As the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season begins, parents everywhere are looking for quick, nourishing meals to prepare for their families. Amid homework, extracurriculars, and the everyday challenges of raising children, finding time to cook might seem like a daunting task. However, with a few simple recipes and some strategic meal planning, it's possible to serve healthy, delicious meals even on the busiest of school nights. This can ensure that your family not only eats well but also stays energized and ready to tackle the challenges of the new school year.

When it comes to preparing dinners that are both easy to make and nutritious, it doesn't require a culinary degree or complex ingredients. The key is choosing wholesome, balanced ingredients and simple cooking methods. Whether you're drawn to a bowl of comforting tomato soup paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, a savory chickpea curry, or a vibrant quinoa salad, the possibilities are endless, and the preparation time is minimal. These meals not only satisfy hunger but also nourish the body, making them go-to options for busy school nights.

If you are getting ready for the back-to-school grind and you are on the hunt for some dinnertime ideas that fit into your busy schedule, keep reading to find some inspiration that is as delicious as it is simple to make. 

 

Steak Fajitas

Steak fajitas are a simple way to include high-quality protein, iron, and tons of veggies onto your kiddo’s plate in minutes.  Flank Steak is one lean protein choice that is high-quality, packed with flavor, and quick to cook – making it an ideal cut to choose on a busy weekday when you need dinner on the table ASAP. 

Season the flank steak and slice it after cooking. Serve it with cooked sliced peppers and onions, sour cream, and a sprinkle of cheese – all wrapped in a whole grain tortilla. 


Stuffed and Breaded Chicken Breasts

Trust us – there is nothing wrong with taking some dinnertime shortcuts now and again. Keeping these Stuffed & Breaded 3 Cheese Chicken Breasts stocked in your freezer makes for one of the easiest meals to cook on busy nights. This chicken dish is stuffed with satisfying cheese and breaded on the outside. To make it, all you have to do is put it in a preheated oven and serve it with your favorite sides — we suggest a simple side salad and rice! 


Cedar Plank Salmon

Sure, salmon is already one of the easiest proteins to cook. But having cedar plank salmon at your fingertips makes dinner time even easier. When you have Cedar Plank Salmon available, once dinner time rolls around, all you have to do is grab your favorite seasonings like rosemary or thyme, then set your non-stick or iron pan over the stovetop until the plank salmon reaches your desired done-ness. Atlantic salmon is one of the most nutritious foods out there, and it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health – perfect timing for back to school, right? 

Pair your salmon with a whole grain food (like quinoa) and a non-starchy veggie (we love asparagus) for a balanced dish. Adding fruit to the mix is a good idea too. 


Hamburgers

Don’t let anyone tell you that hamburgers can’t be a nutritious meal. As long as you are sticking to proper portion sizes (the recommended amount of meat used in a hamburger is 3-4 ounces), you aren’t eating high-fat sides with your sandwich, and you aren’t topping your burger with unhealthy additions, a hamburger is a-ok for a dinner choice. Our Organic Grass-Fed Beef Burgers are provided in 4-ounce pre-portioned servings that are ready to be tossed right onto the stove top when dinnertime rolls around, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Be sure to serve your cooked burgers on a whole grain bun to give your dish a boost of fiber. 


Easy Meals for Busy Nights

When back to school season rolls around, we sadly say goodbye to the dog days of summer and embrace the hectic schedules that come with back-to-school time. But the hectic schedules don’t have to mean living off of pizza and fast food at dinnertime. With some pre-planning, you can stock your freezer with high-quality meats from Rastelli’s and have what you need to whip up a delicious and nutritious dinner for the entire family in no time.