Keep Up With Your Teen’s Appetite With These 17 Quick Dinners

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Keep Up With Your Teen’s Appetite With These 17 Quick Dinners

Quick dinners are a lifesaver when you’ve got a teen who seems to have a stomach with no bottom. The second they burst through the door after school or practice, it feels like the race is on to whip up something hearty. These meals are great for those moments when time isn’t on your side, but a hungry teenager is.

Close-up of a cheesy baked pasta dish garnished with herbs.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A fork is being used to take a piece of Philly cheese steak casserole out of a dish.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a creative and quick dinner solution that brings the classic sandwich flavors into a hearty casserole form. Featuring sirloin steak, green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms — all topped with melted provolone cheese — it’s ready in less than an hour and perfect for a busy night. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that fills up the table with smiles and satisfies hungry teens with every bite. It’s a smart way to deliver a filling meal that keeps everyone happy and requires little effort, so you can relax knowing dinner is covered.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great pick for those nights when you need a quick dinner to keep up with your teen’s never-ending hunger. You can whip it up in less than an hour, and it’s easy on the wallet too. Feel free to prep it when you have a moment and just pop it in the oven later. Plus, if you’ve got leftovers, they freeze like a dream. It’s a breeze to make, and everyone from the kids to the adults will be coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your answer to a quick, savory meal that’s sure to please. These bites are made with chicken breast, garlic, butter, and a hint of parsley, ready in just 20 minutes. They pair excellently with steamed veggies or a light salad, creating a balanced meal. It’s a great dish for getting your teens involved in the kitchen, as it’s simple enough for them to help and learn. These chicken bites turn dinner into a fun, interactive experience that’s easy to manage and fun for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a great choice for busy families needing a quick, flavorful dinner. Packed with egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, cream of mushroom soup, and topped with breadcrumbs, it cooks in just under an hour. This dish is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, with the bonus of delicious leftovers that are perfect for the next day. It’s a great way to make dinner stress-free, perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal for your teens.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are your answer to a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Each pork chop is thinly layered with mayonnaise, which helps the seasoning stick and keeps the meat moist during baking. Coat with a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and bake. In 25 minutes, you have a dinner that’s not only easy to prepare but also delivers a crispy, appetizing crust. It’s a great option for evenings when you’re short on time but still want to serve a meal that will impress your teens and meet their hearty appetites.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is filled with vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, with bacon and cheddar cheese in a creamy sauce. It’s a straightforward way to make sure your teens eat their veggies, all while enjoying the flavors they love. You can serve this hot and save any leftovers by freezing them for a future quick fix. It’s a dish that serves everyone a good meal without you spending all evening in the kitchen, giving you more time to spend on what matters.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is a flavorful and easy solution for busy weeknight dinners. Made with chicken breasts, cream cheese, peppers, and fajita seasoning, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Its creamy and slightly spicy flavors are a hit, especially when served with a side salad or low-carb steamed veggies. This meal not only fills up your teens but also keeps you out of the kitchen, thanks to its quick prep time. It’s a perfect, no-stress meal for keeping up with the hectic pace of high school life.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Baked Ravioli

A baked cheese and tomato dish in a white casserole, garnished with herbs.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is a flavor-packed dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Layer frozen cheese ravioli with rich marinara sauce and a generous amount of cheese, and you’ve got a filling meal that bakes in just an hour. Perfect for those nights when homework and extracurriculars don’t leave much time for cooking, this dish is a guaranteed hit that will keep your teens full and happy. It also saves you from spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-skillet Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a savory meal that combines the flavors of beef, cheddar cheese, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce of cream cheese, heavy cream, and a touch of tomato paste to enrich the flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, and it’s also great for leftovers. It’s also a clever way to feed your teens a nutritious meal fast, leaving you more time to tackle homework or unwind together.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties make dinner easy and flexible. Made with canned chicken, these patties are not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to be served over a salad or with your favorite sides. Ready to eat in just a few minutes, you can prepare these patties ahead of time and simply reheat them for a quick meal on even the busiest nights. They’re a great solution for when you need something filling and nutritious that won’t keep you tied to the kitchen, allowing more time for helping with homework or relaxing after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is perfect for those evenings when you need a filling meal fast. Combining fresh broccoli with cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy cracker topping, it’s a comfort dish that comes together in less than an hour. Perfect for busy families, this casserole can also incorporate cooked bacon for added flavor. It’s a reliable favorite that makes enough for leftovers, which means less cooking and more time for you the next day.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner simplifies mealtime without sacrificing taste. Toss sausages and a colorful mix of veggies like broccoli, peppers, and zucchini onto a sheet pan and let the oven do the work. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also easy to clean up, leaving you more time to spend with the family or unwind after a busy day. It’s a full, delicious dinner that makes sure you won’t be stuck washing multiple pots and pans afterward.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole packs the robust flavors of stuffed peppers into a simple casserole form. With bell peppers, ground beef, tomatoes, and rice, it cooks up in less than an hour with just 10 minutes of prep. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This dish is a lifesaver on hectic evenings and serves a nutritious meal that’s also comforting and hearty. It’s also great for leftovers, making your life easier with a ready-to-reheat meal for another busy night.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a quick, nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach with melted cheese, it’s a dish that’s delicious and nutrient-dense. Ready in just 30 minutes, this casserole can be prepared in advance, making your weeknight routine smoother and letting you relax a bit more. Its mix of veggies and protein will keep your teens happy and energized for all their activities.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Spinach Chicken Bake is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It combines creamy textures with the nutritional benefits of spinach. This dish layers chicken breast with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach to create a comforting meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s particularly good for sneaking some greens into your teens’ diet without complaints. This recipe requires minimal effort, which means you can spend more time helping with homework or relaxing with the family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings all the comforting flavors of the classic pie in a more convenient soup form, ready within an hour. It’s packed with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas, all swimming in a creamy broth. Paired with a side of flaky biscuits, it serves a full meal that will make your evening cozy and feed those ravenous teens. It’s a great option for cooler nights, giving you dinner that’s both stress-free and comforting. Leftovers are easy to store and reheat, making your next meal planning easier.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick dinner, try the Creamy Garlic Chicken, which combines the rich flavors of garlic and cream over tender chicken breasts. It involves cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in avocado oil until golden brown, then simmered in a creamy sauce. This dish is ready in just 30 minutes and is perfect for serving over pasta or rice, making it a weeknight favorite. It’s not only quick to prepare but also leaves you with minimal cleanup, freeing up your evening to focus on time with your teens or unwinding after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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