What’s the most challenging part of getting back into the school routine? If you’re like many families, you might find that dinnertime becomes a particularly hectic time of day. After a long day of school, homework, and activities, trying to put together a nutritious meal can feel overwhelming. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way! With the right recipes in your arsenal, you can make delicious, stress-free dinners that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Easy Back-To-School Dinners: A Lifeline for Busy Families
When the school year rolls around, life certainly picks up the pace. Between getting your kids ready for school, managing after-school activities, and keeping on top of homework, there’s often little time left for meal planning and preparation. Thankfully, this collection of 31 easy back-to-school dinners is designed to keep your weeknights stress-free. Let’s get right into it!
Why Choose Stress-Free Dinners?
Preparing easy meals during the busy back-to-school season helps minimize stress and decision fatigue. This not only keeps tensions down in the household but also ensures that everyone gets a healthy meal. Plus, involving everyone in the cooking process can make mealtime more enjoyable, creating lasting memories together.
Family-Friendly Ingredients
One of your biggest challenges may be catering to different tastes, especially if you have picky eaters in the family. The recipes here are made with common ingredients that children and adults alike will appreciate. You won’t have to hunt down rare items, making grocery shopping a breeze.
Meals That Can Be Prepped in Advance
Many meals in this collection can be prepared ahead of time or made in minimal effort. From slow cooker options to quick sheet pan dinners, you will find plenty of solutions that fit into your family’s busy schedule.
1. Slow Cooker Loaded Chicken and Potatoes
One of the easiest ways to ensure a hearty meal is to turn to your slow cooker. This recipe allows you to load up chicken and potatoes in the morning, and by dinner time, you have a delicious meal waiting for you.
How It Works
Simply toss chicken breasts, diced potatoes, seasonings, and a bit of chicken broth into the slow cooker. By the time you’re home from your evening activities, dinner is ready! Serve it up with a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal without the fuss.
2. Garlic Cream Sauce Over Chicken Breasts
Are you looking to upgrade a basic chicken dish without adding extra time to your evening? Garlic cream sauce is the answer!
Quick Preparation
Sauté minced garlic in a bit of butter, then add cream and your choice of herbs. Pour this glorious sauce over seared or baked chicken breasts for a delightful twist. Serve with steamed vegetables or rice—it’s deliciously simple!
3. Mom’s Fabulous Chicken Pot Pie
Everyone loves a good chicken pot pie, but who has the time to make it from scratch? This recipe makes it easy by using a store-bought crust.
Family Favorite
Fill a pre-made crust with a mixture of cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy sauce, then crown it with another crust. Bake until golden, and you’ll have a homey meal that reminds everyone of family dinners.
4. Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a good pot roast.
Low Prep, High Reward
Just season the beef, add carrots, potatoes, and onions, and let your slow cooker do the work. The outcome is a tender and flavorful roast that pairs perfectly with homemade rolls for the ultimate comforting meal.
5. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatloaf
Meatloaf may be a classic dish, but it often requires more hands-on time than you’d like.
Simplified
This recipe streamlines the process, making it easy to prepare in a slow cooker. With a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasoning, and a tangy glaze on top, your family will love this old-fashioned dinner.
6. Grandma Pizza
If you crave a pizza night without the takeout expense, why not make your own?
Create Your Masterpiece
You can make a quick dough using pantry staples or use pre-made dough. Top with your family’s favorite ingredients, from pepperoni to veggies. Baking it in the oven will ensure a crispy crust that rivals your local pizzeria!
7. Chicken, Sausage, Peppers, and Potatoes
Sheet pan meals make cleanup a breeze, and this chicken and sausage combo fits the bill perfectly.
Easy Cooking
Simply slice up sausages, chicken, and a medley of colorful bell peppers and potatoes. Toss them with olive oil and seasoning, then roast together. In under an hour, you’ll have a satisfying dinner minus the mess.
8. Simple Hamburger Stroganoff
If you’re looking for a nostalgic dish that’s easy on the budget, this simple stroganoff is perfect.
One-Pan Wonder
Using ground beef, sauté it with onions and mushrooms, then stir in sour cream for a creamy sauce. Serve over egg noodles for a comforting and filling meal that feels fancy but is incredibly straightforward.
9. Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue
A versatile dish like barbecue chicken works well for several meals throughout the week.
Done in a Snap
Just add chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, and a bit of seasoning to your slow cooker. Cook on low, then shred for sandwiches, salads, or served alongside corn on the cob for a complete meal.
10. Ginger Veggie Stir Fry With Rice
For a healthier option, consider a vegetable stir-fry paired with rice.
Quick and Flavorful
Toss your favorite vegetables in a hot skillet with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for an explosion of flavor. Serve over rice or noodles, and you’ll have a fresh and crispy dinner in no time.
Expanding Your Options
While the recipes above will help you get through the first few busy weeks of school, there are many more combinations and variations you can try.
Customization
Don’t forget that many of these recipes allow for flexibility. If your children love broccoli or can’t stand peas, you can substitute ingredients based on your family’s preferences. This flexibility enables you to experiment while keeping mealtime exciting.
Involve Your Family
Let your kids help in the kitchen. They can assist with tasks like washing veggies, mixing ingredients, or setting the table. This not only fosters a sense of responsibility but also makes dinner preparation a shared family experience.
Meal Prep Tips
Here are a few practical tips to streamline the process even more:
- Batch Cook: Consider cooking larger portions of certain meals on the weekend. You can freeze leftovers for use during particularly busy nights.
- Chop Ahead: Spend a little time planning and preparing. Chop vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge so they’re ready when you are.
- Use Your Freezer: Freezing prepped meals can save you time and give you stress-free options on those unexpectedly busy nights.
Final Thoughts
As the school year kicks into high gear, these easy back-to-school dinners will become invaluable. With a variety of recipes that cater to everyone’s tastes, along with minimal effort and prep time, you’re on your way to having enjoyable family dinners back in your routine. It’s all about keeping things simple yet delicious, ensuring you can savor precious moments around the dinner table even when life gets hectic.
Now that you have these handy recipes and tips, there’s no need for stress during those busy weeknights. And remember, quality time with your family is what truly makes the dinner hour special. Happy cooking!
