Now that school is back in session, nighttime routines have likely changed, and you’re reminded how crazy weeknights can get. After-school activities like sports, music lessons and picking up the little ones from daycare mean you have to drive your kiddos everywhere. Once you get home, it’s almost dinner time, and you need something quick and simple to make for the hungry tummies.
This year looks different for everyone, whether you’re sending your kids back to school for in-person classes or keeping them home for remote learning. You might even be homeschooling or working from home. These ten super simple dinners for back-to-school season should help you get through these first couple of weeks with ease. Plus, you and your kids will love the flavors!
1. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Sheet pan fajitas are an easy way to please any lover of Mexican food. All of the ingredients go on one sheet pan for dinner full of flavor. Thinly slice your choice of chicken or steak and peppers and onions, coat with some seasoning and bake it in the oven. The recipe is adaptable for vegetarians, so you can substitute the meat for mushrooms, zucchini or corn. Add your favorite toppings, fold them into a flour tortilla and enjoy in less than 30 minutes.
2. French Bread Pizza
No kneading is necessary to create this kid-friendly and simple recipe! French bread pizza is great for nights when your family wants pizza, but you don’t want to order out or make a frozen one. All you need is a loaf of French bread and all of your favorite pizza toppings. Make sure you toast the bread before adding sauces and cheese to ensure it stays crisp. You can have this meal hot and ready in no time!
3. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
The best thing about this meal is that you can make it using one pot, saving cleanup time after dinner. Chicken alfredo is full of cheesy goodness, and your kids are bound to eat it right up. The pasta boils in the broth and cream so there’s no need to use a separate pot and water for cooking the noodles. You can add broccoli or spinach for a balanced dish, too.
4. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a classic family dinner recipe. This recipe tastes just like the original, but it takes a bit less time. Let the ground beef and mushroom soup meld together in a slow cooker all day, and when you get home, stir in the cream cheese and serve over egg noodles. If you’re a fan of slow cooker recipes, you’ll want to add this to your recipe collection.
5. Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Air fryers are a great way to cook a simple yet delicious meal. You’ll get crispy chicken tenders coated in parmesan cheese with this recipe. Serve with a simple salad and various dipping sauces for a quick dinner on even your busiest nights.
6. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Tomato soup and grilled cheese is classic comfort food, and you can make a delicious, simple soup without having to pour it from a can. This recipe calls for cans of whole tomatoes, spices for flavor and heavy cream to make it extra silky and smooth. Instead of making whole grilled cheese sandwiches to go with it, you can make adorable grilled cheese croutons. It’s so easy to make your own soup, and it tastes better when it’s homemade.
7. Oven Baked Haddock
Haddock is a great fish to work with for simple dinners when you want to add some omega-3 to your family’s diet. This recipe offers a nutritious meal and goes great with steamed vegetables. You only need five ingredients to make this delicious fish, and it will soon become a family favorite.
8. Mini Meatloaves
A full meatloaf isn’t a practical meal when your family is on the go during the school season. Meatloaf typically takes at least an hour to make, and busy families don’t have time for that! However, if you’re craving meatloaf, there’s an easier and quicker way to satisfy that craving, and that’s through mini meatloaves. Use all of the same ingredients as a regular meatloaf, and then shape the mixture into mini loaves. Serve with your favorite vegetables.
9. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a super simple dinner. It’s even easier — and tastier — if you use leftover rice. It only takes about 15 minutes to make if you use cold, leftover rice because you don’t have to take time to make a fresh batch. Add your favorite veggies, or stick to the traditional version with peas, carrots and onion. Make sure to use plenty of garlic, and cook it with eggs or any other protein.
10. Cobb Salad
Salads are a healthy meal, and they’re easy to prep ahead of time. A cobb salad is fairly simple, packed with protein and loaded with nutrients from all of the vegetables. You can make your own dressing or purchase a cobb salad dressing from the supermarket if you have a busier night. Even picky eaters will enjoy this salad.
Which Recipes Will You Try?
These ten recipes are tasty and super simple to make. Your whole family will love them! Which will you try first?