16 Easy School Night Dinners for Busy Families

Need some school night dinners that are mouthwatering and easy? We’ve rounded up the best school night dinner recipes that are perfect for busy families.

School nights are chaotic enough, dinner shouldn’t add to the chaos. These dinners are easy, delicious, and, fun.

Your kids will go crazy for the pizza chicken, sloppy joe casserole, taco pizza, chicken pot pie, and more!

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Stuffed Pizza Chicken

Chicken with cheese and pepperoni in sauce. — Photo Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This stuffed pepperoni pizza chicken will win over everyone, even the pickiest eaters. It only takes 15 minutes to prep and can also be prepped the night before.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pizza Chicken

Chicken Fajita Tacos

Made with simple ingredients and homemade fajita seasoning, this is a winning 30-minute meal for taco Tuesday.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Tacos

Sloppy Joe Casserole

This casserole might be even better than traditional sloppy joes. It’s made with pasta, ground beef, veggies, and a homemade sloppy joe sauce.

Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Teriyaki Chicken Crockpot Recipe

Left teriyaki chicken and rice in a bowl, right teriyaki chicken in a white crockpot with tongs stirring it. — Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo

Recipe reviewer Emma said, “I’ve made this a few times for my family and also when we’ve had company. We all LOVE it!”

Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken

Sausage Tortellini Soup

Usually, soups take forever to make, but this easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes.

This creamy soup has fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Italian sausage, tortellini, and more.

Get the Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup

Honey Mustard Ham Pretzel Sliders

Pretzel rolls are toasted to golden buttery perfection and piled high with ham, cheese, and sweet mustard.

Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Ham Pretzel Sliders

Pizza Pasta Casserole

If you can’t decide between serving pizza or pasta, just make this casserole that is a hybrid of both.

Customize it by using your family’s favorite pizza toppings.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Casserole

Sheet Pan Pineapple Meatloaf

Roasted Pineapple and Meatloaf slices on a sheet pan. — Photo Credit: The Creative Bite

This roasted pineapple meatloaf with a hoisin glaze will be devoured fast. Your kids will never guess that it’s actually healthy.

This recipe can be made with ground turkey or pork.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pineapple Meatloaf

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

Taco mac and cheese in a blue pot with ingredients and a blue and white towel next to the pot on a white marble background. — Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Combining two family favorites, mac and cheese with tacos is guaranteed to be a hit on busy school nights.

Get the Recipe: One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

Southern Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie Skillet dinner topped with a golden crust with a serving utensil. — Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits

When you’re craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, this skillet chicken pot pie will hit the spot.

The golden puff pastry crust is so good. This recipe uses Rotisserie chicken, which will save you a lot of time.

Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Pot Pie

Honey Soy Chicken

This honey soy chicken is made with just four simple ingredients (not including salt and pepper).

This recipe uses drumsticks, which are typically a cheaper cut of chicken than boneless skinless thighs or breasts.

Get the Recipe: Honey Soy Chicken

Taco Pizza

This taco pizza is loaded with refried beans, taco meat, cheese, and other tasty toppings.

Get the Recipe: Taco Pizza

Shrimp Alfredo

This shrimp alfredo recipe is made with a homemade parmesan sauce, pasta, and garlic shrimp. It’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Burger Hobo Packets

Burger packet in foil. — Photo Credit: Simply Stacie

This hearty foil packet recipe can be cooked in the oven or on the grill. It consists of a burger patty topped with cheese, potatoes, carrots, and other ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Burger Hobo Packets