Back-to-school nights are hectic, and figuring out what to make for dinner shouldn’t add to the chaos. You need meals that are quick, easy, and won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes. We’ve rounded up a bunch of no-fuss recipes that are perfect for those crazy evenings when you’ve got homework to help with and bedtime battles to win.

Chicken and sweet potatoes with pecans on a plate.
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef pasta comes together in under 30 minutes with whatever pasta you’ve got on hand. It’s quick to make but tastes like you’ve been at it all day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A one-pan wonder with ground beef and sweet potatoes that’s great for meal prep. Bonus: leftovers are just as good the next day, so no one’s complaining.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the burger fixings you love, minus the bun. This recipe includes a homemade special sauce that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Five ingredients, one creamy pasta dish. Bucatini cacio e pepe is your go-to when you want something that’s easy on the wallet but tastes like you splurged.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One sheet pan, no stress. Chicken, sweet potatoes, and caramelized pecans come together for a dinner that’s ready before you even realize you’re hungry.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Steak and shrimp fajitas without the restaurant price tag. Cooked on one pan and on the table in under 20 minutes, this is weeknight magic at its best.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget takeout. This slow cooker honey garlic chicken with pineapple is easier, healthier, and tastes better than what the delivery guy’s bringing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

A bowl of pasta with bacon and brussels sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 25-minute pasta that combines Brussels sprouts, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s quick, easy, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’ve got it together.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Turn it into this cheddar chicken quinoa bake for a simple, no-brainer dinner that’s perfect for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, and red peppers all in one pan and ready in 20 minutes. This is dinner done right without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One-pan ground beef stir fry with fresh veggies and a garlic ginger sauce. It’s faster and way better than anything you’d get from the corner takeout spot.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco Tuesday just got easier. This Mexican ground beef skillet with taco seasoning is a flavorful 30-minute meal that’s as easy as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms stir-fried in an Asian-inspired sauce. It’s quick, easy, and better than anything from a box.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cabbage come together in this easy 30-minute skillet dinner. With tons of texture and a light sauce, this meal is anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pesto salmon bakes up in under 25 minutes with just five ingredients. Simple, fast, and perfect for those nights when you need dinner to practically make itself.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is your weeknight hero. Chicken breasts baked with salsa, corn, and cheddar, all done in less than 30 minutes. Your family will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pecan crusted chicken with a honey dijon yogurt sauce that’s so good, it’ll be requested on repeat. Crunchy, flavorful, and ready to impress even on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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