School is right around the corner, and if your schedule is anything like ours, you’re about to get thrown straight into the deep end. School, sports, homework, activities, work, and approximately 47 things you forgot were on the calendar.
And somehow, everyone still expects dinner. 😂
Back-to-school season is when I really appreciate meals that are easy, filling, and—most importantly—something my kids will actually eat. These are some of our go-to dinners that help make those crazy weeknights a little easier.
1. Beehive Meals
You already know how much we love Beehive Meals, but that love definitely grows during busy seasons. And back-to-school season is about as busy as it gets!
The best part? The Flat Top meals are officially here to stay! So whether you need something you can throw in the crockpot in the morning or want to switch things up with a Flat Top meal at dinnertime, Beehive Meals makes getting dinner on the table a whole lot easier.
Basically, it’s one less thing I have to think about. And don’t forget to use my code moderndad at check out for a discount!
2. Hawaiian Haystacks
Hawaiian Haystacks are basically the perfect back-to-school dinner because everyone gets to build their own.
Have a picky eater? No problem. Want extra cheese? Go for it. Only want chicken and gravy? Weird, but okay. 😂
Everyone can choose exactly what they want, which means fewer complaints and a much better chance that everyone actually eats dinner. That’s a win in my book.
This is definitely a family favorite around here.
3. Lemon Chicken Pasta
This quick and easy Lemon Chicken Pasta is ready in about 30 minutes and is seriously delicious.
It’s one of those meals that feels like comfort food without leaving you feeling like you need to unbutton your pants afterward. 😂
Perfect for a busy school night when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Check out the recipe here!
4. Sheet Pan Chicken Pot Pie
This is one of our easiest family favorites.
It’s packed with vegetables, comes together without a ton of work, and—most importantly—everyone actually eats it without complaining.
As a dad, I consider that a five-star review. It’s the kind of dinner you want in your back pocket when you look at the clock and realize you have 30 minutes before someone needs to be somewhere.
Check out the recipe here!
5. Ritzy Chicken
This one is so good that we usually don’t have leftovers.
Now, you might be thinking, “Jason, I WANT leftovers.”
And I get it. I really do.
But hear me out: no leftovers means everyone was happy with dinner. And honestly, I’ll take that win.
It’s also an easy meal to make while you’re helping with homework, folding laundry, answering approximately 12 questions from your kids, and trying to figure out who needs to be where that evening.
Basically, it’s made for the after-school chaos.
See the recipe here!
6. Broccoli Cheese Soup
I know it’s not quite soup season yet, but this one is a family favorite around here, and nobody seems to care what the calendar says.
Grab a loaf of bread—or make one if you’re feeling ambitious—and you’ve got an easy, cozy dinner the whole family will love.
And honestly, having a few meals in your rotation that don’t require a lot of effort is exactly what back-to-school season needs.
7. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are one of those meals you just can’t go wrong with.
They’re easy to throw in the crockpot in the morning, and by the time everyone gets home, dinner is basically ready to go.
Add some chips, fruit, or whatever sides you have hanging around, and you’re done.
Easy. Filling. Kid-approved. That’s exactly what I want on a busy weeknight.
8. Chicken Enchiladas
You can’t go wrong with chicken enchiladas.
They’re easy to customize with different sauces, toppings, and sides, and you can prep them earlier in the day and stick them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
Which means you can get dinner handled before the evening craziness starts.
9. Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers
If you need an easy dinner the kids can actually help with, make these.
Our kids love helping assemble the skewers, which means I get a little help in the kitchen and they’re more excited to eat dinner because they helped make it.
That’s what I call a parenting hack.
And the best part? They actually eat them. Every time.
10. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
A family-friendly dinner that takes 15 minutes or less?
Say less.
Cook the meat, sauté the green peppers and onions, pile everything onto the sandwiches, add some provolone, and broil until the cheese is nice and melty.
Done.
My kids always ask for these, which makes a dad’s life so much easier. Because when you find a meal that is quick, easy, and everyone wants to eat, you don’t mess with it.
Survival Mode Activated
Back-to-school season is busy enough without making dinner harder than it needs to be. Having a few easy meals you know your family will actually eat can make those weeknights a whole lot less stressful.
You don’t need to make an elaborate dinner every night. Sometimes the win is simply getting everyone fed before the next activity starts. And if there are no complaints? Even better.
