Getting back into a routine is great for kids and families that thrive on structure and schedules. A more consistent routine also means getting back to regularly scheduled meal times (as opposed to the summertime habit of eating much later or just throwing some hot dogs on the grill whenever someone is hungry).
If you’re feeling a little depleted thanks to the hubbub of getting the kids back to school and need a few dinner ideas, here are a few from OTMOM contributor (and mom of four) Jessica Rerick that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and won’t have you scratching your head when the clock says it’s time to eat.
Buffalo Garbanzo Bean Lettuce Wraps
These
wraps are a flavorful meatless
option that tastes as hearty as the version with meat. Plus you can customize the heat to whatever level your kids will tolerate and add your favorite toppings.
Salsa Chicken Sheet Pan Nachos
Change up taco night by making a
baking sheet of nachos with an easy salsa chicken recipe
you can freeze or make into several meals. The chicken creates a creamy, flavorful base and you can dress up the nachos with the toppings you and and your family prefer.
This
stovetop version
of a classic lasagna is hearty, delicious and uses fewer dishes that the traditional version. You can use homemade sauce if you have some, but you can also just use your favorite from the store if that’s easier. You can customize the ingredients to whatever your family prefers in your lasagna, and it will still turn out just as tasty.
Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake
You can’t go wrong with breakfast for dinner, and
this breakfast bake
uses leftover bagels or stale bread and can be easily made into a vegetarian (or meat lover’s) version if that what your family likes. The seasoning on the top adds just the right amount of savory flavoring without overpowering the dish, and you’ll enjoy the crunch of the break with the creamy pockets of cheese.
Speaking of breakfast, if you’ve been on TikTok lately, you know that cottage cheese is the IT food right now, and these
cottage cheese pancakes
are a great way to jump on the trend if you’ve been wanting to sneak more protein into your kids’ first meal of the day.
You might also add these yummy
garlic knots
or tasty
buttermilk biscuits
as a side to nearly any meal.
Danielle Teigen has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and management communication as well as a master’s degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University. She has worked for Forum Communications since May 2015, first as a digital content manager before becoming the Life section editor and then deputy editor. In 2020, Danielle recently moved back to her hometown in South Dakota, where she works remotely for Forum Communications as managing editor of On the Minds of Moms as well as writes occasional news and history stories.