DealDash Cooks School Night Dinner Recipes Kids Love
Are your kids as picky as mine are? Try out these recipes for school night dinners that have become instant hits in my house.
Busy school nights can make dinner prep feel like a race against the clock, especially when you want something quick, healthy, and kid-approved. A few easy recipes in your weekly rotation can save time and simplify your evenings, leaving more opportunities for family time. From flavorful sheet-pan meals to one-pot wonders, these recipes are designed to keep your kids happy and your weeknights stress-free. Keep reading for some yummy recipes from DealDash that your family will love.
School Night Dinner 1 – One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice
One-pot meals are a lifesaver for school nights because they reduce both prep time and clean-up. This cheesy chicken and broccoli rice dish is loaded with protein, vegetables, and comforting flavors that even picky eaters love. Start by cooking diced chicken breast in a large skillet or pot until golden brown. Remove the chicken, then add garlic and a cup of rice, stirring until the rice is lightly toasted. Pour in chicken broth, add broccoli florets, and cover to let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and return the chicken to the pot. The result is a creamy, cheesy bowl of goodness that’s both satisfying and easy to enjoy with a fork—perfect for kids!
School Night Dinner 2 – Sheet-Pan Veggie and Chicken Quesadillas
Sheet-pan meals are another go-to for busy weeknights, offering a mess-free way to get dinner on the table. These veggie and chicken quesadillas are quick, customizable, and loaded with flavor. Begin by preheating the oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread shredded cooked chicken, black beans, diced bell peppers, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese over one half of a tortilla, then fold the other half over. Arrange the folded tortillas on the baking sheet, brush them lightly with olive oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve with sides like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and you’ve got a fun, finger-friendly dinner that’s packed with protein and vegetables. Letting kids choose their own quesadilla fillings is a fun way to encourage them to eat their veggies! Additionally, if you have older kids, let them help by making guacamole. All you need are avocados, Lime, red onion, and salt. Delicious!
School Night Dinner 3 – Spaghetti with Hidden Veggie Marinara Sauce
For pasta-loving families, spaghetti with a hidden veggie marinara sauce is a genius way to pack extra nutrition into a beloved dish. Start by sautéing finely diced carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers in olive oil until soft. Pour in a jar of marinara sauce (or your favorite homemade sauce) and let it simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth, making the veggies virtually undetectable. Boil your pasta, and once it’s cooked, toss it with the sauce and a handful of grated Parmesan.
Not only is this dish colorful and delicious, but it’s also a stealthy way to serve veggies that picky eaters won’t even notice. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal that feels both familiar and wholesome. I hate to admit it, but as an adult I am not even that crazy about veggies myself. This is a great way to get those extra servings in without even noticing! For more ideas, check out the Deceptively Delicious cookbook.
DealDash Has Kitchen Items for Any Meal
No matter what kind of meal or snack you want to make in your kitchen, DealDash has the cooking tools, gadgets, and small appliances to get the job done. When you visit DealDash’s Kitchen and Dining category you will have tons of options like bread makers, stand mixers, and pots and pans. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the countertop ice makers and retro mini fridges.
Thanks for Reading
With a handful of quick, nutritious, and kid-approved recipes, school night dinners don’t have to be a stressed out situation. These one-pot, sheet-pan, and pasta recipes offer the right blend of flavors and nutrition to satisfy everyone at the table. So, the next time a busy weeknight rolls around, give one of these recipes a try. You might just find it becomes a family favorite! Thanks so much for reading and happy bidding everyone!
This sponsored DealDash blog article was written by Dawn E, a mother of 3 who loves DealDash. Dawn was compensated for writing this article. Check out Dawn and her cats on Instagram! This blog is written by real DealDash customers. The opinions and advice shared here represent our customers’ views and not those of the company.
