Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the chaos of weeknight dinners. Between homework, after-school activities, and just trying to keep your sanity, the last thing you need is a complicated meal to throw together. That’s where these recipes come in—they’re simple, stress-free, and perfect for making those busy nights a little easier. No gourmet skills required, just easy, tasty dinners that’ll keep everyone happy and your kitchen (mostly) clean.
![Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pretzel-crusted-pork-chops-1-1024x576.jpg)
Burger Bowls
![Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/burger-in-a-bowl-landscape-1.jpg)
This recipe has all the flavors of your favorite fast food burger, but in a healthier, no-bun-needed bowl. It’s perfect for nights when you need something quick that still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
![Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chicken-sweet-potatoes-landscape-1.jpg)
With just one sheet pan, you can have chicken, sweet potatoes, and caramelized pecans ready for dinner. This is a great option for those nights when time is tight, and you don’t want to worry about cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
![Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sheet-pan-pork-chops-landscape-1.jpg)
These pork chops, served with red cabbage, potatoes, and apples, all cook together on one pan. It’s an easy win for nights when you just can’t deal with a mountain of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
![Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sheet-pan-steak-shrimp-fajitas-landscape-1.jpg)
Enjoy a surf-and-turf dinner in just 20 minutes with these steak and shrimp fajitas. Everything cooks on one pan, making it perfect for school nights that need a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
![Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken-landscape-1.jpg)
Skip the takeout and make this honey garlic chicken in your slow cooker. With its sweet and sticky sauce, this no-fuss dinner is perfect for making school nights a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
![Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/white-bean-quesadilla-1.jpg)
These quesadillas, filled with melty cheddar, smashed white beans, and kale, are a great meatless meal. They’re easy to throw together, making them perfect for when you need dinner to come together fast.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Cheddar Chicken Bake
![Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cheddar-chicken-quinoa-casserole-landscape-1.jpg)
This cheddar chicken quinoa bake is a simple and healthy dinner option. Using leftover rotisserie chicken makes it even easier, so it’s perfect for those busy school nights when you need something quick and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
![Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ground-beef-pasta-skillet-landscape-1.jpg)
This ground beef pasta skillet is a lifesaver when you need dinner on the table fast. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great option for nights when you want something that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
![Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ground-beef-sweet-potato-skillet-landscape-1.jpg)
This one-pan ground beef and sweet potato skillet is an easy weeknight meal with a southwestern flair. It’s perfect for meal prepping, and the leftovers are just as great the next day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
![Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pretzel-crusted-pork-chops-1.jpg)
These baked pretzel crusted pork chops, served with a maple dijon sauce, are a fun and easy dinner option. Packed with lean protein, they’re a perfect choice for a simple and tasty weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken
![Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sheet-pan-maple-mustard-chicken-landscape-1.jpeg)
Maple mustard chicken breasts, Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries all bake together on one pan. This dinner is a simple, no-stress solution for busy nights when you need a great meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
![Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ground-beef-cabbage-recipe-1.jpg)
This ground beef and cabbage skillet is an easy dinner that comes together quickly. Inspired by an Asian stir fry, it’s full of texture and flavor, making it a great weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
![Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/bucatini-cacio-e-pepe-landscape-FDL-1.jpg)
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple Italian dish made with just five ingredients. This creamy pasta is both easy and economical, making it perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Pecan Crusted Chicken
![Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pecan-crusted-chicken-7.jpg)
Pecan crusted chicken, paired with a honey dijon yogurt sauce, makes for a flavorful and easy weeknight meal. This crunchy dish is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for school nights.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Salsa Chicken
![A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/salsa-chicken-MSN-1.jpg)
Salsa chicken is a quick and easy meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken