Dinner solutions: because weeknights don't have to be nearly as hectic as weekdays!
Being a mom is no joke, and neither is making dinner. So, being a mom and having to make dinner is really just a bad joke gone even worse. Luckily, here at SkinnyMs., we work to provide you wonderful moms with dinner recipes that take that bad joke and turn it into a relaxing, delicious family meal. This is why we’ve put together 45 healthy recipes for busy moms!
And let me tell you, having 45 healthy weeknight dinner solutions isn’t just great for moms; it’s great for the whole family! I don’t know a single kid who doesn’t come home from school, or soccer, or gymnastics, or whatever after-school activity the day may hold, asking what’s for dinner. This list will ensure that you always have an answer for those munchkins of yours.
1. 5-Minute Prep Tex-Mex Casserole
Our 5-Minute Prep Tex-Mex Casserole recipe is one of my favorites. If you think it’s hard to find recipes that are full of flavor AND don’t take the entire afternoon to make, then you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is quick, tasty, healthy, and, therefore, the perfect Taco Tuesday meal for the whole family!
Get the recipe: 5-Minute Prep Tex-Mex Casserole
2. Cucumber Quinoa Salad with Ground Turkey, Olives, and Feta
This recipe is a wonderful option for busy moms! Prepare this healthy and delicious meal ahead of time and take it with you on the go.
Get the recipe: Cucumber Quinoa Salad with Ground Turkey, Olives, and Feta
3. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Slow cooker recipes come in clutch for busy moms. No time to cook a healthy meal for your family? No problem! Put everything in the slow cooker, turn it on, and come home to a nutritious and hot homemade meal!
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Want an easy and delicious dinner that your family will love? Look no further than our ultra-popular slow cooker chicken enchiladas recipe.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
5. Super Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice
Tell your kids fried rice is for dinner! If they’re anything like younger me, they’ll jump up and down for joy. If you choose to leave out the fact that this fried rice is made with cauliflower instead of rice, your kids probably won’t even question it. It tastes just as good as the normal dish, but provides a LOT more health benefits like:
- Fewer carbs
- Less chance of feeling bloated
- More nutrients
Get the recipe: Super Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice
6. Black Bean and Spinach Burrito
Have you ever heard the saying, “eat the rainbow”? This is recommended because the more naturally colorful foods you eat, the more nutrients you will usually consume! These tasty black bean and spinach burritos are super colorful and even more flavorful. Enjoy them for lunch or dinner (or both!)
Get the recipe: Black Bean and Spinach Burrito
7. Instant Pot Chicken Posole Verde
The instant pot is another extremely useful tool for busy moms! It speeds up the cooking process to provide you and your family with awesome meals that take a fraction of the time they used to. This instant pot chicken posole verde contains flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Posole Verde
8. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
In the mood for Italian comfort food but lack the time to make it? The air fryer is here to help! Our air fryer chicken parmesan creates chicken that is crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. You can have this delightful meal on the table in 30 minutes flat!
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
9. Clean Eating Loaded Grilled Chicken Nachos
When I say my family loves food, I mean my family REALLY loves food. This means that when we go out to eat, nachos are more often than not ordered as an appetizer before we even get our meals. I sometimes even order nachos as my meal, and the rest of my family has followed in my footsteps by making this recipe of ours at home! It always hits the spot for a quick, snack-like dinner and only takes 10 minutes to bake.
Get the recipe: Clean Eating Loaded Healthy Chicken Nachos
10. Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme
Skip the fast food line and try this copycat recipe for a crunchwrap supreme! Not only is it way healthier, but it’s even more delicious. The few extra minutes spent in the kitchen are well worth it!
Get the recipe: Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme
11. Baked Chicken Quesadilla Casserole
Making quesadillas for your entire family can be a bit time consuming (which is why we adore this chicken quesadilla casserole! It offers the same familiar flavors, plenty of nutrients, and is a wonderful alternative on busy weeknights.
Get the recipe: Baked Chicken Quesadilla Casserole
12. Mediterranean Fried Rice Recipe
We put a unique and nutritious spin on fried rice with this Mediterranean recipe. This is a great way to spice up your evening with healthy ingredients and loads of flavor.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean Fried Rice Recipe
13. Quick & Easy Black Bean and Lentil Soup
Soup is such a great winter dinner. It’s great to set the mood for a cozy night after a long, busy day at work and, well, just after another day of being a mom. The bad thing about a lot of soups is that they’re time-consuming to make. This soup, however, isn’t! It’s perfect for all of you busy moms out there.
Get the recipe:
14. Healthy Orange Chicken Crockpot Recipe
This scrumptious recipe provides the best of both worlds: your favorite takeout food and the ease of a crockpot! Our healthy orange chicken is bursting with tangy flavor and is actually really good for you!
Get the recipe: Healthy Orange Chicken Crockpot Recipe
15. Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken
Sheet pan meals (also referred to as one pan meals) are one of our favorite options for busy moms! Why, you ask? Because they cut down on clean up time which is a huge win in our books. This recipe combines yummy chicken with an assortment of veggies for a nutrient-dense, stress-free dinner!
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken
16. Ginger Honey Chicken Stir Fry
This ginger honey chicken stir fry is one of our go-to healthy recipes for busy moms. It’s got so much flavor and it’s another one pan meal for simple clean up!
Get the recipe: Ginger Honey Chicken Stir Fry
17. Skinny Lasagna Rolls
These lasagna rolls of ours are not only easy and quick to make, but they’re also the winner of the Joyful Cook-Off on the Today Show’s Kathy Lee & Hoda! Talk about yummy and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Get the recipe: Skinny Lasagna Rolls
18. Slow Cooker Polynesian Chicken
The slow cooker strikes again, this time with flavors from the Polynesian islands! Lean, protein-rich chicken that’s bursting with sweet and tangy goodness? Yes, please!
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Polynesian Chicken
19. Pecan Crusted Fish
Looking for a healthy fish dish that offers an amazing crunchy texture? Our pecan crusted fish is an elegant homemade option that will impress your date or your kiddos! And it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Get the recipe: Pecan Crusted Fish
20. Low Carb General Tso’s Chicken
Another takeout-inspired recipe for busy moms, this low-carb General Tso’s chicken will not disappoint! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy and can be ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Low Carb General Tso’s Chicken
21. Clean Eating Chicken Salad
Some nights, all the family wants and needs is a quick and easy chicken salad sandwich. The issue with those nights is that all of the mayonnaise most chicken salad recipes call for is not very healthy. Thankfully, our Clean Eating Chicken Salad recipe replaces mayo with Greek yogurt so you and your family can enjoy the same tastes without any of the guilt. It’s one of my weeknight go-to dinners!
Get the recipe: Clean Eating Chicken Salad
22. Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini
Say hello to this fancy grilled cheese sandwich! Your kids will love the flavor and ooey gooey texture, and you’ll love knowing they get extra nutrients from the veggies! This scrumptious tomato, mozzarella, and basil panini is so yummy and only takes 10 minutes to make!
Get the recipe: Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini
23. Crockpot Balsamic Chicken
This super popular balsamic chicken is not only delicious but incredibly versatile as well! Serve it alongside some pasta or veggies, or through it on a pizza or in a sandwich.
Get the recipe: Crockpot Balsamic Chicken
24. Savory Lemon White Fish Filets
Want something other than chicken for dinner? We’ve got you covered with these light and savory lemon white fish filets that only take 30 minutes to make! This ultra-healthy, high-protein dish goes perfectly with a side of veggies.
Get the recipe: Savory Lemon White Fish Filets
25. Quick One-Skillet Taco Turkey and Rice
In only two simple steps, you and your family can be enjoying a healthy yet filling SkinnyMs. meal of taco turkey and rice any night of the week!
Get the recipe: Quick One-Skillet Taco Turkey and Rice
26. Flush the Fat Away Vegetable Skinny Soup
This is one of our top recipes on the site so it definitely was going to qualify for our list of healthy recipes for busy moms. Healthy soup is easy to prepare ahead of time and is great for a lunch on the go (all you need is a thermos) or quick dinner at home. This particular soup is packed full of nutrients yet low in calories making it a way healthier option than many canned products.
Get the recipe: Flush the Fat Away Vegetable Skinny Soup
27. Slow Cooker Thick and Chunky Beef Stew
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty beef stew after a long day. This is another slow cooker recipe that can simmer all day allowing you to come home to a hot and filling meal.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Thick and Chunky Beef Stew
28. Balsamic Fig Chicken Breasts
Our balsamic fig chicken breasts are a newer recipe that we just can’t seem to get enough of. All you need to make this sweet and savory chicken dish is 30 minutes and a few simple ingredients.
Get the recipe: Balsamic Fig Chicken Breasts
29. Skinny Quinoa with Black Beans
Quinoa is one of my all-time favorite foods to use in recipes, and I’m sure your kids will love the opportunity to sing that (dreaded) beans song. You know, the one that goes, “Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart. The more you eat, the more you…”, you know the rest.
In just a short amount of time, you and your busy self can be relaxing while eating this quick dinner and listening to your kids sing that wonderful song!
Get the recipe: Skinny Quinoa with Black Beans
30. Air Fryer Steak Bites
Think you can’t enjoy a juicy steak on your busiest days? Think again! The air fryer comes through on this one! In less than 15 minutes you can indulge in these juicy and tender air fryer steak bites. Serve them to the family for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for a healthy high protein snack or lunch!
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites
31. Spicy Sriracha Tuna Wraps
Tuna fish gets a tasty makeover in these spicy sriracha tuna wraps. This super simple 10-minute recipe makes a fantastic healthy lunch and is a great way to spice up a boring meal time routine!
Get the recipe: Spicy Sriracha Tuna Wraps
32. Plant-Based Sticky Noodles
These yummy sticky noodles are the perfect way to satisfy your comfort food cravings in a healthy way. Plus, they taste just as good as leftovers so you can enjoy a yummy lunch tomorrow!
Get the recipe: Plant-Based Sticky Noodles
33. Easy Taco Pie
Okay, I just can’t get enough taco recipes, and thankfully, our taco recipes here at SkinnyMs are healthy ones! This one yields a healthy, extraordinary take on a Mexican favorite.
Get the recipe: Easy Taco Pie
34. Low-Carb Burger Bowls
Skip the drive-thru and save several hundred calories by making these scrumptious low-carb burger bowls at home, instead. As busy moms ourselves, we know how tempting it is to swing into the nearest fast food restaurant for dinner. But these burger bowls only take 15 minutes to make, are packed with the flavors you love, and are super easy to customize to each family member’s preferences. Try these burger bowls tonight. You won’t be disappointed!
Get the recipe: Low-Carb Burger Bowls
35. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This healthy recipe for busy moms looks like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant, but it comes together in just 20 minutes. We love using shrimp as our protein because it cooks so quickly and tastes so good.
Get the recipe: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
36. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Our cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is a must try for moms with picky eaters. It’s a win for everybody. Your kids will love the taste, and you’ll love knowing they’re getting a healthy dose of protein and veggies! Plus, this easy recipe only requires 5 minutes of prep time! The oven takes care of the rest!
Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
37. Five Ingredient Chicken Parmesan
Our chicken parmesan recipe is one of our favorite healthy recipes for busy moms because it’s so simple and so quick! I mean, what busy mom wouldn’t want a quick recipe that only calls for five ingredients? It’s a weeknight miracle!
Get the recipe: 5-Ingredient Chicken Parmesan
38. Flavor-Packed Keto Turkey Burgers
These yummy turkey burgers are another fantastic healthy way to satisfy your burger craving. If you’re trying to eat low carb you can enjoy them on a lettuce wrap but feel free to serve them up on your favorite bun, too!
Get the recipe: Flavor-Packed Keto Turkey Burgers
39. Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole
This easy and cheesy enchilada casserole is one of our newest healthy recipes for busy moms. This well-rounded meal is family-friendly, full of flavor, and a great source of nutrients.
Get the recipe: Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole
40. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Bake
Two super nutritious ingredients (plus a few others) team up to create an ultra tasty recipe that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Leftovers are good too, perfect for a busy day on the run!
Get the recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Bake
41. One-Pot Sesame Chicken
One pot and a family of happy faces, this meal is one you’ll want to make every busy night of the week! You’ll especially agree with me after finding out that it provides almost 30 grams of protein per serving!
Get the recipe: One-Pot Sesame Chicken
42. Butternut Squash Buddha Bowl
Buddha bowls are a wonderful invention because they pack all the nutrition you need in an easy-to-take-with-you package!
Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Buddha Bowl
43. Bell Pepper Turkey Sandwich
This simple recipe swaps carb-heavy bread with fresh and crunchy bell peppers! Not only do you still get to enjoy a sandwich, but you get to do it in a lower calorie way!
Get the recipe: Bell Pepper Turkey Sandwich
44. Folded Buffalo Chicken Wraps
These savory and satisfying buffalo chicken wraps are perfect for lunch or dinner! Much healthier than fast food, we’ve got nothing but love for this recipe!
Get the recipe: Folded Buffalo Chicken Wraps
45. One Pan Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops
Picky eaters just make weeknights feel longer with their constant yells of “I don’t want that for dinner!” and yet consistent screams of “I’m hungry!” Sometimes, all a busy mom needs is a quick one-pan meal that’s sweeter than most to satisfy the kids. This recipe is that quick one-pan meal!
Get the recipe: One Pan Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops
Every single one of these 45 healthy recipes for busy moms is quick, yummy, and sure to take some of that weekday stress away. So, if you’re looking for a solution to your weeknight madness, you’ve found 45 here. You have more than enough quick-to-make, delicious recipes that you and everyone else in your house will love, all you have to do is pick one and make it!
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