25 School Night Dinner Ideas That Make Evenings Easier

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Simple, filling, and easy to make, these school night dinner ideas are the perfect way to end a long day when you don’t have a lot of time.

School Night Dinner Ideas
School Night Dinner Ideas. Air Fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo Credit: Low Calorie Eating

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These school night dinner ideas are kid friendly and will have everyone asking for seconds. They’re a quick and easy meal you can enjoy with the family after a busy day.

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

quick summer dinner ideas
INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This instant pot spaghetti and meatballs is a go-to dinner when you want something hearty and quick. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, making cleanup just as easy as dinner itself.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

step 6 chicken egg roll in a bowl
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

All the classic egg roll flavors come together in one skillet with seasoned chicken and tender vegetables. It’s a quick dinner idea and works well when you want something different.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Easy Potato Soup with Hash Browns

potato soup with hash browns
Easy Potato Soup with Hash Browns. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Frozen hash browns make this potato soup extra simple while still giving it those favorite flavors you love. It’s a great option for cooler nights when soup will keep you warm.

Get The Recipe: Easy Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Easy Sushi Bake

Easy Sushi Bake by Food Plus Words
Easy Sushi Bake. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This sushi bake layers seasoned rice with seafood and a crunchy topping, then gets baked until everything is perfectly cooked. It’s an easy way to bring sushi style flavors to the dinner table.

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Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese

baked salmon with mayo and cheese
Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This baked salmon uses a simple mayo and cheese topping that keeps the fish moist while it cooks. It’s an easy dinner option that pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables.

Get The Recipe: Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese

Big Mac Tacos

lunch ideas for coworkers
BIG MAC TACOS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Big Mac tacos turn classic burger flavors into a fun weeknight meal using seasoned beef, special sauce, and crisp toppings. They come together quickly and don’t need much prep.

Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Bites

Crispy fried chicken nuggets served on a white plate.
INSTANT POT CHICKEN BITES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These instant pot chicken bites cook fast and stay tender making them great for busy school night dinner ideas. They’re easy to season and work well with rice, pasta, or veggies.

Get The Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Chicken Bites

One Pot French Onion Pasta

one pot french onion pasta
ONE POT FRENCH ONION PASTA. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This one pot pasta brings together caramelized onion flavor, tender noodles, and melted cheese in a single pan. It’s a cozy dinner without extra dishes.

Get The Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

TikTok Juicy Chicken

most popular tiktok recipes - juicy chicken 101
TikTok Juicy Chicken. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Juicy chicken cooks up with simple seasonings that keep it tender and flavorful. It’s an easy main dish you can pair with just about any side.

Get The Recipe: TikTok Juicy Chicken

Easy TikTok Ramen Noodle

tiktok ramen noodles
Easy TikTok Ramen Noodle. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This ramen recipe upgrades packaged noodles with just a few seasonings and flavors. It’s quick, comforting, and easy to customize.

Get The Recipe: Easy TikTok Ramen Noodle

Authentic Chicken Panang Curry

Spicy thai red curry with pork and vegetables served in a bowl, perfect for last-minute dinner ideas.
AUTHENTIC CHICKEN PANANG CURRY. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Chicken panang curry has a creamy coconut base with flavorful spices and tender chicken. It’s a great option when you want something flavorful but still weeknight friendly.

Get The Recipe: Authentic Chicken Panang Curry

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Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

turkey bacon ranch sliders
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

These sliders combine turkey, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning. They’re easy to serve on busy school nights.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Easy Chilis Shrimp Taco

CHILIS SPICY SHRIMP TACOS BY FOOD PLUS WORDS
CHILI’S SPICY SHRIMP TACOS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These shrimp tacos are inspired by the Chili’s favorite with seasoned shrimp and fresh toppings. They cook quickly and work well for taco night at home.

Get The Recipe: Easy Chilis Shrimp Taco

Stove Top Lasagna Soup

A bowl of soup with meat and cheese in it.
STOVE TOP LASAGNA SOUP. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Lasagna soup brings all the flavors of lasagna into one pot with pasta, sauce, and cheese. It’s an easy way to enjoy a classic dinner without waiting.

Get The Recipe: Stove Top Lasagna Soup

Creamy Pumpkin And Sage Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin And Sage Pasta by Food Plus Words
CREAMY PUMPKIN AND SAGE PASTA. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This pasta uses pumpkin and sage to create a smooth and savory sauce that goes well with pasta. It’s a simple way to change things up during the week.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin And Sage Pasta

Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies

weekend lunch ideas
SHEET PAN TOFU AND VEGGIES. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Tofu and vegetables roast together on one pan for an easy meatless dinner. The edges get nicely browned while staying tender inside.

Get The Recipe: Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies

Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

summer pasta recipes
VEGAN MUSHROOM STROGANOFF. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

This mushroom stroganoff uses a creamy sauce and hearty mushrooms to make a filling vegan dinner. It’s great served over noodles or rice.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Easy Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

A lentil sloppy joe on a plate with a whole wheat bun, topped with red and white cabbage slaw. Another sandwich and slaw bowl in the background.
Easy Vegetarian Sloppy Joes. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

These vegetarian sloppy joes use a savory saucy and lentils. It’s a simple dinner that doesn’t take long to cook.

Get The Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Easy Vegan Stir Fry

Easy Vegan Stir Fry HFHL
Vegan Stir Fry. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

This stir fry combines vegetables and sauce in one pan for a fast and dinner. You can serve it with rice or noodles depending on what you have.

Get The Recipe: Easy Vegan Stir Fry

Gnocchi with Mushrooms

Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms by Happy Food Healthy Life
Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Soft gnocchi and sauteed mushrooms come together in a quick skillet dinner. It’s a great option for your school night dinner ideas when you want something filling.

Get The Recipe: Gnocchi with Mushrooms

Ground Beef Burrito Skillet

quick and easy dinner recipes
GROUND BEEF BURRITO SKILLET. PHOTO CREDIT: I HEART EATING.

This burrito skillet mixes ground beef, rice, and seasonings all in one pan. It’s an easy dinner that skips the tortillas but keeps the flavor.

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Ritzy Chicken Casserole

Ritzy Chicken Casserole by The Cookin Chicks
Ritzy Chicken Casserole. Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

Ritzy chicken casserole layers tender chicken with a creamy casserole base and buttery cracker topping. It’s a comforting dinner that bakes all in one dish.

Get The Recipe: Ritzy Chicken Casserole

Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Maple Glazed Pork Chops by Chew Out Loud
Maple Glazed Pork Chops. Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud

These pork chops cook in a sweet maple glaze that pairs well with simple sides. They’re easy to make and work well for weeknight dinners.

Get The Recipe: Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Brown Sugar Soy Chicken

Brown Sugar Soy Chicken by Risas Family Kitchen
Brown Sugar Soy Chicken. Photo Credit: Risa’s Family Kitchen

Brown sugar and soy sauce come together to create a simple glaze that coats the chicken as it cooks. This dish pairs easily with rice and steamed vegetables.

Get The Recipe: Brown Sugar Soy Chicken

Air Fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs by Low Calorie Eating
Air Fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo Credit: Low Calorie Eating

These chicken thighs cook quickly in the air fryer and stay juicy inside. They’re an easy main dish option you can enjoy when you want something easy and delicious.

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Whether you’re craving tacos that are quick and flavor or simple dishes that can be made with chicken or pork, these school night dinner ideas are a quick and easy way to get the family fed.

25 Back to School Dinner Ideas to Beat the Weeknight Rush

Back To School Dinner
Back To School Dinner. Chicken Casserole. Photo Credit: Budget Delicious

When it comes to the back to school season, having some delicious, quick, and easy to make back to school dinner ideas is always great to have on hand.

Read it here: 25 Back to School Dinner Ideas to Beat the Weeknight Rush

25 After School Snacks That Disappear Before Homework Starts

After School Snacks
After School Snacks. Photo Credit: Food and Life Lately

These after school snacks will disappear quickly and keep the kids satisfied until they’re ready for dinner. From sweet to savory, these snacks will be a hit with the kids.

Read it here: 25 After School Snacks That Disappear Before Homework Starts

Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

A woman in a kitchen writes on a notepad beside a grocery bag with a Walmart logo and various groceries on the counter.
Photo Credit: La Passion Voutee.

Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

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