Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the chaos of homework, after-school activities, and figuring out what’s for dinner—again. But don’t stress! These five quick, kid-friendly recipes are perfect for meal planning and will save your evenings without sacrificing flavor. Bonus: Two of them are egg-cellent (sorry, we had to).
1. One-Pot Taco Spaghetti
When you can’t decide between Taco Tuesday and Spaghetti Night, this recipe says, “Why not both?” Ground beef, taco seasoning, and pasta come together in one magical pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have time for a million dishes. Top it with shredded cheese and let everyone customize with their favorite taco toppings. This one’s a meal prep game-changer, too—just double the batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch!
2. Sheet Pan Parmesan-Crusted Chicken and Broccoli
Here’s your answer to “How do I get my kids to eat broccoli?” Pair it with crispy, cheesy chicken! This one-sheet wonder is a lifesaver for meal planning—it’s healthy, delicious, and preps in under 30 minutes. You can even chop everything the night before to make dinner even faster. Kid-friendly and mom-approved? Yes, please.
3. Veggie Fajitas
Meatless Monday just got an upgrade. These veggie fajitas are loaded with colorful bell peppers, onions, and zucchini (or whatever veggies you have on hand). Sauté everything in a skillet with a sprinkle of fajita seasoning, then let everyone build their own with tortillas and toppings.
Pro tip: Use the leftovers for lunch boxes the next day.
4. Summer Skillet Vegetable & Egg Scramble
Got random veggies hanging out in your fridge? Perfect. Sauté them in a skillet, crack in some eggs, and you’ve got a nutritious, protein-packed dinner on the table in minutes. Think of it as the ultimate “clean out the fridge” meal—great for busy families trying to stay on top of meal planning.
Bonus points: The leftovers make a great grab-and-go breakfast for hectic mornings.
5. Egg Fried Rice
Egg fried rice is the MVP of back-to-school dinners. Use leftover rice, scrambled eggs, and frozen veggies to whip up a meal that’s fast, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the ultimate kid-friendly dish that also doubles as a quick lunch option for meal prep. Add some soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of green onions, and you’ll have a dinner the whole family will love.