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Whether you’ve got 20 minutes or a single sheet pan, these dinners will rescue your night (and your sanity).
Back-to-school season means you’ve got a million things going on and dinner still has to happen. These are my go-to “just get it on the table” recipes. They’re fast, family-friendly, and don’t require anything fancy.
- Ready in 30 minutes or less
- Uses ingredients you probably already have
- Kid-approved and easy to clean up
1. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp
Creamy, garlicky, and done in 20 minutes. This feels like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s faster than delivery and everyone always asks for seconds.
2. Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
A total weeknight hero. Ground beef, sweet and savory sauce, and warm rice come together in under 20 minutes. Bonus: it reheats like a dream for lunch tomorrow.
3. Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Do your kids hate pie crust? Then this recipe is perfect for them! All the comfort of pot pie, none of the work. This shortcut version uses simple ingredients, and still delivers comfort food on a weeknight.
4. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Crispy, juicy, and baked or air-fried. These are a hit with kids and adults and you don’t need a drive-thru to get dinner done!
5. Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Want to make something you know your kids will eat? This casserole has all of their favorites! creamy noodles, bacon, and cheese. Plus, it’s ready in less than an hour!
6. Cheeseburger Sliders
Quick to prep and even faster to disappear. These sliders are perfect for when you want something fun, filling, and totally easy. I always double the recipe because my kids love these SO much!
7. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Sheet Pan
A simple dinner that comes together fast. Everything roasts on one pan with Cajun seasoning for just the right amount of flavor. Easy to prep, easy to clean up and always a solid weeknight choice.
8. Easy Beef Teriyaki
Quick, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. This homemade version beats takeout and comes together in under 30 minutes
9. Marry Me Chicken Pasta
One of the most popular recipes on the site and for good reason! It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in one pot with minimal prep.
Quick Tips for Busy Nights
- Keep a few staples on hand. Pre-cooked rice, frozen veggies, and shredded cheese can turn any of these into a full meal fast.
- Double up when you can. Recipes like sliders and stir fry reheat well and use them for lunch the next day.
- Pick your shortcuts. Use pre-chopped veggies or bagged salad kits to cut down on prep time.
- Start with what you have. Most of these recipes are flexible, you can easily swap out the protein or veggies if needed.
How to Store and Use Leftovers
Most of these recipes make great leftovers and a few even taste better the next day.
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions and reheat as needed.
- Reheating Tips: Add a splash of broth, sauce, or water to keep things from drying out. Microwave, stovetop, or air fryer all work depending on the recipe.
Easy bonus: Sliders, stir fry, and pasta dishes reheat especially well for next-day lunches.
Try These Next:
Weekly Meal Plan: Slow Cooker Meals
This story originally appeared on TheRecipeCritic
