33 Back-to-school recipes that’ll make you a dinner hero

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Looking for flavorful back-to-school dinners the whole family will love? These 33 delicious recipes are perfect for parents and kids, making weeknights easy and bellies happy.

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

The whole family will ask for seconds when you serve this back-to-school dinner recipe. This easy tuna pesto pasta recipe with burst cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic is a weeknight meal you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas are a spicy, tangy, cheesy, and delicious back-to-school meal the whole family will love. Tender chicken, bold enchilada sauce, chewy tortillas, and rich, melty cheese combine for a mouthwatering bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Fish Tacos

Three blackened cod tacos on a peach tile background.
Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These smoky and savory pan-fried fish tacos are an easy and delicious recipe with cabbage, fresh lime juice, bright pico de gallo, and lightly charred tortillas. They’re a weeknight dinner perfect for back-to-school!
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos

Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Close up of macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb and parsley topping in a white bowl with a green linen on a wood cutting board.
Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Kids crave this white cheddar and mozzarella macaroni and cheese dinner! It’s easy, creamy, and comforting – perfect for everyone during back-to-school time.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Turkey Smash Burgers

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This delicious turkey smash burger recipe is the best out there! Turkey patties are smashed onto a hot cast iron skillet to produce a caramelized exterior that’s crisp, savory, and delicious. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, which everyone needs during back-to-school time.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco seasoning makes this Mexican ground beef recipe an easy and flavorful one-pan meal you can have on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Soy Garlic Wings

Soy garlic wings on a blue plate surrounded by a white linen, a glass of bear, soy ginger sauce, and cloves of garlic.
Soy Garlic Wings. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These soy garlic chicken wings are crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory – everything kids love! With one simple trick, you’ll have consistently crispy wings every time without needing to deep fry them.
Get the Recipe: Soy Garlic Wings

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this Cast Iron Chicken has a wonderfully crisp, savory, salty exterior with a tender, juicy interior that can’t be matched. Parents and kids will both go wild for this back-to-school dinner
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thinly sliced shaved beef is perfect for a quick stir-fry dinner you can make in minutes including a crave-worthy sauce that rivals any takeout order.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are all about convenience and flavor. Toss them in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are perfect for a comforting family meal. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a winner for those hectic back-to-school evenings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled chicken with cilantro crema on a white plate surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a glass of beer.
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This grilled chicken with cilantro crema is a perfect end of summer meal. With juicy marinated and grilled chicken breast, and a creamy, tangy cilantro crema, it’s what kids and parents crave during back-to-school dinnertime!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Hearty Marinara Sauce

A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Hearty marinara sauce is a delicious Italian sauce that parents and kids love for back-to-school dinner. Serve with pasta, over veggie noodles, or with some breaded and fried chicken cutlets!
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Closeup overhead shot of roasted salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, and cherry tomatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies is an easy and delicious dinner recipe ideal for back-to-school time. What could be easier than cooking everything on one pan? Flavorful salmon, beautiful burst cherry tomatoes, savory potatoes and succulent asparagus combine for the most amazing bite!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try this irresistible sloppy joe casserole for a busy weeknight back-to-school dinner idea. It’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Shrimp Udon Stir-Fry

A white bowl of shrimp yaki udon with wooden chopsticks.
Shrimp Udon Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Shrimp Udon Stir-Fry has a mouthwatering soy, garlic, ginger sauce, shrimp, chewy udon noodles, and lots of delicious vegetables. Coming together in under an hour, it’s a healthy dinner perfect for weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Udon Stir-Fry

Roasted Half Chicken

Two roasted chicken halves on a white platter with lemon and parsley.
Roasted Half Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This simple and delicious roast half chicken recipe has tender, juicy meat and crisp skin seasoned with garlic and thyme. It’s a wonderful homecooked meal that everyone will enjoy during back-to-school time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Half Chicken

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers sandwiches on a white platter.
Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy and delicious grilled sausage and peppers recipe combines smoky sausage with vibrant, sweet bell peppers for a quick, satisfying meal to signal the end of summer and the start of the school year. Serve in buns for an amazing sandwich!
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce

Close-up shot of spaghetti with tomato and mascarpone sauce topped with parsley on a black plate.
Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This tomato and mascarpone sauce takes the traditional flavors of Italian tomato sauce and makes them delicate and creamy by adding mascarpone cheese. Every kid and parent loves this tomato cream sauce. Serve over noodles or however you’d like!
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These undemanding, quick, versatile Italian Chicken Cutlets may be exactly the salty, crispy, savory dinner you need for back-to-school!
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Ramen is a fun twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for busy school nights. With noodles soaking up a flavorful broth and customizable toppings, it’s a meal the whole family can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken casserole with bacon and cheese.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

As the school season kicks in, elevate your dinner game with the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, ready in just a few minutes. This cheesy, mouthwatering chicken casserole, brimming with broccoli and draped in a luscious ranch dressing, is set to become your dinner superstar – a recipe you’ll keep coming back to for its deliciousness and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara inside a bowl with herbs and bacon.
Low Carb Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Transport your taste buds to Italy with the Best Pasta Carbonara, a captivating family dinner option. Crafted with love, this Italian classic boasts homemade low carb noodles and irresistible crispy bacon bits, making it an instant favorite among your loved ones. Gluten-free, low carb, and grain-free, this culinary masterpiece promises to turn your dinner table into a realm of Italian comfort that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pasta Carbonara

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese in a grey bowl with extra sauce on the side.
Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Bid farewell to bland dinners and say hello to the captivating Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese. This flavorful creation, featuring our homemade keto spaghetti intertwined with a delectable low carb BBQ sauce and savory minced meat, is a true keto triumph. With its gluten-free, grain-free essence, and diabetic-friendly touch, this dinner venture ensures your taste buds are treated to an explosion of taste without compromising your nutritional goals.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Spaghetti Bolognese

Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef

Lasagna inside casserole.
Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Navigate busy school days with ease by indulging in our Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef. Perfectly suited for your keto lifestyle, this high protein wonder is a masterstroke of flavors, all layered meticulously. Fully keto, gluten-free, grain-free, and catering to diabetics, this simple yet impressive lasagna recipe becomes your ally in creating a wholesome, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious back-to-school dinner ritual.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Salmon fillets stacked on a plate with lemons and herbs in the background.
Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Make school night dinner a breeze with this quick recipe of baked salmon with mayo! The mayo topping locks the moisture in the salmon creating the perfect juicy texture that even picky eaters will love.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef stir fry recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. Made in one pan with an assortment of fresh vegetables, it features a garlic ginger homemade stir fry sauce that’s healthier, tastier and quicker than any takeout order!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Chicken Divan Casserole

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken divan is perfect for back-to-school dinners. The dish combines juicy chicken and crisp broccoli in a cheesy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan Casserole

Spicy Chicken Riggies

Chicken riggies in a bowl topped with Parmesan and green onion.
Spicy Chicken Riggies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spice up dinner time with Chicken Riggies! This pasta dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, but its blend of chicken, peppers, and a spicy tomato sauce makes it a zesty treat. It’s a fantastic way to serve a warm and hearty meal that’ll get everyone fueled up for homework and extracurriculars.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken Riggies

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Want a tried-and-true classic that’s sure to please? This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe delivers! This meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or green beans. It’s a comforting dish that feels like a warm welcome home after a busy school day!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken with lemon wedges on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If you’re looking for a healthy and crispy option, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are the way to go. They cook up quickly in the air fryer, providing a juicy interior and a golden, crispy exterior. Serve them with a side of veggies or a simple salad, and you’ve got a nutritious dinner that’s perfect for keeping the family fueled and focused on the school year ahead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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