50 Healthy, EASY Weeknight Dinner Recipes for Busy Moms (2024)

Are you looking for quick, simple, and healthy dinners? Keep reading for 50 easy meals for busy moms – perfect for hectic nights!

Desperate for a Weeknight Dinner Solution that was Easy and Healthy

Back when I was teaching, I would get these fluttery knots in my stomach on the drive home.

It wasn’t because I was close to pulling my hair out dealing with kids and cell phones.

Or the mounds of grading that was in the back seat of my car.

Or keeping up with life.

I’d get that sick feeling when I thought about making dinner that night.

During the week, usually, I was exhausted, and the last thing I wanted to do was fix dinner.

More often than not, I wasn’t exactly the meal-planner, so dinner was usually a stressful, unhealthy disaster based on whatever I could find rummaging through the refrigerator and cabinets.

Since being home with the boys, I don’t really have an excuse not to plan or make healthy meals.

But I still get that little anxious feeling in my stomach when I think about dinner, even if I’ve done my job and actually made a meal plan.

Most of us moms are close to done by the end of the day and running low on energy.

If you have kids in activities or who are at home all day – or just have kids, lol – dinner can be a tiresome task.

Especially if you want it to be more than fast food or something microwavable (although I’m certainly not above throwing a frozen pizza in the oven when needed!).

If you throw in the mix kids who complain or won’t eat what you’ve cooked, then it’s downright defeating.

Those weeknight meals after a long and sometimes chaotic day can be very tough on the busy – and tired – mom!

And the whole craziness of back-to-school makes dinner time feel like mayhem, right?

Easy (and Healthy and Quick) Dinner Recipes for Busy Moms are POSSIBLE

If that’s you, I totally feel your pain! There’s gotta be an easier way, right? A way to make healthy meals that are QUICK and EASY?

If you’re like me, take a look below.

Here are 35 meals – enough for a whole month – that are healthy, quick and easy weeknight meals for the busy mom.

And they are kid-friendly dinners, so you can avoid the picky-eater-mealtime-drama!

You’ll notice that several of them are new spins on some old favorites – tacos, pizzas, casseroles.

But that’s fine. They’re familiar to the kids so you know they’ll eat them, but it’s something a little new and different, so it’s not just the same-old.

And, they are quick and healthy and easy – so, yeah, high-five, moms!

50 Easy Meals for Busy Moms – and Healthy, Too!

Southwest Salsa Turkey Burgers

Photo Credit:www.mashupmom.com

This is such a delicious take on a turkey burger. Those southwest spices and salsa mixed in? Yum!

Sneaky Ground Beef & Mushroom Tacos

Photo Credit:www.mashupmom.com

I love the extra ingredients in these tacos. You can’t even tell mushrooms are in here, and I usually will even throw in some mild yellow or orange peppers, too. Gotta get the veggies in somehow!

One Pot Turkey Parmesan Pasta

Photo Credit:moneywisemoms.com

This is a great way to bulk up the pasta and add in some extra protein. I’m a HUGE fan of one-pot meals like this!

Easy Weeknight Toasted Ravioli

Photo Credit:veggingattheshore.com

This is an easy twist on the regular ravioli. It’s always good to change things up a little, even though it’s food you typically serve! It will feel different to them!

This recipe uses wonton wrappers for these mini lasagnas. There’s a ton of healthy ingredients packed into these little bites. A great non-meat option as well, as black beans are the primary protein source!

Sweet Potato Hash Recipe with Ham and Eggs

Photo Credit:www.wenthere8this.com

When I’m in a rush, breakfast-for-dinner is always a hit. I usually have most of the things on hand, so even when I haven’t planned so well, this one is a great one to throw together quick! There are so many healthy ingredients in here - and you can omit the jalapeno for the picky or young eaters!

5 Minute Instant Pot Chili Mac Recipe

Photo Credit:temeculablogs.com

If you have an Instant Pot, you’re gonna love this one. If not, no worries. Just brown the beef ahead of time and put in a crockpot, and you can get the same yummy outcome. (I just got an Instant Pot and I can't wait to try this one!)

Easy To Make Veggie Fried Rice

Photo Credit:stylishcravings.com

Fried rice is another one that’s easy to put together. And a lot of times, it really works perfectly when I’m cleaning the leftovers out of the fridge – leftover chicken, beef or pork as well as other veggies. You can customize this one for what you have on hand, as well.

Homemade Low Sodium Sloppy Joes

Photo Credit:wereparents.com

The homemade Sloppy Joe! It’s SO easy to make, and it’s really a lot healthier than buying the can. Sloppy Joes are always a winner with kids. And it's another easy way to hide veggies!

The Best Black Bean Burger

Photo Credit:wereparents.com

If your family is vegan or maybe you’re trying to incorporate more of a plant-based diet into your meals, this is a great option. Delicious! Cheaper than meat as well!

Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad

Photo Credit:littlesunnykitchen.com

Pasta is usually a no-brainer for kids. With these veggies thrown in, especially canned or frozen, it's a super- quick meal that gets some nutrition in with it!

Low Carb Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Photo Credit:www.savorytooth.com

Chinese food was always our go-to when we were in a rush for dinner. But how much better if you can save the money and easily get the same results? Well, here you go. You can serve this with riced cauliflower or basmatic or brown rice for a clean eating option!

Chicken Hummus Naan Wraps

Photo Credit:www.therisingspoon.com

My husband has a pretty picky palate, and he has repeatedly asked me to make this one. It really is as good as it looks!

Easy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos

Photo Credit:asimplepalate.com

I love this combo of sweet potatoes and black beans! It's a great option if you don't have time to cook meat or if you're just limiting it.

Easy Zucchini Boats Recipe [Vegetarian]

Photo Credit:www.masalaherb.com

I think zucchini meals are some of the most versatile because of its ability to absorb so many other flavors. This recipe has a meatless option for the filling and also gives some helpful tips for picking just the right zucchini for this meal! Cheese is the main protein here, but you could easily mix in some ground turkey or beef.

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Photo Credit:dancingthroughtherain.com

Slow cooker meals are another can’t-go-wrong dish when you’re looking for easy dinners. The BBQ flavor of pulled chicken is amazing. I love this take on a chicken dinner.

Homemade Pizza Pockets

Photo Credit:dancingthroughtherain.com

Most kids love pizza pockets. We usually serve them for a snack or a quick lunch, but when you make them from scratch, you can feel better about giving this quick, healthy meal that you already know they’ll love.

Stuffed Taco Crescent Rolls

Photo Credit:dancingthroughtherain.com

Tacos are always a fan favorite. I love how this recipe takes something you know they’ll love but changes it up a bit for something new. So much less mess when you put all the taco fillings in a roll instead of a shell - especially when you have littles! Genius!

5 ingredient Breakfast Pizza

Photo Credit:talesofatiredmom.com

Pizza and breakfast? Yes, please! Here’s another breakfast-for-dinner that’s quick to whip up and kids love the novelty of eating breakfast foods at another meal! And I just love dishes with a small number of ingredients -instantly easier!

Healthy 4-Ingredient Enchilada Casserole

Photo Credit:www.theseasonedmom.com

Personally, I love making casseroles. They are hearty and filling and you can just whip these up pretty quickly on a busy weeknight. And, you really can’t mess them up too badly. Even better when it's just a handful of ingredients.

Guacamole Tacos with Southwestern Veggie Salsa

Photo Credit:peasandcrayons.com

This is another great taco option if your family is moving away from meats and looking to have a more plant-based, vegan diet - or if you just want a break from meat. Kids love tacos, and here’s a fantastic choice that’s meatless and delicious.

Hidden Veggie Pizza Recipe

Photo Credit:www.superhealthykids.com

Kids love pizza, and in this recipe, you blend spinach and mushrooms to the sauce to add someextra veggies in. They won’t even notice! This recipe has the dough made from scratch, but for a quick weeknight meal, you can just buy pre-made dough, too!

Fiesta Chicken Soup

Photo Credit:bunnyswarmoven.net

I sometimes forget that a hearty soup is really such a great option for a quick meal! Add some tortilla chips, bread or crackers for dipping, and you’re good to go!

Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Recipe

Photo Credit:pickyeaterblog.com

Another take on pizza and tacos! Kids love both, so you’re good on this one! This one is the healthy version of the Taco Bell favorite! Ummm, yes, please!

Walking Tacos (The Chip Bag IS the Bowl)

Photo Credit:neighborfoodblog.com

Here's another take on tacos - right in the bag! How fun is that?!? Use any type of healthy chip you want to keep this one extra nutritious! Kids will LOVE this one!

Easy Pizza Casserole

Photo Credit:cookiesandcups.com

This is another delicious spin on the casserole and the pizza easily made
with Bisquick and only a few ingredients! It’s a great combo that your kids will definitely eat!

Quick & Easy Pizza Quesadillas | THM: S, Low-Carb

Photo Credit:northernnester.com

I love that you can put just about anything in a quesadilla and it will taste amazing! Here's a pizza quesadilla recipe the kids will just gobble up!

Slow Cooker Hidden Vegetable Pasta Sauce

Photo Credit:hungryhealthyhappy.com

Most kids like pasta - this recipe has loads of hidden veggies in the sauce. They'll never know the difference!

Homemade Greek Yogurt Gluten free Mac and Cheese Recipe

Photo Credit:www.foodfaithfitness.com

If your family has gluten restrictions in their diets, this is a fantastic meal to make, so nobody feels like they’re missing out. It's pizza and mac-and-cheese combined, with a ton of protein!

Fruit-a-saurus Conga Line Skewers

Photo Credit:www.perdue.com

There's no shame in including frozen foods in your dinners! Grab a healthy version of frozen nuggets, add some fruit and cheese, and there should be no arguments!

Sheet Pan Nachos With Ground Turkey

Photo Credit:www.organizeyourselfskinny.com

I love this idea for healthy nachos! It's all in the clean ingredients - a definite crowd-pleaser and so easy on a busy weeknight!

ZUCCHINI CORN FRITTERS

Photo Credit:bubbapie.com

How yummy does this look! Zucchini, corn, flour of your choice... get this on your meal plan!

Easy meatballs and tomato sauce with garlic bread dippers

Photo Credit:daisiesandpie.co.uk

Meatballs are another favorite food of kids. Sometimes we feel like this always needs to go with something else to be a meal, but meatballs on their own, with a little sauce and bread, are a perfect, fast weeknight meal.

Healthy Mini Meatloaves

Photo Credit:deliciousonadime.com

Something about the mini versions that kids just love! This is an easy recipe and it's one you can freeze and make ahead for a quick meal!

Quick & Easy Rotisserie Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

Photo Credit:www.janinehuldie.com

There's no shame in grabbing a rotisserie chicken on the way home! This chimichanga recipe is a great way to serve it in a healthy way that the kids will eat!

Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Photo Credit:kristineskitchenblog.com

Taquitoscooked any way are amazing. Throw in something fresh and new like honey BBQ, and it will feel like a whole new dinner event! And slow cookers make everything easier.

Southwestern Burrito Bowl Bake

Photo Credit:lifemadesimplebakes.com

This is another one-pot meal you can just throw together in a casserole dish, and you’re good to go! Quick, easy, delicious! This can be made with or without meat!

Healthy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (One Pot)

Photo Credit:ifoodreal.com

This is creamy, hearty comfort food - but healthy! This is a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike!

20-Minute Veggie Lo Mein

Photo Credit:www.skinnytaste.com

Here's another idea using noodles - lo mein noodles! Mix in some veggies and protein, and the kiddos will slurp this up!

Black Bean & Corn Enchilada Quinoa Casserole

Photo Credit:www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com

This dish is a great alternative to pasta! Quinoa is one of those healthy grains that blends in with whatever is around it! Adds some bulk in those complex carbs!

Healthy Chicken Fingers

Photo Credit:www.acedarspoon.com

Chicken fingers are always a hit! This is an easy recipe that uses panko bread crumbs, to take the healthy factor up a few notches!

Healthy Cheeseburger Bites

Photo Credit:masonfit.com

Cheeseburgers are generally a fan favorite - this is a fun way to serve them: in a muffin tin! Tasty, healthy, without any carb overload.

Kid Friendly Quinoa Pizza Bites

Photo Credit:www.suburbansimplicity.com

Here's another spin on a muffin-tin dinner - quinoa pizza bites. There's something more fun about a dinner from a muffin tin! It's easy prep and a sneaky way to mix in some healthy grains!

Oven Baked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Photo Credit:lowcarbyum.com

Bacon is generally no brainer for most people - this is a delicious way to add protein without the fight!

Baked Ziti With Spinach, Zucchini & Mushrooms

Photo Credit:funmoneymom.com

Did you notice the list of extra veggies mixed in with this one? Spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms? Oh yes. And go ahead and use whole wheat or gluten free pasta if that's what your family prefers!

Easy Asian Ramen Salad

Photo Credit:www.halfscratched.com

While some kids may not gravitate toward salads, add in some Ramen, crunchy noodles, and chicken, and this one is sure to please!

Blow Ya Mind Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Pot Pie

Photo Credit:www.ambitiouskitchen.com

This has all the ingredients of comfort food but the healthy varieties:

Chocolate Banana Almond Milk Smoothie

Photo Credit:www.goodlifeeats.com

Yes, a smoothie can totally count for dinner, and it's a fabulous surprise! Filled with all kinds of nutritious ingredients, this one is sure to please! Get started with this one, but there are never a shortage of healthy smoothie recipes!

Almond Flour Banana Pancakes

Photo Credit:cleananddelicious.com

Here's another breakfast for dinner idea your kids will love! The sweetness of the bananas along with the protein of the almond flour will be a filling meal that's quick - and you won't have to fight them to eat!

High Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese

Photo Credit:www.skinnytaste.com

Most kids love their carbs - but these bagels are loaded with protein! This can be a quick, easy dinner, served with a side of scrambled eggs or hash browns!

Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Photo Credit:www.mommafitlyndsey.com

When you have a picky eater and are short on time, a healthy muffin like this is a lifesaver! Veggies, almond flour, and all natural ingredients. These are great to take on the go as well!

Busy Mom Dinner Ideas = Win for Everyone (Especially Busy Moms!)

I’m so looking forward to making these meals and getting back on my game with dinners this fall.

We’ve been all over the map this summer (as far as meals go), and having an organized, easy dinner time is something I’m aching for.

These easy dinners will be game-changers for me, and I’m so excited to have meals my little guys will finally eat, too.

My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Hack in a Pinch

There have been nights that I got home late or life just didn’t go as planned.

Instead of that normal, panick-y feeling I got when I was scrambling to come up with something to cook for dinner, my Instant Pot {and the Air Fryer lid that goes right on top of the Instant Pot!} saved the day!

Sometimes, I just didn’t have time to plan out a meal, but a quick Instant Pot meal came to the rescue.

This is my favorite list of healthy instant pot recipes for kids. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, I highly recommend. Even if it’s just mac-and-cheese or hot dogs in the Instant Pot. Not the healthiest, but it gets the kids fed.

I also purchased the Air Fryer lid for my Instant Pot, and I just love it.

When your kids (or you) are craving those crispy foods, you can still have them and keep it healthy. This is my favorite list of healthy air fryer meals as well as air fryer meals for kids!

To be honest, I use my Air Fryer more than my Instant Pot, but I adore them both.

Even More Healthy Easy and Healthy Dinner Options

If you want even more options for dinner that are easy and healthy, check these out! You can plan for the year, I’m pretty sure!

Another easy option is one-pan dinners – sheet pan| one-pot | one-pan meals! So easy to put together and NO MESS! Here are 30 one-pan|pot dinners – perfect for busy moms!

And if you prefer casseroles, try50+ Best Healthy Casserole Recipes for Easy Dinners!

(By the way, if you’re still in summer mode, this is another way to go to throw together a super-easy and healthy BBQ. It’s another great dinner option!)

If you’re looking for fast and cheap, take a look at 50 Dirt-Cheap Meal Prep Recipes (all less than $2 per serving!) from my friend at Meal Prepify!

Other Healthy Meal Options

If you’re looking for some SUPER-easy dinner options, crockpot meals are another simple option! Here are 30 healthy crockpot meals you can try, too!

Soups are also something can be thrown together quickly as well! If you’re in the mood for some healthy soups, check out these 30 healthy soup recipes.

Appetizers can make great meals in a pinch, too! Throw one or a few together and you’re good to go! Check out these !

And if you’ve been on a sourdough kick, try these kid-friendly sourdough discard recipes, including some amazing dinner options and sides!

The crockpot dinners, soups, and appetizers are especially perfect for those on a clean, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo or Whole30 lifestyle.

If that’s how your family eats, then definitely check out my 30 Favorite Whole30 Dinners – they are all Whole30 or paleo, so they are gluten and dairy-free! This is in my Top 3 All-Time posts!