Busy evenings are crazy, and we’ve all been there. There have been many evening dinners where I’ve opened a loaf of sliced bread and grabbed what I could find in the sandwich drawer. That’s normal life friends. But, with some organisation, meal planning, shopping in advance, we can have dinner most nights. Well, we can try:) Here I’ve put together some Back to School Dinner Ideas that you might like to try out this season.
What This Post Includes
- Dinner prep tips
- All Back to School Dinner Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Recipes you Might Like
How to Make Dinner Easy
- Get organized – On a Sunday before the start of the week. Clean out the fridge, shop and meal plan. Prep anything you can in advance.
- Schedule a prep day – I know this isn’t in everyone’s time allowance, but it will save time in the long run if you can. Maybe you have a free morning or evening where you can prep, chop and organize some ingredients for the week.
- Keep it simple – Many days dinner needs to be quick and simple. Use shortcuts with pre bought ingredients, sauces, doughs, canned ingredients and more.
- Batch cook – Many people like to make big quantities that they can reheat or repurpose for the second day. Think Slow Cooker Chicken to use in salads, wraps, tacos, soups and more!
Kid Approved Dinners
I get it, kids can be picky right? When I had small kids, getting a dinner on the table that they enjoyed wasn’t always easy. I can guarantee, your kids will love these recipes!
TIPS FOR ADDING VEGETABLES – Add vegetables to any dinner by steaming some broccoli, roasting carrots, cutting up bell peppers or just making a simple green salad.
Sheet Pan Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Pizza is great for weeknight dinners, weekend get togethers and even packed lunches. This Sheet Pan Pepperoni Pizza Bites recipe is a take on my Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza and you’ll love it!
Check out this recipe
Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders
Easy and delicious Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders are great for any day of the week. Tender chicken wrapped up in a seasoned panko crumb with parmesan cheese. Served with a chili lime dipping sauce for a pack of punch!
Check out this recipe
Old School Tacos
These Old School Beef Tacos are just like the box kit, only better! Easy to make using ground beef and a homemade taco seasoning for a great flavour. Just add your favourite toppings.
Check out this recipe
Spaghetti Bolognese
You can’t beat a great classic Spaghetti Bolognese. A rich tomato meat sauce served over soft pasta noodles. A sauce that takes a little love and time but delivers big on flavour!
Check out this recipe
Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is an all time family favourite and a must make dinner. This recipe is kept pretty simple with just the pasta, cheese sauce and a bread crumb mixed with extra cheese for a topping. Great for dinners and potlucks!
Check out this recipe
Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets
Make a batch of these Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets and you'll get rave reviews every time. Loved by kids and adults alike, it makes a great go to fried chicken recipe!
Check out this recipe
Prep Ahead Dinners
Sometimes we’re organized, right? Well, here’s a few dinners that you can prep in advance and cook just before dinner time.
Teriyaki Beef Meatballs
Delicious and tender Teriyaki Beef Meatballs. Your perfect weeknight dinner served alongside some Garlic Butter Drizzled Carrots and fluffy Basmati Rice.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Let's dive into this classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole dish for a little bit of comfort. Tender pieces of chicken with broccoli wrapped up in a cheese sauce and baked until bubbly. A great dish to serve on busy days with a side of rice or pasta.
Check out this recipe
Classic Turkey Tetrazzini
Creamy pasta dishes can be enjoyed any season. This Classic Turkey Tetrazzini is no exception with it's sauteed mushrooms, tender turkey, creamy parmesan sauce and a delicious pasta. An absolute pleaser for all pasta lovers.
Check out this recipe
Baked Zucchini Pasta
This Baked Zucchini Pasta is a great mid week comfort. Tender pasta noodles with sauteed zucchini in a rich tomato sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella cheese. Make in advance, pop it in the fridge and bake when ready.
Check out this recipe
20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli
For a quick and indulgent pasta fix, make this 20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli. It’s honest to goodness easy, tasty and one your whole family will love. Great for those quick evenings when you want something delicious but time isn’t on your side. Pasta for the win!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Casserole
What could be a better comforting dish than this Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Casserole. Tender pieces of chicken, sauteed zucchini and a creamy cheese sauce topped with a herb bread crumb mixture and extra cheese. A great make ahead meal for busy weeknights!
Check out this recipe
Turkey Meatball Stroganoff
If you're a fan of Creamy Chicken Stroganoff, you'll love this Turkey Meatball Stroganoff. A new take on an absolute classic recipe. Tender meatballs cooked in a creamy stroganoff sauce. Serve with noodles for a fantastic dinner.
Check out this recipe
Turkey Meatballs in a Marinara Sauce
Take a spin on classic meatballs and use turkey! For a lighter spaghetti and meatballs, give these Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce. A bit of work but delivers high on flavour and great comfort food to head into the weekend.
Check out this recipe
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Make this warming and hearty Ground Turkey Pasta Bake soon. An easy baked pasta dish made with penne pasta, marinara sauce, ground turkey and mozzarella cheese. An easy to make budget friendly family dinner.
Check out this recipe
One Pan Dinners
We all love dinners made in one pot or pan! Here’s a few dinners that you can put on a sheet pan, in a casserole dish or on the stove top…IN ONE POT!
One Pan Cajun Chicken and Rice
Add this lightly spiced One Pan Cajun Chicken and Rice dish to your dinner rotation soon. Chicken and rice seasoned in Homemade Cajun Seasoning with peppers, onions, garlic and cooked in chicken broth. And it all cooked in one skillet for easy clean up!
Check out this recipe
Bratwurst Sheet Pan Dinner
Make this super easy Bratwurst Sheet Pan Dinner one evening soon. Quick prep time and cooks in about 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Sheet Pan Shrimp and Peppers
Add a little heat to you dinner table with this Sheet Pan Shrimp and Peppers dish. This is a easy to make sheet pan meal lightly spiced with a blend of cumin, paprika and cayenne for a little extra heat. Serve it up in warm tortillas with your favourite toppings.
Check out this recipe
Old Bay Sheet Pan Chicken & Squash
Get ready to fully embrace the flavours of fall with this Old Bay Sheet Pan Chicken & Squash dinner. An easy to prepare weeknight dinner that's prepared and cooked in one pan for easy cleanup!
Check out this recipe
Pizza Night – Can You Make Homemade Pizza on a Weeknight?
Yes, you can! You just need to make sure you have have either bought pizza dough or premade Homemade Pizza dough. Believe it or not, if you have the dough on hand, making pizza isn’t a huge effort at all.
Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza
Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza is a pizzeria favourite! And you can make it at home with the best Homemade Pizza Dough, Homemade Marinara Sauce and lots of spicy pepperoni!
Check out this recipe
Tri Bell Pepper Mini Pizzas
Why not make this Tri Bell Pepper Mini Pizza this weekend! A great way to entertain kids and adults alike as everyone will love this quick and easy little pizzas. Topped with Marinara Sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh bell peppers for a delicious lunch or snack on the go.
Check out this recipe
Mushroom Alfredo Pizza
Why not combine your favourite Alfredo sauce with sauteed mushrooms, mozzarella cheese piled on top of a crisp pizza base! This Mushroom Alfredo Pizza just might have to go on your dinner rotation soon!
Check out this recipe
Homemade Pepperoni Calzones
These delicious Homemade Pepperoni Calzones will have you going back for seconds Made using homemade pizza dough, marinara sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella, they are a real treat. Make them for lunch or even as part of a bigger dinner with a salad on the side.
Check out this recipe
Family Favourites
Here are a few dishes that I make often and everyone seems to enjoy! These are all pretty straightforward recipes with easy to find ingredients. And don’t forget the Sides!
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Level up your chicken with these Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders. Crispy oven baked chicken tenders tossed in a homemade honey garlic sauce for an absolute game changing flavour! Serve them up with your favourite Fried Rice for a great family dinner!
Check out this recipe
Oven Barbecue Chicken
Over the years this Oven Barbecue Chicken with Sour Cream and Chives has come to be a family favourite. Every time I make it, there's clean plates and happy campers. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a homemade barbecue sauce and great served with fluffy couscous, rice or even the Crispy Oven Fries.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
This Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta is easy, quick and very satisfying. Tender cooked pasta in a creamy butter & lemon pasta sauce. Using fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavour. Put it on your dinner rotation this week!
Check out this recipe
Penne Pasta & Broccoli Bake
This family friendly, weeknight Penne Pasta & Broccoli Bake is a great mid week dinner. Tender pasta noodles in a creamy parmesan sauce with broccoli. A great make ahead dish the whole family will love. You can prepare it in the morning, pop it in the fridge and bake just before serving.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Alfredo
Calling all pasta lovers for this creamy Chicken Alfredo. I love a good creamy pasta dish and this one brings all the flavour and creaminess in a perfect bite. Serve it just as it is, no need for any fussy sides for this show stopper dinner!
Check out this recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze baked pasta dishes?
Yes baked pasta dishes generally freeze quite well. Try to avoid freezing overly creamy baked pasta dishes though as the sauce may curdle when it’s defrosted. For defrosting and reheating baked pasta dishes, allow them to fully defrost before baking.
How long can you keep cooked chicken in the fridge?
It’s safe to keep cooked chicken in the fridge for 3 – 4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container when storing.
Broccoli Recipes For Dinner
Broccoli is versatile, easy to cook and nutritious which makes it a great addition to any weeknight dinner So, check out this great collection of Broccoli Recipes For Dinner. From pasta dishes and stir fry to risotto and more!
Check out this recipe
Easy Sheet Pan Meals
Keep dinner simple with these Easy Sheet Pan Meals. All of these meals can be prepped before hand and are cooked on one baking tray for easy clean up! Pick a dinner you love and add it to your rotation soon.
Check out this recipe
Recipes with Cajun Seasoning
Add a little spice to you dinner using these Recipes with Cajun Seasoning. Here I've put together a collection of our favourite Cajun inspired recipes including a fantastic recipe for you own Homemade Cajun Seasoning!
Check out this recipe
Back to School Dinner Ideas
Busy evenings are crazy, and we've all been there. There have been many evening dinners where I've opened a loaf of sliced bread and grabbed what I could find in the sandwich drawer. That's normal life friends. But, with some organisation, meal planning, shopping in advance, we can have dinner most nights. Well, we can try:) Here I've put together some Back to School Dinner Ideas that you might like to try out this season.
*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Notes
NOTE – You can get the full recipe for each post in the post above next to each picture.
- Sheet Pan Pepperoni Pizza Bites
- Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Old School Tacos
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets
- Teriyaki Beef Meatballs
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Classic Turkey Tetrazzini
- Baked Zucchini Pasta
- 20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli
- Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Casserole
- Turkey Meatball Stroganoff
- Turkey Meatballs in a Marinara Sauce
- Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
- One Pan Cajun Chicken and Rice
- Bratwurst Sheet pan Dinner
- Sheet pan Shrimp and Peppers
- Old Bay Sheet Pan Chicken & Squash
- Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza
- Tri Bell Pepper Mini Pizzas
- Mushroom Alfredo Pizza
- Homemade Pepperoni Calzones
- Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Oven Barbecue Chicken
- Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
- Penne Pasta & Broccoli Bake
- Chicken Alfredo
Thanks For Stopping By & Hope To See You Soon!
