When your children go back to school, it’s all hands on deck and it can get hectic in a flash. It can be hard to get back in the swing of things for everyone (especially moms). As we’re getting back into a regular routine, having quick back-to-school recipes is a must, especially if you’re trying to save money and meal prep on a budget!
Today, I’m sharing my favorite 31 back-to-school recipes so you can stay on track with your budget! This is a list complete with quick breakfast ideas, quick lunch ideas (your kids will actually eat), and even quick dinner ideas.
11 Quick Back to School Breakfast Recipes
1. Fruit Pebbles Breakfast Parfait
This super cute and tasty breakfast parfait is quick and straightforward. Your kids will love it. It only takes 5 minutes to make and has 3 ingredients!
2. Bacon, Egg, & Toast Muffins
These 6-ingredient breakfast muffins are perfect for busy moms. Your kids (even the picky eaters) will love these. They cook within 20 minutes but freeze really well. You can make a huge batch of them and just take out what you need for the week for an easy breakfast!
3. Blueberry Pancake Bites
These muffins have only 6 ingredients and take about 20 minutes to cook. They’re perfect to freeze and can be an on-the-go breakfast! If your kids don’t like blueberries, just substitute chocolate chips.
4. Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
You and your kids will love these. You can’t taste the zucchini because the other ingredients cover the taste. Children love them and they include veggies. It’s a win-win! They only take 30 minutes to prep and bake and they’re perfect for freezing and eating on the go!
5. Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
These mini chocolate chip muffins freeze well so you can easily have breakfast even if you’re running late. Your kids will love them too!
6. Make Ahead Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins
These delicious make-ahead muffins are quick and easy to make and can be frozen for eating later.
7. Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
These super-simple freezer breakfast sandwiches are a perfect make-ahead breakfast for school days. They only have 6 ingredients and you can make a ton of them at one time and have sandwiches on hand for busy school mornings.
8. Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls
These delicious breakfast bowls can be made on Sunday. Prep breakfast for the entire week to make your morning less stressful! Your family will love these quick and convenient bowls.
9. Freezer Breakfast Quesadillas
These delicious breakfast quesadillas can be made in 4 ways and are sure to be a hit for your family. They take 20 minutes from start to finish and can be made ahead for breakfast on the go.
10. French Toast Sticks (for the freezer)
What kid doesn’t love french toast? These delicious french toast sticks can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. Thaw, heat, and eat for a great-tasting breakfast.
11. Make-Ahead Meal Prep Smoothie Packs
Smoothies are a great option for breakfast. They’re quick to make, delicious, nutritious, and easy to drink on the way to school. They’re so versatile and can be made to fit anyone’s tastes (even picky eaters).
5 Quick Back to School Lunch Recipes
1. Peanut Butter Roll-Ups
These quick and easy roll-ups will be a hit with your children. They will love eating a sandwich that is a little different and you’ll love how quick it will be to make.
2. DIY Uncrustables Recipe
Uncrustable sandwiches are a total hit with kids. The best part is that you can make them ahead of time and toss them in the freezer. Not to mention, they’re super budget friendly too.
3. Banana Peanut Butter Honey Pinwheel
This easy-to-fix pinwheel only has 4 ingredients and will be loved by even the pickiest of eaters.
4. Pizza Pinwheel
What kid doesn’t like pizza? This super quick pizza pinwheel will be a great back-to-school lunch for your child.
5. DIY Lunchables
Kids love lunchables. These quick and easy lunchable ideas will be great for back to school even if your child is picky.
11 Quick Back to School Dinner Recipes
1. Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs
Your family will love this delicious dish. Plus it’s a simple and inexpensive dinner idea. They taste great and only take 30 minutes to prep and cook (which is a big plus for those that don’t enjoy cooking).
2. Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
This recipe is the perfect one-pot meal for a busy weeknight dinner! It’s so good, that you’ll likely add it to your weekly meal rotation.
3. Baked Ham & Cheese Sliders
These delicious ham and cheese sliders are perfect for a quick dinner. These sandwiches are super simple to assemble and from start to finish can be done in 35 minutes. Add a quick side and you have a quick and simple meal your family will love!
4. French Bread Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza, right? It’s a great go-to meal for a quick dinner in a pinch. This recipe is super simple and easy to cook. It only takes 35 minutes from prep to ready to eat and your kids will be begging for seconds!
5. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Pasta is always a fast and budget-friendly meal. This one-pot chicken alfredo pasta is so good and only takes 20 minutes to cook. You can even sneak in some peas to get in some veggies. Your kids will love this one.
6. Chicken Burrito Skillet
This chicken burrito skillet is a perfect one-pot meal! The best part? It’s so versatile. You can eat it in a tortilla, as a salad, or layer over nachos. It’s a great way for your family to customize it to their liking without you having to cook multiple meals.
7. One Pot Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
This one-pot meal has dairy, protein, and veggies all in one. Your family will love it and beg for seconds. It even only takes 20 minutes to cook.
8. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This one-pan meal is perfect for a simple meal. The original recipe does take a little bit longer to cook, but you can speed it up in an Instant Pot.
9. Sloppy Joes
Our family loves sloppy joes (they are a favorite around here). These leftovers can last 4 – 5 days so you double your batch for easy leftovers that everyone will love.
10. Hawaiian Havarti Pork Sliders
These pork sliders will go fast! They taste great and only take 30 minutes to cook. Grab yourself a bag salad and you have yourself a complete meal.
11. Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta
Chicken spaghetti is a crowd favorite. It’s inexpensive to make, can be made in a crockpot (or Instant Pot), and the leftovers heat up very well. It’s a great meal to make more than you need and eat leftovers for a day or two afterward.
12. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
This slower cooker chicken enchilada soup is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply cook the meat beforehand, dump everything into the slow cooker, and let it work it’s magic. You’ll have a delicious soup that will last a couple of days. Your family will love it too!
13. Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups
These chicken and spinach alfredo lasagna roll-ups will be a crowd favorite. It combines two of your favorite pasta dishes. What more can you ask for, right?
14. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
These instant pot chicken tacos are the perfect addition to any Taco Tuesday. They cook super fast and your family will absolutely love them. You can even double (or triple) the recipe and freeze the leftovers for later.
15. Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
This delicious chicken fried rice can be prepped and cooked in an instant pot in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for a quick dinner in a pinch.
These meals will help keep you on budget by staying out of the drive-thru lane and eating more dinners at home (even if you’re busy).
