Yahoo Lifestyle 15 New And Easy Back-To-School Meals That’ll Become Part Of Your Weeknight Rotation Forever
Whether you're busy because you're working all the time, you're a parent, or simply because you would rather not spend hours in the kitchen, these minimal-effort meals are about to make cooking easier for you! I'm Krista, and I started making "zero eFFFort" meals because I am a mom who works full-time — turns out a lot of people like them, so I am going to share some of my most popular staples so far this year. Here we go...
NOTE: I will share the video recipe so you can watch along/see if it entices you, and share a breakdown of the ingredients and the full recipe in print below.
1. Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
@callmekristatorres One of the quickest slow cooker meals ever! So easy and so good #crockpot #slowcooker #slowcookerrecipe #slowcookermeals #crockpotrecipes
♬ original sound - Krista Torres
This first recipe is one people say is great for meal prepping — and I totally agree. Bust out the Crock-Pot, here's how you make it!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 pound chicken1/3 cup honey1/4 cup soy sauce1/4 cup tomato paste + splash of sesame oilMinced garlic as desiredCrushed red pepper as desiredFreshly ground ginger as desired1/2 TBSP brown sugar
Add honey, soy sauce, tomato paste, sesame oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper, ground ginger, and brown sugar in a Crock-Pot and slow cook for two to three hours. Shred chicken, serve over rice, and enjoy!
2.Dump and Bake Chicken Marinara
This recipe is the definition of DUMP DINNER. It takes no prep, and all you have to do is wait for it to bake!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 jar of marinara1 pound of chicken breast tendersBasilSalt + pepper Minced garlic Shredded mozzarella cheese
Pour half a jar of marinara into an oven-safe dish, and place boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders on top. (Important: Don't do large chicken breasts because they won't fully cook.) Pour the remainder of the marinara on top and season with basil, salt, pepper, and freshly minced garlic. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Serve over buttered noodles if you want!
3.Crock-Pot Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Soup
Even though this next one has the most ingredients out of all of my recipes, it truly is really easy — and I feel I need to include it because it's always a hit!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts1 22-ounce can of green enchilada sauce1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes + green chilies1 cup salsa verdeCumin as desiredGarlic powder as desiredChili powder as desiredOnion powder as desiredSalt + pepper as desired1 package of frozen corn1 5-ounce container Greek yogurt1/2 block cream cheese1 cup Instant or Minute RiceFiesta blend shredded cheese as desired
In a slow cooker, you are going to add three boneless skinless chicken breasts — or you can do chicken breast tenders. Then, dump in a can of your favorite green enchilada sauce, a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (I use Rotel), and one cup of your favorite salsa verde salsa. For the seasonings, add your desired amount of cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on high for two hours. After two hours, shred the chicken and add in half a block of cream cheese (I use light cream cheese), one small container of plain Greek yogurt (five ounces), a bag of frozen corn (or however much you like), shredded fiesta blend cheese to your liking, and about a cup of Minute rice — use the instant rice or it won't cook thoroughly! Mix all around and cook one hour longer.
*Someone had a suggestion to swap out the cream of chicken soup instead of cream cheese if you prefer!
4.Instant Ramen Upgrade
Even if you HATE instant ramen, you have to try this one. It tastes homemade, and I make it in, like, 10 minutes!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
Packet of ramenOlive oilSweet chili sauceSoy sauceSrirachaGreen onionsRed pepper flakesEggs or choice of protein
Boil the block of ramen according to packet instructions (any flavor you want). Then, heat about olive oil over medium heat and add in minced garlic, your desired amount of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and Sriracha. Add in the packet of seasonings that come with the ramen and some of the pasta water from the ramen. When the noodles are done, add them in, and mix. Top with diced green onions, red pepper flakes, and soft-boiled eggs or your choice of protein!
5.Deep Dish Mini Pizzas Made Easy
This one is super fun to make with your kids! You use the bottom of a cup to create a thick crust, and it's adult-approved, too!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
Can of biscuitsGarlic butterMarinara sauceYour favorite pizza toppingsLots of mozzarella
Lay biscuits out on a baking dish and use the bottom of a cup to create a deep center. Brush melted garlic butter over the dough. In the center, put marinara, peppers, pepperonis, or whatever pizza toppings you like. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10–15 minutes.
6.Creamy Taco Turkey Chili
Even people who aren't fond of soup love this recipe — it is great with turkey or ground beef!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef)1 can Southwest-style corn1 can drained chili beans1 can diced tomatoes and green chiliesFrozen chopped onions and bell peppersHalf a block of softened cream cheese1 cup beef broth of chicken brothShredded nacho-style cheese and sour cream for topping
Brown and drain one pound of ground turkey (or ground beef) and over medium heat add in beef (or chicken) broth, a packet of taco seasoning, one can of Southwest-style corn, one can of drained chili beans, and one can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and frozen chopped onions and bell peppers. Cover and cook on low. After 10 minutes, add in half a block of softened cream cheese. Top with sour cream and shredded cheese and enjoy!
7.Super Easy Dump Dumpling Soup
This one-pot recipe levels up some frozen dumplings, and it was actually a suggestion from a viewer that I tweaked a bit, and a lot of people have since added their own spin!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 TBSP minced ginger4 cloves minced garlic5-6 cups chicken stock4 TBSP soy sauce1/2 bag of shredded carrotsGreen onions (optional)Your favorite frozen dumplings!
Put the broth and soy sauce in a pot, bring to boil, and then add in sautéed garlic and ginger. Add in the rest of the ingredients and cook on medium-low for about 20 minutes or until the dumplings are done! Add spinach for extra health!!!
8.Homemade Breakfast Uncrustables To-Go
With this recipe, you can get breakfast ready for the whole week in one fell swoop! Just freeze and reheat.
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
BreadEggsFully cooked sausage patties (or ham)Cheese slices
Use a cup to cut a circle out of each slice of bread. Layer the cheese, meat, and scrambled eggs on half of them. Use the rest of the circles of bread to create a top layer and seal all around the edges with a fork. Pop in toaster oven or freeze and reheat in the microwave.
9. Creamy Slow Cooker Rice, Chicken, and Veggies
@callmekristatorres Another easy weeknight dumo dinner!! #easydinner #easyrecipe #slowcooker #crockpot #weeknightmeal #easymommeals
♬ original sound - Krista Torres
This is a Crock-Pot dinner that doesn't take all day to bake — it is ready in an hour and a half; it's perfect if you gotta go run some quick errands while it's cooking!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 cup Knorr chicken-flavored rice1/2 cup chicken broth1 can cream of chicken1 pound chicken breast tenders1 bag frozen veggies of your choice
In a slow cooker, add one cup of Knorr chicken-flavored rice, one cup of chicken broth, one can of cream of chicken soup, and one pound of chicken breast tenders. After one hour, add in the bag frozen veggies of your choice sand cook for 30 minutes to one hour longer.
10. Air Fryer Cheeseburger Eggroll Wraps
@callmekristatorres If your kid is always starving after school, I got you with this EASY SNACK 😋 #afterschoolsnack #easyrecipe #airfryerrecipes #eggrollsrecipe
♬ for food - Tonydrumer
Now this one can be a meal served with a salad — or if you have a growing teen like me, it can just be a snack, haha! The best part about this recipe is older kids can make these themselves (my son does)!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
Ground beef — as much as you wantEggrolls wrappersShredded cheeseGarlic powderOnion powderBrown sugarPaprikaSalt + pepper
Brown ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Put a small amount of meat and shredded cheese onto each eggroll wrapper and wrap it like a burrito. Use tongs to place in air fryer and spray with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for eight minutes, flip each one, and bake for three more minutes.
11. One Pan Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
@callmekristatorres Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is so good and ao easy! #jalapenopoppers #jalapenopopperchicken #jalapenopopperchickencasssrole #onepanbake #easydinner
♬ original sound - Krista Torres
This one truly is versatile as a party dip — or a full-blown meal. It is creamy, a little spicy, and so delicious!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 block softened cream cheeseDiced green chilies1/4 cup heavy whipping creamShredded rotisserie chickenGarlic powderOnion powderSalt + pepper6-8 large jalapeños, diced and deseededShredded cheddar cheeseCooked bacon, crumbled
Mix together softened cream cheese, diced green chilies, heavy whipping cream, rotisserie chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt + pepper. Place mixture in oven-safe fish and top with sliced jalapeños, diced. Add shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon on top. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
12.Extra Crispy Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
So a lot of people think chicken wings are hard to make, but I am here to tell you they are not! This super easy recipe can be made in the oven — or air fryer as one person suggested.
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 cup flour1/4 cup cornstarchSmoked paprikaGarlic saltChili powderSalt + pepperChicken wingsBBQ sauceHoney
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic salt, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken wing with flour mixture and set on a greased oven-safe baking tray or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 475 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, flip, and bake an additional 15 minutes at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from oven and toss in a combination of your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with honey.
13.Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
This tried and true chicken spaghetti is also great in the oven if you don't want to use a slow cooker!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 pound thinly sliced chicken breast1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies1 can cream of chicken and herb soup1 packet of Italian dressing seasoningFreshly minced garlicShredded cheddar jack cheese2 large scoops sour creamSpaghetti
In a slow cooker, add chicken breast, diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream of chicken and herb soup, Italian dressing seasoning, and minced garlic. Cover and cook on high for two hours. Shred chicken, add in shredded cheese, sour cream, and cooked spaghetti noodles. YUM!
14.One Pan Chicken and Dumpling Bake
This chicken dish can be made with egg noodles for a chicken noodle bake or biscuits so it's more like chicken and dumplings! This one always gives people the nostalgia.
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
1 bag of frozen veggies of your choiceDiced onions1 TBSP butterShredded rotisserie chicken2 cans cream of chicken soup3/4 cup chicken brothGarlic powderOnion powderSalt + pepperCanned biscuits
In a pan over medium heat, sauté diced onions in butter. Once translucent, add in bag of frozen veggies. After veggies cook for about 5 minutes, add in shredded rotisserie chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt + pepper, and cream of chicken soup. Pour mixture into oven-safe dish and place biscuits on top. Bake at 385 degree Fahrenheit for 15–20 minutes or until biscuits cook thoroughly.
15. Giant Quesadilla Dinner
@callmekristatorres GIANT easy dinner made in 20 minutes and it is so fun to make 😋 #quesadilla #quesadillas #giantfood #bigdinner #bigfood #supersize #supersizeit #crunchwrap #crunchwrapsupreme
♬ original sound - Krista Torres
And this last one is super fun to make! It is a giant taco/quesadilla twist that can be made in a cinch!
INGREDIENT LIST + RECIPE
6 burrito-sized tortillas1 pound ground beef1 packet taco seasoning1 red bell pepperShredded Mexican-style cheese2 TBSP melted butter
Brown ground beef with a packet of taco seasoning. Place tortillas over an oven-safe pan and add cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, and chopped red bell pepper on top. Place two tortillas on top of the mixture and fold over, sealing with melted butter (see video for a how-to). Put parchment paper on top, cover with another baking sheet, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15–20 minutes.
