Back-to-school season is upon us, and let’s be honest: those serene summer evenings of leisurely cooking have vanished. Now, it’s all about juggling homework, after-school activities, and trying to put something on the table that doesn’t resemble a cereal box.
We’ve all been there, right? You need meals that are quick, hassle-free, and won’t have you washing pots and pans late into the night. So, we’ve rounded up 23 easy weeknight meals designed to make your evenings smoother. Let’s reclaim those precious family moments and still enjoy a delicious dinner!
BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza
This dish is ready in a jiffy using pre-cooked chicken and tortillas. Just layer and pop it in the oven. It’s the ideal solution for those unexpected school project nights.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Thinly sliced beef ensures a speedy cooking process. Combined with broccoli florets, you can whip up dinner in mere minutes. Say goodbye to prolonged cooking sessions after school.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Bomb Meatloaf
Prep this meatloaf the night before for hassle-free cooking. When school’s out, pop it in the oven. Enjoy a hearty meal without the last-minute rush.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Burger Bowls
Forget the buns; toss your burger ingredients into a bowl. Add a quick burger sauce for flavor and it’s a time-saving treat that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Utilize a single pan for both steak and shrimp, reducing cleanup. Everything cooks simultaneously, offering a meal in under 20 minutes. This dish combines efficiency with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Keep pre-crushed pretzels on hand for this easy meal! Pair with a simple maple Dijon sauce to elevate the taste without extra effort. Dinner is both speedy and delightful with this choice.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops
Cream Cheese Chicken
This cream cheese chicken is a quick dish everyone loves without the hassle of a decadent meal. It’s the answer to making weeknight meals both quick and delectable.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Fried Chicken Tacos
This is your chance to give leftover fried chicken a twist. Toss it in tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and voila: dinner is served. It’s a creative way to enjoy two favorites in one.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Chicken cut into bite sizes cooks faster than larger pieces. Add veggies to the mix, and in minutes, you’ve prepared a balanced meal. It’s a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Using Greek yogurt, you can sidestep the lengthy roux process. The result is a creamy, rich mac and cheese served up quick. It’s comfort food made easy for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This skillet dinner wonder is simplicity at its best. Use quick cooking pasta and it comes together in minutes. A hearty meal is ready without the typical fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground Beef Stir Fry
One pan, fresh veggies, and ground beef combine for a nutritious dish. The beef cooks swiftly, ensuring dinner is served without delay. It’s a delightful mix of convenience and health.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground pork, known for its quick cooking time, pairs well with cabbage. The result is a savory stir fry that’s ready in a snap. This dish brings taste and efficiency to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Keep the mess minimal with this one-skillet recipe. Using taco seasoning, you get instant flavor with less effort. Quick, tasty, and fuss-free — what more could you ask for?
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Healthier Sloppy Joes
Lean beef paired with an easy to make sloppy Joe sauce makes this dish quick and simple. It’s a healthier spin on a classic, ensuring a guilt-free dinner. Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Just toss your ingredients on a sheet, bake, and you’re done. There’s no need for constant supervision, freeing up your time. It’s the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
A little morning preparation means you can forget about dinner till it’s time to eat. The slow cooker does the work, ensuring a warm meal by evening. It’s convenience and taste, all in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Sticky Honey Soy Pork Chops
Start with a morning marinade, and by evening, a quick sear finishes the job. These pork chops are ready in record time. It’s about bringing gourmet to your weeknight without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Honey Soy Pork Chops
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
One pot means less cleaning and more convenience. All you do is stir and serve. It’s a grownup spin on a childhood favorite, delivered fast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Shrimp Lo Mein
Shrimp, known for its quick cooking, is the star of this dish. Paired with quick cooking lo mein noodles, you can recreate a restaurant experience in a flash. Skip the takeout; this meal is quicker and fresher.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Use the food processor to make quick work of this pecan crust. Paired with a simple sauce, this dish is both speedy and gourmet. It’s about savoring sophistication without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Garlic Pizza Bread
Using a baguette instead of
Get the Recipe: Garlic Pizza Bread
Gochujang Chicken
Chicken pieces ensure a quick cook time, while the sauce brings a burst of flavor. It’s an exotic dish made easy, perfect for a midweek dinner surprise. Satisfy your taste buds without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken