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Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

Last Updated: Apr 29, 2024 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Back-To-School Dinner Ideas

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Pin multi image with text showing different back to school dinner recipe ideas.

All of my best back-to-school dinner ideas are just what you need to get back into the swing of busy weeknight family meals. From simple and easy one-pot meals to tasty casseroles, these recipes are simple to prepare and always delicious. Who knows, you may even find a few new family favorites!

If you're getting ready for school to start back up, see my collection of school lunch ideas.

Square multi image showing different back to school dinner recipe ideas.
Jump to:
  • 1. Chili Dog Casserole
  • 2. Crockpot Creamy Salsa Chicken
  • 3. Taco Pasta
  • 4. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
  • 5. Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  • 6. Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
  • 7. Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
  • 8. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
  • 9. Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
  • 10. Cabbage and Noodles
  • 11. American Chop Suey
  • 12. Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops
  • 13. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
  • 14. BLT Sandwich
  • 15. Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
  • Tips For Making Back-To-School Dinners Easier
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 15 Best Back-To-School Dinner Ideas: Crockpot Creamy Salsa Chicken +More!
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

While most of us don't enjoy a summer break, the work week gets more hectic when the kids return to school! Luckily, you don't have to settle for fast food or takeout to try and pull off a wholesome and delicious family meal.

Below are a few of my family's favorite weeknight dinner recipes that are a breeze to throw together. Everything can be made with simple and relatively inexpensive ingredients, and most importantly, they're super tasty.

1. Chili Dog Casserole

This kid-favorite casserole features hotdogs, fluffy crescent rolls, chili, and cheese! It's a combination that they already know is delicious, and it's ready to eat in just 30 minutes!

Chili Dog Casserole
This chili dog casserole is a simple, weeknight dinner that combines buttery crescent rolls with beefy hot dogs, hearty chili, and cheese! It only needs 4 ingredients and is on the table and ready to eat in about 30 minutes! It's tasty, budget-friendly, and oh-so-good.
Check out this recipe
Wide close up image of chili dog casserole.

2. Crockpot Creamy Salsa Chicken

Slap this creamy salsa chicken in a tortilla with your favorite taco toppings or burrito fillings, and call it a night! You can even use your air fryer to quickly whip up some crispy tortilla chips to serve on the side (or to scoop the salsa chicken directly into your mouth)!

Crockpot Creamy Salsa Chicken
This crockpot creamy salsa chicken is an effortless, yet incredibly delicious, dinner that only uses 3 ingredients! Enjoy this tender and flavorful meat on tacos, in enchiladas, quesadillas, and more! It's so simple that you'll definitely be adding it to your weekly dinner rotation!
Check out this recipe
Wide image showing crockpot creamy salsa chicken.

3. Taco Pasta

Now you can enjoy taco night and pasta night at the same time! This flavor-packed pasta dinner features tender pasta shells, perfectly seasoned taco meat, corn, beans, and cheese!

Taco Pasta
This taco pasta is a super easy, tasty, and kid-approved dinner that only requires only a few ingredients to prepare! The whole thing is made in just one pot, so just mix it all together and let it cook! It's so fast and simple to make that you'll be adding this dish to your weekly dinner rotation!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of taco pasta in a large skillet.

4. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This super easy spaghetti casserole tastes like a million bucks, and it's a great way to use leftover spaghetti! It includes a savory meat sauce, plenty of tasty noodles, and tons of rich and creamy cheese.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Million-Dollar spaghetti casserole is an easy family dinner that features layers of al dente spaghetti, meat sauce, and creamy cheeses. While the name may sound extravagant, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions. It is easy to make and tastes like a million bucks.
Check out this recipe
Wide image of Million dollar spaghetti casserole.

5. Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I love a 'set-it-and-forget-it' recipe, and this crockpot chicken enchilada casserole was instantly devoured. Layer the ingredients in your crockpot before work and go about your day knowing dinner is taken care of.

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is an easy family dinner with all the classic chicken enchilada components. This casserole is loaded with shredded chicken, corn tortillas, melted cheese, enchilada sauce, black beans, and black olives. It's the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe for busy weeknights!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of crockpot chicken enchilada casserole.

6. Air Fryer Frozen Burgers

There's no shame in tossing a few frozen burger patties in your air fryer! They crisp up on the outside slightly but still stay tender and juicy. All you need is the buns and your favorite burger toppings!

Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Tasty, juicy air fryer frozen burgers cook up to perfection with very little effort on your part, making them a quick and easy family meal! These hearty burgers are so much better than anything from a drive-thru - plus, you truly can make them your way (so can everyone in your family)!
Check out this recipe
Air fryer frozen burger on bun with cheese and condiments.

7. Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

No kid is disappointed when they hear pepperoni pizza casserole is on the menu tonight! Tender egg noodles, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese come together to make one simple yet totally tasty comfort food!

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Pepperoni pizza casserole with pasta and cheese is the perfect, easy casserole dish for busy weeknights that the whole family will love! This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients like egg noodles, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese! You can add your favorite pizza toppings to customize the pasta dinner as your favorite pizza!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of pepperoni pizza casserole served on a white plate.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

8. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

I love a recipe where everything can be baked together on one pan because it makes prep and cleanup so much easier! These shrimp fajitas bake the protein and veggies all in one pan, then all you have to do is supply the flour tortillas and enjoy!

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
These sheet pan shrimp fajitas are an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-prepare seafood dinner to serve on any family weeknight meal! Tender, juicy pieces of shrimp are cooked with bell peppers, onion, cilantro, and seasoning for a super tasty meal that everyone loves! Toss everything together and cook on the same sheet pan for minimal fuss and a quick clean up too!
Check out this recipe
These sheet pan shrimp fajitas are an amazingly easy, tasty, and healthy dinner the whole family will love!
Wide multi image showing different back to school dinner recipe ideas.

9. Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel

Chicken spaghetti is a childhood favorite of mine, and the taste has stood the test of time because my daughter loves it too! It's rich and cheesy, with tender chunks of chicken, juicy tomatoes with chiles, and plenty of noodles.

Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
Chicken spaghetti with Rotel is an easy, simple, and delicious spaghetti casserole dish for weeknight family dinners! The Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream (or cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup) make this dish extra special! Plus, it is a perfect use for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken!
Check out this recipe
This Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is a super easy spaghetti casserole loaded with creamy deliciousness from the Velveeta and cream cheeses!

10. Cabbage and Noodles

Cabbage and noodles might sound simple, and that's because it is! Caramelized onions and crispy bacon give loads of flavor to the more mild-tasting cabbage, and then everything is tossed with noodles to create a satisfying and delicious dish!

Haluski (Polish Fried Cabbage and Noodles)
Polish fried cabbage and noodles (or Haluski) is an amazingly delicious comfort food that can be enjoyed as a side dish or the main course. It perfectly combines tender buttered noodles, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and sauteed cabbage. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it is also budget-friendly.
Check out this recipe
Wide image of cabbage and noodles.

11. American Chop Suey

This classic combination of seasoned ground beef, al dente macaroni noodles, and savory tomato sauce is a long-time favorite for busy families. I like to serve mine with a quick side of air fryer garlic bread to sop up all the extra sauce!

American Chop Suey
American chop suey is an easy and satisfying dish consisting of tender macaroni noodles and a perfectly seasoned beef and tomato sauce. It's great for weeknight family dinners, and the leftovers are delicious! Sometimes you just crave a hearty, homecooked meal, and this is sure to hit the spot!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of American chop suey in a white bowl.

12. Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

Perfectly cooked pork chops slathered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce made from cream of mushroom soup. It's delicious enough to serve any day of the week, plus this pork dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!

Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops
Cream of mushroom pork chops come together in just 30 minutes, making for a rich and flavorful dinner any day of the week! The pork chops are smothered in a velvety cream of mushroom sauce that will have you savoring every bite! It's a family favorite recipe you'll want to make again and again!
Check out this recipe
Square image of cream of mushroom pork chops on a plate over rice with zucchini on the side.

13. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

These juicy burger steaks in a savory mushroom brown gravy are absolutely delicious with a side of easy Instant Pot mashed potatoes! The gravy works for the potatoes, too, so you can throw everything together and dig in!

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak With Mushroom Gravy
This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy days, this dish combines juicy beef patties with a rich mushroom gravy, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Prep time is minimal, and the result is a mouth-watering meal that's sure to please the whole family.
Check out this recipe
Square image of slow cooker slisbury steak.

14. BLT Sandwich

When you don't have it in you to turn on the oven, a stacked BLT sandwich is always an easy, stress-free option. Use some perfectly ripe and juicy tomatoes, crisp, fresh lettuce, and thick-cut bacon, and watch your family savor every bite.

Classic BLT Sandwich
A BLT sandwich makes a great quick lunch or easy dinner, plus you can always split them in half and serve them with soup or salad. The combination of crisp lettuce and juicy tomato with salty bacon and creamy mayonnaise is a classic that will never go out of style. The BLT is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best.
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a homemade classic BLT sandwich.

15. Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff

This copycat hamburger helper beef stroganoff is just as easy as the boxed stuff you remember from childhood, except it has way better ingredients! It's a delicious one-pot meal you can have on the table in 30 minutes.

Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
My copycat Hamburger Helper beef stroganoff is a tasty one-pot pasta dish with ground beef and a rich sour cream sauce that the whole family will love. This hearty beef stroganoff is great for busy nights and is way better than the store-bought version. Eliminate preservatives and dish up better flavor plus better overall quality when you make this easy, homemade Hamburger Helper beef stroganoff.
1x recipe makes 6 servings. Leftovers, if you have any, always taste better on the second day. See all my ground beef recipes here.
Check out this recipe
Square image of hamburger helper beef stroganoff in a large pan with wooden spoon.

Tips For Making Back-To-School Dinners Easier

I've put together a few of my top tips to help you plan your weeknight dinners.

  1. Cook in batches. Go ahead and double or triple your recipes so that you can store the leftovers for later.
  2. Make one-pot meals. These recipes are easy to make and have barely any cleanup afterward.
  3. Prepare your ingredients in advance. Wash, chop, and portion out your ingredients ahead of time. Keep them stored in airtight containers or Ziploc bags so you can quickly throw together meals during the week.
  4. Experiment with leftovers. Instead of eating leftovers as-is, try making them into new recipes. For example, a rotisserie chicken can become shredded chicken tacos and cooked rice can be turned into a quick batch of fried rice. I love cooking leftover recipes so much that I call them 'planned-overs'!
  5. Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. These kitchen appliances are fantastic for busy families! You can prepare ingredients in the morning, set the cooker, and come home to a hot meal.
  6. Freezer-friendly meals. Prepare and freeze meals that reheat easily, like my classic lasagna, soups, or hearty casseroles.

I wish you a great first day of school from my family to yours! Tell me about your favorite after-school recipes in the comment section below so I can try them too!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

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5 from 2 reviews

15 Best Back-To-School Dinner Ideas: Crockpot Creamy Salsa Chicken +More!

All of my best back-to-school dinner ideas are just what you need to get back into the swing of busy weeknight family meals. From simple and easy one-pot meals to tasty casseroles, these recipes are simple to prepare and always delicious. Who knows, you may even find a few new family favorites!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 414kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 3 hours hours
Total Time 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
  • salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 24 oz chunky salsa
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (optional, shredded)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • To begin, lightly spritz a large crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Add 2 lbs chicken breasts to the bottom of the crockpot and top them with salt & pepper.
  • Pour 24 oz chunky salsa and 8 oz cream cheese over top of the seasoned chicken.
  • Cook on high for 3-3½ hours or on low for 6-8, or until chicken is cooked through (160°F/71°C internal temp) and shreds easily.
  • Shred the chicken using 2 forks to pull it apart, then stir into the cheesy sauce mixture. *You may need to mash any pieces of cream cheese remaining.
  • Add optional 1 cup cheddar cheese and cover (leave on the warm setting) until melted, about 10-15 minutes. Stir to finish melting if needed.
  • Serve immediately or leave on warm to serve later.

Notes

  • If you’d like to cut down on calories, you can opt for using low-fat cream cheese.
  • Sometimes chicken that is just thawed, or packed with a lot of water, can result in a really watery base. Remove the cooked chicken and strain off some of the excess water. Return the chicken to your slow cooker and proceed as instructed above.
  • Use for tacos, quesadillas, taquitos, burritos, nachos, and more!
  • To store: Keep leftover crockpot creamy salsa chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat: Reheat your chicken either in the microwave, back in the slow cooker on low, or in a skillet over medium-low heat. 

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcal (21%) | Carbohydrates: 10g (3%) | Protein: 40g (80%) | Fat: 24g (37%) | Saturated Fat: 12g (75%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 154mg (51%) | Sodium: 2324mg (101%) | Potassium: 917mg (26%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 6g (7%) | Vitamin A: 1286IU (26%) | Vitamin C: 4mg (5%) | Calcium: 210mg (21%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Chicken Dishes, Main Course, Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes, Tacos
Cuisine American, TexMex

Originally published August 19, 2023
Updated April 29, 2024, fixed grammar and formatting

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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