Home » Recipe Roundups » The BEST 40+ Veggie-Loaded Recipes for Picky Eaters
by Taesha Butler on Mar 29, 2018 (updated Apr 18, 2022)
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4.84 from 6 votes
Are you trying to add vegetables into your family’s life but are hitting a wall with a family member or two? Or maybe you are just looking for fun and creative ways to add more veggies into your life? Either way, these are The BEST Veggie-Loaded Recipes for Picky Eaters, and they will totally change how your family sees vegetables!
Picky eaters? No problem!
So, here you are. Trying to eat healthy. Trying to find balance. Trying to get your veggies in. But, you have hit a road block. A major one…..A picky eater.
Maybe it’s your independent toddler. Or your third grader who always used to eat carrots but now refuses to touch them or anything else that comes from the produce aisle. Or maybe your spunky teenager who you worry about eating a balanced diet. Or maybe it’s your partner that is struggling to embrace new foods they never grew up with. Or maybe it’s even you….
Whoever the picky eater in your life is, you clicked on this recipes for picky eaters post out of love and hope. Maybe you hope to find a recipe or two that would inspire them to eat a veggie because you love them and know in your bones that they need them.
You are in the right place.
Recipes for picky eaters
All of these recipes are amazing. All of these recipes have been made time and time again by people in the EXACT same boat you find yourself in.
And these recipes for picky eaters have helped so many of them start eating veggies. They are tried and true. They are an out-of-the-box approach to feeding your family veggies. But they are all delicious.
They are The BEST Veggie-Loaded Recipes for Picky Eaters….
Breakfast and Snacks
Oatmeal Green Smoothie Muffins
These Oatmeal Green Smoothie Muffins are so easy to make, perfectly sweet, and made with so many good-for-you ingredients! Great as a healthy breakfast or snack, these muffins are hearty thanks to ground oats, sweetened with banana and a little maple syrup or honey, and packed with 2 cups of spinach! With over a hundred 5-star ratings, these spinach banana muffins are a must-make!
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Mini Sweet Potato Pancakes
These mini Healthy Sweet Potato Pancakes are made with simple ingredients you probably already have, are naturally sweetened, the perfect size for little eaters and are a delicious way to get veggies in at breakfast.
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Healthy Chocolate Muffins (with Veggies!)
With over a hundred 5-star ratings, these Healthy Chocolate Muffins are a must-make! Packed with good-for-you ingredients and so fluffy, these delicious muffins can also be mixed up in your blender and are done baking in just 20 minutes. Loaded with greens and carrots, you are going to love how much your family adores these healthy muffins!
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Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie (with greens!)
This Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie is oh-so delicious and loaded with protein, healthy fat and greens! Healthy enough for breakfast, but tasty enough for a treat. Whip up a batch in the morning to send your crew off happy and fueled up on nothing but the good stuff!
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Chocolate Zucchini Oatmeal
This healthyChocolate Zucchini Oatmealis not only delicious, but an easy way to get vegetables in at breakfast!
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Gluten Free “Superhero” Waffles
I'm pretty sure that any superhero would be happy to enjoy one of these delicious gluten free waffles for breakfast! High in protein, healthy fats, and veggie-loaded, these waffles have everything you need to head into the day! Naturally gluten free and dairy-free, these delicious waffles are easy to make and are great for stocking your fridge or freezer!
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Healthy Carrot Apple Pancakes
Healthy Apple Carrot Pancakes are made with only a few ingredients and are a wonderful way to start your day. Mixed entirely in your blender, breakfast has never been easier or more delicious!
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20-Minute Veggie-Loaded Pizza Muffins
These savory Veggie-Loaded Pizza Muffins are easy to make at home in a muffin tin, quick to reheat, and a healthy idea for kids lunch boxes! The pizza muffins are made with white whole wheat flour, and packed with spinach, grated carrots and zucchini for a boost of vegetables in every bite!
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Green Grinch Smoothie
This Green Grinch Smoothie is a healthy holiday treat your kids will love! Easy to make and fun to drink, this smoothie is wildly kid-approved!
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Paleo Chocolate Waffles (with veggies)
Is there anything better than CHOCOLATE WAFFLES for breakfast?I think not. Well, except for maybe veggie-packed ones! This fluffy, delicious chocolate waffle recipe looks and tastes like dessert, but is the perfect healthy breakfast to dazzle your family with.
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Sides
Cauliflower Tots
TheseCauliflower Totsare easy and a delicious way to eat more veggies! The combo of cauliflower with cheese, bread crumbs and seasoning makes for the perfect veggie tot and cooks up beautifully crisp in your air fryer or oven!
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Carrot Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)
Made in your oven or air fryer, these Carrot Fries are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Such a fun way to eat vegetables, this healthy side dish is sure to delight everyone and be the perfect addition to so many meals!
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Broccoli Tots (gluten free)
These gluten free Broccoli Tots are easy, delicious, and a veggie-loaded version of the classic tot so many of us grew up on. The combo of broccoli with cheese is the perfect flavor combination. You and your family are going to love these!
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5-Minute No-Cook Zucchini Avocado Dip
This amazingly easy Zucchini Avocado Dip is super creamy, flavorful, and literally takes 5 minutes to make with NO COOKING! Great as an appetizer, as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or to slather on just about anything! Paleo, vegan.
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These Zucchini and Corn Fritters are the mix of two classic summer veggies into one delicious and easy recipe. Perfectly crispy, enjoy them as a savory breakfast, as a snack, or as as veggie-loaded side dish to any meal.
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Cheesy Cauliflower Nuggets
These Cheesy Cauliflower Nuggets aredelicious, easy to make, and kids love them! The perfect blend of rice, cheese and oodles of cauliflower they are naturally gluten-free and the perfect finger food for any meal!
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Mashed Instant Pot Potatoes with Cauliflower
TheseMashed Instant Pot Potatoes with Cauliflower are delicious, creamy and easy! You can get these mashed potatoes on the table in about 30 minutes! Plus, they’re a great way to get more cauliflower into your family's diet!
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Main Dishes
20-Minute Ranch Turkey Spinach Meatballs
These turkey spinach meatballs are easy, veggie-loaded and full of that beloved ranch flavor! Loaded with protein and cooking up in about 20 minutes, these are the perfect weeknight dinner.
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Veggie-Loaded Turkey Tacos
These Veggie-Loaded Turkey Tacos are an easy and delicious dinner the whole family will love! A great way to get more vegetables into a meal, this healthy dinner recipe is quick to make, flavorful and done in under 30 minutes.
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Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole
This Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole is easy to make and true comfort food. Loaded with veggies, protein and flavor…it is going to become a dinner staple. Gluten free + veggie-loaded.
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Cauliflower Chicken Nuggets
TheseCauliflower Chicken Nuggetsare easy to make, super delicious and a veggie-loaded twist on a classic finger food! Done in under 30 minutes, they are perfect for lunch, dinner, or for stocking up your freezer.
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Healthier Hamburger Helper (with veggies!)
This Healthier Hamburger Helper is creamy, delicious, easy to make, and loaded with veggies! This one-pot recipe is a perfect hearty dinner. It cooks up in just 30 minutes and can be easily made gluten free!
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Veggie-Loaded Mini Meatloaves
Flavorful, juicy and full of veggies, these mini meatloaves are a great twist on a classic family dinner recipe. Easy to make, perfectly portioned out, and cooking up faster than traditional meatloaf recipes. Gluten free.
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One-Pot Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, and full of delicious, flavorful veggies! This recipe comes together in just one pot and is a warm, comforting vegetarian and gluten free dinner recipe.
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Baked Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Easy and delicious, this Baked Spinach Artichoke Pasta is a flavorful dinner that is packed with spinach, canned artichoke hearts, your favorite pasta, and protein from cottage cheese. Vegetarian and easily gluten free.
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Flavorful Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs
These Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are easy to make and full of flavor. Mixed up in one bowl and then into the oven they go, this veggie-loaded recipe is perfect for adding protein to any weeknight dinner or for stocking up your freezer.
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Black Bean Sweet Potato Quesadillas
This Black Bean Sweet Potato Quesadilla recipe is easy to make, loaded with flavor, and is full of healthy ingredients. Vegetarian and easily gluten free, this is a simple veggie meal that is always a crowd pleaser!
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This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is going to get veggies in at mealtime in a whole new way! Super simple to make, family-friendly, and delicious!
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Veggie-Loaded Chicken Bites
These Veggie-Loaded Chicken Bites aren't just easy to make, but they are super delicious and a healthy start to dinner! Family-friendly, gluten free, Paleo and Whole30
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Egg Roll Meatballs
These egg roll meatballs are a wonderfully flavorful, quick veggie-loaded recipe that you are going to love. Naturally gluten free, and super easy to make!
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Easy Veggie-Loaded Pasta Sauce (from scratch!)
Pasta sauce is a delicious and easy way to add more vegetables to your family's meals. Loaded with tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, and onions, this homemade Veggie Pasta Sauce can be enjoyed chunky or pureed smooth to help even the most selective of eaters enjoy their veggies!
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Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
This Ranch Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole is delicious, flavorful, and full of veggie goodness. Easily prep the ingredient to quickly throw together on a busy night or make it as part of your weekly food prep! This will be your new favorite healthy comfort food. Whole30/Paleo option, vegetarian options, gluten free.
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Sweet Treats
Super Healthy Fudge Pops (with added veggies)
From that day on, I started making these suckers on repeat. Constantly. They make the perfect snack to refuel with after a long day of swimming or a fun dessert to enjoy (for the kids and adults) that actually benefits the body instead weighing it down.
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Moist Chocolate Sweet Potato Cupcakes
These Chocolate Sweet Potato Cupcakes are rich, moist and the perfect sweet treat. Mixed all in one bowl, naturally sweetened, and done in 20 minutes, these cupcakes are dairy-free and easily gluten free. Top them with rich sweet potato frosting for an extra decadent dessert.
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Zucchini Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes
These lemon poppy seed cupcakes are tender and moist thanks to the addition of grated zucchini! Topped with an easy cream cheese frosting, they are naturally sweetened and lower in natural sugar than most cupcake recipes. The perfect treat for any celebration!
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Carrot Balls
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Carrot Balls are easy, delicious, and veggie-loaded! Gluten free, dairy-free, vegan and super easy to throw together.
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Healthier One-Bowl Pumpkin Brownies
These Pumpkin Brownies are delicious and easy to make. Fudgy, made with healthier ingredients and less sugar than traditional brownie recipes, this is the perfect fall dessert.
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Sweet Potato Chickpea Blondies
These Sweet Potato Chickpea Blondies are easy to make and are delicious. Perfect for a protein packed snack or healthy dessert. And you can't even taste the chickpeas!
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Chocolate Beetroot Cake (with raspberry whipped cream)
This chocolate beetroot cake recipe is going to dazzle all you chocolate lovers! Full of good-for-you beets, this delicious cake is so moist and rich. And the optional raspberry whipped cream topping is so good!
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Blueberry Sweet Potato Bread
Made from whole grains and naturally sweetened, this Healthy Blueberry Sweet Potato Bread is a delicious breakfast, snack or treat. Mixed together in one bowl and into the oven it goes, this recipe will be a new family favorite!
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Fudgy Chocolate Zucchini Cookies
These Fudgy Chocolate Zucchini Cookies are soft, delicious and easy to make. Veggie-loaded for a little extra healthy goodness, they are Paleo, gluten free and dairy-free.
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Other posts you might find helpful…
- Why Your Child Won’t Try New Foods…and How To Turn it Around
- 6 Ways To Get Toddlers To Love Veggies
- 12 Wonderful Books for Kids about Vegetables
- 5 Steps for Getting Your Kids Involved in the Kitchen
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4.84 from 6 votes
Veggie-Loaded Recipes For Picky Eaters: Healthier Hamburger Helper
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 25 minutes mins
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Author: Taesha Butler
This healthier hamburger helper creamy, delicious, easy to make, and loaded with veggies! This one-pot recipe is a perfect hearty dinner. It cooks up in just 30 minutes and can be easily made gluten-free!
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped or sub 1 cup defrosted frozen spinach
- 8-10 ounces elbow macaroni or other small-shaped pasta, use gluten free for a gluten free option.
- 3 cups broth
- ¾ cup plain yogurt , whole milk or 2% recommended
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot or high-sided skillet. Add onion and carrot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles. Cook until browned. Stir salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to develop the flavors. Add Worcestershire sauce, spinach, pasta, and then stir in the broth.
Cover and bring up to a simmer. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring every couple minutes to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. If the liquid fully evaporated before the pasta is cooked, stir in an additional ½ cup of broth or water.
Remove lid then stir in yogurt and cheese. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so it’s ok if there seems to be a lot sauce. Taste and add more salt and pepper, as needed.
Enjoy warm.
Notes
- cook time will vary based on type of pasta you use.
Calories: 316kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 51mg, Sodium: 526mg, Potassium: 537mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 2869IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 171mg, Iron: 3mg
Recipe Roundups The Healthy Family
originally published on Mar 29, 2018 (last updated Apr 18, 2022)
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Comments
7 comments on “The BEST 40+ Veggie-Loaded Recipes for Picky Eaters”
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Helena —Reply
I love this collection for how creative it is in cooking veggies! 😉
Nancy Leonard —Reply
Is there a way to get a printed version (or digital collection) of your recipe collection or are they only available as individual webpage?
I have been look through your various pages. Especially the pumpkin recipes and wanted to ask before I start printing
Thanks!
Taesha Butler —Reply
Hi Nancy! At this moment, most of my recipes are only available as individual webpages. I do have some meal plans in my shop that have collections of recipes, but they might not be the specific recipes you are looking for!
Nancy Leonard —Reply
Thanks! We tried the meatloaf loaded veggie, pumpkin cookies, and sweet potato quiche this weekend. All very tasty and successful in getting them to eat veggies they don’t normally touch 🙂Taesha Butler —Reply
So glad to hear that!
Rachel —Reply
Yes! I LOVE your approach and it has helped our family SO much to go from eating zero veggies to many!Taesha Butler —Reply
Yay! That makes my heart so happy to hear!
