Back to school means busy weekdays and less time in the kitchen cooking up the dinners we love. Luckily, there are still plenty of delicious meals that are quick to make for those crazy days.

Keep everyone full and satisfied with these fast and easy back to school dinners. They’re simple, easy, and delicious.

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

INSTANT POT SLOPPY JOES
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A classic weeknight dinner that’s perfect for school nights, these sloppy joes are sweet, savory, and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Air Fryer Avocado Chicken Mango Salad

Air Fryer Avocado Chicken Mango Salad
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A sweet and savory dinner idea, this avocado and chicken mango salad takes advantage of the air fryer’s quick cooking time.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Avocado Chicken Mango Salad

Hardee’s Frisco Burger Recipe

Make the iconic Hardee’s Frisco Burger at home with this easy copycat recipe—featuring crispy sourdough bread, melty Swiss and American cheese, and a perfectly grilled beef patty.
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With buttery toasted bread, thin burger slices, cheese, and special frisco sauce, these copycat Hardee’s frisco burgers are easy to make on busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Hardee’s Frisco Burger Recipe

Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken
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Cook BBQ shredded chicken in the instant pot so that everyone can enjoy a filling sandwich for dinner. Add your favorite veggies or fries to complete the meal.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken

Pepperoni Pierogy Pizza Casserole

Cheesy air fryer pepperoni pierogy pizza casserole served in a dish with golden edges and melted cheese.
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Quick, easy, and filling. This pepperoni pierogy pizza casserole comes together in less than 20 minutes. The cheesy meaty dish will become a dinner favorite.

Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Pierogy Pizza Casserole

Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon

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Seasoned withy a spicy buffalo mix, this salmon is perfectly flaky and tender. It cooks up quick in the air fryer giving you a fast and easy meal.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon

Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper

Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper
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Make your own homemade hamburger helper so that you can control what goes into it. It’s easy to make in the instant pot.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper

Air Fryer Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

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Tender broccoli and chicken mixed with rice turns into a filling casserole that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. It’s made in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Tikka Salad

Chicken Tikka Salad
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One crazy weeknights when you want something light and refreshing, this chicken tikka salad is the perfect fit.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Salad

Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs
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With a savory smoky sauce, these baby back ribs are a delicious dinner idea that’s satisfying. They’re made in the instant pot for a quick dinner.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal

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Made on a sheet pan, this beef and broccoli dinner is a filling one. It’s also a freezer friendly meal that’ll come in handy throughout the school year.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal

Newks Chicken Salad Recipe

Newks Chicken Salad Recipe
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A hearty chicken salad can go a long way when it comes to a light and refreshing dinner. Make it ahead of time so that on busy school nights you can quickly make a sandwich.

Get the Recipe: Newks Chicken Salad Recipe

Instant Pot Vegetable Fried Rice

Instant Pot Vegetable Fried Rice
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Tender chicken, a mix of veggies, and rice all cooked in a flavorful sauce turns into an easy and delicious weeknight dinner for busy school nights.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Fried Rice

Copycat Carrabba’s Alfredo

Delicious and creamy Copycat Carrabba’s Alfredo sauce served with pasta"
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No need to order takeout when you can easily make your own copycat alfredo at home. It’s a restaurant quality dish that’s super easy to make at home.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Alfredo

Carnitas Burrito Bowl

Carnitas Burrito Bowl
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A hearty meal that’s filling, this burrito bowl is easy to make and versatile. The tender rice with the meat and veggies is delicious.

Get the Recipe: Carnitas Burrito Bowl

Instant Pot Copycat Parmesan Pasta Roni

Instant Pot Copycat Parmesan Pasta Roni
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Skip the boxed stuff and make an even more flavorful pasta dish at home with this copycat recipe. It’s an easy instant pot meal to make for the family.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Copycat Parmesan Pasta Roni

Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

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Those amazing cheesesteak flavors come to the dinner table with this easy recipe. It’s like enjoying an open faced Philly cheesesteak sandwich with extra cheese.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread

Instant Pot Ravioli

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Filled ravioli cooked in the instant pot is an easy back to school dinner that’s filling. Add your favorite pasta sauce for more flavor.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ravioli

Olive Garden Meat Sauce

Olive Garden-inspired meat sauce simmered with ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian herbs.
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Make a copycat version of Olive Garden’s favorite meat sauce and pair it with your favorite pasta for a filling family meal.

Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Meat Sauce

Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef
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These Korean ground beef and rice bowls are an easy weekday dinner that’s great for busy nights.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

Instant Pot BBQ Roasted Chicken

Instant Pot Brown Sugar BBQ Roasted Chicken
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Season of a whole chicken with some BBQ flavors and then roast it in the instant pot for a delicious and filling dinner idea.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Roasted Chicken

Air Fryer Big Mac Smash Tacos

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Make the famous smash tacos in the air fryer for a fun back to school dinner idea. Everyone will love the creamy sauce and the flavor.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Big Mac Smash Tacos

Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce

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Make a tasty garlic herb sauce for your pasta dishes. It’ll go great with chicken as a filling and quick family meal.

Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce

Air Fryer Tortilla Baked Eggs

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Change up your dinner routine and enjoy tortilla baked eggs for dinner. It’s a breakfast for dinner idea that’ll be easy to make on busy weekdays.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Baked Eggs

Air Fryer Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Air Fryer Mexican Lasagna with layers of seasoned beef, cheese, and tortillas.
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If you haven’t tried making Mexican lasagna in the air fryer, you’re missing out. It’s an easy meal to make and it’s delicious.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Copycat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe

Copycat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe
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Go with something super simple and light for those crazy back to school dinner ideas. Something like a tuna salad sandwich will be a quick and easy meal to make.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe

Instant Pot Teriyaki Pulled Pork

Instant-Pot-Teriyaki-Pulled-Pork-1
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Sweet and savory, this teriyaki pulled pork will be an unforgettable sandwich that you can enjoy throughout the week.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Teriyaki Pulled Pork

Copycat Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

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This tilapia has the perfect mix of seasoning. It’s covered with a crispy parmesan mix that makes it delicious.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

Bonefish Grill Copycat Lily’s Chicken

Bonefish Grill Copycat Lily's Chicken on plate.
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Tender, juicy chicken breasts are topped with a creamy lemon basil sauce, crumbled goat cheese, spinach, and artichokes. This is a rich dish that’s filling and bursting with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Bonefish Grill Copycat Lily’s Chicken

Pan-Seared Grouper

Pan-Seared Grouper
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A dish that looks fancy, this pan seared group is super easy to make at home. It’s seasoned just right and perfectly cooked.

Get the Recipe: Pan-Seared Grouper

Air Fryer Shrimp Foil Packets

Air Fryer Shrimp Foil Packets
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Make foil packets loaded with shrimp, veggies, and a flavorful sauce to make in the instant pot. The foil helps keep the dish mess free for easy cleanup.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp Foil Packets

Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas

Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas (Copy)
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Easy cheesy and delicious, these chicken enchiladas are a tasty dinner idea that will have everyone begging for more.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas

Instant Pot Chicken And Noodles With Cream Of Mushroom Soup

Instant Pot Chicken And Noodles With Cream Of Mushroom Soup
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Tender potatoes, veggies, and chicken makes the perfect soup. Use cream of mushroom soup to make it and you have an even more flavorful meal to enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken And Noodles With Cream Of Mushroom Soup

Salisbury Steak and Gravy Recipe

Homemade Salisbury Steak
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Enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal for dinner, even on busy weeknights. This salisbury steak with gravy is filling and easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak and Gravy Recipe

Easy Shredded Chicken Tacos

Shredded-Chicken-Tacos
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These easy shredded chicken tacos are a quick weeknight dinner that’s filling and packed with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Easy Shredded Chicken Tacos

Air Fryer Guinness Cheddar Meatloaf

Air Fryer Guinness Cheddar Meatloaf with melted cheese and Guinness-infused flavor.
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Cook meatloaf in the air fryer for a quicker way to enjoy the savory and satisfying dinner. Add veggies or mashed potatoes to make a filling meal.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Guinness Cheddar Meatloaf

Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad

https://forktospoon.com/copycat-panera-green-goddess-cobb-salad/
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A healthy meal that’s great for warm days as school starts, this copycat salad is a filling meal that’s light and healthy.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad

Instant Pot Cashew Basil Pesto Chicken

Instant Pot Cashew Basil Pesto Chicken
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Get ready to make your taste buds happy. This instant pot cashew basil pesto chicken is a dinner idea that’s loaded with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cashew Basil Pesto Chicken

Air Fryer Yankee Pot Roast

Air Fryer Yankee Pot Roast
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Tender seasoned beef with potatoes and carrots is the ultimate comfort dish and it’s easy to make in the air fryer.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Yankee Pot Roast

Air Fryer Steak Marsala

Make a savory Air Fryer Steak Marsala in no time! Tender steak cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, all made quickly in your air fryer for a delicious dinner.
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A dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds, this steak marsala is an air fryer dinner idea to make on a school night.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Marsala

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
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Zesty, savory, spicy, and refreshing. These buffalo chicken zucchini boats will be a fun dinner to enjoy with the family.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

4 Ingredient Potato Soup

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With just 4 ingredients needed, this potato soup is ready to eat in no time. The creamy soup can be paired with a side of bread, salad, or your favorite soup sides.

Get the Recipe: 4 Ingredient Potato Soup

Instant Pot Hot Dogs

Instant Pot Hot Dogs
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On those really crazy back to school evenings when you want something simple, you can’t go wrong with hot dogs.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls
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Inside these egg rolls is a meaty taco filling and veggies. It’ll be a quick weeknight dinner to serve on busy school days.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Cheetos Chicken Fries

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These chicken fries get coated with a Cheetos seasoning. The crispy chicken fries with a side of potatoes or french fries is a filling meal.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheetos Chicken Fries

Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti (Copycat)

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Kung Pao chicken meets spaghetti with this fun copycat recipe. It’s a flavor packed meal that’s delicious, fun, and easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Spaghetti (Copycat)

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad

Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad
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A healthy dish to enjoy on those busy school nights, this Thai beef salad is easy to make in the air fryer.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Thai Beef Salad

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

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Enjoy fajitas in a whole new way. This dish combines the flavors of chicken fajitas with pasta to make a filling meal.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Air Fryer Ground Beef Casserole

This Air Fryer Ground Beef Casserole is a quick, delicious, and hearty meal packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's easy to make and cooks quickly in the air fryer!
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This cheesy ground beef casserole is easy to make and is filling. It’ll be great for a cozy weeknight meal with the kids.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ground Beef Casserole

Air Fryer Orange Roughy

Make tender, flaky Air Fryer Orange Roughy in just 15 minutes! A simple, healthy seafood dinner with bold flavor and minimal prep.
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A healthy seafood option perfect for busy weeknights, this white fish dish is one that’ll make your taste buds happy.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Roughy