Quick Weeknight Meals for Busy Back-to-School Nights

Introduction

Welcome parents! It’s that time of year again. Schools are back in session, and your days are packed, and your calendar is overflowing. Between homework, after-school activities, and keeping up with it all, dinner can be daunting. But don’t worry, with these ten quick weeknight meals you’ve got it covered! These delicious, and kid-approved meals will keep everyone happy without keeping you in the kitchen all night!
Here’s the secret: Weeknight dinners don’t need to be complicated to be good. In fact, simple can be better. Ready to dive into some no-fuss, flavor-packed recipes? Let’s get started!

Quick Weeknight Meals

#1 Quick One-Pan Chicken & Veggie Bake

One pan means quick cleanup too!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chicken thighs are great also)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (or potatoes or any of your favorite veggies)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
2. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Surround with the chopped vegetables. (For easier cleanup, line pan with tin foil)
3. Pour olive oil over chicken and chopped vegetables. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix and coat all ingredients well.
4. For extra flavor add lemon slices on top of the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Pro Tip: Want to jazz it up? Toss some fresh herbs or lemon slices on top before baking.

Taco Tuesday, But Faster!

Tacos are a crowd-pleaser, but what if we make them even faster? Try a taco skillet!

# 2 Taco Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup canned corn, drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Tortilla chips or 8 small tortillas
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add shredded cheese on top and let it melt.
4. Pair it with either crispy tortilla chips or warm tortillas. Add a dollop of tangy sour cream and a sprinkle of fragrant cilantro on top for extra flavor.

Quick Tip: Double the recipe and save half for another night!

Pasta with Pizzazz

Forget the jarred sauce! This quick, creamy tomato pasta will have your family asking for seconds.

#3 Creamy Tomato Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and saute onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and let them simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well-coated. Garnish with fresh basil.

Bonus Idea: Add cooked chicken or shrimp for some protein power! Serve with Garlic Bread and Salad.

Favorite Quick Weeknight Meals: Stir-Fry

So nutritious and so easy.

# 4 Fifteen Minute Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, carrots)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned well about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds.
3. Toss in mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce (if using). Stir well and cook for two more minutes.
5. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

Breakfast For Dinner: Always a Winner for Quick Weeknight Meals

Yes, you heard me right. Breakfast for dinner can be a lifesaver! It’s quick, comforting, and a hit with the kiddos.

Just a Few Ideas:

• Scrambled eggs with cheese and toast
• Pancakes or waffles (bonus points if you add chocolate chips!)
• A hearty omelet with veggies and ham
• Smoothies with a side of bacon or sausage
• Biscuits & Gravy

# 5 Homemade Fluffy Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar (the secret to fluffy pancakes)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Makes about 10-12 pancakes

• Cinnamon Syrup
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix egg, milk, butter, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture; stir just until the dry ingredients are combined (batter will be thick and slightly lumpy). Let stand 5 minutes while heating the pan.
2. Spray a large flat griddle or skillet with no-stick spray. Heat on medium-low heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto a hot griddle. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
3. For the Cinnamon Syrup, mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Heat before serving, if desired. Serve drizzled over pancakes.

# 6 Quick Weeknight Meals: Sausage and Egg Soft Tacos

This is the easiest of all quick weeknight meals. This recipe is great for any meal.

• Ingredients
• 4 ounces breakfast sausage, casings removed
• 6 eggs
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 6 small flour tortillas, warmed
• 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced

Instructions

1. Heat a medium skillet on medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring until browned and crumbled. Remove sausage from pan and keep warm. Drain fat from the pan.
2. Whisk the eggs, salt, pepper, and milk together in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in a skillet on medium heat. Add whisked eggs. Cook and stir until eggs are firm.
3. For each taco, place one tortilla on a plate. Top with eggs, sausage, cheese, and avocado. Sprinkle with additional seasoning, if desired.

#7 Biscuit and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

Not only is this easy to put together but it just shouts comfort food.

Ingredients

Sausage Gravy:

1 lb. breakfast sausage,  like Jimmy Dean

1/4 c. unsalted butter

1/3 c. all-purpose flour 

4 c. whole milk

1 tsp seasoned salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

Casserole: 13 x 9 dish

6 large eggs

1/2 c. whole milk

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 tsp Kosher salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

2 – 12-oz. cans refrigerated biscuits

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Fry the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the sausage is done and crumbly. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan using a slotted spoon.
3. Leave the drippings in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle the flour over the sausage drippings and stir until well combined. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the flour is lightly brown. Continue stirring while adding the milk. Turn the heat up to medium-high as you continue to stir. When the mixture boils and thickens somewhat, turn the heat down to medium-low. At this time, add the salt and black pepper. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing gravy to thicken. Set gravy aside.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper. Once thoroughly combined, pour into a greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Remove 1/2 cup of the sausage and set aside. Sprinkle the rest of the sausage over the egg mixture. Place an even layer of biscuits over the sausage. Gradually pour half of the gravy over the biscuits. Scatter the remaining one and half cups of cheese and the reserved 1/2 cup sausage over the biscuits and gravy and place in the oven.
5. Make sure the biscuits are baked thoroughly. The tops should be toasty brown. Bake time is approximately 30 to 35 minutes. If you think the biscuits are browning too quickly, place a piece of tin foil over the top of the casserole dish.
6. Reheat the leftover gravy right before the casserole is ready to serve. When it comes out of the oven, pour part of it over the casserole. Serve the remaining gravy on the side.

Sometimes, Breaking the “Rules,” is the best way to make dinner fun again.

One of Those Quick Weeknight Meals Everyone Loves: Sloppy Joe

Sloppy Joes are another quick weeknight meal that will please the entire family. Bake some tater tots while making the Sloppy Joe meat, and you will be a rock star this night!

#8 Easy Sloppy Joe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until all the meat is done. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to fry pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add drained hamburger meat. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Serve the mixture on hamburger buns.

Quick Tip: You can make this ahead of time and reheat it, making it even faster on a busy night!

More Busy Mom Quick Weeknight Meals

This is a delicious and nutritious recipe option that you can easily adapt to your family’s taste preferences. Easy to add veggies to this recipe.

#9 Quick One-Pan Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large baking dish, combine rice, chicken broth, and soup. Stir well.
3. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and place them on top of the rice mixture.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add some frozen mixed veggies in the rice before baking!

Of All Quick Weeknight Meals: This is My Favorite

You will be surprised how good this next recipe is! It’s so simple but rockin’ with a hearty, beefy tomato flavor.

# 10   Beefy Mac Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

This is my go-to quick meal recipe. It is at the top of my comfort food favorites list as well.

Ingredients

• 6 cups beef broth  (this product comes boxed, canned, wet concentrate, or dry mix. Make beef broth according to the instructions on the package.)
• 1 –  lb ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1 – 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
• ½ cup small elbow macaroni noodles (You will think this is not enough, but it is plenty.)
• 1 small onion chopped (about 1/3 cup)  (If you prefer to use onion powder, use 1 teaspoon.)
• ½ tsp powdered garlic
• ½ tsp black pepper or to your preference
• ½ tsp salt  (Since store-bought broth is often salty enough, I would refrain from adding salt until the end of the cooking time, after tasting the soup first.)

Instructions

1. Brown and drain the ground beef.
2. Using a medium soup pot, add 6 cups of beef broth. Add the browned and drained ground beef, tomatoes, chopped onion, black pepper, and garlic powder and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
3. Once your soup base comes to a boil, add the 1/2 cup of small elbow macaroni and stir. Adjust the heat to medium and allow the macaroni noodles to cook for about 10 minutes. Turn the heat off and let set for 10 or 15 minutes.
4. Serve up hot with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread.

Note: You can customize this simple beef soup recipe by omitting the elbow macaroni noodles and adding a 14-ounce bag of mixed vegetables instead. This will quickly create a delicious and hearty beef vegetable soup. It’s an easy change-up to create the #11 quick weeknight meals. Just cook the soup over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, and enjoy a nutritious and comforting meal.

Another Helpful Hack

Here’s a little kitchen hack that will reduce some stress during the busy school week! When ground beef is on sale, grab a few extra packs. When you get home, cook it all up, drain the fat, and let it cool. Then, take quart-size freezer bags, and measure about one pound (roughly two cups) into each bag. Here’s the trick: flatten the bags before sealing them, squeezing out as much air as you can. The flat, square shape not only stacks neatly in your freezer, but it also thaws way faster. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just crumble the frozen meat right into your pot. It’s perfect for tacos, spaghetti, soups, stews, or casseroles—whatever you’ve got on the menu! If you want some more tips that will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable, check out my blog post on 50 Great Baking & Cooking Hacks: Shortcuts, Tips and Tricks: https://blissfulfoodsplus.com/50-great-baking-cooking-hacks-shortcuts-tips-and-tricks/

Wrap It Up

There you have it. Ten Quick Weeknight Meals for busy parents to have on hand. Two weeknight’s worth of easy recipes to make weeknight meals fast, easy, and downright delicious. These recipes are perfect for those chaotic back-to-school evenings when time is tight/ Want to avoid some morning mayhem with make-ahead breakfast recipes? Go here: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/make-ahead-breakfast-recipes/

Remember, the key is simplicity. You don’t need gourmet meals every night to make your family happy. Sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that come together quickly but are filled with love (and maybe a little cheese).

Thanks for stopping by! I hope these ideas bring some peace to your dinner routine and help you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying family time.

Happy Cooking!