n Cheese (there are some made with veggies too)

[Anonymous]

Lasagna
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Fried rice
Burritos
Veggie pastas
Beans and rice
Veggie frittatas or quiche
Hummus with lots of things to dip in it
Make from scratch black bean burgers

Fake meats aren’t exactly good for you or the environment, stay away from those

[Anonymous]

Black bean soup, potato leek soup, broccoli cheddar soup are all popular with my kids. I make them and they are easy without too many various vegetables. It seems if too many mixed varieties of vegetables are in something I get a lot more complaints from kids.

Lentils and brown rice is a favorite too.
Curried lentils on top of quinoa with a spoonful of yogurt
Pesto bow tie pasta with peas

[Anonymous]

Frittata or quiche - my picky eater doesn’t mind spinach added to these

Mango coconut tofu bowls - I leave avocado off for one kid https://www.budgetbytes.com/mango-coconut-tofu-bowls/

Crepes with savory and sweet filling (they eat one with vegetable of choice before getting a sweet one with banana)

Sushi - we make our own sushi rolls with baked tofu, carrots, cucumber, avocado and cream cheese as filling options and each person picks their own

Spring rolls - same as sushi where everyone picks their own filling and I offer rice noodles, bean sprouts, mango, avocado, shredded carrots, cilantro and tofu as filling options

Nachos - everyone picks their own toppings before baking like black beans, refried beans, corn, cheese and toppings for after baking like sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, etc. I also sometimes add a vegetable to the chips like roasted cauliflower or roasted butternut squash cubes.

[Anonymous]

Bean tacos
Vegetable stir fry
Pasta with a tomato sauce with more veggies mixed in
Hummus

Also just lower the quantity of meat in dishes like pasta or soup or casseroles or lasagna or stir fry. I try to do half or so of the meat in the recipe, just to provide the taste and use more vegetables.

[Anonymous]

Purée soft tofu and fold it into the cheese sauce for Mac and cheese.

Stuffed sweet potatoes with quinoa and whatever other veg they’ll eat

[Anonymous]

I'll second the falafel suggestion.

There are also some flatbreads made with gram (chickpea) flour that have more protein than wheat breads. Take a look at roti and chapati. Sometimes kids like roasted chickpeas as crunchy snacks, too.

Do your kids like smoothies? Can you try slipping in some silken tofu?

My mother used to make giant trays of homemade granola with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and various nuts. Quina or chia or hemp seeds could be added if you wanted to increase protein.

Will they snack on edamame?

[Anonymous]

I have gradually subbed lentils for ground beef in some of my kids' favorites. Usually I use about 50/50.

I also do a lot of meals that have enough meat for a meat flavor, but also veg protein. So, fried rice with a lot of egg and a little left over chicken. Lentil soup with a little sausage. Mexican style casserole with a little chicken and some black beans etc.

[Anonymous]

Can you do eggs?
We do the following for meatless days. Kids are 3 and 6.
Been and cheese quesadillas with lots of guac
White sauce lasagna
Tofu and veg stirfry
Broccoli quiche
Fried eggs and asparagus and toast
Black bean burgers
Beyond mean sausage patties are pretty good

[Anonymous]

Baked ziti

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, accidentally clicked submit. I am looking for recipes, preferably with some protein, that I can get into my meat and potatoes kids. Right now, the only vegetarian thing that flies in my house is pizza. Anyone have creative ideas using legumes that slip by them? Patties or ‘meatballs’ What is a lake would probably go over better than stews / blends.

Veggie nuggets, impossible (or other brand) burgers and meat balls (I think they are gross but my kids and husband love them). You don't need a protein at every single meal. You can make stuffed shells (just cheese if they don't like things like mushroom and veggies). Vegetarian tacos with mushrooms, crumbles or other veggies inside. Also, baked tofu (just put a bit of seasoning, use firm tofu and bake till crispy).