28 Easy Back to School Dinner Recipes
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Back-to-school season is here-and with it comes the never-ending question: "What's for dinner tonight?" This updated collection of easy weeknight meals is designed to help you get delicious, family-friendly dinners on the table fast.
You'll find reader-favorite recipes like my simple chicken and broccoli recipe, ready in 15 minutes and is an ultimate quick skillet dinner, a cozy ground beef broccoli pasta that practically makes itself, and even a light, wholesome option with this baked fish recipe. Plus, I've added new recipes to keep your meal rotation fresh and exciting.
Easy Back to School Dinner Recipes
1
15 Minute Chicken and Broccoli
Chicken and Broccoli is a super quick and easy, utterly delicious one skillet dinner recipe that's ready in under 15 minutes. No need for takeout, it's a simple recipe with mostly pantry ingredients.
Simple Chicken and Broccoli recipe
2
Mexican Lasagna Skillet Casserole
Mexican Lasagna Skillet is a Southwestern-inspired casserole made up of layers of tortillas, cheese, and taco meat. Simple, packed with flavor, and delicious!
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3
Crockpot Hawaiian Pineapple Pork
This Crockpot Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Tenderloin is tasty, tender, and incredibly easy with 3 ingredients and a quick 5-minute prep time!
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4
Taco Mac & Cheese
“When taco night meets mac and cheese, magic happens. Melty cheese, hearty ground beef, and a creamy Tex-Mex inspired sauce come together in this taco-mac skillet for a maximum comfort food meal. You can absolutely prep this cheesy dinner bake ahead of time to make for even easier weeknight prep.”
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5
Easy One Pot Pasta with Ground Beef and Broccoli
This easy One Pot Pasta recipe with ground beef and broccoli is for those nights when dinner needs to be quick and easy. As in, almost hands-free. And family-friendly too.
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6
Cabbage, Mushroom, and Bacon Pasta
“This quick and easy wilted cabbage dish comes together in under 30 minutes, all on the stovetop. And since you use just one skillet and one pot, cleanup is a breeze, which makes this tasty recipe perfect for a busy weeknight supper.”
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7
One Pan Chicken and Rice with Zucchini
Discover a flavorful one-pot chicken and rice recipe with zucchini, tomatoes, & drizzled with a zesty hot honey sauce. Easy and delicious!
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8
Chicken Bolognese
“It's quick and easy to whip up on any night of the week - it's loaded with tons of flavor. Kids love it. Adults love it. It's currently stocked in my freezer for a rainy day. And it satisfies by daily cheese obsessed when I load it up with freshly shaved Parmesan!”
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9
Quick and Easy Oven Baked Chicken Tacos
“This cheese and bean stuffed, rotisserie chicken baked tacos will have your people asking for seconds.”
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10
Easiest Chicken Enchiladas Ever with Leftover Chicken
Do you ever need a quick and easy recipe using leftover chicken? This is a favorite and the Easiest Chicken Enchiladas Ever! No dipping tortillas in sauce, simple ingredients, simple prep. Easy weeknight dinner!
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11
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the answer to easy, delicious food your people will love. It's tender, mouthwatering, slow cooked chicken tossed in a tangy flavor-packed sauce, and served on buttery toasted buns.
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12
Instant Pot Taco Mac and Cheese
This Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is an easy pasta dish and family favorite dinner. A blend of lean ground beef, macaroni, chili beans, tomatoes, and spices. And, of course, melting cheddar cheese. An easy dinner to table meal in around 15 minutes, give or take a few.
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13
Oven Baked Fish Recipe
This easy recipe for Sheet Pan Baked Fish with Vegetables is a perfect quick and healthy dinner served with snow peas, potatoes & zucchini.
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14
Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
“Quick-cooking chicken breast tenders get a grown-up spin but, we assure you, the kids will still love them.”
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15
15 Minute White Bean Soup with Garden Vegetables
You say… "15 minutes for a warm and yummy White Bean Soup?" I say, "Yes!" Any day of the week!
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16
Healthy Instant Pot Turkey Chili
If you're looking for a healthy Instant Pot Turkey Chili recipe, this is one you have to try! We've fallen in love with the robust flavors expected in a great chili, yet still quick and easy to make any day of the week. And, best of all, healthy!
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17
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Pizza
“This Teriyaki Chicken Pizza is loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, spring onions, crispy bacon, and melty mozzarella cheese. All topping that distinctively sweet yet savory teriyaki sauce we love.”
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18
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese: Easiest Comfort Food Ever
Fast food can be tempting on busy weeknights. I promise — this is fast food made simply at home — and quicker than driving through the takeout window!
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19
15 Minute Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
This Chicken Taco Salad recipe is quick, hearty, and delicious! Packed with taco flavors, chicken, juicy tomatoes, beans, corn, cheese, and an easy, easy Taco Dressing. It's healthy, protein-rich, and so wonderfully yummy– in 15 minutes!
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20
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos
Whether you have tacos in mind or burrito bowls or even quesadillas — this versatile slow cooker beef does double and triple duty for weeknight dinners!
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21
Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder
An under 30-minute favorite soup — made super easy in the Instant Pot or stovetop. A simple comfort classic.
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22
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
“It's sigh-worthy comfort food at all levels. Fluffy russet potatoes, perfectly seasoned bbq sauce, cheese, sour cream… It's, well, perfect.”
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23
Easy Instant Pot Turkey Vegetable Pasta Soup
“Instant Pot Turkey Vegetable Pasta Soup has become a delicious weeknight mainstay in our kitchen. Everyone seems to love this soup! It's quick and simple, packed with veggies, and simmered in a fragrant herb and spice broth.”
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24
Comfort Food Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
“Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is rich and creamy comfort food heaven. With all the flavors you love in a chicken pot pie, with very little effort. Ready when you are, easily made from scratch. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.”
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25
Easy Chili
“Look no further for the ultimate, easy chili recipe. With just a push of a button, your weekday dinner is taken care of as the chili cooks away in the slow cooker.”
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26
Easy Southwestern Chicken Quinoa Bake with Spinach
“When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, this Southwestern Chicken Quinoa Bake with Spinach is the best! Loaded with healthy nutrients and protein, not to mention incredible Southwestern flavor, it's a family favorite every time it shows up on the dinner table.”
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27
A Most Delicious Sloppy Joe Recipe
“Perfect for Friday nights, when you're feeding a crowd, or busy nights when you need something easy.”
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28
Muffin Tin Mini Turkey Meatloaves: Perfect Comfort Food
“When you need simple comfort food, Muffin Tin Mini Turkey Meatloaves are a healthy and easy option.”
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29
Quick Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
This Instant Pot Burrito Bowl is a 20-minute, one-pot dinner that is incredibly delicious. Mexican spices blend to cook tender, pull apart chicken with black beans, corn, and rice… in one irresistible bowl.
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After School Dinner Ideas FAQs
What are the best back to school dinners for busy weeknights?
The best back-to-school dinners are quick, balanced meals like sheet-pan chicken, one-pot pasta, or stir-fries that come together in under 30 minutes. These make busy weeknights easier while keeping everyone at the table satisfied.
What counts as an easy back to school dinner?
An easy back to school dinner is one that requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients-think tacos (like these easy skillet tacos), skillet meals, or casseroles. They're family-friendly recipes you can cook fast, even after homework and activities.
What are some healthy after school dinner ideas for kids?
Healthy after school dinner ideas include baked fish with veggies, chicken and broccoli stir-fry, and hearty soups. These options are quick to prepare, nutritious, and loved by both kids and adults.
Can I meal prep back to school dinners ahead of time?
Yes! Many easy back to school dinners can be prepped the night before or doubled for leftovers. Pasta bakes, burrito bowls, and slow cooker meals are perfect for make-ahead planning.
How do I make back to school dinners that picky eaters will enjoy?
The easiest way is to focus on customizable meals. Recipes like build-your-own tacos, pasta with mix-in veggies, or DIY pizza night let kids choose toppings they love while keeping dinner stress-free.
