10 Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Hey there, busy moms! I know how crazy things can get during the week, with all the activities, appointments, and endless to-do lists.
By the time dinner comes around, you’re probably tired and hungry, with little energy left to prepare a meal.
Don’t stress! I’ve rounded up some super easy dinner ideas that are both quick and absolutely tasty.
Do you ever fix more than one meal because you have a picky eater?
These dinner recipes below are perfect for everyone.
If you need some more options for picky eaters, take a look at this list.
As a busy mother myself, I get it how we truly need a nutritious yet quick and easy meal to feed our families.
My tip is to meal prep.
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You don’t have to go all out and be perfect at it. But just write out your meals for the week. Breakfast.Lunch and Dinner.
Make your grocery list. (This way saves money and time too)
Once you have your food home. Prepare a couple of dinners and freeze them.
Preparing all dinners at once can be a lot of work. As long as you have the dinners for 3 nights or however you prefer.
That relieves some stress off of you for that time.
And then you can make the rest of the dinners for 4 nights.
The whole point is to customize this whole ‘meal plan’ to what is doable for you.
Grab my Busy Mom Home Management Binder for weekly menu templates, grocery lists and so much more to keep you organized and on a budget.
Make sure to save this list for future reference.
1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
One Pot Chicken Credit: Princess Pinky Girl
This one-pot wonder is a game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners. Simply throw in some chicken, rice, veggies, and your favorite seasonings into a pot, let it simmer, and voila!
You have a wholesome and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and clean-up.
Related Post: 30 Pasta Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
2. Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet Pan Nachos-Credit: Tornadough
Who doesn’t love nachos? This recipe takes it up a notch by creating a whole pan of cheesy goodness.
Just layer tortilla chips with your choice of toppings like black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and melted cheese.
Pop it in the oven for a few minutes, and your kids will love it.
3. Quick and Easy Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is a school night winner for many reasons.
It’s quick, customizable, and can be made with whatever veggies and protein you have on hand.
Just chop everything up, throw it in a hot pan with some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry away.
Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
4. Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets?
These baked parmesan chicken tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and your choice of seasonings, then coat the chicken strips and bake them until crispy and golden.
Serve with a side of dipping sauce, and you’re good to go.
5. Homemade Spaghetti
This is a go-to if you want a classic, hearty, and fulfilling dinner meal.
I love spaghetti meals because it is fulfilling, nostalgic, cheap, and take less than 45 mins to make.
More Dinner Ideas
This site has something for everyone. Take a look at these quick and easy dinner ideas below.
6. Cheeseburgers
This is a fun one. Cheeseburgers! They can be customized to your family’s liking.
If you all are vegan – try veggie burgers.
As a busy mom, this is one of my favorites.
7. 5-Ingredient Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a go-to for a quick and tasty dinner. Just grab some tortillas, and fill them with cheese,
and any other fillings you desire, like cooked chicken, veggies, or beans.
Cook them on a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns crispy.
Cut them into wedges, serve with salsa and guacamole, and enjoy!
8. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Satisfy your cravings for something tangy and delicious with these BBQ chicken sliders.
Simply shred some cooked chicken, mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce, and pile it onto mini-slider buns.
Add some coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
9. Veggie-Packed Fried Rice
Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover veggies and rice from the previous night’s dinner.
Just sauté your choice of veggies, add in the cooked rice, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil.
Top it off with green onions and a fried egg, and you’ll have a tasty and satisfying meal that’s packed with nutrients.
10. Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs
These baked sweet and sour meatballs are a family favorite in my household.
Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, onions, and spices, shape them into meatballs, and bake them in the oven.
Then, toss them in a simple homemade sweet and sour sauce, and serve over rice or noodles.
It’s a flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Tips for Easy Weeknight Dinners
- Meal Prep: Chop veggies or cook proteins ahead of time.
- Use Shortcuts: Frozen veggies, rotisserie chicken, and store-bought sauces save time.
- Keep It Simple: Stick to recipes with a few ingredients or one-pan options.
And there you have 10 Easy School Night Dinner Recipes.
These 10 dinner ideas will help you get a satisfying meal on the table without the stress.
Grab my Busy Mom Home Management Binder for weekly menu templates, grocery lists and so much more to keep you organized and on a budget.
Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
