19 must-have recipes for busy parents to make dinners easy

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Finding must-have recipes for busy parents is like striking gold. Juggling work, school activities, and family time is no small feat. When you add meal planning and cooking into the mix, it can sometimes feel like you’re running a marathon every day. That’s why having this go-to collection of 19 simple, make-ahead recipes can turn dinnertime from a hurdle into a much-anticipated pit stop for the whole family.

Of course, it’s not just about getting food on the table. It’s about making the entire dinner process, from prep to cleanup, as stress-free as possible. Quick to assemble, easy to cook, and quick to clean up — that’s the trifecta we’re going for. Not to mention, these meals hold up well in the fridge, which means you can cook when you have time and serve when you don’t. So, relax and look forward to evenings that are less about the rush and more about enjoying good food and good company.

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is a quick win that only takes 30 minutes to put together. You’ve got broccoli, cauliflower, and a creamy cheese sauce, all capped off with crispy bacon. Busy parents can whip this up earlier in the day, toss it in the fridge, and then just heat it up when dinner time rolls around. It’s that simple, and you’ll love having that extra time back in your busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a half-hour dish that’ll make your evening a whole lot easier. Just combine some chicken thighs, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses, and you’re good to go. The best part? It’s just as flavorful the next day, so it’s perfect for busy parents to make in advance. Pop it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, a no-fuss dinner is just a quick reheat away.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

This dish is a no-fuss solution for any dinner dilemma, featuring oven-baked chicken breasts, cream cheese, and colorful mini sweet peppers. If you’re a busy parent, you can make this ahead and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheating is a snap. The blend of spices and cheese offers a hearty, comforting meal that comes together with minimal effort. In terms of practicality, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Imagine a dinner that almost makes itself; that’s what you get with this slow cooker soup. Just 20 minutes in the morning is all it takes — brown some ground beef, toss in the other ingredients, and you’re set. If leftovers are your thing, the flavors in this soup improve with time. It’s a smart pick for parents who are short on time but still want a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot soup is a real time-saver, combining Italian sausage, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes. Whip it up in just 30 minutes, and you’ve got a meal you can either serve immediately or store for later. Busy parents will love the minimal cleanup, thanks to the one-pot design. The creamy, hearty flavors make it a hit with adults and kids alike. Make it ahead to simplify your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Roasted sausage and veggies come to life in this one-sheet pan dinner that’s done in 30 minutes. Busy parents, here’s your new best friend; make it in advance, and you’ve simplified your evening. And who doesn’t love fewer dishes? One pan means you spend less time cleaning up. As for the meal itself, it’s as hearty as it is easy to prepare, making it a solid choice for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re in the mood for a unique spin on dinner, this Big Mac Salad fits the bill. Busy parents can assemble it in advance, making meal prep a breeze. Toss it together when you’re ready to eat, and you’ve got a quick yet filling meal. The ingredients are simple, straightforward, and likely already in your pantry. It’s the epitome of convenience and practicality rolled into a single dish.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Here’s a casserole that manages to be both hearty and quick to make, featuring ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach. Busy parents will find it easy to prep ahead of time and simply reheat for dinner. With a 30-minute total time from prep to table, it’s a win-win. It holds up well in the fridge, ensuring your effort today pays off in convenience tomorrow. All in all, it’s a practical, time-saving option for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A pot, less than an hour, and you’ve got this warm and flavorful chicken corn soup. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s another one-pot wonder, making cleanup almost as easy as the cooking. Store it in the fridge and reheat for another meal; it holds up well. It’s an approachable yet satisfying dish that fits into any busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

With just 20 minutes of prep, these canned chicken patties make dinner or even lunch a breeze. Versatility is the key here: pair them with veggies or enjoy them on their own. Because they keep well, they’re a smart choice for make-ahead meal planning. You can store them in the fridge and they reheat without losing their texture or flavor. For those always on the move, this is a convenient and practical recipe to keep in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is more than a bowl of comfort; it’s a time-saving miracle. The main steps are simple: steam cauliflower, blend, and thicken. Within 30 minutes, you’ve got a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for busy families. Reheat it when you’re ready, and it’s like it was just made. What’s not to love about a quick, comforting, make-ahead meal?
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Dive into a casserole that’s both spicy and creamy, featuring shredded chicken and jalapeños. It’s an ideal prep-ahead dish that only improves in flavor over time. The straightforward steps mean you can assemble it, store it, and then bake it when you’re ready. If your evenings are hectic, this dish is a sanity saver. Enjoy the convenience of a make-ahead meal that brings both flavor and simplicity to your table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a comforting bowl of pumpkin soup that’s ideal for the colder months. The steps are user-friendly: just simmer, blend, and you’re good to go. What’s more, the flavor only gets better when reheated, making it a perfect candidate for a make-ahead meal. Enjoy the extra time this gives you on busy evenings. With simple prep and a short cooking time, this soup offers a practical yet comforting dining option.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Zucchini Bites

A zucchini bite being dipped into a dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re searching for a quick, family-friendly snack or meal, these Zucchini Bites are right up your alley. They require only 30 minutes from start to finish and feature a simple list of ingredients. Because they’re easy to make in advance, you can pop them in the oven for reheating whenever you’re ready. Cleanup is minimal, leaving you more time to relax or attend to other tasks. All things considered, they’re a convenient, quick solution for any busy family.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Here’s a soup that brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your home kitchen. With just an hour from start to finish, it’s accessible even on a weeknight. Prep it the day before or in the morning, and come dinner time, all you need to do is reheat and serve. The soup retains its hearty, rich character, making it a dependable make-ahead option. Busy parents can look forward to a meal that’s both simple to prepare and enjoyable to eat.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Why not bring the beloved Philly Cheese Steak into your dinner rotation but as a convenient casserole? It takes less than an hour to put together and uses readily available ingredients like bell peppers and sirloin steak. Prepare it earlier in the day, and all you need to do later is pop it in the oven. It holds up great for reheating and doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s a reliable addition to any weeknight menu that’s short on time but big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Meatza

Yes, a pizza with a ground pork crust that’s ready in a snap! This dish takes an uncomplicated approach to dinner, requiring just a single baking sheet and minimal prep. It’s perfect for those days when you need to get a meal on the table without fuss. Store it in the fridge and reheat for a no-stress dinner later on. If you’re in need of a low-effort, high-reward meal, this fits the bill nicely.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Turn your regular pizza night on its head with this Zucchini Pizza Casserole. It’s as easy to put together as it is to enjoy, and you likely already have the simple ingredients in your kitchen. With just 20 minutes of prep time, it’s a cinch to make ahead for later. Reheating is straightforward and doesn’t sacrifice the dish’s texture or flavor. For a fresh take on dinner that’s both quick and practical, this is a top pick.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up your typical chicken salad with this unique take that’s quick and easy to make. It’s a great option for advance meal prep, and it holds up well in the fridge. Whether you need a quick lunch or dinner, it’s ready to serve when you are. Plus, the straightforward recipe makes it a practical choice for those balancing work and family life. If you’re in the mood for a hassle-free meal with a kick, look no further.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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