21+ Back to School Dinners
21+ Back to School Dinners that are perfect for the busiest time of year! Simple kid-friendly, family-friendly meals that everyone will love. From pastas to meatballs, chili, stews and more.
Let’s get ready for back to school!
It’s that time of year where summer is coming to an end, and we turn our sights on back to school. That means back to school shopping, lunch making, and meal planning! To help us all get back into weeknight dinner mode, I’ve rounded up 21 of my favourite meals that are perfect for busy weeknights and that the whole family will love. Most of these easy dinner recipes are ready in 1 hour, some take longer but the time and leftovers are worth it. Let’s dive in!
Easy Italian Meatballs
If there is one meatball recipe that I could recommend and shout from the rooftops, it would be this one for my Italian meatballs. These Italian Meatballs are soft, tender and so flavourful. Once baked, these meatballs then simmer in a simple tomato sauce. Serve over your favourite pasta with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Taste like comfort.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
This Million Dollar Spaghetti is rich and so delicious! Made with layers of noodles, ground beef, pasta sauce and 3 kinds of cheese (mozzarella, Parmesan and cream cheese). Great for using up leftover noodles. Ready and on the dinner table in 1 hour.
Creamy Chicken Stew
This Creamy Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy back to school nights. Made with tender chicken and fresh vegetables all baked in a delicious creamy sauce.
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
These Creamy Chicken Green Chili Enchiladas are simple and delicious. And they can be on your table in under 1 hour. Tip: Use a rotisserie chicken to speed things up!
Beef Stroganoff Meatloaf
This Beef Stroganoff Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic meatloaf! Hearty and flavourful beef smothered in a creamy and delicious creamy stroganoff gravy with mushrooms. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or broccoli.
White Chicken Chili
Make your weeknight delicious with this White Chicken Chili! It’s hearty, full of beans and has a nice kick of spice. Serve with lime wedges, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, green salsa, and corn tortilla chips. This easy meal is ready in less than 1 hour.
Baked Beans (with Ground Beef)
This is a rich and delicious recipe for Baked Beans with Ground Beef. Full of beans, ground beef, veggies and flavours of maple syrup, molasses and bacon. So good. A hearty and filling dinner for busy nights…and the leftovers are SO good!
Sloppy Joes
Make these simple and delicious Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes for dinner! With just a few minutes of prep, you can walk away for the day and come back to this delicious meal! Nothing better than a slow cooker meal during the week.
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
This Chicken Pot Pie is hearty, comforting and so delicious! Serve it with a biscuit topping to make it extra amazing! A simple and classic dish that’s perfect for weeknights.
Pizza Pasta Bake
This Pizza Pasta Bake is made with a rich layer of ground beef, pepperoni, mushrooms, tomato sauce and noodles, all topped off with melted cheese and more pepperoni. You can also tailor this recipe to your tastebuds…if you love Hawaiian pizza, use ham and pineapple instead. Anything goes with this skillet dinner. Ready in 40 minutes!
Easy Meatball Subs
If you’re looking for a quick and simple meal that everyone will love, these Easy Meatball Subs are it! You just can’t go wrong with saucy meatballs in a ooey gooey cheesy bun. Winner winner meatball sub weeknight dinner.
Oven Baked Crunchy Chicken
This easy Oven Baked Crunchy Chicken is always a dinner hit here in my home! Serve with roasted potatoes and a green veggie or salad.
Easy Perogy Casserole
This Easy Perogy Casserole is a simple and delicious meal that kids love! Great for using up leftovers of ham, chicken or turkey. Ready in under 1 hour.
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
These Easy Pull Apart Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are made with soft buns stuffed full of pepperoni, pizza sauce and ooey gooey cheese, then slathered in delicious garlic butter! A family favourite recipe.
Creamy Tomato Mac + Cheese
Not only is this Creamy Tomato Macaroni + Cheese easy to put together, but it can be on your table in under 1 hour! It’s so good for those weeknights when you just don’t know what to make for dinner.
Stuffed Peppers
These Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers are filled with healthy ingredients like ground chicken, black beans, tomatoes, onions and garlic. Baked, then topped with loads of cheese! Quick and delicious.
Creamy Smothered Pork Chops
These Creamy Smothered Pork Chops are tender and so delicious after lightly simmering in a creamy and flavourful sauce. Serve over egg noodles. A decadent meal that’s ready in less than 1 hour, making it great for week nights.
One-Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice
This One-Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice Casserole is an easy and comforting dinner! This is a healthy and flavourful recipe to add your meal rotation.
Hamburger Soup
This Hamburger Soup is an easy weeknight meal that’s great for back to school time (the leftovers are great for school lunch)! Loaded with flavourful ground beef and vegetables, this soup is hearty and delicious. Serve with these homemade buns!
Taco Night Menu
Taco night is a night my kids always look forward to, especially during busy school weeks! There’s nothing better than assembling your own dinner with all of your favourite toppings.
Easy Sausage Soup
This Easy Sausage Potato Soup is hearty, flavourful and so delicious! Have this simple recipe on your table in less than 1 hour. Serve in homemade bun bowls or with biscuits.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
Sheet pan suppers like this Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables are such a great time saver! Put all of your favourite roasting vegetables and chicken onto a pan, season generously, then wait 30 minutes and dinner is served. Simple, healthy and delicious.
Spaghetti + Meat Sauce
This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe (with meat) that can be on your table in about 1 1/2 hours! Delicious served over fresh cooked pasta. And use the leftovers to make lasagna!
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Back to School Ideas
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I hope you found some delicious back to school dinner ideas to add to your weeknight dinner rotation during back to school season!
Have a delicious day!