15 School Night Meals For A Fast And Easy Dinner
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Even on the busiest weeknights, the family needs to eat, and while takeout can be tempting it’s not very healthy. We all need some effortless dinners for nights when you just don’t have the time or the energy to spend in the kitchen. These fifteen effortless and healthy school night dinners are meals everyone will look forward to eating.
1. Carolina Gold BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
When you need a delicious, healthy, quick, and low-effort dinner these Carolina gold BBQ sandwiches are just what you are looking for. If you have any leftovers they will be great for lunch the next day. You can even mix this with rice to make a grain salad for lunch.
2. Hawaiian Pita Pizza
This Hawaiian pita pizza recipe is vegetarian, but you can always add some ham to get your kids excited about dinner. The best part? It can be put together in just minutes thanks to the use of pita bread for the crust. Just add a few simple toppings and dinner will be served.
3. Breakfast Quesadillas
Yep, breakfast for dinner. Sometimes, it’s a great idea to get dinner made fast. Breakfast quesadillas are a simple dish made with a flour tortilla and various breakfast ingredients for a filling. It can be meal-prepped or easily taken along with you in the car in the mornings.
4. Chili Cheese Fries
Chili cheese fries are a crowd-pleaser, and all you need are a sheet pan and a few simple ingredients to make an epically delicious meal no one can say no to. Add whatever chili toppings you like best and serve with a green side salad for a well-rounded meal.
5. Tuna Pasta Salad
Here’s a quick and easy dinner you can make in the mornings and have chilled just in time for dinner. This flavorful tuna pasta salad with peas and red onions is sure to be a hit. The part that takes the longest is cooking the pasta. But in that time, the remaining ingredients can be readied so that all you have to do is mix it all together and either serve it or chill it for later.
6. Nachos with Bacon & Jalapeno
Sheet pan nachos are a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will go crazy for. They are so versatile you can use any toppings you have on hand, including bacon and jalapenos. This is a simple dinner that will always get rave reviews.
7. Pizzadillas
Pizzadillas are a combination of two family-favorite meals: pizza and quesadillas. This meal can be ready in about ten minutes, and you can use any toppings you have in the fridge. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s a convenient way to sneak some veggies into your eating plan, or into your kid’s meal without them every knowing.
8. Fajita Wraps
Fajita wraps can be made with chicken or beef and your favorite veggies. They only take a few minutes to make, and any leftovers will make an excellent lunch the next day. You can use a wide variety of wraps and add any veggies you like best. The spices will season everything to perfection.
9. Taco Soup
With just 20 minutes of cooking time, this easy taco soup recipe can quickly become a healthy, tasty dinner. If you are really tight on time, you can prep the meat and pasta ahead of time so this comes together in no time at all when you’re ready to eat dinner.
10. Chicken Asparagus Skillet
This chicken asparagus skillet is an easy and flavorful weeknight meal that will fill you up and keep you full for hours after. It’s a great recipe to let the kids help you make, too. You can serve it as is, or you can add some rice or pasta to round out the meal. A side salad and some crunchy garlic bread make great side dishes.
11. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Air fryer teriyaki chicken kabobs are a delicious weeknight dinner that you can have on the table fast. Save even more time by preparing your kabobs up to three days ahead of time. They go great with a side of fried rice and maybe some steamed veggies and leftovers are easily packed for lunch the next day.
12. Nacho Fries
Nacho fries are an easy meal the whole family will rave about. You can even make a small sheet pan or bowl for each person so they can add their own toppings. It’s a great way to make sure everyone gets what they want for dinner. Serve a green salad on the side to get more veggies into your meal.
13. Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Buffalo chicken sandwiches are a family favorite, and you can have them on the table in no time, thanks to your Instant Pot. Serve with your favorite ranch dressing and veggie sticks for a well-rounded meal. Pack up the meat and bread separately if you want to pack this for lunch the next day.
14. Mexican Pasta Salad
Don’t ask what’s for dinner. Just make a batch of this amazing Mexican pasta salad. It’s full of fresh, flavorful veggies for a filling, delicious, and healthy dinner. Leftovers make a wonderful lunch, but you may want to store the dressing separately if you think you’ll want to take this the next day.
15. Tuna Melt
Comfort food doesn’t mean you have to stand in the kitchen all day. These tasty tuna melts can be on the table in under 20 minutes. They are a classic sandwich that nobody will turn down, thanks to all that melty cheese. Pick your favorite bread and get dinner on the table fast.
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