It’s back-to-school season, and I’m already channeling all my energy into getting dinner on the table amid tighter schedules, evening practices, and activities.
Here’s my go-to list of back-to-school dinners I rely on throughout the school year. Each recipe is quick, simple to prepare, filling, and—most importantly—delicious. My kids love every one of these meals, and so do I.
I’ll keep updating this list as I publish new recipes or think of other easy weeknight wins. If your favorite family dinner isn’t here yet, please let me know in the comments! Feeding a family on busy school nights isn’t easy, but together we’ve got this 👊🏼
1
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Dinner comes together fast with this Instant Pot spaghetti—everything cooks in one pot for a flavorful, hands-off meal the whole family will enjoy.
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2
Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Smoky, zesty, and simple to make—these sheet pan chicken fajitas are perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
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3
Floating Taco Bowls with Creamy Lime Dressing
Layered taco flavors served in a bowl with creamy lime dressing and plenty of topping options—satisfying and customizable.
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4
Instant Pot Pasta Alfredo
A lighter take on classic Alfredo—creamy, satisfying, and made easy in the Instant Pot.
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5
Chinese Cashew Chicken {30-Minute Meal}
A quick, one-skillet meal that’s easy to make and tastier than takeout—ready in about 30 minutes.
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6
One-Pot Easy Chicken Lasagna
A speedy, one-pot version of lasagna made with pantry staples—comfort food without the fuss.
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7
Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Ready in 30 minutes or less, this chicken and broccoli dish is full of bold, satisfying flavor.
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8
The Best Chicken Quesadillas
Simple fajita-style quesadillas that taste like restaurant fare—easy to assemble and always a hit.
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9
Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos
Cheesy BBQ chicken totchos—fun, hearty, and perfect for an easy dinner or party snack.
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10
Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken
Sweet and tangy with a touch of heat—this sticky chicken is flavorful and easy to make.
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11
Easy Korean Beef Bowls
Savory beef, zesty slaw, and spicy garlic sauce combine for a fast, flavorful bowl-style dinner.
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12
Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Comforting baked spaghetti with a creamy from-scratch cheese sauce—simple and satisfying.
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13
Ground Beef Enchiladas
A cheesy beef-and-bean filling rolled in tortillas and topped with homemade red sauce—classic and family-friendly.
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14
Slow Cooker Italian Beef
A hands-off slow cooker favorite using pantry ingredients; also adaptable for the Instant Pot.
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15
Easy Chicken Burrito Bowls
Cilantro-lime rice, roasted corn, chicken, black beans, and all your favorite toppings—easy to assemble and great for leftovers.
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16
Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
A flavorful, everyday recipe made in the Instant Pot—slow cooker directions included.
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17
One Pot Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken
Bright lemon, tender chicken, and creamy orzo—one pot and ready quickly for busy nights.
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18
Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
A one-pan meal with honey-garlic flavor—fast, easy, and perfect for weeknights.
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19
Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Green chile chicken enchiladas with a simple from-scratch white sauce—rich, creamy, and irresistible.
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20
Loaded Burger Bowls with Special House Sauce
All the flavors of a burger without the bun—crispy beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy house sauce.
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21
Crispy Beef and Bean Wraps
Crispy tortillas without frying and a flavorful filling—great for quick weeknight dinners.
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22
Cowboy Dinner {Cornbread Beef and Bean Casserole}
A hearty casserole of beef, corn, and beans topped with cornbread and cheese—warm and comforting.
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23
The Best Sloppy Joes
Bold, classic flavors make these sloppy joes a quick crowd-pleaser for busy nights.
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24
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bake
Layered with sauce and cheese, this enchilada bake is creamy, cheesy, and easy to prepare.
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25
Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
Quick, crispy, and packed with flavor—these wraps come together in minutes.
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26
Easy One Pot Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles
Fast and flavorful, this one-pot ramen noodle dish works with ground beef or vegetarian options.
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27
Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti
Creamy, saucy, and cheesy—this Instant Pot version saves time while delivering classic baked ziti flavor.
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28
Sheet Pan Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
Everything cooks on one sheet pan for an easy, tasty meal with roasted potatoes and broccoli.
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29
Honey Balsamic BBQ Pork Sandwiches {Instant Pot or Slow Cooker}
Tender, flavorful pork made easily in the Instant Pot or slow cooker—perfect for sandwiches.
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30
Quick and Easy Egg Roll Skillet Meal {30-Minute Meal}
All the crunchy flavors of egg rolls transformed into a healthier, easier skillet meal in about 30 minutes.
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31
Easy Sheet Pan Panini
Make many toasted panini at once—an easy, crowd-pleasing solution for busy evenings.
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32
Vineyard Chicken and Pasta Salad
A light, fresh pasta salad with chicken, grapes, basil, and a delightful dressing—great for warmer nights or make-ahead meals.
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33
Crispy Chicken Enchilada Wraps
Fast, customizable, and delicious—these wraps are a great weeknight option.
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34
Monterey BBQ Chicken Pasta
A one-pot pasta with BBQ flavor that’s fast to make and full of crowd-pleasing taste.
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35
Mexican Haystacks
A build-your-own style dinner featuring taco flavors served over rice or quinoa with plenty of toppings.
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36
The Best Ground Beef Taco Meat
A flavorful ground beef taco seasoning made from pantry staples—perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads.
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37
Turkey Avocado Veggie Wraps
Shaved turkey, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado spread—simple, fresh, and quick to assemble.
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38
Tuna Quesadilla Melts {20-Minute Meal}
A speedy twist on tuna—these quesadilla melts come together in about 20 minutes and are great for dinner or lunch.
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39
Chopped Taco Salad with Homemade Catalina Dressing
A chopped taco salad with a homemade Catalina-style dressing—quick, adaptable, and flavorful.
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40
Easy One-Pot Saucy Zucchini Pasta
Simple one-pot pasta with zucchini and plenty of sauce—family-friendly and comforting.
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41
Skillet Baked Spaghetti
A one-pot, 30-minute baked spaghetti that’s simple to prepare and kid-approved.
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42
My Favorite Easy Chicken Fajitas
Smoky, flavorful fajitas that are quick to make—serve in tortillas, bowls, or over salads.
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43
Easy Spicy Garlic Ramen Noodles
A quick, flavorful ramen noodle dish with garlic and spice—ready in 30 minutes or less.
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