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Back-to-school dinners are on everyone’s mind once September hits, and these are some that I make for my family frequently. We’ve got skillet suppers, casseroles, a few slow cooker meals, soup and chili, and air fryer pizza roll-ups. Every one is a main dish that feeds a family.

Most of these start with what’s already in your kitchen, and several can be put together in the morning and finished when you get home. The casseroles and soups double easily. Freeze the second one, and you’ve got next Tuesday covered. The taco pasta and the sheet pan nachos are the fastest two in the bunch.

1
A cast iron skillet filled with macaroni, ground meat, tomatoes, and garnished with sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro, on a woven trivet.
Easy Taco Pasta
A cheesy, taco-flavored pasta packed with seasoned beef, melty cheddar, and topped with fresh toppings for a family-friendly dinner.
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2
A white bowl with chicken broccoli rice casserole topped with breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a spoon resting in the dish.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
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3
A white plate with stuffed pasta shells topped with tomato sauce and grated cheese, garnished with herbs. A fork and parsley are on the side.
Crockpot Stuffed Shells with Ricotta
Cheesy Crockpot Stuffed Shells with ricotta, mozzarella, and savory sauce — easy, hands-off, and perfect for family dinners!
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4
Two plates with lasagna rollups filled with cheese and sauce are on a table, with a baking dish of more lasagna in the background.
Easy Lasagna Rollups with Meat Recipe
Cheesy, meaty lasagna rollups are perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
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5
A green plate with baked ziti featuring Italian sausage, topped with melted cheese, a mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, and a slice of bread with butter.
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti with four kinds of cheese and Italian sausage is an excellent party dish.
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6
Mac and cheese muffins on plate
Mac and Cheese Muffins
Mac and cheese muffins are super easy to make with leftover macaroni and cheese. Add some diced ham and you’ll have a great snack!
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7
A white ramekin filled with a baked cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole sits on a wooden cutting board next to a metal spoon.
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
A great potluck or party dish, this casserole is filled with chicken, spaghetti, peppers, and cheese. It has lots of flavor without being too spicy so it’s kid-friendly and adults love it.
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8
A serving of Unstuffed Pepper Casserole in a shallow bowl with a fork.
Unstuffed Pepper Casserole
Unstuffed Pepper Casserole with lean ground beef, bell peppers, farro, and cheese–easy enough for a weeknight family dinner!
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9
A slice of homemade shepherd's pie with melted cheese is lifted from a white baking dish. Bowls of broccoli and condiments are in the background.
Meatloaf Casserole
Meatloaf casserole with loaded mashed potatoes is a great way to use leftovers or create a delicious kid-friendly meal in less than one hour.
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10
Three pieces of crispy chicken, breaded and baked to perfection, rest on a white plate with a wooden spatula in the background.
Crispy Chicken with Garlic Panko Crust
Crispy Chicken with Garlic Panko Crust is a great way to dress up plain chicken and it’s so moist and delicious even the pickiest eaters will love it.
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11
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is the perfect dinner and easy to make. Butter and olive oil make this the crispiest roast chicken!
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Easy roasted chicken and vegetables is a one-pot meal.
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12
Plate of ground beef nachos topped with ground meat, chopped tomatoes, avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and a lime wedge.
Easy Beef Nachos Recipe
Cheesy, beefy sheet pan nachos baked to perfection and topped with all your favorites.
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13
A cast iron skillet filled with pork chops in creamy onion sauce and tender apples, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs.
Pork Chops with Apples
Pork Chops with Apples is a one-pot meal with pork chops, apples, sweet onion, and a creamy mustard sauce that is divine. 
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14
close up of baked salmon topped with diced pineapple.
Pineapple Salmon
Pineapple Salmon is a delicious, healthy meal that pairs the hearty, deep flavors of salmon with the juicy, sweet taste of fresh pineapple.
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15
A close-up of baked enchiladas topped with melted, browned cheese and herbs on a white plate.
Air Fryer Pizza Roll-ups
Cheesy air fryer pizza roll-ups with sauce, pepperoni, and garlic butter wrapped in crispy tortillas.
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16
A bowl of beef chili topped with grated cheese.
Classic Chili Recipe
Classic Chili recipe with beans, ground beef, onions, and tomatoes. This recipe is simple and basic with pantry ingredients.
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17
A bowl of green chili stew, inspired by white chicken chili, topped with a dollop of sour cream, with whole limes in the background on a white surface.
White Chicken Chili with Sausage
Step out of the traditional and try this white chicken chili with sausage, spiced with peppers and full of fresh flavor from cilantro and limes.
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18
A bowl of potato soup with all the toppings.
Easy Potato Soup
Easy Potato Soup that’s done in 45 minutes–it’s creamy, buttery, cheesy comfort food! Top with bacon, scallions, and cheese.
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19
Easy Crustless Quiche Recipe made with spinach, peppers, onion--or whatever vegetables you have on hand! It's simple and keeps for days in the fridge.
Easy Crustless Quiche Recipe
Quick and easy crustless quiche recipe made with fresh vegetables like spinach and peppers, with no cream and just a little feta cheese. It’s healthy and perfect for a quick breakfast or supper!
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A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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