Try these amazing school lunch ideas using a thermos and say goodbye to cold sandwiches. These are easy to make and pack; all you need to do is pour it in and twist the lid. The best part is these recipes are able to stay warm until lunchtime.

Don't you just hate it when your kid complains about getting the same boring old sandwiches every day? These recipes will help you mix it up and will make you the hero parent; your kid's friends at school will be so jealous.

ONE LIST

Five simple dinners. One grocery list.

No recipe hunting, no messy shopping notes, no complicated chef projects. Just family dinners that fit real weeks.

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1) Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic and one that every kid loves. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't; even if they haven't tried it, it's just that yummy. I grew up with chicken noodle soup, and it brings back great memories and is the definition of comfort food.

This is the type of lunch that will come back completely empty and finished versus a half-eaten sandwich. Another great classic I used to have would be mac and cheese. It's so much better than a boring sandwich.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This chicken noodle soup has a broth base, and it makes for a great lunch, because it tastes like a warm hug, and it is great to take in a thermos.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 small onion diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 1.5 cups egg noodles
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Heat the oil in a pot and saute the carrots, celery, and onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and warm through.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then ladle into a preheated thermos.

Notes

Slightly undercook the noodles since they keep softening in the hot thermos.

2) Macaroni and Cheese

Your kid will love having mac and cheese for lunch. It's creamy, and it's full of gooey goodness. In my experience, mac and cheese tends to travel well, and it will be even easier using a thermos. This is one of those recipes that my kid loves and is definitely their favorite comfort food. It never gets old.

A tip for preventing your cheese sauce from becoming like glue is to make your roux a little bit thinner than you normally would and get the ratio of milk higher in favor of milk. You basically want your béchamel to be thinner.

When I run out of ideas, I always fall back on a good PB&J. It never stops being good, and everybody loves it.

Macaroni and Cheese

Stovetop mac and cheese is extra creamy, cheesy, and comforting!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk warmed
• 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• 0.5 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Cook the macaroni until just tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in the warm milk until smooth and thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar until melted and silky.
5. Fold in the macaroni, season with salt, and spoon into a warm thermos.

Notes

Make the sauce a little looser than usual so it stays creamy by lunch.

3) Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable stir-fries are a great way of getting vegetables into your kids' diet. This is a nice warm dish, not like boring cold vegetables. My favorite trick for getting vegetables into my kids' diet is to make use of your shredder and add them to things like burgers or meatballs. You can even blend them into smoothies, and they will never know they are there.

Stir-fry you wouldn't think would work as a lunchbox food, but that's the great thing about the Thermos. My kid loves broccoli and cauliflower with cheese, but only eats them like that and absolutely hates them when they are cold. I like to keep the lunches fairly straightforward and tried and tested so that I know my kid will like them.

Vegetable Stir Fry

Soy-glazed vegetable stir fry over rice. It can be taken on the road and will stay warm.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot julienned
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cups cooked rice warm

Method

 

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot and stir fry for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil and toss until the veggies are crisp-tender.
4. Spoon the warm rice into the bottom of a thermos.
5. Top with the hot stir-fried vegetables and seal.

Notes

Keep the veggies a touch crunchy so they don't go mushy in the thermos.

4) Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice in a thermos is like having takeout for lunch. It can be a little bit nostalgic and even practical. My kid loves sweet and sour chicken; they order that every time we get takeout. We all know my homemade versions are good, but they are not the same as takeout; my kids can't be fooled that easily.

I am a big fan of making casseroles and pasta bakes, since these recipes travel really well. Fried rice is an amazing way to get something nutritious into picky eaters. I enjoy sending my kids to school with rice dishes, but sometimes I wish I'd kept the rice for an easy dinner when I get home.

Chicken Fried Rice

This chicken fried rice is hearty and packed with eggs and veggies. It also reheats really well.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1.5 cups cooked chicken diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 cups cooked rice day-old
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 green onions sliced

Method

 

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil and scramble the eggs, then set aside.
2. Add the remaining oil and saute the chicken and peas and carrots for 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and break up any clumps as it heats through.
4. Drizzle in the soy sauce and toss until everything is coated and hot.
5. Fold in the scrambled egg and green onions, then pack into a warm thermos.

Notes

Day-old rice keeps the grains separate and fluffy instead of sticky.

5) Beef Chili

I love beef chili, and it's perfect for a thermos. Not only is it nourishing and filling, but it will also keep your kids full longer than soup. I used to think that chili was more like a dinner, but a smaller portion in a thermos works really well.

I always have to be careful how much spice I use, but as my kids like it milder than me, I make a spaghetti bolognese for my kid to take to school in the thermos, and it always comes back empty.

When making chili, though, I always make sure my kid has a spoon and a bowl to eat from. I also like to make sure they have a zip-lock plastic bag to contain the used bowl and spoon so they don't make a mess of their school bags.

Beef Chili

This is a hearty beef and bean chili that even kids will love. It will warm up perfectly for lunch and only gets better with time.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
• 1 can kidney beans drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• salt to taste

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef with the onion in a pot, then drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the chili powder and cumin and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and ladle into a preheated thermos.

Notes

Pack a small bag of shredded cheese on the side for sprinkling on top.

6) Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato and basil soup is great for the Thermos; it's smooth and comforting, and everybody loves it. Plus, my kids love pairing it with their favorite grilled cheese sandwich. My kids never really ask for a soup and sandwich as their lunch, but when they get it, especially this one, they are glad that they did, as long as it is smooth; they hate chunky soups.

When giving them a grilled cheese sandwich, I always let it cool completely before wrapping it, but I also like to wrap it with paper towels to help absorb any moisture and keep it crisp. I used to love my mum's mushroom soup with buttered baguette. I grew up on that, and I still love it.

7) Lentil Stew

Lentil stew is ideal for the Thermos; it's wholesome but also filling and will keep your kids full until dinner time, giving them the energy for the rest of the school day. My kid didn't like the idea of lentils at first, but once you cook them until they break down into a smooth consistency and add mild spices, they will soon realize that they love it.

I like to make a mild curry with red lentils, and the first time my kid took it for lunch I wasn't sure how it would get received, but the Thermos came back empty. I am a big lover of stews and slow-cooked meals; it's a great way to get something hearty and nutritious, but you can play around with it and incorporate your own flavors, and it's great for meal prep.

Lentil Stew

A healthy lentil and vegetable stew that's packed with protein and easy to take on the go!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 1.5 cups brown lentils rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• salt to taste

Method

 

1. Heat the oil and saute the onion and carrots until softened.
2. Stir in the cumin and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
4. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and ladle into a warm thermos.

Notes

A squeeze of lemon brightens it right up if your kid likes a little tang.

8) Ravioli with Marinara Sauce

Ravioli with a marinara sauce is a great treat, kids love pasta that is stuffed and even reminds them of little pasta pillows. In my house, a special treat is usually a homemade lasagna, it's just one of those recipes that works and everybody loves.

I think pasta in a thermos is a great idea, just be careful with how much sauce is added to your pasta as it could get messy. I like to give my kids frozen fruit popsicles made from fresh blended fruit, they don't realise it doesn't contain any sugar and they taste like candy.

I like to make my kids something special for their lunch, especially at exam times or on the first and last day of school, even their birthday.

Ravioli with Marinara Sauce

Tender cheese ravioli gently mixed with a garlic marinara sauce. This dish will still be warm and saucy when it’s time to eat lunch.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 package cheese ravioli 20 oz
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2.5 cups marinara sauce
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Cook the ravioli according to package directions, then drain.
2. Heat the olive oil and saute the garlic until fragrant.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and warm through.
4. Gently fold the ravioli into the sauce.
5. Stir in the parmesan, season, and spoon into a warm thermos.

Notes

Toss the ravioli in a little extra sauce so they don't stick together.

9) Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This is one of my kids' favorite recipes and the only way that they will eat broccoli. The cheese really does powerful things with this one.

My kid is usually very good at noticing recipes that have vegetables, but this soup, as well as cauliflower cheese, always goes down a hit. I make broccoli and cheese soup for myself regularly using blue cheese. I love the flavor, but there's no way I could give that to my kids.

Depending on what I'm making them, if it is obvious, I will tell them there are vegetables in their food. When trying to feed them well, I like to grate them and use purees to make sure they don't just pick the vegetables out.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This rich and velvety broccoli cheddar soup will make a perfect cozy lunch. Your child will request it again and again!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups broccoli florets chopped
• 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded

Method

 

1. Melt the butter and saute the onion until soft.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly add the milk and broth, whisking until smooth.
4. Add the broccoli and simmer until tender, about 12 minutes.
5. Stir in the cheddar until melted, then pour into a warm thermos.

Notes

Chop the broccoli small so every spoonful has a little bite of green.

10) Thai Green Curry

Thai green curry is a good one to give to your kids, as it's just a little bit different and more adventurous. It helps to break up the routine of the same recipes over and over again.

This is about as adventurous as I like to get with my kids' school lunches. They don't like to have food that's too spicy; all they want is something that is delicious. I love to cook, so I make things regularly and let my kids taste them to get their opinion, especially spicy food, as I like my food super spicy, so I need their input.

I like to make ham and cheese pinwheels for my kids. They look cute and my kids can't wait to eat them for their lunch.

Thai Green Curry

Creamy coconut green curry with vegetables over rice will take your lunch time to new heights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp green curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk 14 oz
• 1 bell pepper sliced
• 1 cup green beans trimmed
• 1 cup cooked chicken diced
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 cups cooked rice warm

Method

 

1. Heat the oil and stir the green curry paste until fragrant.
2. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the bell pepper and green beans and cook until tender.
4. Stir in the chicken and brown sugar and warm through.
5. Spoon rice into a thermos and ladle the curry over the top.

Notes

Start with less curry paste for younger kids, then adjust to their heat tolerance.