33 Stress-free back-to-school dinners

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Back-to-School got you down? Nothing beats the convenience and comfort of stress-free dinners in the hustle and bustle of daily life. As busy schedules and back-to-school routines take center stage, finding quick and effortless meal solutions becomes a top priority for many families.

Chicken breasts with a ranch sauce on a plate.
Creamy Ranch Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole with avocado slices on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

A kid-friendly twist on classic fajitas, this casserole is quick and easy to make, packing all the delicious flavors of fajitas in a comforting bake. So easy, so delicious, and perfect for busy school nights!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-easy, this dish is a hit with kids and busy parents alike. taking only minutes to prepare for a satisfying family meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Crispy Chicken Tenders

Crispy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Kid-approved and ready in a snap, these crispy chicken tenders are the perfect go-to for a quick weeknight dinner that children and parents alike will adore. And talk about perfect leftovers for lunch boxes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Tenders

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Elevate weeknight dinnertime with these easy-to-make stuffed chicken breasts. No one will believe you can make these from scratch on a busy school night! Filled with flavorful ingredients that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Grilled Chicken Tenders

Grilled Chicken Tenders on a plate with ranch dipping sauce and bell pepper strips.
Grilled Chicken Tenders. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska

Simple, healthy, and speedy, these grilled chicken tenders are a tasty option for a kid-friendly meal, ideal for both lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Tenders

Creamy Ranch Chicken

Creamy Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy and infused with ranch flavors, this family-friendly dish is a breeze to prepare, pleasing kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Chicken

Bacon Chicken Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Bacon Chicken Ranch Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

With crispy tater tots, bacon, chicken, and ranch flavors, this casserole is a quick and kid-friendly delight that’s perfect for busy night
Get the Recipe: Bacon Chicken Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Mini Meatloaf

Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These adorable mini meatloaves are not only quick to make but also a fun and kid-friendly way to serve this classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup in a large orange pot with bowls next to it.
Lasagna Soup. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

A speedy and comforting twist on traditional lasagna, this soup is a surefire hit with kids, providing all the flavors they love in a comforting bowl.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Irresistibly cheesy and easy to make, these stuffed shells are a favorite among kids, making dinner a joy for both kids and parents.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joe sandwiches on an English muffin.
Healthier Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

As the school bells ring and the familiar rhythm of back-to-school routines resumes, parents are on the lookout for quick, easy, and nutritious meals to fuel their growing scholars. One dish that perfectly fits the bill is Healthy Sloppy Joes—a wholesome twist on the classic American comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes

Chicken Piccata

A skillet with chicken piccata in it on a wooden board on a white back ground.
Chicken Piccata. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

As the school year kicks off and busy schedules return, there’s nothing better than having a delightful and stress-free dinner waiting on the table. Enter this Easy Chicken Piccata—a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your home!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With back-to-school activities in full swing, the quest for effortless yet delectable dinners becomes an everyday challenge for busy families. Look no further! Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, a timeless peasant dish from Italy, is here to save the day—and your taste buds! Simplicity is key in this recipe, as it features just five ingredients, making it a perfect go-to for ANY hectic night
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp lo mein in a skillet with chopped green onions in a white bowl on the side.
Shrimp Lo Mein. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Back-to-school season can leave families craving the convenience of takeout, but why not bring the taste of your favorite Asian restaurant right to your dinner table? With this simple Shrimp Lo Mein recipe, you can savor the flavors of Chinese cuisine without the need for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Are you looking for a meal that your kids will finish every time? Quick and easy for busy weeknights This recipe of tender chicken and hearty cream cheese snuggled in a fluffy golden crescent is a surefire winner. Easy to make and fun to eat!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Taco Fiesta in a Casserole

Taco casserole with fresh vegetables.
Taco Fiesta in a Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Layered with classic taco flavors, this crowd-pleasing casserole is the perfect solution for busy school nights that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Taco Fiesta in a Casserole

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

A juicy bacon-wrapped burger on a plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Indulge in the ultimate bacony delight with these irresistible bacon-wrapped burgers, sure to win over kids and adults alike for a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy school nights.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Tortellini & Meatballs

Tri color tortellini with meatballs in two serving bowls.
Tortellini & Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get ready to add a burst of color and flavor to your back-to-school dinners with this scrumptious tri-color tortellini dish. Packed with plump and tender pasta, a generous helping of meatballs, and an explosion of flavors, this easy-to-make meal is a hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini & Meatballs

Lazy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

A top-down shot of 3 servings of chicken cordon bleu on a white plate.
Lazy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your weeknight dinners in just minutes with this super simple and incredibly delicious dish. Packed with chicken, cheese, and ham goodness, this flavorful creation will leave your taste buds dancing.
Get the Recipe: Lazy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

A picutre of cheesy chicken with bacon and dried parsley.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Start your day off right by making dinner in the morning! Nothing makes coming home after a busy day better than walking into a house that smells like dinner is ready. Perfect for any busy day when you need just to get a surefire win for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Chicken Pizza loaded with Mozzarella  on a tray.
Two Pesto Chicken Pizza. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Two Pesto Chicken Pizza with Mozzarella and Ricotta recipe is an amazingly perfect weeknight meal that comes together in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Four bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with parsley garnish on white plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Turn a busy weeknight dinnertime into a delicious adventure with these bacon-wrapped chicken thighs. Juicy and savory, each bite is a burst of flavor that will make your little ones smile. Plus, the crispy bacon adds an irresistible touch that’s sure to make this dish a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Slow cooker beef and broccoli with onion in brown bowl.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Busy school days call for easy dinner solutions like this slow cooker beef and broccoli. Tender beef simmered in a savory sauce with crisp broccoli florets makes for a well-balanced and nutritious meal that even picky eaters won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Spaghetti Casserole

A red dish of spaghetti casserole with a fork in it, to the side.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Spaghetti Casserole is a great weeknight meal for the family because it is quick, easy, comforting and delicious! The secret ingredient makes this baked casserole so creamy!
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

Four slices of pizza on a table.
Best BBQ Chicken Pizza. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Busy weeknights are perfect for pizza! With fresh and homemade ingredients, this pizza is full of flavor but isn’t time-consuming to make.
Get the Recipe: Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

Air Fryer Calzones

Glass plate with a calzone, marinara in a bowl, and zucchini.
Air Fryer Calzones. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Make the best air fryer calzones with this super easy recipe. Handheld dinners are fun and easy for everyone on any night of the week. And the leftovers go perfectly in school lunches!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Calzones

10 Minute Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

Bowl full of ramen noodles.
10 Minute Ramen Noddle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Ready in just 10 minutes, veggies and noodles are stir-fried in a spicy garlic ginger sauce. So easy you’ll make it again and again, and the leftovers are perfect in lunch boxes!
Get the Recipe: 10 Minute Ramen Noddle Stir Fry

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Closeup overhead shot of roasted salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and cherry tomatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Busy weeknights are perfect for sheet pan dinners. This Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies is an easy and delicious school night dinner recipe pairing baked salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, savory asparagus, and thyme.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try this easy and delicious homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe. Making these kid-friendly crunchy nuggets takes less than a half hour, so they’re perfect for busy nights when you don’t have time to think about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Make these Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas in the morning and reap the rewards in the evening. Back-to-School nights are perfect for any night when you won’t have time to cook. Tangy, cheesy, and delicious. Plus, they’re ready when you walk in the door!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Turkey Smash Burgers

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Everyone loves burgers and fries on busy nights. It’s just one meal that everyone loves. This delicious turkey smash burger recipe is the best you’ve ever tasted. Turkey patties are smashed onto a hot cast iron skillet to produce a caramelized exterior that’s crisp, savory, and delicious bite the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta

Easy cheesy hamburger casserole in bowl with onion garnish.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Whisk together the comforting flavors of a juicy hamburger and classic pasta in this cheesy hamburger pasta casserole that kids will adore. This dish is a creamy, meaty, and utterly delightful dinner, perfect for busy back-to-school nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers sandwiches on a white platter.
Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy and delicious grilled sausage and peppers recipe combines smoky sausage with vibrant, sweet bell peppers for a quick, satisfying meal kids and parents love! Serve them in buns for a sandwich favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

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