Teen-approved quick dinners are lifesavers when you’re trying to keep up with the endless busy schedules of high schoolers. These meals are great because they’re fast to whip up and perfect for those nights when homework, sports, and activities are all demanding attention. We all know that teens can eat a lot, and they want food that’s both filling and great tasting. Thiese 15 meals will get the thumbs up from your crew, without you having to spend hours in the kitchen.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Alright, for a super quick meal, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are gold. You just cook some chicken pieces in garlic butter, toss in a bit of parsley, and bam, 20 minutes later, dinner’s on the table. This one’s a keeper for those nights when you’ve got about a million other things to do but still want to sit down to a great meal with the family. Pair them with some steamed veggies or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

This Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe is a game changer for serving up flavorful pork chops without the hassle of frying, and it comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s a great pick for a weeknight meal, especially when you’re trying to keep up with high schoolers’ hectic schedules. We love it because it’s super easy to make, and it’s a perfect fit for beginner cooks.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Canned Chicken Patties

Whip up these chicken patties fast with canned chicken for a crispy, simple dinner. They’re great with a variety of sides. Serve these patties on a bed of mixed greens for a light, balanced meal. Mix in some diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra texture and flavor. Patties can be refrigerated for 2-3 days; reheat in the oven for the best texture. Serve these patties with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Mix broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese for a 30-minute casserole that’s a quick path to a hearty meal, perfect for busy nights. This dish is a speedy way to get your veggies in. Serve it up hot with a sprinkle of chives on top for added flavor. Freeze any leftovers for up to 2 months for an easy future meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Mix chicken, cream cheese, and peppers for a 30-minute meal that’s simple yet full of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick, delicious dinner. Any leftovers can be refrigerated and are perfect for next-day lunches, lasting up to 3 days. Accompany with a side of Mexican rice or a corn salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for something simple, this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is the way to go. Just throw your sausages and veggies on a pan, let the oven handle them, and you’ve got a meal with almost zero cleanup. It’s great for those evenings when you want to eat well but also chill out a bit more.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Broccoli Casserole

Ready in 50 minutes, this Broccoli Casserole is simple and doesn’t keep you tied to the kitchen. It’s a straightforward way to serve a filling meal without it taking over your evening. Serve with a simple side salad for a rounded-out dinner. For a variation, sprinkle in some cooked, crumbled bacon. Casserole leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, making for an easy reheat option. Offer some hot sauce or chili flakes for those who prefer a spicy kick with their casserole.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Hey, let’s talk about whipping up something fast for dinner. This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole? It’s a no-brainer. You’ve got noodles, canned tuna, peas, and a creamy sauce, all topped with breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. You’ll spend just 15 minutes getting it ready and 40 minutes letting the oven do its thing. It’s perfect for those nights when you need a quick but filling meal that everyone will eat without complaint. Serve it straight from the oven with a side of garlic bread for scooping up that creamy sauce. To mix things up, try swapping tuna with canned chicken.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A 30-minute meal with beef, cauliflower rice, and cheese all in one skillet, making it a practical choice for a hearty dinner on a busy night. It streamlines mealtime. Try serving this with a dollop of sour cream on top. For a spicy kick, stir in some diced jalapeños. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Now, this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole takes all the good stuff — bell peppers, ground beef, tomatoes, and rice — and mixes them into a quick casserole. It only takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 35 to cook. It’s a great choice for a hearty meal on those busy nights, plus it makes cleanup a breeze. Adding a dollop of sour cream on top is always a favorite way to serve. For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

This 30-minute casserole combines beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese for a meal that’s both convenient and comforting on busy nights. It’s straightforward and stress-free. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Try using different types of cheese for variety, like swapping cheddar for pepper jack if you like it spicy. Casserole can be frozen and enjoyed later, making it a great make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

Now we’ve got this Spinach Chicken Bake. Mix chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, and in about 30 minutes, you’re eating. This one’s perfect for when you’re pressed for time but still want a meal that’s going to hit the spot. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens. Serving this with a side of crusty bread makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

Ready in 30 minutes using one pan, Cabbage and Sausage is straightforward and fills you up without long prep or cleanup. It’s a no-brainer for an easy night, smoothing out your daily routine. Pair with mashed potatoes for a complete, comforting meal. Try adding apple slices to the pan for a sweet taste that complements the savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Enjoy the flavors of chicken pot pie in a soup form, ready in an hour. A side of flaky biscuits goes great with this soup. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. To make it a fuller meal, serve with a green salad or a sandwich on the side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cook up this garlic chicken in just 30 minutes with one pan. It’s quick, flavorful, and a great way to get dinner on the table fast. Serving it with garlic mashed potatoes makes it even better. For a variation, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Leftovers can be refrigerated and make a great next-day meal, lasting for 3-4 days. Easy and quick to make, perfect for busy school nights, ensuring teens can enjoy a great meal even with their packed schedules.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken