17 fast dinners to satisfy your teen’s hunger pangs

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Feeding a hungry teen can feel like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. You need meals that are easy to pull together, filling enough to feed their big appetites, and reliable enough to prevent those frequent “I’m hungry” moments. These recipes will help you keep them happy and well-fed without too much stress, so you can focus on enjoying time together rather than constantly worrying about what to make next.

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is great when your teen’s appetite feels impossible to meet. This dish brings together sirloin steak, green peppers, mushrooms, and provolone cheese, all baked into one comforting casserole. Ready in under an hour, it’s a solid option for busy nights when you need something filling on the table fast. The best part? It’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is easy. This casserole is a practical solution to feeding hungry teens with less hassle.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for nights when your teen’s hunger hits out of nowhere. Ready in just 20 minutes, these bite-sized chicken pieces are pan-fried until golden and then tossed in garlic and butter for a simple and filling meal. Serve it with veggies or a side salad for a balanced treat that comes together quickly. These bites also reheat easily, so they’re great for leftovers. If you need a quick dinner that won’t leave anyone still hungry, this one’s a safe bet.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is a great go-to for busy nights when your teen’s hunger kicks into high gear. With frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, and cheese, this dish is as easy as layering everything in a baking dish and letting the oven handle the rest. It’s ready in an hour and serves a hearty, filling meal without much effort. You’ll appreciate how simple the prep is, and your teen will love how cheesy and hearty it is. Plus, it makes enough to keep everyone happy without extra snacks needed.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a smart choice when you need something hearty and quick. This dish comes together in less than an hour, made with chicken, corn, and cheese and topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a great way to feed a hungry teen without much hassle, and it’s easy on the budget, too. The ingredients are simple, resulting in a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for those nights when you need something reliable that’s filling and fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a simple solution when you need dinner quickly, and your teen is already hungry. Coated with mayo and breadcrumbs, these chops bake in just 25 minutes and come out crispy and flavorful. They’re easy to prepare and pair well with almost any side, making them a versatile option for busy nights. You can have a full meal on the table in no time, with minimal effort. This dish is a good choice when you’re short on time but still want to serve something wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a helpful option for a quick, veggie-packed meal that’s still comforting and tastes good. With broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheddar cheese all in a creamy sauce, this casserole is ready in 30 minutes. It is sure to keep even picky eaters happy. It’s filling without being too heavy and only needs simple ingredients. Perfect for nights when you want to serve something nutritious but need it to be fast and easy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is a great option when your teen’s hunger hits hard and fast. It’s a simple dish with seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, baked until it’s golden and cheesy. With only 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a filling, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours of prep. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you need to quickly get dinner on the table. This dish will keep your teens full and happy, so they’re not searching for snacks later. Just what you need for a fast-paced night.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice gives you a fast, filling meal without much effort. It mixes ground beef with cheese, mushrooms, and cauliflower rice, all cooked in one pan in just 30 minutes. This dish is a practical choice when you need something hearty and healthy that doesn’t require much cleanup. Perfect for busy families, it’s a meal that fills your teen up quickly and keeps them from wandering back into the kitchen for more. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a balanced meal — all in half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole makes dinner quick and straightforward, perfect when your teen’s appetite is non-stop. It uses egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Ready in under an hour, it’s easy to throw together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. This casserole fills everyone up and keeps them from hunting for snacks right after dinner. It’s a comforting meal that’s simple and budget-friendly, great for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are a quick, filling dinner option when time is short but hunger is high. Made from canned chicken, eggs, and sunflower seed meal, these patties are ready in just 20 minutes. They’re easy to serve with a side of veggies or a salad and versatile enough to pair with whatever you’ve got in the fridge. These patties help you get dinner on the table fast so your teens stay full without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick and simple — just what you need to keep everyone happy on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is a simple way to get some veggies into your teen’s dinner without complaints. With broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, cheese, and a crispy cracker topping, this dish is ready in under an hour and gives you a comforting, filling meal. It’s great for busy nights when you need something easy but hearty. Whether you’re making it fresh or prepping ahead, this casserole will help keep your teens full and happy so you’re not dealing with snack cravings later.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for when you need a full meal with minimal effort. Everything — sausages, broccoli, mini peppers, and zucchini — cooks in one pan, which makes cleanup easy. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to go. This is a great way to feed your teen without spending hours in the kitchen, and it’s a simple way to get some vegetables into their dinner. Quick, easy, and low on cleanup — it’s a reliable choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a straightforward, comforting dish that can be on the table in under an hour. It combines ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese in one pan, making it simple to prepare and perfect for quickly feeding a hungry teen. The mix of protein, veggies, and grains means it’s filling enough to keep them satisfied for a while. Plus, the one-dish method means less clean-up, which is always a win on a busy night. This casserole will keep everyone happy without too much effort on your part.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is quick to put together and ready in 30 minutes. It uses ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach baked with plenty of melted cheese, making it a filling meal your teen will enjoy. It’s also a great way to include some veggies in their diet without drawing too much attention to it. Fast to prep, easy to cook, and all in one dish — it’s a practical choice when time is short, but you still want to serve a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Spinach Chicken Bake is a solid choice for a quick weeknight dinner. Chicken thighs are seasoned and baked with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, giving you a simple meal that feels filling without being heavy. It only takes 30 minutes to cook, so it’s perfect for those evenings when your teen’s hunger hits hard and you don’t have time for anything complicated. This dish comes together easily and covers all the bases — protein, veggies, and plenty of flavor — without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings the comfort of a classic chicken pot pie into a simple, one-pot meal. It’s full of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered in a creamy broth. Ready in about an hour, it’s a great choice for colder nights or when your teen’s extra hungry. Pair it with some biscuits for an easy, filling meal that doesn’t take much work. The one-pot method makes it easy to clean up, and you’ll have fewer dishes to deal with after a busy day. Keep everyone well-fed without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a go-to for a fast, comforting dinner that still feels homemade. In just 30 minutes, tender chicken is cooked in a simple garlic and Parmesan sauce that’s creamy and hearty. It’s a great meal for keeping your teen full without much prep or cleanup. This recipe comes together in one pan, saving you time in the kitchen. Whether you’re short on time or energy, this dish makes it easy to serve something that’ll fill everyone up and leave you with fewer dishes to wash.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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