25 quick dinners for after-school chaos

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School nights are go, go, go—from after-school activities to homework marathons, who’s got time to cook? That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up 25 dinner recipes that you can whip up in a jiffy, saving you time and stress on those busy school evenings. Add these quick and tasty meals to your weeknight lineup.

Spaghetti with meatballs and tomatoes on a wooden table.
Pork meatballs. Photo Credit: GirlCarnivore

Easy Meatball Stroganoff

Meatball Stroganoff
Easy Meatball Stroganoff. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This one-pan meatball stroganoff offers a quick twist on a classic. Perfect for when you need comfort food in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatball Stroganoff

Birria Quesadilla

Sliced quesadilla with toppings.
Birria Quesadilla. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Nothing beats the combo of tender beef birria and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for adding a Mexican twist to your hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Birria Quesadilla

Air Fryer Veal Parmesan

Veal parmesan on bed of veggies.
Air Fryer Veal Parmesan. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Craving Italian? Try air-fried veal parmesan. Tender veal, tangy marinara, and melted cheese, all in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Veal Parmesan

Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops

Baked bbq pork chop on dinner plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These oven-baked pork chops bring the BBQ to your kitchen table. Quick to make, they’re a lifesaver on those frantic school nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops

Quick Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna with fresh tomatoes and basil
Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Think lasagna’s a weekend dish? Think again. This one-pan wonder delivers all the flavors you love, minus the wait.
Get the Recipe: Quick Skillet Lasagna

Quick & Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Quick & Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girls Can Grill.

Who says grilling takes forever? This pork tenderloin proves you can have a fabulous meal in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Veal Scallopini alla Mushrooms

Veal Scallopini alla Mushrooms. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Classic flavors meet speed with this veal scallopini and mushroom sauce recipe. Dinner’s on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Veal Scallopini alla Mushrooms

Easy Pork Meatballs

A bowl of spaghetti with meatballs and tomatoes.
Easy Pork Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These pork meatballs are the busy parent’s dream—quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Ideal for any meal, any day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pork Meatballs

Oven Baked Chicken Quarters

Crispy golden skin on chicken legs.
Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Why settle for dry chicken when you can have juicy, flavorful quarters? A simple recipe that’ll make you look like a pro.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Quarters

Easy Ground Pork Tacos

Overhead image of colorful tacos and toppings.
Easy Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Ground pork tacos to the rescue! Quick, tasty, and minimal cleanup—a weeknight win for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Pork Tacos

Quick Salmon Curry

Overhead colorful shot of salmon curry bowls.
Quick Salmon Curry. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Craving curry but short on time? This salmon version is rich, satisfying, and on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Salmon Curry

Easy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs

Pan Seared Chicken Thighs in skillet with rosemary
Pan Seared Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These pan-seared chicken thighs are simple but impressive. Crispy skin and juicy meat make for a winning dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs

Quick Thick-Cut Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Pork chops in skillet.
Quick Thick-Cut Pan-Seared Pork Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Thick-cut pork chops made easy. A few simple ingredients bring you juicy, tender chops in no time.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thick-Cut Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Korean Beef Bowls

A bowl of beef, broccoli and peppers on a wooden table.
Korean Beef Bowls. Photo Credit: GirlCarnivore

Loaded with beef and veggies, these Korean bowls are your ticket to a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowls

Steakhouse Hamburger Salad with Keto Blue Cheese Dressing

Smoked burger patties over a hearty bed of lettuce.
Steakhouse hamburger salad. Photo credit: GirlCarnivore.

Who says salads are boring? This steakhouse version is a meal in itself—smoked burger and all.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Hamburger Salad with Keto Blue Cheese Dressing

Moo Shu Pork Recipe

A white bowl with a bowl of food and a bowl of rice.
Moo shu pork. Photo Credit: GirlCarnivore

Fast, flavorful, and downright delicious, Moo Shu Pork is stir-fry at its best and quickest.
Get the Recipe: Moo Shu Pork Recipe

Pulled Pork Sliders on a Ninja Grill

Pulled Pork Sliders on a Ninja Grill. Photo credit: Girls Can Grill.

Got pulled pork leftovers? Turn them into quick sliders. Your Ninja Grill gets them done in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Sliders on a Ninja Grill

Grilled Coffee Crusted Flank Steak Salad

Overhead shot of beautifully grilled flank steak over colourful salad.
Grilled Coffee Crusted Flank Steak Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

For a quick, gourmet experience, try this coffee-crusted flank steak salad. It’s more than a meal; it’s an adventure.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Coffee Crusted Flank Steak Salad

Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos

Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos. Photo credit: Girls Carn Grill.

Why wait for Taco Tuesday? With this quick marinade, every night can be taco night.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos

Keto Bang Bang Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Bang Bang Shrimp on a plate with sauce on the side and linens.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get your seafood fix without breaking the keto rules. This air fryer shrimp recipe is quick, tasty, and keto-approved.
Get the Recipe: Keto Bang Bang Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Quick and Easy Steak Tacos

Tacos in a bowl with corn.
Steak tacos. Photo Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Juicy steak and fresh toppings in a snap. Your new go-to for quick, satisfying dinners.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Steak Tacos

One-skillet Tuscan Pork Chops

A white plate with pasta and pork chop on it.
Tuscan pork chops. Photo Credit: GirlCarnivore

These Tuscan pork chops are a feast for the eyes and the palate—and all from one skillet in under 35 minutes.
Get the Recipe: One-Skillet Tuscan Pork Chops

Veal Meatballs

Skillet filled with meatballs.
Veal meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Veal meatballs in record time. Serve them up for dinner or as a quick snack. Either way, they’re a hit.
Get the Recipe: Veal Meatballs

Griddle Burger

Hands holding burger.
Griddle burger. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Skip the burger joint. Make restaurant-worthy smashed burgers right at home. Your griddle’s the secret weapon.
Get the Recipe: Griddle Burger

Chorizo Tacos (Easy Street Tacos)

Overhead shot of platter of chorizo tacos
Chorizo Tacos. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Spicy chorizo and quick lime crema make these street tacos an instant weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Tacos (Easy Street Tacos)