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Tired of packing the same thing every day? These thermos lunch ideas for kids feature delicious casseroles, soups, and rice meals.
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Remember that thermos meals should always hold their texture and flavor for hours. These dishes do exactly that.
They’re also comforting and perfect for packing ahead.
Even if you’re already busy with work and other chores, you can still easily prepare these simple recipes.
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
These chicken bites are juicy, flavorful, and super quick to make.
You only need seven simple ingredients for the recipe, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken is such a versatile ingredient that you can pair with almost anything.
You’ll love this deconstructed egg roll. This thermos lunch combines it with soy sauce, coleslaw mix, and onions.
Get The Recipe: One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Slow Cooker Hoppin John
Make this slow cooker dish a part of the kids’ school lunch menu.
You can even prep it ahead and portion it out for the week. It pairs well with cornbread muffins and cucumber sticks.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hoppin John
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
If your kids love classic comfort food, this lunch will be an instant favorite.
The spaghetti and meatballs are coated in a mouthwatering, savory marinara sauce. You can make this in around 20 minutes.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
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Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s really something cozy about a thermos full of chicken noodle soup on a busy school day.
Go ahead and add your kids’ favorite spices! You can also make it creamier by adding butter and flour.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These steak bites are tender, garlicky, and loaded with buttery flavor.
You can use any cut of steak for this recipe! Include a small sealed container of extra butter sauce if you have room.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
This mac and cheese version is made with whole milk, Colby-Jack cheese, flour, and butter.
It’s velvety and slightly stretchy—just the way kids like it! Add a little extra cheese on top right before sealing the thermos.
Get The Recipe: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
Crunchy Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Are your kids adventurous eaters and seafood lovers? They’ll love this dish!
It features shrimp, carrots, cucumbers, avocado, and mayo.
Get The Recipe: Crunchy Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
This shepherd’s pie features an irresistible mashed potato topping!
Of course, you can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It’s great for school lunches and even weekend family gatherings.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
Believe it or not, chicken and pineapple are a fun combo the kids will love.
Check out this delicious lunch! It also includes sushi rice, cucumbers, carrots, and onions.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
Vegan Meatloaf
This plant-based lunch meatloaf is just as hearty and comforting as the traditional one.
It’s made with oats, lentils, onions, a flax egg, and dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
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Vegetarian Porcupine Meatballs
These meatballs are the kind of meal children will actually look forward to.
This recipe includes a sweet and sour sauce, but you can also enjoy the meatballs with marinara sauce or gravy.
Get The Recipe: Vegetarian Porcupine Meatballs
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Casseroles are the best choice for anyone who wants to make meals ahead of time.
Try this plant-based recipe! It’s something you can pair with guacamole, tortilla chips, or a refreshing fruit shake.
Get The Recipe: Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Parsnips and Carrots
These parsnips and carrots are lightly sweet and earthy, the little ones will instantly love them.
Pack them into a thermos with a drizzle of olive oil or butter for extra flavor.
Get The Recipe: Parsnips and Carrots
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This soup is made with wild rice, chicken, whole milk, mushrooms, carrots, and seasonings.
It’s perfect for chilly days or when your child needs a little extra fuel. So delicious and satisfying!
Get The Recipe: Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Gluten-Free Pasta E Fagioli
Imagine your kid opening their lunch box and seeing a tasty gluten-free dish waiting for them.
This 15-minute meal features cannellini beans, veggie broth, onions, and dried herbs.
Get The Recipe: Gluten-Free Pasta E Fagioli
Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Looking for a satisfying lunch you can make in the Instant Pot? Your search ends here.
Cook this casserole until it’s bubbly and golden, then serve with steamed broccoli.
Get The Recipe: Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Sautéed Spinach with Mushrooms and Vegetables
This dish will make kids fall in love with veggies even more.
It includes green beans, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, onions, and red bell peppers. It’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get The Recipe: Sautéed Spinach with Mushrooms and Vegetables
Butter Noodles (Aka Pasta with Butter)
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones kids love most. This pasta is great for picky eaters!
It’s easy to make with only three simple ingredients, yet pairs well with almost anything, from meatballs to salads.
Get The Recipe: Butter Noodles (Aka Pasta with Butter)
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
Make a huge batch of these noodles for the entire family.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, with beef chuck roast, mushrooms, beef broth, wide egg noodles, and seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
You don’t need to be an expert cook to make this casserole. It’s a cheesy, hearty option you can prepare anytime for the kids.
It has ground beef, onions, cream of mushroom soup, and Colby Jack cheese.
Get The Recipe: Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
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Potato, Corn and Bacon Chowder
This potato chowder is made with lots of wholesome ingredients like white potatoes, baby carrots, corn, and milk.
It also has everyone’s favorite savory treat—bacon! Why not pair it with a mini grilled cheese sandwich?
Get The Recipe: Potato, Corn and Bacon Chowder
Mango Soup
If you’re looking for something fruity and unique, look no further than this chilled soup!
It’s a refreshing surprise the children will want to have again and again. It has yogurt, chickpea flour, and canned mango purée.
Get The Recipe: Mango Soup
Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs may be a breakfast favorite, but they’re irresistible any time of day.
This version is soft, fluffy, and satisfying. It only requires four simple ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Scrambled Eggs
Thai Basil Fried Rice
Time to introduce Asian flavors to the little ones!
This fried rice can serve a delicious intro to Thai cuisine. It has prawns, onions, oyster sauce, and Thai basil.
Get The Recipe: Thai Basil Fried Rice
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These homemade meals are way more exciting than leftovers and store-bought ones.
Start with your kids’ favorite ingredients. Cheese, bacon, eggs, chicken? These are all versatile and easy to prep.
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Looking for more recipes? These meals are a must-try for the entire family: