As a dad (or parent in general), there’s no better feeling than coming home after a long day, kicking off your shoes, and… being bombarded with “What’s for dinner?” from every corner of the house. Kids are like dinner detectives—they’ll track you down faster than the smoke alarm when you burn toast.
But fear not, fellow parents! Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you need to resort to pizza delivery every night (though, no judgment if it’s pizza Fridays). September is a great month to start embracing those back-to-school routines, and that means having a few go-to, quick weeknight meals in your back pocket.
1. Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies (AKA “The One-Pan Wonder”)
When time is short and the hangry faces are multiplying, this meal is your saving grace. Grab your favorite sausages (bonus points if they’re the fancy kind, but trust me, any will do), chop up some fall veggies like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers, and toss it all onto a sheet pan. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and maybe some paprika for flair, then pop it into the oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Set a timer. No one wants to explain to their wife why the house smells like campfire and not in a good way.
2. Taquitos Tuesday (But Make It Every Day)
If you ask your kids what they want for dinner, 9 out of 10 will say “tacos.” And who can blame them? Tacos are like the Swiss Army knife of dinners, but step that up with with these delicious and easy taquitos. You can throw in pretty much anything you have on hand. Every single time we have made these, the kids are always asked for more and wanted them again…and again!
Pro Dad Move: Let the kids help with this dinner. They will feel like a million bucks for helping make dinner, but also this meal is completely fool proof.
3. Stir-Fry: The “I Forgot to Plan Dinner” Special
We’ve all been there—it’s 5:45 p.m., the fridge is looking sad, and you forgot to defrost anything. Enter stir-fry, your new best friend. Grab whatever veggies you have lying around (broccoli, carrots, snap peas—it’s all fair game), and a protein like chicken, beef, or tofu (if you are feeling adventurous). Sauté it all together in a big pan with soy sauce, garlic, and a little ginger if you’re feeling fancy. You want a super easy and yummy recipe, check out this one.
Serve it over rice or noodles (pro tip: frozen rice exists and saves lives), and you’ve got a delicious, nutritious meal that feels way fancier than it really is.
Why These Meals Work for Busy Parents
The beauty of these meals isn’t just that they’re quick and easy. They’re also customizable, so even the pickiest eaters can find something to enjoy. And let’s face it, the fewer battles over broccoli at the dinner table, the better.
These meals are perfect for weeknights in September when you’re trying to settle into a routine without losing your sanity. Plus, by cooking at home, you’ll save money and maybe even impress your spouse with your newfound culinary skills (or at least your ability to follow a recipe).
Boost Your Dad-Chef Status
With these simple meal ideas in your arsenal, you’ll feel like a weeknight warrior, battling hunger and winning the hearts of your little ones. So, the next time the “What’s for dinner?” question strikes fear into your heart, you can answer confidently and swiftly with one of these easy, delicious meals.
After all, being a parent isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, making memories, and occasionally whipping up a meal that doesn’t come out of a box.
