Friends. Back to school time is HERE and who even has time to make dinner, let alone DECIDE what to make for dinner?
Not this mama.
So I polled the best group I know – OKC Mom’s contributor team – and asked them to share their favorite tried-and-true recipes. Do yourself a favor and just make this your meal plan next week. You’ll thank us later. We promise.
1. Indian Butter Chicken
Cook + Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Method: Instant Pot
Why We Love It: This is the best kind of “dump, dump, stir” recipe that requires *just* enough work that I feel like I’ve actually cooked but not so much that I feel chained to the kitchen for a long period of time. I serve it over basmati rice and while the recipe calls for freezing half the sauce…we could basically drink the stuff so we aren’t about that “save for later” life. This is the #1 requested meal in our house each week.
2. Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Cook + Prep Time: 50 Minutes
Cooking Method: Oven
Why We Love It: Super easy to throw together! Especially with the help of the InstaPot. Casserole vibes but not super heavy with all the “cream of whatevers” thrown in. Makes great leftovers but there is rarely any left.
3. Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Cook + Prep Time: 4 Hours, 15 Minutes
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Why We Love It: My husband & children all love this and it’s super easy & cheap!
4. Sweet Potato and Pineapple Beef Bowls
Cook + Prep Time: 40 Minutes
Cooking Method: Oven & Stovetop
Why We Love It: This is our whole family’s favorite meal. Yes, it’s Whole 30 but it doesn’t taste like it! It’s probably the pineapple that makes it so amazing.
5. Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
Cook + Prep Time: 1 Hour
Cooking Method: Grill
Why We Love It: These are my favorite – I love bowls!! And they let me make 2 meals at a time, grilling meat for bowls one night and meat for a salad the next night!
6. Parmesan Squash Casserole
Cook + Prep Time: 1 Hour
Cooking Method: Oven
Why We Love It: This has kind of become my specialty! It’s hearty and filling, with delicious lemony flavor, and it’s super easy to make! It’s also a good way to get the family to eat their veggies.
