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Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

August 4, 2020

49 Best Quick Back-to-School Dinner Recipes

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Regain your sanity and enjoy some good food while you're at it this fall with my list of the 49 Best Quick Back-to-School Dinner Recipes!

a collage of 9 of the photos of the recipes in this back to school dinner round up!

Go into this fall confidently with a selection of delicious and easy recipes your family will love! My list of the 49 Best Quick Back-to-School Dinner Recipes are all ready in less than 30 minutes, are kid-friendly, and are based on whole foods ingredients.

In the list are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free recipes, offering delicious and quick recipes for any dietary preference!

Two bowls of pressure cooker pineapple chicken.

Even though I don't even have kids, I sure feel for all the parents out there during this back to school season.

As if the normal change back to busy and structured schedules wasn't enough, we add the current situation on top and my head is just buzzing. I already couldn't imagine how you amazing parents did it (most days, I feel overwhelmed by just having a dog) and then we also have this we're dealing with.

Save this list for later on Pinterest:

Pinterest pin for the 49 best back to school recipes. On the pin are 9 of the recipes

I started racking my mind for things I could do to support my parent-friends in my life. Listening, offering to help, supporting in any way I could.

And then, it hit me: food is always so hard to come up with after busy days of school, work, extracurriculars, meetings, and the like. I'm sure it will continue to be such with changing schedules, homeschooling, working from home, and more.

So why don't I come up with a list of the fastest and easiest kid-friendly recipes you can have a the ready to feed at your family?

Because, even if there's some unknown this season, you can at least know how you're going to take care of and nourish your family. And when you're fueled from the inside-out, things always somehow feel a little more doable.

Please enjoy my collection of recipes from some of my favorite bloggers and let me know in the comments below if there are any other types of recipes you'd like me to feature this fall!

Want more free healthy recipes your family will love? Get my Best Meal Prep Recipes eBook (for FREE!) by clicking this image.

Other recipe round-up posts you might enjoy:

  • 31 Best Salad Recipes
  • 43 Favorite Pantry Staple Recipes
  • Most Popular Recipes of 2019
  • 15 Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes
  • 9 Best Thanksgiving Recipes

49 Best Quick Back-to-School Dinner Recipes

Get healthy and delicious dinners on the table for your family in less than 30 minutes with this list of my 49 Best Quick Back-to-School Dinner Recipes from my favorite bloggers!

Photo Credit: moneywisemoms.com

The Tastiest Quinoa Salad Recipe!

A tasty and healthy quinoa salad that is packed with protein and popular with kiddos!

Photo Credit: cookeatlivelove.com

Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes 

Enjoy a plant-based childhood classic with this Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joe Recipe!

Photo Credit: erhardtseat.com

Vegetarian Quesadillas with Black Beans and Sweet Potato

These Vegetarian Quesadillas with Black Beans & Sweet Potato are hearty and filling without containing any meat!

Photo Credit: erhardtseat.com

Healthy Chicken Wraps with Mandarin Oranges

These delicious and Healthy Chicken Wraps with Mandarin Oranges are super simple to prepare and ready in only 20 minutes! Bonus, these wraps save great and are perfect for work week lunches.

Photo Credit: momstestkitchen.com

Quick & Easy Chicken & Rice Soup

Have a steaming bowl of wholesome, semi-homemade Chicken & Rice Soup on your table in under 30 minutes!

Photo Credit: skinnycomfort.com

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is so much better than the boxed stuff! It's also lighter. Get this dinner on the table in no time.

Photo Credit: nosweatvegan.com

Easy Vegan Burrito Bowl with Black Beans and Fajitas (20 Minutes, 6 Ingredients, No Oil)

Healthy, full of plant-based protein, and flavor, this Easy Vegan Burrito Bowl takes only 6 ingredients and is ready in under 20 minutes.

Photo Credit: wowitsveggie.com

15-Minute Vegan Orange Tofu

Get the experience of orange chicken without the meat in this Vegan Orange Tofu! It's quick, easy, affordable, and delicious!

Photo Credit: www.feastforafraction.com

Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

An easy, comforting, and healthy Sweet Potato Turkey Chili, this stew is easy to make and big on flavor!

Photo Credit: thehelpfulgf.com

10 Minute Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Rice

Perfect for a busy weeknight, this Gluten-Free Chicken Fried RIce is ready in under 10 minutes!

Photo Credit: Mae's Menu

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Full of flavor and also great for meal prep, these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are juicy, spicy, and just like you'd get in a restaurant.

Photo Credit: www.maryellenscookingcreations.com

Mary Ellen's Cooking Creations: Korean Pulled Pork Tacos with a Creamy Sriracha Slaw

Tender and moist pulled pork meets up with creamy slaw in a deceptively easy and quick recipe in these Korean Pulled Pork Tacos with Creamy Sriracha Slaw.

Photo Credit: thehelpfulgf.com

Gluten-Free Pizza Quesadilla Recipe

Otherwise known as "pizza dippers," these Gluten-Free Pizza Quesadillas are gluten-free, crispy, and that pizza flavor in a snap!

Photo Credit: greenbowl2soul.com

Easy Mushroom Noodles -Quick & Easy Asian style noodles

A great meat-free dinner made with just a handful of basic pantry ingredients, these Easy Mushroom Noodles are satisfying any time of the year.

Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers

Step up your burger game with these tender and juicy Jamaican Jerk Turkey Burgers!

Use 93% lean or lower ground turkey for the most flavorful, and juicy burgers. Make your own jerk seasoning blend or use a good quality use store-bought version -- both are delicious!

Photo Credit: www.savorywithsoul.com

Tortellini Al Forno (with a spicy kick)

In Tortellini Al Forno, cheese-filled tortellini are tossed in a creamy sauce with bacon, making it a quick and easy comfort food.

Photo Credit: zardyplants.com

15 Minute Vegan Veggie Lo Mein

Like takeout but quicker, this 15-Minute Vegan Veggie Lo Mein is made with easy-to-find and healthy ingredients.

Photo Credit: pipingpotcurry.com

Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry

Dinner is on the table in just 30 minutes in this easy and healthy Coconut Chicken Curry. It features spices like ginger, garlic, onions, flavorful spices, and rich coconut milk.

Photo Credit: www.healthylittlefoodies.com

Tuna Tomato Pasta

A easy to make family meal, this Tuna Tomato Pasta is a fan even of little ones!

Photo Credit: www.craftcreatecook.com

Slow Cooker Chicken Mexican Stew

A slow cooker stew, throw this Slow Cooker Chicken Mexican Stew cooks while you're away at work and school.

Photo Credit: lowcarbyum.com

Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet Recipe with Cauliflower Rice

A cheesy and meaty dish, this Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet cooks up quickly and satisfies those comfort food cravings.

Photo Credit: twohealthykitchens.com

Cheesy BLT Pierogi Skillet Dinner

Combining the best of both worlds, this Cheesy BLT Pierogi Skillet Dinner is a one-pot dinner the whole family will love.

Photo Credit: www.thebakingfairy.net

Quick & Easy Vegan Peanut Noodles

These Vegan Peanut Noodles are a filling plant-based dinner that are ready in no time!

Photo Credit: ahedgehoginthekitchen.com

Garlic and Oil Pasta (Aglio e Olio) 

A simple, but delicious pasta, this Garlic and Oil Pasta is a great side dish or base for grilled chicken or salmon.

Photo Credit: simplelivingrecipes.com

Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes

Juicy and flavorful Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes are on the table in under 20 minutes and pair with so many delicious sides!

Photo Credit: maesmenu.com

Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Whether you're looking to for a healthier pasta sauce alternative, are out of pre-made pasta sauce, or simply prefer homemade sauce, this Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce is for you. It's made in just two steps and takes all pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

Photo Credit: anyreasonlife.com

Kale And Ricotta Chicken Meatballs

Tender and juicy, these Kale and Ricotta Chicken Meatballs are a quick and versatile dinner!

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

These Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are sure to be a hit in your household! Serve them as a snack or meal for rave reviews from your family!

Photo Credit: www.cookedbyjulie.com

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe 

Take advantage of quick-cooking shrimp in this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It's super easy to make and ultra-flavorful.

Photo Credit: nourishplate.com

Vegan Pumpkin Soup

A gluten-free and nourishing soup, this Vegan Pumpkin Soup is comforting and ready in a snap!

Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Make a complete and healthy dinner in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot tonight. This pineapple chicken and rice is a gluten-free one-pot dish the whole family will love.

Photo Credit: www.rhubarbarians.com

10-minute No-Cook Greek Salad Wraps with White Beans

A simple Greek salad wrapped up in a pita, these No-Cook Greek Salad Wraps are a quick & refreshing no-cook meal!

Photo Credit: www.passmesometasty.com

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Take premade or homemade pesto up a notch with this Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This dish is satisfying, rich in protein, and healthy fats.

Photo Credit: eatingrichly.com

Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage

This gluten-free and dairy-free Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage soup is an easy, comforting, and hearty meal. Just toss everything in the Instant Pot and dinner will be ready in no time.

Photo Credit: cookathomemom.com

Foil Wrapped Salmon with Snow Peas & Mushrooms

Make a quick dinner with almost no clean-up in this Foil Wrapped Salmon with Snow Peas & Mushrooms!

Photo Credit: everyminutemum.com

15-Minute Weeknight Chicken Nachos 

Treat yourself to an easy-to-make comfort food with this 15-Minute Weeknight Chicken Nachos.

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Get a healthy & quick dinner the whole family will love on the table tonight with these Turkey Sloppy Joes!

They are easy to make, delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes! They also don’t have any processed sugar, gluten, or other processed ingredients. You will love them because the family will gobble them up but it won’t take a lot of time or stress to make them. 

Photo Credit: www.corriecooks.com

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Enjoy Beef and Broccoli any time you want with this Instant Pot recipe! It's a fan-favorite.

Photo Credit: www.suburbansimplicity.com

30-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A healthy comfort-food recipe the whole family will love, these 30-Minute Chicken Lettuce Wraps are just like you'd find at your favorite restaurant!

Photo Credit: www.deliciousmeetshealthy.com

Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

A sweet and savory sauce robes tender and juicy chicken in this Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken.

Photo Credit: nourishplate.com

Lentil Dahl

An affordable and filling vegetarian dish, this Lentil Dahl Recipe is made with pantry ingredients and is rich in plant-based protein.

Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

Creamy Lemon Chicken

This one-pan Creamy Lemon Chicken is ready in just 25-minutes, low-carb, and family-friendly!

Photo Credit: veggiedesserts.com

Easy Mushroom Tart Recipe

This deceptively simple Easy Mushroom Tart Recipe is a special and great-tasting quick family dinner!

Photo Credit: maesmenu.com

Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry (with Frozen Vegetables!)

A quick dinner recipe, this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is made entirely with frozen and pantry staples.

Thaw your chicken ahead of time but you can use frozen veggies straight out of the freezer. Use whatever green veggies you have on hand, though I recommend green beans, broccoli, or a stir fry vegetable blend.

Photo Credit: www.atastefortravel.ca

Sopa de Albondigas- Healthy Meatball Soup

Made with lean ground beef and fresh vegetables, this Sopa De Albondigas, is a popular midday meal in Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador while being super easy to make and family-friendly.

Photo Credit: asformeandmyhomestead.com

Indian Butter Chicken

Enjoy an Indian classic in less than 30 minutes with this Indian Butter Chicken!

Photo Credit: smallfarmbiglife.com

Instant Pot Beef & Vegetable Soup

A quick and hearty meal, this Instant Pot Beef & Vegetable Soup is inexpensive, filling, and perfect for kiddos!

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Easy Instant Pot Hibachi Chicken Dinner (Gluten-Free!)

Super easy, yet super satisfying, this Instant Pot Hibachi Chicken Dinner is just like you'd eat in the restaurant. Serve it up with the creamy restaurant-inspired sauce and your family will be running for seconds!

Authentic Thai Green Curry Chicken Recipe

A Thai classic green curry brought to your dinner table. It's moderately spicy, lightly sweet, full of umami, and ready in under 25 minutes!

Pin for the 49 best back to school recipes. On the pin are 9 of the recipes.
« Mountain Breakfast Skillet
Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing »

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MEET CHELSEA MAE PLUMMER

Hi!  Join me in making quick and healthy recipes for active families!  Many of my recipes can be made gluten-free or lactose-free because life with food allergies doesn't have to lack flavor!
A bit about me: I'm a self-taught home cook of 20+ years, food lover, runner, and dog lover!

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