10 Back to School Dinner Ideas in 30 Minutes or Less
No matter what school looks like at your house, dinner takes on a whole new meaning once it starts. Schedules get busier, life gets more hectic and so finding quick recipes is a must at my house. My goal is usually to get something on the table in about 30 minutes. Thankfully I have a list of awesome and easy recipes that fit that description. Today I am sharing 10 Back to School Dinner Ideas that you can have ready in 30 minutes or less. Keep scrolling to see all of the options and just how to make them for yourself.
As a teacher, going from summer break to school again can be big adjustment. Not only with work but not having as much time to make dinner for my family.
I like to use my Meal Planning Tips to plan ahead and these recipes are in constant rotation for a number of reasons.
First of all these back to school dinner ideas are simple to make but they are also recipes that I know my family loves. I can’t wait to share them all with you in one spot.
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10 Easy and Quick Back to School Dinner Ideas
Easy Lasagna Skillet
My family loves lasagna but I don’t love the time it takes to make it, so this Easy Lasagna Skillet recipe is such a great option. Ready in 30 minutes and using only one skillet, this 30 minute dinner is a definite favorite.
The leftovers also warm up nicely and dare I say…taste even better the second day.
Crunchy Wraps
Copy cat recipes of treasured restaurant recipes are always a hit at my house. This recipe for Taco Bell Crunch Wraps, {aka Crunchy Wraps, at my house} is super fun.
An awesome take on a taco, this is a meal that our kids ask for again and again.
Teriyaki Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner
Using your sheet pan to cook dinner on a busy night is a great option. You are using one pan and there are literally endless possibilities.
This simple and delicious recipe for Teriyaki Chicken and Veggies is perfect served over rice and is on the table in no time.
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Back to school and soup go together like peanut butter and jelly. I love that this Chicken Enchilada Soup can be ready in 20 minutes and is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
My family loves to be able to customize the toppings to their own liking.
Shepard’s Pie Skillet
This is probably the recipe I make the most throughout the year because COMFORT FOOD! Seasoned ground beef and veggies are topped with mashed potatoes and shredded cheese.
I even take a shortcut and use store bought mashed potatoes to save some major time. This Shepard’s Pie Skillet is the bomb!
Italian Sausage & Ricotta Pizza Ring
Turning your favorite pizza into a ring and adding creamy ricotta cheese is a game changer. In fact, I am making this for dinner tomorrow night because it has been way too long.
My family loves that you dip the pizza in the sauce. I love the amazing flavors. This Italian Sausage & Ricotta Pizza Ring really is a win-win.
Chicken Pot Pie Puff Pastry Bowls
Chicken Pot Pie is another dish that can really take some time but not when you turn it into a bowl. The filling is made on the stove top with all of the flavors that you would expect and love.
The best part is that it is topped with baked puff pastry squares {you can also substitute biscuits}. Chicken Pot Pie Puff Pastry Bowls are everything you love about a slow cooked pot pie in less than 30 minutes.
30 Minute Chili
Some nights just call for chili and boy does this back to school dinner recipe hit every mark. Loaded with the slow cooked flavors you long for in a chili, this recipe can be made in 30 minutes.
The secret ingredient is masa flour. Using it as a thickener in the 30 Minute Chili gives it a depth of flavor that is pretty unbelievable. I can’t wait for you to try it.
Easy One Pan Sausage Tortellini Skillet
Don’t have 30 minutes? Try this 20 minute dinner that is also really easy to clean up {one skillet}. Made with frozen {or fresh} tortellini and jarred Alfredo sauce, this Easy One Pan Sausage Tortellini Skillet is ready in no time.
The flavors go together in a way that is magical and your family won’t believe that it came together so quickly. Add a salad or some garlic bread and dinner is served.
Meatball & Mozzarella Skillet
A super fun spin on classic spaghetti and meatballs, this Meatball & Mozzarella Skillet is delicious. Homemade meatballs and jarred marinara sauce are combined to create a winning dinner.
Serve over pasta and watch the smiles around the table. Everyone will go crazy for this Italian inspired dinner idea.
Who said you had to order take out on busy nights? When you are armed with a arsenal of spectacular and simple 30 minute {or less} dinner ideas you can make dinner right at home.
My goal is to give you more time with your family while still giving you easy recipes that you feel good about serving.
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing. So set the table, make one of those back to school dinner ideas above and enjoy a conversation with those you love.