This week my kids started back to school (gulp!) and in the next few weeks most of the rest of the country will be too. So we’re looking for easy, family friendly meals you can prep ahead or make quickly…and still get to those Parents’ Night meetings or football practice.
So, grab your pen and make your grocery list, then stock up on the ingredients you need to make next week’s dinners run smoothly!
At top: Chicken Enchilada Casserole at Inquiring Chef; Instant Pot Chicken and Rice at Pip and Ebby
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How does a 5-minute dinner sound? Seriously, these Sticky Instant Pot BBQ Short Ribs at Oh Sweet Basil take just 5 minutes of prep before you turn on the Instant Pot. And if short ribs is a bit pricey for you for a regular weeknight meal, substitute a pot roast that you’ve cut in chunks.
If you have a busy night coming up this week, make this Chicken Enchilada Casserole at Inquiring Chef ahead over the weekend and freeze it. It reheats really well for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, you can make it vegetarian by leaving out the chicken and adding and extra can of beans.
Make this recipe for pizza dough at Live Eat Learn over the weekend, then let everyone make their own DIY pizzas for a casual meal during the week. Because letting your kids make their own pizzas is one of the best guaranteed ways to make sure everyone is happy with their dinners.
Related: 6 favorite no-cook recipes using fresh tomatoes and basil
This recipe for Thai Peanut Noodle Salad at Vanilla and Bean is one of my favorites, because you can make it ahead of time and the flavors all blend together beautifully. It’s filling enough to be dinner on it’s own, or you could serve it with some grilled chicken or fish on the side.
This hearty, comforting Instant Pot Chicken and Rice at Pip and Ebby is a perfect meal to help you transition into fall weather (come on, fall!). It’s rich and full of protein, and it takes just 10 minutes to prep before you cook it in the Instant Pot. Plus, since it’s basically just chicken and rice, my kids will love it. I’ll snag all their mushrooms for myself.
I’m loving these chocolate chip S’mores Cookies at Something Swanky as a fun alternative to regular s’mores. And while her recipe for the homemade cookies is legit — with graham cracker crumbles mixed in, yum — you could also use store-bought cookies and marshmallow cream to make it even easier!
