Are you looking for the absolute best back to school dinner recipes to recreate? Here are 40 insanely good and easy dinner recipes for busy weeknights.
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Back-to-school season is in full swing, folks. I just cannot believe how fast summer has gone by. It did not feel like 3 months whatsoever. Probably because when you’re having fun, you don’t notice the time, but still. Since school is about to start soon, there are going to be a lot of changes to your schedule.
You’re going to have to pick your kid up from school if they don’t ride the bus, attend their games if they play sports, pack their school lunches, and so much more. You are going to have very little time for yourself. Which is why I’ve collected 40 insanely good back-to-school dinner recipes that will help make your life a little less stressful.
There is no need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner when you could be spending that time with your kids, on yourself, or doing other activities. Make your life a little less chaotic with these simple and easy recipes that taste out-of-this-world good. Most of these dinner recipes will take only about 30 minutes to an hour to make at most.
You can recreate these recipes when you are running low on time, don’t feel like cooking an extravagant meal, or for busy weeknights. The kids will absolutely love these, and they will definitely make it onto your weekly dinner rotation. From the classic spagetti-o’s to stuffed bell peppers and easy sheet pan recipes, there is at least one recipe in here you’ll love!
BACK TO SCHOOL DINNER RECIPES
1. Chicken mashed potato bowls
This is basically comfort in a bowl. Chicken and mashed potatoes are a classic, and literally all kids love them. You cannot go wrong with making this, plus, it’s insanely easy to make.
These bowls include breaded chicken, cheese, corn, turkey gravy, and, of course, mashed potatoes.
2. taco chicken salad
Ditch your boring old bowl of salad and make this instead. It is beyond delicious and is filled with healthy veggies.
It’s made with chicken, black beans, cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, and is topped with a delicious taco salad dressing.
3. Parmesan-crusted chicken sheet pan dinner
Who wants to do a bunch of dishes after a long day? I certainly don’t. Which is why this Parmesan-crusted chicken dinner is so good.
It uses only one sheet pan, so less clean up for you, and it tastes incredible. Serve with some rice and enjoy!
4. homemade hamburger helper
Don’t have a lot of time to cook? No problem! This homemade hamburger helper requires only 30 minutes of your time and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
It’s made with pasta shells, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, tomato sauce, ground beef, and a few other simple ingredients.
5. Easy baked chicken chimichangas
If you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe that requires very little effort, this one’s for you. All you really have to do is mix the filling, roll it up, and let the oven do the rest of the work for you.
You can make them as spicy as you want and can also switch out the ingredients to your liking.
6. homemade chicken tenders
If there’s one thing the kids will eat without complaint, it’s chicken tenders. These homemade chicken tenders are an easy meal that you can make for a simple weeknight dinner.
Serve with some rice, coleslaw, or a bowl of delicious mac and cheese.
7. 20-minute mini baked chicken tacos
Craving tacos? Well, put the phone down and make these delicious 20-minute mini baked chicken tacos that are certain to make it onto your weekly dinner rotation.
They are crispy on the outside and filled with delicious goodness on the inside. Serve with a bit of sour cream, cilantro, and salsa!
8. chicken fried chicken
This chicken-fried chicken is seriously so good and a great comfort meal. It uses simple and minimal ingredients and doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to make.
Serve with rice, a side of veggies, or mashed potatoes for the perfect back-to-school dinner.
9. Italian meatball soup
Soups aren’t just for the winter; they’re good all year round. And I’m telling you, this Italian meatball soup is beyond delicious.
It’s made with tomato broth, lots of pasta, meatballs, bell pepper, and some tasty seasonings.
10. BBQ chicken skewer salad
This looks way too good not to recreate. This is a light and tasty meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Plus, the kids will love the BBQ chicken skewers. This recipe does require quite a few ingredients, but it is well worth it. You probably already have them in your pantry.
11. 20-minute honey garlic chicken bits
As the name suggests, this recipe will take you no more than 20 minutes to make. These chicken bites are juicy, sticky, and have the perfect amount of sweetness and garlicky flavor.
It uses only one pan and calls for only 5 minutes of prep.
12. 30-minute sheet pan chicken fajitas
Chicken fajitas are my favorite comfort food. It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and requires very little effort.
This chicken fajita recipe tastes even better than the ones you order at fancy restaurants. The flavor is top-notch and the oven does most of the work for you.
13. bbq chicken stuffed sweet potatoes
Make dinner fun again and make these delicious BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes. It has bold flavors that you’ll love, and you can make these in an air fryer or an Instant Pot.
It’s great for busy weeknights and has lots of nutrients.
14. honey mustard chicken, beans, and potatoes
Who wants to dirty 4 other pots and pans trying to make dinner? I certainly don’t. The fewer dishes for me to do, the better.
If you’re like me and want a tasty dinner without having to do a bunch of dishes, then make this honey mustard chicken, beans, and potatoes.
It uses one sheet pan and calls for only 10 minutes of prep.
15. ground turkey teriyaki stir fry
Got only 30 minutes to spare for dinner? No problem there, simply whip up this tasty 30-minute ground turkey teriyaki stir fry.
It has the perfect amount of sweet and savory flavors and includes the most delicious homemade teriyaki sauce.
16. italian meatball subs
Italian meatball subs are a classic dinner that you can’t go wrong with. It’s a hit amongst the kids and adults.
Enjoy homemade meatballs with marinara sauce and lots of melty mozzarella cheese on toasted sub rolls.
17. pepperoni pizza lasagna roll-ups
This dinner idea is perfect for fans of lasagna and pizza. It has all the flavors of the classic pepperoni pizza you know and love, but it is a lot healthier and filling.
The kids will for sure come up for seconds and thirds.
18. black pepper chicken
This is one of my favorite recipes on this list. My mom makes this at least once a month, and it is always such a hit amongst our family.
It is made with lots of chicken, fresh veggies, and a tasty black pepper sauce you won’t get enough of.
19. healthy baked chicken parmesan
Parmesan chicken is a classic that everyone loves. If you want a healthier version of your favorite dish, then make this recipe.
It is baked and then coated with a delicious sauce and topped with lots of gooey cheese. Serve with some spaghetti and enjoy!
20. crack chicken sliders
Sliders are a great recipe to make when you want something light, tasty, and crowd-pleasing.
It is made with chicken breasts, cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and a few other simple ingredients.
21. creamy one-pot chicken and noodles
Chicken and noodles are such an easy and delicious dinner recipe that is loved by many. This creamy one-pot chicken and noodles recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
It is made with chicken, veggies, egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy, homemade sauce.
22. Easy Healthy Sloppy Joe Bake
Are you looking for a healthier version of your favorite sloppy joe? If so, you are going to love this easy, healthy sloppy joe bake recipe.
It has all the same flavors you know and love, except it’s a lot healthier and easier to make.
23. creamy chicken tortilla soup
As I said earlier, soups are a great dinner recipe and good all year round. This creamy chicken tortilla soup is filling, insanely good, and very easy to make.
It’s made with rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, chicken broth, hot sauce, cream cheese, and a few other simple ingredients.
24. slow cooker four cheese mac and cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal. Not only is it so good, but it’s one of the easiest recipes to make. And this recipe is about to make it even easier.
This mac and cheese is made in a crockpot, which means you can literally just dump all the ingredients in and let the crockpot do the work for you.
25. Easy bow tie pasta lasagna
Are you craving lasagna but aren’t up for all the work it requires? If so, this easy bow tie pasta lasagna is the solution. It has all the same flavors you love, but is so much easier to make.
It calls for only 6 ingredients, which you probably already have.
26. One pan garlic parmesan and chicken
This one-pan garlic parmesan chicken and rice is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight. It’s made with butter, garlic, chicken, rice, and lots of Parmesan cheese.
It uses only one pan, so cleanup is hassle-free.
27. Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This recipe is kid-approved, so you can make this without worrying about whether they’re going to eat it or not. It’s made in a crockpot, so you won’t have to stand over the stove for hours.
It’s made with frozen tater tots, bacon pieces, chicken breasts, shredded cheese, and salt and pepper.
28. cream cheese and bacon stuffed Doritos chicken
I came across this recipe a few months ago while I was scrolling on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. Let me tell you, it is beyond delicious.
The flavors are out of this world, and it’s super easy to make. You’ll need crushed Doritos, chicken breasts, mozzarella cheese, and a few other ingredients.
29. ham and bacon cheesy potatoes
Who wants to eat the same old boring potatoes? Switch it up and make these tasty ham and bacon cheesy potatoes instead. Everyone in the family will love it, including the kids.
It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, and insanely flavorful. You won’t get enough!
30. Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
This beef and broccoli ramen stir fry is better than takeout. It is insanely flavorful, easy to make, and requires only 30 minutes of your time.
You are going to need a lot of ingredients for this recipe, but don’t worry, it is well worth it.
31. cheesy broccoli chicken and rice
Broccoli is not my favorite vegetable, but mix it with some cheese, rice, and chicken, and I will eat it, lol! Your kids are for sure going to love this cheesy goodness.
It is super easy to make and takes no more than 10 minutes of prep.
32. Buffalo chicken pizza
There is just something about homemade pizza that hits different.
I don’t know if it’s because of the effort you put into making it or what, but it tastes so much better than the restaurant’s, in my opinion.
This buffalo chicken pizza has just the right amount of kick and is so easy to make.
33. meal prep unstuffed pepper bowls
Are you busy this entire week and won’t have time to cook dinner? If so, this unstuffed pepper bowl recipe is for you. You can meal prep this for the entire week.
That way, when you come home from a busy day at work, dinner is already prepared, and you just have to warm it up.
34. Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This copycat version of the popular Applebee’s honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is even better than the original.
It is insanely flavorful, tastes better than the original, and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
35. Easy stuffed shells
I don’t know about you, but I love stuffed shells. I just have so much fun filling the jumbo pasta shells. Plus, it is so good and easy to make.
This recipe is made with jumbo pasta shells, obviously, along with a delicious creamy, cheesy filling that will have you coming back for more.
36. burger bowls
How amazing does this look? These healthy burger bowls are going to become a new family favorite. It is made with salad, potatoes, beef, and all of your favorite burger toppings.
It is filling, tasty, and easy to put together.
37. Easy stuffed bell peppers
If you’ve never tried stuffed bell peppers, you are seriously missing out. They are beyond delicious. Fill them up with ground beef, brown rice, and cheddar cheese, and then bake.
Not only are these so good, but they are also fun to eat.
38. Best Southwest Chicken Wrap
Preparing dinner doesn’t have to be hard. Enjoy delicious Southwest chicken wraps with a few simple ingredients. It is made with chicken, fresh veggies, black beans, and a tasty southwest dressing.
39. Cheesy Chicken Crescent Rolls
These cheesy chicken crescent rolls are definitely going to make it into your weekly dinner rotation. It is beyond tasty and so easy to make.
Serve them with salad, pasta, or rice. It only calls for 10 minutes of prep, which is great for busy weeknights.
40. easy homemade Spaghetti-Os
Last but definitely not least, we have these flavorful homemade spaghetti-os. Instead of buying the canned version, make them fresh at home. This is comfort wrapped in a bowl.
The kids will love it, and so will you!
THIS POST SHOWED YOU THE BEST BACK-TO-SCHOOL DINNER RECIPES
